Enhanced multifunctional paint for detection of radiation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Farmer, Joseph C.; Moses, Edward Ira; Rubenchik, Alexander M.

An enhanced multifunctional paint apparatus, systems, and methods for detecting radiation on a surface include providing scintillation particles; providing an enhance neutron absorptive material; providing a binder; combining the scintillation particles, the enhance neutron absorptive material, and the binder creating a multifunctional paint; applying the multifunctional paint to the surface; and monitoring the surface for detecting radiation.

Highly efficient siRNA delivery from core-shell mesoporous silica nanoparticles with multifunctional polymer caps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Möller, Karin; Müller, Katharina; Engelke, Hanna; Bräuchle, Christoph; Wagner, Ernst; Bein, Thomas

2016-02-01

A new general route for siRNA delivery is presented combining porous core-shell silica nanocarriers with a modularly designed multifunctional block copolymer. Specifically, the internal storage and release of siRNA from mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) with orthogonal core-shell surface chemistry was investigated as a function of pore-size, pore morphology, surface properties and pH. Very high siRNA loading capacities of up to 380 μg per mg MSN were obtained with charge-matched amino-functionalized mesoporous cores, and release profiles show up to 80% siRNA elution after 24 h. We demonstrate that adsorption and desorption of siRNA is mainly driven by electrostatic interactions, which allow for high loading capacities even in medium-sized mesopores with pore diameters down to 4 nm in a stellate pore morphology. The negatively charged MSN shell enabled the association with a block copolymer containing positively charged artificial amino acids and oleic acid blocks, which acts simultaneously as capping and endosomal release agent. The potential of this multifunctional delivery platform is demonstrated by highly effective cell transfection and siRNA delivery into KB-cells. A luciferase reporter gene knock-down of up to 80-90% was possible using extremely low cell exposures with only 2.5 μg MSN containing 0.5 μg siRNA per 100 μL well.A new general route for siRNA delivery is presented combining porous core-shell silica nanocarriers with a modularly designed multifunctional block copolymer. Specifically, the internal storage and release of siRNA from mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) with orthogonal core-shell surface chemistry was investigated as a function of pore-size, pore morphology, surface properties and pH. Very high siRNA loading capacities of up to 380 μg per mg MSN were obtained with charge-matched amino-functionalized mesoporous cores, and release profiles show up to 80% siRNA elution after 24 h. We demonstrate that adsorption and desorption of siRNA is mainly driven by electrostatic interactions, which allow for high loading capacities even in medium-sized mesopores with pore diameters down to 4 nm in a stellate pore morphology. The negatively charged MSN shell enabled the association with a block copolymer containing positively charged artificial amino acids and oleic acid blocks, which acts simultaneously as capping and endosomal release agent. The potential of this multifunctional delivery platform is demonstrated by highly effective cell transfection and siRNA delivery into KB-cells. A luciferase reporter gene knock-down of up to 80-90% was possible using extremely low cell exposures with only 2.5 μg MSN containing 0.5 μg siRNA per 100 μL well. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: MSN synthesis and analysis, sample preparation for cell transfections as well as additional studies including experiments with a second cell line and a toxicity assay. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr06246b

Immune response to functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heidegger, Simon; Gößl, Dorothée; Schmidt, Alexandra; Niedermayer, Stefan; Argyo, Christian; Endres, Stefan; Bein, Thomas; Bourquin, Carole

2015-12-01

Multifunctional mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) have attracted substantial attention with regard to their high potential for targeted drug delivery. For future clinical applications it is crucial to address safety concerns and understand the potential immunotoxicity of these nanoparticles. In this study, we assess the biocompatibility and functionality of multifunctional MSN in freshly isolated, primary murine immune cells. We show that the functionalized silica nanoparticles are rapidly and efficiently taken up into the endosomal compartment by specialized antigen-presenting cells such as dendritic cells. The silica nanoparticles showed a favorable toxicity profile and did not affect the viability of primary immune cells from the spleen in relevant concentrations. Cargo-free MSN induced only very low immune responses in primary cells as determined by surface expression of activation markers and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as Interleukin-6, -12 and -1β. In contrast, when surface-functionalized MSN with a pH-responsive polymer capping were loaded with an immune-activating drug, the synthetic Toll-like receptor 7 agonist R848, a strong immune response was provoked. We thus demonstrate that MSN represent an efficient drug delivery vehicle to primary immune cells that is both non-toxic and non-inflammagenic, which is a prerequisite for the use of these particles in biomedical applications.Multifunctional mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) have attracted substantial attention with regard to their high potential for targeted drug delivery. For future clinical applications it is crucial to address safety concerns and understand the potential immunotoxicity of these nanoparticles. In this study, we assess the biocompatibility and functionality of multifunctional MSN in freshly isolated, primary murine immune cells. We show that the functionalized silica nanoparticles are rapidly and efficiently taken up into the endosomal compartment by specialized antigen-presenting cells such as dendritic cells. The silica nanoparticles showed a favorable toxicity profile and did not affect the viability of primary immune cells from the spleen in relevant concentrations. Cargo-free MSN induced only very low immune responses in primary cells as determined by surface expression of activation markers and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as Interleukin-6, -12 and -1β. In contrast, when surface-functionalized MSN with a pH-responsive polymer capping were loaded with an immune-activating drug, the synthetic Toll-like receptor 7 agonist R848, a strong immune response was provoked. We thus demonstrate that MSN represent an efficient drug delivery vehicle to primary immune cells that is both non-toxic and non-inflammagenic, which is a prerequisite for the use of these particles in biomedical applications. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr06122a

Additively Manufactured and Surface Biofunctionalized Porous Nitinol.

PubMed

Gorgin Karaji, Z; Speirs, M; Dadbakhsh, S; Kruth, J-P; Weinans, H; Zadpoor, A A; Amin Yavari, S

2017-01-18

Enhanced bone tissue regeneration and improved osseointegration are among the most important goals in design of multifunctional orthopedic biomaterials. In this study, we used additive manufacturing (selective laser melting) to develop multifunctional porous nitinol that combines superelasticity with a rationally designed microarchitecture and biofunctionalized surface. The rational design based on triply periodic minimal surfaces aimed to properly adjust the pore size, increase the surface area (thereby amplifying the effects of surface biofunctionalization), and resemble the curvature characteristics of trabecular bone. The surface of additively manufactured (AM) porous nitinol was biofunctionalized using polydopamine-immobilized rhBMP2 for better control of the release kinetics. The actual morphological properties of porous nitinol measured by microcomputed tomography (e.g., open/close porosity, and surface area) closely matched the design values. The superelasticity originated from the austenite phase formed in the nitinol porous structure at room temperature. Polydopamine and rhBMP2 signature peaks were confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy tests. The release of rhBMP2 continued until 28 days. The early time and long-term release profiles were found to be adjustable independent of each other. In vitro cell culture showed improved cell attachment, cell proliferation, cell morphology (spreading, spindle-like shape), and cell coverage as well as elevated levels of ALP activity and increased calcium content for biofunctionalized surfaces as compared to as-manufactured specimens. The demonstrated functionalities of porous nitinol could be used as a basis for deployable orthopedic implants with rationally designed microarchitectures that maximize bone tissue regeneration performance by release of biomolecules with adjustable and well-controlled release profiles.

Development of Multifunctional Magnetic Nanoparticles for Genetic Engineering and Tracking of Neural Stem Cells.

PubMed

Adams, Christopher; Israel, Liron Limor; Ostrovsky, Stella; Taylor, Arthur; Poptani, Harish; Lellouche, Jean-Paul; Chari, Divya

2016-04-06

Genetic modification of cell transplant populations and cell tracking ability are key underpinnings for effective cell therapies. Current strategies to achieve these goals utilize methods which are unsuitable for clinical translation because of related safety issues, and multiple protocol steps adding to cost and complexity. Multifunctional magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) offering dual mode gene delivery and imaging contrast capacity offer a valuable tool in this context. Despite their key benefits, there is a critical lack of neurocompatible and multifunctional particles described for use with transplant populations for neurological applications. Here, a systematic screen of MNPs (using a core shown to cause contrast in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)) bearing various surface chemistries (polyethylenimine (PEI) and oxidized PEI and hybrids of oxidized PEI/alginic acid, PEI/chitosan and PEI/polyamidoamine) is performed to test their ability to genetically engineer neural stem cells (NSCs; a cell population of high clinical relevance for central nervous system disorders). It is demonstrated that gene delivery to NSCs can be safely achieved using two of the developed formulations (PEI and oxPEI/alginic acid) when used in conjunction with oscillating magnetofection technology. After transfection, intracellular particles can be detected by histological procedures with labeled cells displaying contrast in MRI (for real time cell tracking). © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

All-in-One Nanowire-Decorated Multifunctional Membrane for Rapid Cell Lysis and Direct DNA Isolation

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

This paper describes a handheld device that uses an all-in-one membrane for continuous mechanical cell lysis and rapid DNA isolation without the assistance of power sources, lysis reagents, and routine centrifugation. This nanowire-decorated multifunctional membrane was fabricated to isolate DNA by selective adsorption to silica surface immediately after disruption of nucleus membranes by ultrasharp tips of nanowires for a rapid cell lysis, and it can be directly assembled with commercial syringe filter holders. The membrane was fabricated by photoelectrochemical etching to create microchannel arrays followed by hydrothermal synthesis of nanowires and deposition of silica. The proposed membrane successfully purifies high-quality DNA within 5 min, whereas a commercial purification kit needs more than an hour. PMID:25420232

HER2 Targeted Breast Cancer Therapy with Switchable "Off/On" Multifunctional "Smart" Magnetic Polymer Core-Shell Nanocomposites.

PubMed

Vivek, Raju; Thangam, Ramar; Kumar, Selvaraj Rajesh; Rejeeth, Chandrababu; Kumar, Gopal Senthil; Sivasubramanian, Srinivasan; Vincent, Savariar; Gopi, Dhanaraj; Kannan, Soundarapandian

2016-01-27

Multifunctional magnetic polymer nanocombinations are gaining importance in cancer nanotheranostics due to their safety and their potential in delivering targeted functions. Herein, we report a novel multifunctional core-shell magnetic polymer therapeutic nanocomposites (NCs) exhibiting pH dependent "Off-On" release of drug against breast cancer cells. The NCs are intact in blood circulation ("Off" state), i.e., at physiological pH, whereas activated ("On" state) at intracellular acidic pH environment of the targeted breast cancer cells. The NCs are prepared by coating the cannonball (iron nanocore) with hydrophobic nanopockets of pH-responsive poly(d,l-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) polymer nanoshell that allows efficient loading of therapeutics. Further, the nanocore-polymer shell is stabilized by poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) and functionalized with a targeting HER2 ligand. The prepared Her-Fe3O4@PLGA-PVP nanocomposites facilitate packing of anticancer drug (Tamoxifen) without premature release in the bloodstream, recognizing the target cells through binding of Herceptin antibody to HER2, a cell surface receptor expressed by breast cancer cells to promote HER2 receptor mediated endocytosis and finally releasing the drug at the intracellular site of tumor cells ("On" state) to induce apoptosis. The therapeutic efficiency of hemo/cytocompatible NCs drug delivery system (DDS) in terms of targeted delivery and sustained release of therapeutic agent against breast cancer cells was substantiated by in vitro and in vivo studies. The multifunctional properties of Her-Tam-Fe3O4@PLGA-PVP NCs may open up new avenues in cancer therapy through overcoming the limitations of conventional cancer therapy.

Development and characterization of multifunctional nanoparticles for drug delivery to cancer cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nahire, Rahul Rajaram

Lipid and polymeric nanoparticles, although proven to be effective drug delivery systems compared to free drugs, have shown considerable limitations pertaining to their uptake and release at tumor sites. Spatial and temporal control over the delivery of anticancer drugs has always been challenge to drug delivery scientists. Here, we have developed and characterized multifunctional nanoparticles (liposomes and polymersomes) which are targeted specifically to cancer cells, and release their contents with tumor specific internal triggers. To enable these nanoparticles to be tracked in blood circulation, we have imparted them with echogenic characteristic. Echogenicity of nanoparticles is evaluated using ultrasound scattering and imaging experiments. Nanoparticles demonstrated effective release with internal triggers such as elevated levels of MMP-9 enzyme found in the extracellular matrix of tumor cells, decreased pH of lysosome, and differential concentration of reducing agents in cytosol of cancer cells. We have also successfully demonstrated the sensitivity of these particles towards ultrasound to further enhance the release with internal triggers. To ensure the selective uptake by folate receptor- overexpressing cancer cells, we decorated these nanoparticles with folic acid on their surface. Fluorescence microscopic images showed significantly higher uptake of folate-targeted nanoparticles by MCF-7 (breast cancer) and PANC-1 (pancreatic cancer) cells compared to particles without any targeting ligand on their surface. To demonstrate the effectiveness of these nanoparticles to carry the drugs inside and kill cancer cells, we encapsulated doxorubicin and/or gemcitabine employing the pH gradient method. Drug loaded nanoparticles showed significantly higher killing of the cancer cells compared to their non-targeted counterparts and free drugs. With further development, these nanoparticles certainly have potential to be used as a multifunctional nanocarriers for image guided, targeted delivery of anticancer drugs.

Constructing bio-layer of heparin and type IV collagen on titanium surface for improving its endothelialization and blood compatibility.

PubMed

Zhang, Kun; Chen, Jun-ying; Qin, Wei; Li, Jing-an; Guan, Fang-xia; Huang, Nan

2016-04-01

The modification of cardiovascular stent surface for a better micro-environment has gradually changed to multi-molecule, multi-functional designation. In this study, heparin (Hep) and type IV collagen (IVCol) were used as the functional molecule to construct a bifunctional micro-environment of anticoagulation and promoting endothelialization on titanium (Ti). The surface characterization results (AFM, Alcian Blue 8GX Staining and fluorescence staining of IVCol) indicated that the bio-layer of Hep and IVCol were successfully fabricated on the Ti surface through electrostatic self-assembly. The APTT and platelet adhesion test demonstrated that the bionic layer possessed better blood compatibility compared with Ti surface. The adhesion, proliferation, migration and apoptosis tests of endothelial cells proved that the Hep/IVCol layer was able to enhance the endothelialization of the Ti surface. The in vivo animal implantation results manifested that the bionic surface could encourage new endothelialization. This work provides an important reference for the construction of multifunction micro-environment on the cardiovascular scaffold surface.

Multifunctional Ag-decorated porous TiO2 nanofibers in dye-sensitized solar cells: efficient light harvesting, light scattering, and electrolyte contact.

PubMed

Hwang, Sun Hye; Song, Hee; Lee, Jungsup; Jang, Jyongsik

2014-09-26

Designing the photoanode structure in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) is vital to realizing enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE). Herein, novel multifunctional silver-decorated porous titanium dioxide nanofibers (Ag/pTiO2 NFs) made by simple electrospinning, etching, and chemical reduction processes are introduced. The Ag/pTiO2 NFs with a high surface area of 163 m(2)  g(-1) provided sufficient dye adsorption for light harvesting. Moreover, the approximately 200 nm diameter and rough surface of the Ag/pTiO2 NFs offered enough light scattering, and the enlarged interpores among the NFs in the photoanode also permitted electrolyte circulation. Ag nanoparticles (NPs) were well dispersed on the surface of the TiO2 NFs, which prevented aggregation of the Ag NPs after calcination. Furthermore, a localized surface plasmon resonance effect by the Ag NPs served to increase the light absorption at visible wavelengths. The surface area and amount of Ag NPs was optimized. The PCE of pTiO2 NF-based DSSCs was 27 % higher (from 6.2 to 7.9 %) than for pure TiO2 NFs, whereas the PCE of Ag/pTiO2 NF-based DSSCs increased by about 12 % (from 7.9 to 8.8 %). Thus, the PCE of the multifunctional pTiO2 NFs was improved by 42 %, that is, from 6.2 to 8.8 %. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Multifunctional mussel-inspired copolymerized epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)/arginine coating: the potential as an ad-layer for vascular materials.

PubMed

Luo, Rifang; Tang, Linlin; Xie, Lingxia; Wang, Jin; Huang, Nan; Wang, Yunbing

2016-12-01

Surface properties are considered to be important factors in addressing proper functionalities. In this paper, a multifunctional mussel-inspired coating was prepared via the direct copolymerization of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and arginine. The coating formation was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectra. The EGCG/arginine coating contained diverse functional groups like amines, phenols and carboxyls, whose densities were also tunable. Such mussel-inspired coating could also be applied as an ad-layer for its secondary reactivity, demonstrated by quartz crystal microbalance technique. Moreover, the tunable surface density of phenols showed potential ability in modulating endothelial cell and smooth muscle cell viability. The coatings rich in phenols presented excellent free radical scavenging property. Current results strongly indicated the potential of EGCG/arginine coatings to be applied as an ad-layer for vascular materials.

The nature of inherent bactericidal activity: insights from the nanotopology of three species of dragonfly

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mainwaring, David E.; Nguyen, Song Ha; Webb, Hayden; Jakubov, Timur; Tobin, Mark; Lamb, Robert N.; Wu, Alex H.-F.; Marchant, Richard; Crawford, Russell J.; Ivanova, Elena P.

2016-03-01

While insect wings are widely recognised as multi-functional, recent work showed that this extends to extensive bactericidal activity brought about by cell deformation and lysis on the wing nanotopology. We now quantitatively show that subtle changes to this topography result in substantial changes in bactericidal activity that are able to span an order of magnitude. Notably, the chemical composition of the lipid nanopillars was seen by XPS and synchrotron FTIR microspectroscopy to be similar across these activity differences. Modelling the interaction between bacterial cells and the wing surface lipids of 3 species of dragonflies, that inhabit similar environments, but with distinctly different behavioural repertoires, provided the relationship between surface structure and antibacterial functionality. In doing so, these principal behavioural patterns correlated with the demands for antimicrobial efficiency dictated by differences in their foraging strategies. This work now reveals a new feature in the design elegance of natural multi-functional surfaces as well providing insights into the bactericidal mechanism underlying inherently antimicrobial materials, while suggesting that nanotopology is related to the evolutionary development of a species through the demands of its behavioural repertoire. The underlying relationship between the processes of wetting, adhesion and capillarity of the lipid nanopillars and bactericidal efficiency suggests new prospects for purely mechano-responsive antibacterial surfaces.While insect wings are widely recognised as multi-functional, recent work showed that this extends to extensive bactericidal activity brought about by cell deformation and lysis on the wing nanotopology. We now quantitatively show that subtle changes to this topography result in substantial changes in bactericidal activity that are able to span an order of magnitude. Notably, the chemical composition of the lipid nanopillars was seen by XPS and synchrotron FTIR microspectroscopy to be similar across these activity differences. Modelling the interaction between bacterial cells and the wing surface lipids of 3 species of dragonflies, that inhabit similar environments, but with distinctly different behavioural repertoires, provided the relationship between surface structure and antibacterial functionality. In doing so, these principal behavioural patterns correlated with the demands for antimicrobial efficiency dictated by differences in their foraging strategies. This work now reveals a new feature in the design elegance of natural multi-functional surfaces as well providing insights into the bactericidal mechanism underlying inherently antimicrobial materials, while suggesting that nanotopology is related to the evolutionary development of a species through the demands of its behavioural repertoire. The underlying relationship between the processes of wetting, adhesion and capillarity of the lipid nanopillars and bactericidal efficiency suggests new prospects for purely mechano-responsive antibacterial surfaces. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr08542j

Carbon Nanotube-Silicon Nanowire Heterojunction Solar Cells with Gas-Dependent Photovoltaic Performances and Their Application in Self-Powered NO2 Detecting.

PubMed

Jia, Yi; Zhang, Zexia; Xiao, Lin; Lv, Ruitao

2016-12-01

A multifunctional device combining photovoltaic conversion and toxic gas sensitivity is reported. In this device, carbon nanotube (CNT) membranes are used to cover onto silicon nanowire (SiNW) arrays to form heterojunction. The porous structure and large specific surface area in the heterojunction structure are both benefits for gas adsorption. In virtue of these merits, gas doping is a feasible method to improve cell's performance and the device can also work as a self-powered gas sensor beyond a solar cell. It shows a significant improvement in cell efficiency (more than 200 times) after NO2 molecules doping (device working as a solar cell) and a fast, reversible response property for NO2 detection (device working as a gas sensor). Such multifunctional CNT-SiNW structure can be expected to open a new avenue for developing self-powered, efficient toxic gas-sensing devices in the future.

Controllable Synthesis of a Smart Multifunctional Nanoscale Metal-Organic Framework for Magnetic Resonance/Optical Imaging and Targeted Drug Delivery.

PubMed

Gao, Xuechuan; Zhai, Manjue; Guan, Weihua; Liu, Jingjuan; Liu, Zhiliang; Damirin, Alatangaole

2017-02-01

As a result of their extraordinarily large surfaces and well-defined pores, the design of a multifunctional metal-organic framework (MOF) is crucial for drug delivery but has rarely been reported. In this paper, a novel drug delivery system (DDS) based on nanoscale MOF was developed for use in cancer diagnosis and therapy. This MOF-based tumor targeting DDS was fabricated by a simple postsynthetic surface modification process. First, magnetic mesoporous nanomaterial Fe-MIL-53-NH 2 was used for encapsulating the drug and served as a magnetic resonance contrast agent. Moreover, the Fe-MIL-53-NH 2 nanomaterial exhibited a high loading capacity for the model anticancer drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Subsequently, the fluorescence imaging agent 5-carboxyfluorescein (5-FAM) and the targeting reagent folic acid (FA) were conjugated to the 5-FU-loaded Fe-MIL-53-NH 2 , resulting in the advanced DDS Fe-MIL-53-NH 2 -FA-5-FAM/5-FU. Owing to the multifunctional surface modification, the obtained DDS Fe-MIL-53-NH 2 -FA-5-FAM/5-FU shows good biocompatibility, tumor enhanced cellular uptake, strong cancer cell growth inhibitory effect, excellent fluorescence imaging, and outstanding magnetic resonance imaging capability. Taken together, this study integrates diagnostic and treatment aspects into a single platform by a simple and efficient strategy, aiming for facilitating new possibilities for MOF use for multifunctional drug delivery.

Construction of a multi-functional extracellular matrix protein that increases number of N1E-115 neuroblast cells having neurites.

PubMed

Nakamura, Makiko; Mie, Masayasu; Mihara, Hisakazu; Nakamura, Makoto; Kobatake, Eiry

2009-10-01

An artificially designed fusion protein, which was designed to have strong cell adhesive activity and an active functional unit that enhances neuronal differentiation of mouse N1E-115 neuroblast cells, was developed. In this study, a laminin-1-derived IKVAV sequence, which stimulates neurite outgrowth in conditions of serum deprivation, was engineered and incorporated into an elastin-derived structural unit. The designed fusion protein also had a cell-adhesive RGD sequence derived from fibronectin. The resultant fusion protein could adsorb efficiently onto hydrophobic culture surfaces and showed cell adhesion activity similar to laminin. N1E-115 cells grown on the fusion protein exhibited more cells with neurites than cells grown on laminin-1. These results indicated that the constructed protein could retain properties of incorporated functional peptides and could provide effective signal transport. The strategy of designing multi-functional fusion proteins has the possibility for supporting current tissue engineering techniques. (c) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Surface chemistry and moisture sorption properties of wood coated with multifunctional alkoxysilanes by sol-gel process

Treesearch

Mandla A. Tshabalala; Peter Kingshott; Mark R. VanLandingham; David Plackett

2003-01-01

Sol-gel surface deposition of a hydrophobic polysiloxane coating on wood was accomplished by using a mixture of a low molecular weight multifunctional alkoxysilane, methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMOS), and a high molecular weight multifunctional alkoxysilane, hexadecyltrimethoxysilane (HDTMOS). Investigation of the surface chemistry and morphology of the wood specimens by...

Portable microsystem integrates multifunctional dielectrophoresis manipulations and a surface stress biosensor to detect red blood cells for hemolytic anemia.

PubMed

Sang, Shengbo; Feng, Qiliang; Jian, Aoqun; Li, Huiming; Ji, Jianlong; Duan, Qianqian; Zhang, Wendong; Wang, Tao

2016-09-20

Hemolytic anemia intensity has been suggested as a vital factor for the growth of certain clinical complications of sickle cell disease. However, there is no effective and rapid diagnostic method. As a powerful platform for bio-particles testing, biosensors integrated with microfluidics offer great potential for a new generation of portable point of care systems. In this paper, we describe a novel portable microsystem consisting of a multifunctional dielectrophoresis manipulations (MDM) device and a surface stress biosensor to separate and detect red blood cells (RBCs) for diagnosis of hemolytic anemia. The peripheral circuit to power the interdigitated electrode array of the MDM device and the surface stress biosensor test platform were integrated into a portable signal system. The MDM includes a preparing region, a focusing region, and a sorting region. Simulation and experimental results show the RBCs trajectories when they are subjected to the positive DEP force, allowing the successful sorting of living/dead RBCs. Separated RBCs are then transported to the biosensor and the capacitance values resulting from the variation of surface stress were measured. The diagnosis of hemolytic anemia can be realized by detecting RBCs and the portable microsystem provides the assessment to the hemolytic anemia patient.

Supramolecular chemistry at interfaces: host-guest interactions for fabricating multifunctional biointerfaces.

PubMed

Yang, Hui; Yuan, Bin; Zhang, Xi; Scherman, Oren A

2014-07-15

CONSPECTUS: Host-guest chemistry can greatly improve the selectivity of biomolecule-ligand binding on account of recognition-directed interactions. In addition, functional structures and the actuation of supramolecular assemblies in molecular systems can be controlled efficiently through various host-guest chemistry. Together, these highly selective, strong yet dynamic interactions can be exploited as an alternative methodology for applications in the field of programmable and controllable engineering of supramolecular soft materials through the reversible binding between complementary components. Many processes in living systems such as biotransformation, transportation of matter, and energy transduction begin with interfacial molecular recognition, which is greatly influenced by various external stimuli at biointerfaces. Detailed investigations about the molecular recognition at interfaces can result in a better understanding of life science, and further guide us in developing new biomaterials and medicines. In order to mimic complicated molecular-recognition systems observed in nature that adapt to changes in their environment, combining host-guest chemistry and surface science is critical for fabricating the next generation of multifunctional biointerfaces with efficient stimuli-responsiveness and good biocompatibility. In this Account, we will summarize some recent progress on multifunctional stimuli-responsive biointerfaces and biosurfaces fabricated by cyclodextrin- or cucurbituril-based host-guest chemistry and highlight their potential applications including drug delivery, bioelectrocatalysis, and reversible adsorption and resistance of peptides, proteins, and cells. In addition, these biointerfaces and biosurfaces demonstrate efficient response toward various external stimuli, such as UV light, pH, redox chemistry, and competitive guests. All of these external stimuli can aid in mimicking the biological stimuli evident in complex biological environments. We begin by reviewing the current state of stimuli-responsive supramolecular assemblies formed by host-guest interactions, discussing how to transfer host-guest chemistry from solution onto surfaces required for fabricating multifunctional biosurfaces and biointerfaces. Then, we present different stimuli-responsive biosurfaces and biointerfaces, which have been prepared through a combination of cyclodextrin- or cucurbituril-based host-guest chemistry and various surface technologies such as self-assembled monolayers or layer-by-layer assembly. Moreover, we discuss the applications of these biointerfaces and biosurfaces in the fields of drug release, reversible adsorption and release of some organic molecules, peptides, proteins, and cells, and photoswitchable bioelectrocatalysis. In addition, we summarize the merits and current limitations of these methods for fabricating multifunctional stimuli-responsive biointerfaces in a dynamic noncovalent manner. Finally, we present possible strategies for future designs of stimuli-responsive multifunctional biointerfaces and biosurfaces by combining host-guest chemistry with surface science, which will lead to further critical development of supramolecular chemistry at interfaces.

A new strategy on utilizing nitrogen doped TiO{sub 2} in nanostructured solar cells: Embedded multifunctional N-TiO{sub 2} scattering particles in mesoporous photoanode

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shogh, Shiva; Mohammadpour, Raheleh; Iraji zad, Azam, E-mail: Iraji@sharif.edu

2015-12-15

Highlights: • N-doped TiO{sub 2} scattering particles were synthesized for embedding into commercial photoanode of dye sensitized solar cells. • Embedded scatterers improved optical and electrical features of the cells. • These multifunctional scatterers increased cell performance up to 17%. - Abstract: Aggregated sub-micron size nitrogen doped TiO{sub 2} (N-TiO{sub 2}) particles with superior optical and electrical features were successfully synthesized for embedding into commercial mesoporous TiO{sub 2} photoelectrode of dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) as the light scattering particles compared to undoped one. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and absorption spectra confirmed that the titanium dioxide is sufficiently doped by nitrogenmore » in N-TiO{sub 2} sample. Employing these high-surface N-TiO{sub 2} in mesoporous photoelectrode of solar cells, the power conversion efficiency of 8% has been achieved which shows 17% improvement for the optimum embedded level of doping (30 wt%) compared to commercial photoelectrode without additive; while enhanced efficiency is only 3% embedding undoped sub-micron size TiO{sub 2} particles. These results can introduce the novel multifunctional photoelectrode for nanostructured solar cells with enhanced values of scattering efficiency and improved electrical features including trap states density reduction in comparison to commercial mesoporous photoelectrodes.« less

Stimuli-responsive magnetic nanomicelles as multifunctional heat and cargo delivery vehicles.

PubMed

Kim, Dong-Hyun; Vitol, Elina A; Liu, Jing; Balasubramanian, Shankar; Gosztola, David J; Cohen, Ezra E; Novosad, Valentyn; Rozhkova, Elena A

2013-06-18

Hybrid nanoarchitectures are among the most promising nanotechnology-enabled materials for biomedical applications. Interfacing of nanoparticles with active materials gives rise to the structures with unique multiple functionality. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles particles SPION are widely employed in the biology and in developing of advanced medical technologies. Polymeric micelles offer the advantage of multifunctional carriers which can serve as delivery vehicles carrying nanoparticles, hydrophobic chemotherapeutics and other functional materials and molecules. Stimuli-responsive polymers are especially attractive since their properties can be modulated in a controlled manner. Here we report on multifunctional thermo-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylamide)-block-poly(ε-caprolactone) random block copolymer micelles as magnetic hyperthermia-mediated payload release and imaging agents. The combination of copolymers, nanoparticles and doxorubicin drug was tailored the way that the loaded micelles were cable to respond to magnetic heating at physiologically-relevant temperatures. A surface functionalization of the micelles with the integrin β4 antibody and consequent interfacing of the resulting nanobio hybrid with squamous head and neck carcinoma cells which is known to specifically over-express the A9 antigen resulted in concentration of the micelles on the surface of cells. No inherent cytotoxicity was detected for the magnetic micelles without external stimuli application. Furthermore, SPION-loaded micelles demonstrate significant MRI contrast enhancement abilities.

Novel Structure and Unexpected RNA-Binding Ability of the C-Terminal Domain of Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Tegument Protein UL21

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Metrick, Claire M.; Heldwein, Ekaterina E.; Sandri-Goldin, R. M.

Proteins forming the tegument layers of herpesviral virions mediate many essential processes in the viral replication cycle, yet few have been characterized in detail. UL21 is one such multifunctional tegument protein and is conserved among alphaherpesviruses. While UL21 has been implicated in many processes in viral replication, ranging from nuclear egress to virion morphogenesis to cell-cell spread, its precise roles remain unclear. Here we report the 2.7-Å crystal structure of the C-terminal domain of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) UL21 (UL21C), which has a unique α-helical fold resembling a dragonfly. Analysis of evolutionary conservation patterns and surface electrostatics pinpointed fourmore » regions of potential functional importance on the surface of UL21C to be pursued by mutagenesis. In combination with the previously determined structure of the N-terminal domain of UL21, the structure of UL21C provides a 3-dimensional framework for targeted exploration of the multiple roles of UL21 in the replication and pathogenesis of alphaherpesviruses. Additionally, we describe an unanticipated ability of UL21 to bind RNA, which may hint at a yet unexplored function. IMPORTANCEDue to the limited genomic coding capacity of viruses, viral proteins are often multifunctional, which makes them attractive antiviral targets. Such multifunctionality, however, complicates their study, which often involves constructing and characterizing null mutant viruses. Systematic exploration of these multifunctional proteins requires detailed road maps in the form of 3-dimensional structures. In this work, we determined the crystal structure of the C-terminal domain of UL21, a multifunctional tegument protein that is conserved among alphaherpesviruses. Structural analysis pinpointed surface areas of potential functional importance that provide a starting point for mutagenesis. In addition, the unexpected RNA-binding ability of UL21 may expand its functional repertoire. The structure of UL21C and the observation of its RNA-binding ability are the latest additions to the navigational chart that can guide the exploration of the multiple functions of UL21.« less

Multifunctional thin film surface

DOEpatents

Brozik, Susan M.; Harper, Jason C.; Polsky, Ronen; Wheeler, David R.; Arango, Dulce C.; Dirk, Shawn M.

2015-10-13

A thin film with multiple binding functionality can be prepared on an electrode surface via consecutive electroreduction of two or more aryl-onium salts with different functional groups. This versatile and simple method for forming multifunctional surfaces provides an effective means for immobilization of diverse molecules at close proximities. The multifunctional thin film has applications in bioelectronics, molecular electronics, clinical diagnostics, and chemical and biological sensing.

Intracellular delivery of peptide nucleic acid and organic molecules using zeolite-L nanocrystals.

PubMed

Bertucci, Alessandro; Lülf, Henning; Septiadi, Dedy; Manicardi, Alex; Corradini, Roberto; De Cola, Luisa

2014-11-01

The design and synthesis of smart nanomaterials can provide interesting potential applications for biomedical purposes from bioimaging to drug delivery. Manufacturing multifunctional systems in a way to carry bioactive molecules, like peptide nucleic acids able to recognize specific targets in living cells, represents an achievement towards the development of highly selective tools for both diagnosis and therapeutics. This work describes a very first example of the use of zeolite nanocrystals as multifunctional nanocarriers to deliver simultaneously PNA and organic molecules into living cells. Zeolite-L nanocrystals are functionalized by covalently attaching the PNA probes onto the surface, while the channel system is filled with fluorescent guest molecules. The cellular uptake of the PNA/Zeolite-L hybrid material is then significantly increased by coating the whole system with a thin layer of biodegradable poly-L-lysine. The delivery of DAPI as a model drug molecule, inserted into the zeolite pores, is also demonstrated to occur in the cells, proving the multifunctional ability of the system. Using this zeolite nanosystem carrying PNA probes designed to target specific RNA sequences of interest in living cells could open new possibilities for theranostic and gene therapy applications. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Multifunctional structural energy storage composite supercapacitors.

PubMed

Shirshova, Natasha; Qian, Hui; Houllé, Matthieu; Steinke, Joachim H G; Kucernak, Anthony R J; Fontana, Quentin P V; Greenhalgh, Emile S; Bismarck, Alexander; Shaffer, Milo S P

2014-01-01

This paper addresses the challenge of producing multifunctional composites that can simultaneously carry mechanical loads whilst storing (and delivering) electrical energy. The embodiment is a structural supercapacitor built around laminated structural carbon fibre (CF) fabrics. Each cell consists of two modified structural CF fabric electrodes, separated by a structural glass fibre fabric or polymer membrane, infused with a multifunctional polymeric electrolyte. Rather than using conventional activated carbon fibres, structural carbon fibres were treated to produce a mechanically robust, high surface area material, using a variety of methods, including direct etching, carbon nanotube sizing, and carbon nanotube in situ growth. One of the most promising approaches is to integrate a porous bicontinuous monolithic carbon aerogel (CAG) throughout the matrix. This nanostructured matrix both provides a dramatic increase in active surface area of the electrodes, and has the potential to address mechanical issues associated with matrix-dominated failures. The effect of the initial reaction mixture composition is assessed for both the CAG modified carbon fibre electrodes and resulting devices. A low temperature CAG modification of carbon fibres was evaluated using poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) to enhance the electrochemical performance. For the multifunctional structural electrolyte, simple crosslinked gels have been replaced with bicontinuous structural epoxy-ionic liquid hybrids that offer a much better balance between the conflicting demands of rigidity and molecular motion. The formation of both aerogel precursors and the multifunctional electrolyte are described, including the influence of key components, and the defining characteristics of the products. Working structural supercapacitor composite prototypes have been produced and characterised electrochemically. The effect of introducing the necessary multifunctional resin on the mechanical properties has also been assessed. Larger scale demonstrators have been produced including a full size car boot/trunk lid.

A facile method to prepare a versatile surface coating with fibrinolytic activity, vascular cell selectivity and antibacterial properties.

PubMed

Jin, Sheng; Gu, Hao; Chen, Xianshuang; Liu, Xiaoli; Zhan, Wenjun; Wei, Ting; Sun, Xuebo; Ren, Chuanlu; Chen, Hong

2018-07-01

Clot and thrombus formation on surfaces that come into contact with blood is still the most serious problem for blood contacting devices. Despite many years of continuous efforts in developing hemocompatible materials, it is still of great interest to develop multifunctional materials to enable vascular cell selectivity (to favor rapid endothelialization while inhibiting smooth muscle cell proliferation) and improve hemocompatibility. In addition, biomaterial-associated infections also cause the failure of biomedical implants and devices. However, it remains a challenging task to design materials that are multifunctional, since one of their functions will usually be compromised by the introduction of another function. In the present work, the gold substrate was first layer-by-layer (LbL) deposited with a multilayered polyelectrolyte film containing chitosan (positively charged) and a copolymer of sodium 4-vinylbenzenesulfonate (SS) and the "guest" adamantane monomer 1-adamantan-1-ylmethyl methacrylate (P(SS-co-Ada), negatively charged) via electro-static interactions, referred to as Au-LbL. The chitosan and P(SS-co-Ada) were intended to provide, respectively, resistance to bacteria and heparin-like properties. Then, "host" β-cyclodextrin derivatives bearing seven lysine ligands (CD-L) were immobilized on the Au-LbL surface by host-guest interactions between adamantane residues and CD-L, referred to as Au-LbL/CD-L. Finally, a versatile surface coating with fibrinolytic activity (lysis of nascent clots), vascular cell selectivity and antibacterial properties was developed. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Intracellular chromobody delivery by mesoporous silica nanoparticles for antigen targeting and visualization in real time

PubMed Central

Chiu, Hsin-Yi; Deng, Wen; Engelke, Hanna; Helma, Jonas; Leonhardt, Heinrich; Bein, Thomas

2016-01-01

Chromobodies have recently drawn great attention as bioimaging nanotools. They offer high antigen binding specificity and affinity comparable to conventional antibodies, but much smaller size and higher stability. Chromobodies can be used in live cell imaging for specific spatio-temporal visualization of cellular processes. To date, functional application of chromobodies requires lengthy genetic manipulation of the target cell. Here, we develop multifunctional large-pore mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) as nanocarriers to directly transport chromobodies into living cells for antigen-visualization in real time. The multifunctional large-pore MSNs feature high loading capacity for chromobodies, and are efficiently taken up by cells. By functionalizing the internal MSN surface with nitrilotriacetic acid-metal ion complexes, we can control the release of His6-tagged chromobodies from MSNs in acidified endosomes and observe successful chromobody-antigen binding in the cytosol. Hence, by combining the two nanotools, chromobodies and MSNs, we establish a new powerful approach for chromobody applications in living cells. PMID:27173765

Multifunctional single beam acoustic tweezer for non-invasive cell/organism manipulation and tissue imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lam, Kwok Ho; Li, Ying; Li, Yang; Lim, Hae Gyun; Zhou, Qifa; Shung, Koping Kirk

2016-11-01

Non-contact precise manipulation of single microparticles, cells, and organisms has attracted considerable interest in biophysics and biomedical engineering. Similar to optical tweezers, acoustic tweezers have been proposed to be capable of manipulating microparticles and even cells. Although there have been concerted efforts to develop tools for non-contact manipulation, no alternative to complex, unifunctional tweezer has yet been found. Here we report a simple, low-cost, multifunctional single beam acoustic tweezer (SBAT) that is capable of manipulating an individual micrometer scale non-spherical cell at Rayleigh regime and even a single millimeter scale organism at Mie regime, and imaging tissue as well. We experimentally demonstrate that the SBAT with an ultralow f-number (f# = focal length/aperture size) could manipulate an individual red blood cell and a single 1.6 mm-diameter fertilized Zebrafish egg, respectively. Besides, in vitro rat aorta images were collected successfully at dynamic foci in which the lumen and the outer surface of the aorta could be clearly seen. With the ultralow f-number, the SBAT offers the combination of large acoustic radiation force and narrow beam width, leading to strong trapping and high-resolution imaging capabilities. These attributes enable the feasibility of using a single acoustic device to perform non-invasive multi-functions simultaneously for biomedical and biophysical applications.

In Situ Reductive Synthesis of Structural Supported Gold Nanorods in Porous Silicon Particles for Multifunctional Nanovectors.

PubMed

Zhu, Guixian; Liu, Jen-Tsai; Wang, Yuzhen; Zhang, Dechen; Guo, Yi; Tasciotti, Ennio; Hu, Zhongbo; Liu, Xuewu

2016-05-11

Porous silicon nanodisks (PSD) were fabricated by the combination of photolithography and electrochemical etching of silicon. By using PSD as a reducing agent, gold nanorods (AuNR) were in situ synthesized in the nanopores of PSD, forming PSD-supported-AuNR (PSD/AuNR) hybrid particles. The formation mechanism of AuNR in porous silicon (pSi) was revealed by exploring the role of pSi reducibility and each chemical in the reaction. With the PSD support, AuNR exhibited a stable morphology without toxic surface ligands (CTAB). The PSD/AuNR hybrid particles showed enhanced plasmonic property compared to free AuNR. Because high-density "hot spots" can be generated by controlling the distribution of AuNR supported in PSD, surface-enhanced raman scattering (SERS) using PSD/AuNR as particle substrates was demonstrated. A multifunctional vector, PSD/AuNR/DOX, composed of doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded PSD/AuNR capped with agarose (agar), was developed for highly efficient, combinatorial cancer treatment. Their therapeutic efficacy was examined using two pancreatic cancer cell lines, PANC-1 and MIA PaCa-2. PSD/AuNR/DOX (20 μg Au and 1.25 μg DOX/mL) effectively destroyed these cells under near-IR laser irradiation (810 nm, 15 J·cm(-2) power, 90 s). Overall, we envision that PSD/AuNR may be a promising injectable, multifunctional nanovector for biomedical application.

A multifunctional metal-organic framework based tumor targeting drug delivery system for cancer therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xiao-Gang; Dong, Zhi-Yue; Cheng, Hong; Wan, Shuang-Shuang; Chen, Wei-Hai; Zou, Mei-Zhen; Huo, Jia-Wei; Deng, He-Xiang; Zhang, Xian-Zheng

2015-09-01

Drug delivery systems (DDSs) with biocompatibility and precise drug delivery are eagerly needed to overcome the paradox in chemotherapy that high drug doses are required to compensate for the poor biodistribution of drugs with frequent dose-related side effects. In this work, we reported a metal-organic framework (MOF) based tumor targeting DDS developed by a one-pot, and organic solvent-free ``green'' post-synthetic surface modification procedure, starting from the nanoscale MOF MIL-101. Owing to the multifunctional surface coating, premature drug release from this DDS was prevented. Due to the pH responsive benzoic imine bond and the redox responsive disulfide bond at the modified surface, this DDS exhibited tumor acid environment enhanced cellular uptake and intracellular reducing environment triggered drug release. In vitro and in vivo results showed that DOX loaded into this DDS exhibited effective cancer cell inhibition with much reduced side effects.Drug delivery systems (DDSs) with biocompatibility and precise drug delivery are eagerly needed to overcome the paradox in chemotherapy that high drug doses are required to compensate for the poor biodistribution of drugs with frequent dose-related side effects. In this work, we reported a metal-organic framework (MOF) based tumor targeting DDS developed by a one-pot, and organic solvent-free ``green'' post-synthetic surface modification procedure, starting from the nanoscale MOF MIL-101. Owing to the multifunctional surface coating, premature drug release from this DDS was prevented. Due to the pH responsive benzoic imine bond and the redox responsive disulfide bond at the modified surface, this DDS exhibited tumor acid environment enhanced cellular uptake and intracellular reducing environment triggered drug release. In vitro and in vivo results showed that DOX loaded into this DDS exhibited effective cancer cell inhibition with much reduced side effects. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Synthesis procedure, 1HNMR, ESI-MS and additional data. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr04045k

Multifunctional, angle dependent antireflection, and hydrophilic properties of SiO2 inspired by nano-scale structures of cicada wings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zada, Imran; Zhang, Wang; Sun, Peng; Imtiaz, Muhammad; Abbas, Waseem; Zhang, Di

2017-10-01

Inspired by the multifunctional properties of cicada wings, we have precisely replicated biomorphic SiO2 with antireflective structures (ARSs) using a simple, inexpensive, and highly effective sol-gel ultrasonic method. The biomorphic replica of SiO2 was directly achieved from a cicada template at high calcination. The biomorphic SiO2 not only inherited the ARS effectively but also exhibited the excellent angle dependent antireflective properties over a wide range of incident angles (10°-60°). The change in reflectance spectra (visible wavelength) of biomorphic SiO2 was observed from 0.3% to 3.3% with the increasing incident angles. The smooth surface of the SiO2 crystal without nanostructures showed a high reflection of 9.2% compared to the biomorphic SiO2 with ARS. These excellent antireflective properties of biomorphic SiO2 can be attributed to the nanoscale structures which introduce a gradient in the refractive index between air and the material surface via ARS. In the meantime, biomorphic SiO2 demonstrates high hydrophilic properties due to the existence of nanostructures on its surface. These multifunctional properties of biomorphic SiO2, angle dependent antireflective properties, and hydrophilicity with high thermal stability may have potential applications in solar cells and antifogging optical materials.

Modulation of hydrogel nanoparticle intracellular trafficking by multivalent surface engineering with tumor targeting peptide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karamchand, Leshern; Kim, Gwangseong; Wang, Shouyan; Hah, Hoe Jin; Ray, Aniruddha; Jiddou, Ruba; Koo Lee, Yong-Eun; Philbert, Martin A.; Kopelman, Raoul

2013-10-01

Surface engineering of a hydrogel nanoparticle (NP) with the tumor-targeting ligand, F3 peptide, enhances both the NP's binding affinity for, and internalization by, nucleolin overexpressing tumor cells. Remarkably, the F3-functionalized NPs consistently exhibited significantly lower trafficking to the degradative lysosomes than the non-functionalized NPs, in the tumor cells, after internalization. This is attributed to the non-functionalized NPs, but not the F3-functionalized NPs, being co-internalized with Lysosome-associated Membrane Protein-1 (LAMP1) from the surface of the tumor cells. Furthermore, it is shown that the intracellular trafficking of the F3-functionalized NPs differs significantly from that of the molecular F3 peptides (untethered to NPs). This has important implications for designing effective, chemically-responsive, controlled-release and multifunctional nanodrugs for multi-drug-resistant cancers.Surface engineering of a hydrogel nanoparticle (NP) with the tumor-targeting ligand, F3 peptide, enhances both the NP's binding affinity for, and internalization by, nucleolin overexpressing tumor cells. Remarkably, the F3-functionalized NPs consistently exhibited significantly lower trafficking to the degradative lysosomes than the non-functionalized NPs, in the tumor cells, after internalization. This is attributed to the non-functionalized NPs, but not the F3-functionalized NPs, being co-internalized with Lysosome-associated Membrane Protein-1 (LAMP1) from the surface of the tumor cells. Furthermore, it is shown that the intracellular trafficking of the F3-functionalized NPs differs significantly from that of the molecular F3 peptides (untethered to NPs). This has important implications for designing effective, chemically-responsive, controlled-release and multifunctional nanodrugs for multi-drug-resistant cancers. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Effect of Potassium depletion on F3 peptide subcellular localization, MTT cytotoxicity data for endocytic inhibitors, size and morphology characterizations of hydrogel PAA nanocarriers, and optimization data for nanocarrier surface functionalization with PEG molecules and F3 peptides. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr00908d

Development and Application of Multifunctional Lanthanide-Doped Nanoparticles in Medical Imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pedraza, Francisco J., III

Medical imaging has become one of the most important tools of modern medicine soon after it was developed. Presently, several imaging modalities are available to clinicians for the detection of skeletal fractures and functional abnormalities of organs and tissues; and also an excellent tool during surgical procedures. Unfortunately, each imaging technique possesses its own strengths and inherent limitations which can be mitigated via the use of multiple imaging modalities and imaging probes. Through the use of multiple imaging modalities, it is possible to gather complementary information for a more reliable diagnosis. Each imaging technique requires its own imaging probes, providing selectivity and improved contrast. However, conventional contrast agents are incapable of providing what the new generation of multifunctional nanomaterials offer. In addition to improved selectivity and contrast, multifunctional materials possess therapeutic capabilities such as photo-thermal therapy and controlled drug delivery. Lanthanide-based nanomaterials are viable candidates for multimodal imaging agents due to possessing multifunctional capabilities, optical and chemical stability, and an intense tunable emission. This doctoral dissertation will delve into the development of lanthanide-based nanoparticles by proposing a novel multifunctional contrast agent for Near Infrared Fluorescence Imaging and Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Furthermore, the study of surface modification effects on upconversion emission and nanoparticle-cell interactions was performed. Results presented will confirm the potential application of multifunctional lanthanide-based nanomaterials as multimodal imaging probes.

Multifunctional Biomaterial Coating Based on Bio-Inspired Polyphosphate and Lysozyme Supramolecular Nanofilm.

PubMed

Xu, Xinyuan; Zhang, Dongyue; Gao, Shangwei; Shiba, Toshikazu; Yuan, Quan; Cheng, Kai; Tan, Hong; Li, Jianshu

2018-06-11

Current implant materials have widespread clinical applications together with some disadvantages, the majority of which are the ease with which infections are induced and difficulty in exhibiting biocompatibility. For the efficient improvement of their properties, the development of interface multifunctional modification in a simple, universal, and environmently benign approach becomes a critical challenge and has acquired the attention of numerous scientists. In this study, a lysozyme-polyphosphate composite coating was fabricated for titanium(Ti)-based biomaterial to obtain a multifunctional surface. This coating was easily formed by sequentially soaking the substrate in reduced-lysozyme and polyphosphate solution. Such a composite coating has shown predominant antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria ( E. coli) and improved cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation, which are much better than those of the pure substrate. This facile modification endows the biomaterial with anti-infective and potential bone-regenerative performance for clinical applications of biomaterial implants.

Enhanced Cellular Adhesion on Titanium by Silk Functionalized with titanium binding and RGD peptides

PubMed Central

Vidal, Guillaume; Blanchi, Thomas; Mieszawska, Aneta J.; Calabrese, Rossella; Rossi, Claire; Vigneron, Pascale; Duval, Jean-Luc; Kaplan, David L.; Egles, Christophe

2012-01-01

Soft tissue adhesion on titanium represents a challenge for implantable materials. In order to improve adhesion at the cell/material interface we used a new approach based on the molecular recognition of titanium by specific peptides. Silk fibroin protein was chemically grafted with titanium binding peptide (TiBP) to increase adsorption of these chimeric proteins to the metal surface. Quartz Crystal Microbalance was used to quantify the specific adsorption of TiBP-functionalized silk and an increase in protein deposition by more than 35% was demonstrated due to the presence of the binding peptide. A silk protein grafted with TiBP and fibronectin-derived RGD peptide was then prepared. The adherence of fibroblasts on the titanium surface modified with the multifunctional silk coating demonstrated an increase in the number of adhering cells by 60%. The improved adhesion was demonstrated by Scanning Electron Microscopy and immunocytochemical staining of focal contact points. Chick embryo organotypic culture also revealed strong adhesion of endothelial cells expanding on the multifunctional silk-peptide coating. These results demonstrated that silk functionalized with TiBP and RGD represents a promising approach to modify cell-biomaterial interfaces, opening new perspectives for implantable medical devices, especially when reendothelialization is required. PMID:22975628

Motility and more: the flagellum of Trypanosoma brucei

PubMed Central

Langousis, Gerasimos; Hill, Kent L.

2014-01-01

A central feature of trypanosome cell biology and life cycle is the parasite’s single flagellum, which is an essential and multifunctional organelle involved in cell propulsion, morphogenesis and cytokinesis. The flagellar membrane is also a specialized subdomain of the cell surface that harbors multiple parasite virulence factors with roles in signaling and host-parasite interactions. In this review, we discuss the structure, assembly and function of the trypanosome flagellum, including canonical roles in cell motility as well as novel and emerging roles in cell morphogenesis and host-parasite interaction. PMID:24931043

Design of multifunctional nanoparticles for combined in-vivo imaging and advanced drug delivery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leary, James F.

2018-02-01

Design of multifunctional nanoparticles for multimodal in-vivo imaging and advanced targeting to diseased single cells for massive parallel processing nanomedicine approaches requires careful overall design and a multilayered approach. Initial core materials can include non-toxic metals which not only serve as an x-ray contrast agent for CAT scan imaging, but can contain T1 or T2 contrast agents for MRI imaging. One choice is superparamagnetic iron oxide NPs which also allow for convenient magnetic manipulation during manufacturing but also for re-positioning inside the body and for single cell hyperthermia therapies. To permit real-time fluorescence-guided surgery, fluorescence molecules can be included. Advanced targeting can be achieved by attaching antibodies, peptides, aptamers, or other targeting molecules to the nanoparticle in a multilayered approach producing "programmable nanoparticles" whereby the "programming" means controlling a sequence of multi-step targeting methods. Addition of membrane permeating peptides can facilitate uptake by the cell. Addition of "stealth" molecules (e.g. PEG or chitosan) to the outer surfaces of the nanoparticles can permit greatly enhanced circulation times in-vivo which in turn lead to lower amounts of drug exposure to the patient which can reduce undesirable side effects. Nanoparticles with incomplete layers can be removed by affinity purification methods to minimize mistargeting events in-vivo. Nanoscale imaging of these manufactured, multifunctional nanoparticles can be achieved either directly through superresolution microscopy or indirectly through single nanoparticle zeta-sizing or x-ray correlation microscopy. Since these multifunctional nanoparticles are best analyzed by technologies permitting analysis in aqueous environments, superresolution microscopy is, in most cases, the preferred method.

THE SKIN | Functional morphology of the integumentary system in fishes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Elliott, D.G.; Farrell, Anthony P.

2011-01-01

The integument that covers the outer surface of a fish’s body and fins is a multifunctional organ, with morphological features highly adapted to carry out these functions. The integument consists of two layers. The outer layer, the epidermis, is essentially cellular in structure, comprised of a multilayered epithelium that usually includes specialized cells. The inner layer, the dermis, is primarily a fibrous structure with relatively few cells, although it may contain scales, nerves, blood vessels, adipose tissue, and pigment cells.

Lactoferrin-Immobilized Surfaces onto Functionalized PLA Assisted by the Gamma-Rays and Nitrogen Plasma to Create Materials with Multifunctional Properties.

PubMed

Stoleru, Elena; Zaharescu, Traian; Hitruc, Elena Gabriela; Vesel, Alenka; Ioanid, Emil G; Coroaba, Adina; Safrany, Agnes; Pricope, Gina; Lungu, Maria; Schick, Christoph; Vasile, Cornelia

2016-11-23

Both cold nitrogen radiofrequency plasma and gamma irradiation have been applied to activate and functionalize the polylactic acid (PLA) surface and the subsequent lactoferrin immobilization. Modified films were comparatively characterized with respect to the procedure of activation and also with unmodified sample by water contact angle measurements, mass loss, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and chemiluminescence measurements. All modified samples exhibit enhanced surface properties mainly those concerning biocompatibility, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, and furthermore, they are biodegradable and environmentally friendly. Lactoferrin deposited layer by covalent coupling using carbodiimide chemistry showed a good stability. It was found that the lactoferrin-modified PLA materials present significantly increased oxidative stability. Gamma-irradiated samples and lactoferrin-functionalized samples show higher antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cell proliferation activity than plasma-activated and lactoferrin-functionalized ones. The multifunctional materials thus obtained could find application as biomaterials or as bioactive packaging films.

Surface modification of microparticles causes differential uptake responses in normal and tumoral human breast epithelial cells

PubMed Central

Patiño, Tania; Soriano, Jorge; Barrios, Lleonard; Ibáñez, Elena; Nogués, Carme

2015-01-01

The use of micro- and nanodevices as multifunctional systems for biomedical applications has experienced an exponential growth during the past decades. Although a large number of studies have focused on the design and fabrication of new micro- and nanosystems capable of developing multiple functions, a deeper understanding of their interaction with cells is required. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of different microparticle surfaces on their interaction with normal and tumoral human breast epithelial cell lines. For this, AlexaFluor488 IgG functionalized polystyrene microparticles (3 μm) were coated with Polyethyleneimine (PEI) at two different molecular weights, 25 and 750 kDa. The effect of microparticle surface properties on cytotoxicity, cellular uptake and endocytic pathways were assessed for both normal and tumoral cell lines. Results showed a differential response between the two cell lines regarding uptake efficiency and mechanisms of endocytosis, highlighting the potential role of microparticle surface tunning for specific cell targeting. PMID:26068810

Surface modification of microparticles causes differential uptake responses in normal and tumoral human breast epithelial cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patiño, Tania; Soriano, Jorge; Barrios, Lleonard; Ibáñez, Elena; Nogués, Carme

2015-06-01

The use of micro- and nanodevices as multifunctional systems for biomedical applications has experienced an exponential growth during the past decades. Although a large number of studies have focused on the design and fabrication of new micro- and nanosystems capable of developing multiple functions, a deeper understanding of their interaction with cells is required. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of different microparticle surfaces on their interaction with normal and tumoral human breast epithelial cell lines. For this, AlexaFluor488 IgG functionalized polystyrene microparticles (3 μm) were coated with Polyethyleneimine (PEI) at two different molecular weights, 25 and 750 kDa. The effect of microparticle surface properties on cytotoxicity, cellular uptake and endocytic pathways were assessed for both normal and tumoral cell lines. Results showed a differential response between the two cell lines regarding uptake efficiency and mechanisms of endocytosis, highlighting the potential role of microparticle surface tunning for specific cell targeting.

Surface modification of microparticles causes differential uptake responses in normal and tumoral human breast epithelial cells.

PubMed

Patiño, Tania; Soriano, Jorge; Barrios, Lleonard; Ibáñez, Elena; Nogués, Carme

2015-06-12

The use of micro- and nanodevices as multifunctional systems for biomedical applications has experienced an exponential growth during the past decades. Although a large number of studies have focused on the design and fabrication of new micro- and nanosystems capable of developing multiple functions, a deeper understanding of their interaction with cells is required. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of different microparticle surfaces on their interaction with normal and tumoral human breast epithelial cell lines. For this, AlexaFluor488 IgG functionalized polystyrene microparticles (3 μm) were coated with Polyethyleneimine (PEI) at two different molecular weights, 25 and 750 kDa. The effect of microparticle surface properties on cytotoxicity, cellular uptake and endocytic pathways were assessed for both normal and tumoral cell lines. Results showed a differential response between the two cell lines regarding uptake efficiency and mechanisms of endocytosis, highlighting the potential role of microparticle surface tunning for specific cell targeting.

Surface-Engineered Multifunctional Eu:Gd2O3 Nanoplates for Targeted and pH-Responsive Drug Delivery and Imaging Applications.

PubMed

Saha, Arindam; Mohanta, Subas Chandra; Deka, Kashmiri; Deb, Pritam; Devi, Parukuttyamma Sujatha

2017-02-01

In this paper, we report the synthesis of surface-engineered multifunctional Eu:Gd 2 O 3 triangular nanoplates with small size and uniform shape via a high-temperature solvothermal technique. Surface engineering has been performed by a one-step polyacrylate coating, followed by controlled conjugation chemistry. This creates the desired number of surface functional groups that can be used to attach folic acid as a targeting ligand on the nanoparticle surface. To specifically deliver the drug molecules in the nucleus, the folate density on the nanoparticle surface has been kept low. We have also modified the drug molecules with terminal double bond and ester linkage for the easy conjugation of nanoparticles. The nanoparticle surface was further modified with free thiols to specifically attach the modified drug molecules with a pH-responsive feature. High drug loading has been encountered for both hydrophilic drug daunorubicin (∼69% loading) and hydrophobic drug curcumin (∼75% loading) with excellent pH-responsive drug release. These nanoparticles have also been used as imaging probes in fluorescence imaging. Some preliminary experiments to evaluate their application in magnetic resonance imaging have also been explored. A detailed fluorescence imaging study has confirmed the efficient delivery of drugs to the nuclei of cancer cells with a high cytotoxic effect. Synthesized surface-engineered nanomaterials having small hydrodynamic size, excellent colloidal stability, and high drug-loading capacity, along with targeted and pH-responsive delivery of dual drugs to the cancer cells, will be potential nanobiomaterials for various biomedical applications.

Microvalve controlled multi-functional microfluidic chip for divisional cell co-culture.

PubMed

Li, Rui; Zhang, Xingjian; Lv, Xuefei; Geng, Lina; Li, Yongrui; Qin, Kuiwei; Deng, Yulin

2017-12-15

Pneumatic micro-valve controlled microfluidic chip provides precise fluidic control for cell manipulation. In this paper, a multi-functional microfluidic chip was designed for three separate experiments: 1. Different cell lines were dispensed and cultured; 2. Three transfected SH-SY5Y cells were introduced and treated with methyl-phenyl-pyridinium (MPP + ) as drug delivery mode; 3. Specific protection and interaction were observed among cell co-culture after nerve damage. The outcomes revealed the potential and practicability of our entire multi-functional pneumatic chip system on different cell biology applications. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Synthesis and evaluation of multifunctional ferulic and caffeic acid dimers for Alzheimer's disease.

PubMed

He, Xi-Xin; Yang, Xiao-Hong; Ou, Rui-Ying; Ouyang, Ying; Wang, Sheng-Nan; Chen, Zi-Wei; Wen, Shi-Jun; Pi, Rong-Biao

2017-03-01

In this study, a series of novel ferulic and caffeic acid dimers was designed and synthesised, and their multifunctional properties against Alzheimer's disease (AD) were evaluated. Results showed that our multifunctional strategy was great supported by enhancing the inhibition of Aβ 1-42 self-induced aggregation. Moreover, 7b also had potent protective effects against glutamate-induced cell death without significant cell toxicity in mouse hippocampal neuronal HT22 cells and 10c effectively scavenged diphenylpicrylhydrazyl free radicals. Collectively, these data strongly encourage further optimisation of 7b as a new hit to develop multifunctional agents for the treatment of AD.

Development of an antibody to bovine IL-2 reveals multifunctional CD4 T(EM) cells in cattle naturally infected with bovine tuberculosis.

PubMed

Whelan, Adam O; Villarreal-Ramos, Bernardo; Vordermeier, H Martin; Hogarth, Philip J

2011-01-01

Gaining a better understanding of the T cell mechanisms underlying natural immunity to bovine tuberculosis would help to identify immune correlates of disease progression and facilitate the rational design of improved vaccine and diagnostic strategies. CD4 T cells play an established central role in immunity to TB, and recent interest has focussed on the potential role of multifunctional CD4 T cells expressing IFN-γ, IL-2 and TNF-α. Until now, it has not been possible to assess the contribution of these multifunctional CD4 T cells in cattle due to the lack of reagents to detect bovine IL-2 (bIL-2). Using recombinant phage display technology, we have identified an antibody that recognises biologically active bIL-2. Using this antibody, we have developed a polychromatic flow cytometric staining panel that has allowed the investigation of multifunctional CD4 T-cells responses in cattle naturally infected with M. bovis. Assessment of the frequency of antigen specific CD4 T cell subsets reveals a dominant IFN-γ(+)IL-2(+)TNF-α(+) and IFN-γ(+) TNF-α(+) response in naturally infected cattle. These multifunctional CD4 T cells express a CD44(hi)CD45RO(+)CD62L(lo) T-effector memory (T(EM)) phenotype and display higher cytokine median fluorescence intensities than single cytokine producers, consistent with an enhanced 'quality of response' as reported for multifunctional cells in human and murine systems. Through our development of these novel immunological bovine tools, we provide the first description of multifunctional T(EM) cells in cattle. Application of these tools will improve our understanding of protective immunity in bovine TB and allow more direct comparisons of the complex T cell mediated immune responses between murine models, human clinical studies and bovine TB models in the future. © 2011 Whelan et al.

Multifunctional MgO Layer in Perovskite Solar Cells.

PubMed

Guo, Xudong; Dong, Haopeng; Li, Wenzhe; Li, Nan; Wang, Liduo

2015-06-08

A multifunctional magnesium oxide (MgO) layer was successfully introduced into perovskite solar cells (PSCs) to enhance their performance. MgO was coated onto the surface of mesoporous TiO(2) by the decomposition of magnesium acetate and, therefore, could block contact between the perovskite and TiO(2). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy showed that the amount of H(2)O/hydroxyl absorbed on the TiO(2) decreased after MgO modification. The UV/Vis absorption spectra of the perovskite with MgO modification revealed an enhanced photoelectric performance compared with that of unmodified perovskite after UV illumination. In addition to the photocurrent, the photovoltage and fill factor also showed an enhancement after modification, which resulted in an increase in the overall efficiency of the cell from 9.6 to 13.9 %. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) confirmed that MgO acts as an insulating layer to reduce charge recombination. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Biomimetic multifunctional surfaces inspired from animals.

PubMed

Han, Zhiwu; Mu, Zhengzhi; Yin, Wei; Li, Wen; Niu, Shichao; Zhang, Junqiu; Ren, Luquan

2016-08-01

Over millions of years, animals have evolved to a higher intelligent level for their environment. A large number of diverse surface structures on their bodies have been formed to adapt to the extremely harsh environment. Just like the structural diversity existed in plants, the same also applies true in animals. Firstly, this article provides an overview and discussion of the most common functional surface structures inspired from animals, such as drag reduction, noise reduction, anti-adhesion, anti-wear, anti-erosion, anti-fog, water capture, and optical surfaces. Then, some typical characteristics of morphologies, structures, and materials of the animal multifunctional surfaces were discussed. The adaptation of these surfaces to environmental conditions was also analyzed. It mainly focuses on the relationship between their surface functions and their surface structural characteristics. Afterwards, the multifunctional mechanisms or principles of these surfaces were discussed. Models of these structures were provided for the development of structure materials and machinery surfaces. At last, fabrication techniques and existing or potential technical applications inspired from biomimetic multifunctional surfaces in animals were also discussed. The application prospects of the biomimetic functional surfaces are very broad, such as civil field of self-cleaning textile fabrics and non-stick pots, ocean field of oil-water separation, sports field of swimming suits, space development field of lens arrays. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

MUC1, the renaissance molecule.

PubMed

Gendler, S J

2001-07-01

MUC1 is a large, heavily glycosylated mucin expressed on the apical surfaces of most simple, secretory epithelia including the mammary gland, gastrointestinal, respiratory, urinary and reproductive tracts. Although MUC1 was thought to be an epithelial-specific protein, it is now known to be expressed on a variety of hematopoietic cells as well. Mucins function in protection and lubrication of epithelial surfaces. Transmembrane mucins, which contain cytoplasmic tail domains, appear to have additional functions through their abilities to interact with many proteins involved in signal transduction and cell adhesion. The goal of this review is to highlight recent discoveries that suggest that MUC1 may be a multifunctional protein, located on the surfaces of cells as a sensor of the environment, poised to signal to the interior when things go awry.

A facile synthesis of strong near infrared fluorescent layered double hydroxide nanovehicles with an anticancer drug for tumor optical imaging and therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Chunping; Yee, Lee Kim; Gong, Hua; Zhang, Yong; Xu, Rong

2013-05-01

In this work, a new multifunctional nanovehicle for tumor optical imaging and therapy was developed using Y2O3:Er3+,Yb3+ nanoparticles as near infrared fluorescent nanophosphors, and MgAl-layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanosheets as anticancer drug nanovehicles. Monodispersed Y2O3:Er3+,Yb3+ nanophosphors were readily synthesized by the urea assisted homogenous precipitation method. Hierarchically structured LDH nanosheets intercalated with an anticancer drug, fluorouracil (5FU), were deposited on the surface of Y2O3:Er3+,Yb3+@SiO2 by a simple precipitation method followed by hydrothermal treatment. The resultant Y2O3:Er3+,Yb3+@SiO2@LDH-5FU nanovehicles exhibit strong red upconversion fluorescence under the excitation of a 980 nm laser, which allows tracking of the nanovehicles after localization in cancer cells. A better anticancer efficiency was obtained over the nanovehicles than the free drug which can be attributed to their positively charged surfaces for favorable interaction with the negatively charged cell membranes. The multifunctional nanovehicles designed in this work are expected to be promising material candidates for simultaneous tumor optical imaging and therapy.In this work, a new multifunctional nanovehicle for tumor optical imaging and therapy was developed using Y2O3:Er3+,Yb3+ nanoparticles as near infrared fluorescent nanophosphors, and MgAl-layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanosheets as anticancer drug nanovehicles. Monodispersed Y2O3:Er3+,Yb3+ nanophosphors were readily synthesized by the urea assisted homogenous precipitation method. Hierarchically structured LDH nanosheets intercalated with an anticancer drug, fluorouracil (5FU), were deposited on the surface of Y2O3:Er3+,Yb3+@SiO2 by a simple precipitation method followed by hydrothermal treatment. The resultant Y2O3:Er3+,Yb3+@SiO2@LDH-5FU nanovehicles exhibit strong red upconversion fluorescence under the excitation of a 980 nm laser, which allows tracking of the nanovehicles after localization in cancer cells. A better anticancer efficiency was obtained over the nanovehicles than the free drug which can be attributed to their positively charged surfaces for favorable interaction with the negatively charged cell membranes. The multifunctional nanovehicles designed in this work are expected to be promising material candidates for simultaneous tumor optical imaging and therapy. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: TEM images of Y2O3:Er3+,Yb3+@SiO2 synthesized by using different amounts of TEOS, and confocal scanning laser microscopy images (Z stack) of MCF-7 cells incubated with Y2O3:Er3+,Yb3+@SiO2@LDH-5FU for 30 min and 24 h. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr00781b

Multi-functional nano silver: A novel disruptive and theranostic agent for pathogenic organisms in real-time

PubMed Central

Gopinath, Ponnusamy Manogaran; Ranjani, Anandan; Dhanasekaran, Dharumadurai; Thajuddin, Nooruddin; Archunan, Govindaraju; Akbarsha, Mohammad Abdulkader; Gulyás, Balázs; Padmanabhan, Parasuraman

2016-01-01

The present study was aimed at evaluating the fluorescence property, sporicidal potency against Bacillus and Clostridium endospores, and surface disinfecting ability of biogenic nano silver. The nano silver was synthesized using an actinobacterial cell-filtrate. The fluorescence property as well as imaging facilitator potency of this nano silver was verified adopting spectrofluorometer along with fluorescent and confocal laser scanning microscope wherein strong emission and bright green fluorescence, respectively, on the entire spore surface was observed. Subsequently, the endospores of B. subtilis, B. cereus, B. amyloliquefaciens, C. perfringens and C. difficile were treated with physical sporicides, chemical sporicides and nano silver, in which the nano silver brought about pronounced inhibition even at a very low concentration. Finally, the environmental surface-sanitizing potency of nano silver was investigated adopting cage co-contamination assay, wherein vital organs of mice exposed to the nano silver-treated cage did not show any signs of pathological lesions, thus signifying the ability of nano silver to completely disinfect the spore or reduce the count required for infection. Taken these observations together, we have shown the multi-functional biological properties of the nano silver, synthesized using an actinobacterial cell-filtrate, which could be of application in advanced diagnostics, biomedical engineering and therapeutics in the near future. PMID:27666290

Cell-Specific Multifunctional Processing of Heterogeneous Cell Systems in a Single Laser Pulse Treatment

PubMed Central

Lukianova-Hleb, Ekaterina Y.; Mutonga, Martin B. G.; Lapotko, Dmitri O.

2012-01-01

Current methods of cell processing for gene and cell therapies use several separate procedures for gene transfer and cell separation or elimination, because no current technology can offer simultaneous multi-functional processing of specific cell sub-sets in highly heterogeneous cell systems. Using the cell-specific generation of plasmonic nanobubbles of different sizes around cell-targeted gold nanoshells and nanospheres, we achieved simultaneous multifunctional cell-specific processing in a rapid single 70 ps laser pulse bulk treatment of heterogeneous cell suspension. This method supported the detection of cells, delivery of external molecular cargo to one type of cells and the concomitant destruction of another type of cells without damaging other cells in suspension, and real-time guidance of the two above cellular effects. PMID:23167546

Cholera Toxin Subunit B Enabled Multifunctional Glioma-Targeted Drug Delivery.

PubMed

Guan, Juan; Zhang, Zui; Hu, Xuefeng; Yang, Yang; Chai, Zhilan; Liu, Xiaoqin; Liu, Jican; Gao, Bo; Lu, Weiyue; Qian, Jun; Zhan, Changyou

2017-12-01

Glioma is among the most formidable brain cancers due to location in the brain. Cholera toxin subunit B (CTB) is investigated to facilitate multifunctional glioma-targeted drug delivery by targeting the glycosphingolipid GM1 expressed in the blood-brain barrier (BBB), neovasulature, and glioma cells. When modified on the surface of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (CTB-NPs), CTB fully retains its bioactivity after 24 h incubation in the fresh mouse plasma. The formed protein corona (PC) of CTB-NP and plain PLGA nanoparticles (NP) after incubation in plasma is analyzed using liquid chromatography tandem massspectrometry (nano-LC-MS/MS). CTB modification does not alter the protein components of the formed PC, macrophage phagocytosis, or pharmacokinetic profiles. CTB-NP can efficiently penetrate the in vitro BBB model and target glioma cells and human umbilical vascular endothelial cells. Paclitaxel is loaded in NP (NP/PTX) and CTB-NP (CTB-NP/PTX), and their antiglioma effects are assessed in nude mice bearing intracranial glioma. CTB-NP/PTX can efficiently induce apoptosis of intracranial glioma cells and ablate neovasulature in vivo, resulting in significant prolongation of survival of nude mice bearing intracranial glioma (34 d) in comparison to those treated with NP/PTX (29 d), Taxol (24 d), and saline (21 d). The present study suggests a potential multifunctional glioma-targeted drug delivery system enabled by cholera toxin subunit B. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Trivalent galactosyl-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles as a target-specific delivery system for boron neutron capture therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lai, Chian-Hui; Lai, Nien-Chu; Chuang, Yung-Jen; Chou, Fong-In; Yang, Chia-Min; Lin, Chun-Cheng

2013-09-01

A multi-functional mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN)-based boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) agent, designated as T-Gal-B-Cy3@MSN, was synthesized with hydrophobic mesopores for incorporating a large amount of o-carborane (almost 60% (w/w) boron atoms per MSN), and the amines on the external surface were conjugated with trivalent galactosyl ligands and fluorescent dyes for cell targeting and imaging, respectively. The polar and hydrophilic galactosyl ligands enhance the water dispersibility of the BNCT agent and inhibit the possible leakage of o-carborane loaded in the MSN. Confocal microscopic images showed that T-Gal-B-Cy3@MSNs were endocytosed by cells and were then released from lysosomes into the cytoplasm of cells. Moreover, in comparison with the commonly used clinical BNCT agent, sodium borocaptate (BSH), T-Gal-B-Cy3@MSN provides a higher delivery efficiency (over 40-50 fold) of boron atoms and a better effect of BNCT in neutron irradiation experiments. MTT assays show a very low cytotoxicity for T-Gal-B-Cy3@MSN over a 2 h incubation time. The results are promising for the design of multifunctional MSNs as potential BNCT agents for clinical use.A multi-functional mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN)-based boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) agent, designated as T-Gal-B-Cy3@MSN, was synthesized with hydrophobic mesopores for incorporating a large amount of o-carborane (almost 60% (w/w) boron atoms per MSN), and the amines on the external surface were conjugated with trivalent galactosyl ligands and fluorescent dyes for cell targeting and imaging, respectively. The polar and hydrophilic galactosyl ligands enhance the water dispersibility of the BNCT agent and inhibit the possible leakage of o-carborane loaded in the MSN. Confocal microscopic images showed that T-Gal-B-Cy3@MSNs were endocytosed by cells and were then released from lysosomes into the cytoplasm of cells. Moreover, in comparison with the commonly used clinical BNCT agent, sodium borocaptate (BSH), T-Gal-B-Cy3@MSN provides a higher delivery efficiency (over 40-50 fold) of boron atoms and a better effect of BNCT in neutron irradiation experiments. MTT assays show a very low cytotoxicity for T-Gal-B-Cy3@MSN over a 2 h incubation time. The results are promising for the design of multifunctional MSNs as potential BNCT agents for clinical use. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr02594b

Multifunctional Textured Surfaces with Enhanced Friction and Hydrophobic Behaviors Produced by Fiber Debonding and Pullout.

PubMed

Rizvi, Reza; Anwer, Ali; Fernie, Geoff; Dutta, Tilak; Naguib, Hani

2016-11-02

Fiber debonding and pullout are well-understood processes that occur during damage and failure events in composite materials. In this study, we show how these mechanisms, under controlled conditions, can be used to produce multifunctional textured surfaces. A two-step process consisting of (1) achieving longitudinal fiber alignment followed by (2) cutting, rearranging, and joining is used to produce the textured surfaces. This process employs common composite manufacturing techniques and uses no reactive chemicals or wet handling, making it suitable for scalability. This uniform textured surface is due to the fiber debonding and pullout occurring during the cutting process. Using well-established fracture mechanics principles for composite materials, we demonstrate how different material parameters such as fiber geometry, fiber and matrix stiffness and strength, and interface behavior can be used to achieve multifunctional textured surfaces. The resulting textured surfaces show very high friction coefficients on wet ice (9× improvement), indicating their promising potential as materials for ice traction/tribology. Furthermore, the texturing enhances the surface's hydrophobicity as indicated by an increase in the contact angle of water by 30%. The substantial improvements to surface tribology and hydrophobicity make fiber debonding and pullout an effective, simple, and scalable method of producing multifunctional textured surfaces.

Multifunctional polymeric nanoconstructs for biomedical applications (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Decuzzi, Paolo

2016-09-01

Multifunctional nanoconstructs are particle-based nano-scale systems designed for the `smart' delivery of therapeutic and imaging agents. The Laboratory of Nanotechnology for Precision Medicine at the Italian Institute of Technology synthesizes polymeric nanoconstructs with different sizes, ranging from a few tens of nanometers to a few microns; shapes, including spherical, cubical and discoidal; surface properties, with positive, negative, neutral coatings; and mechanical stiffness, varying from that of cells to rigid, inorganic materials, such as iron oxide. These are the 4S parameters - size, shape, surface, stiffness - which can be precisely tuned in the synthesis process enabling disease- and patient-specific designs of multifunctional nanoconstructs. In this lecture, the application of these nanoconstructs to the detection and treatment of cancer lesions and cardiovascular diseases, such as thrombosis and atherosclerosis, is discussed. The contribution of the 4S parameters in modulating nanoconstruct sequestration by the mononuclear phagocyte system, organ specific accumulation, and blood longevity is also critically presented. These polymeric nanoconstructs can be loaded with a variety of therapeutic payloads - anti-cancer molecules (docetaxel, paclitaxel, doxorubicin), anti-inflammatory molecules (curcumin, diclofenac, celecoxib) and small biologicals (peptides, siRNAs, miRNAs); and imaging agents - optical probes; Gd and iron oxide nanoparticles for MR imaging; and radio-isotopes for Nuclear Imaging.

Nanotextured titanium surfaces stimulate spreading, migration, and growth of rat mast cells.

PubMed

Marcatti Amarú Maximiano, William; Marino Mazucato, Vivian; Tambasco de Oliveira, Paulo; Célia Jamur, Maria; Oliver, Constance

2017-08-01

Titanium is a biomaterial widely used in dental and orthopedic implants. Since tissue-implant interactions occur at the nanoscale level, nanotextured titanium surfaces may affect cellular activity and modulate the tissue response that occurs at the tissue-implant interface. Therefore, the characterization of diverse cell types in response to titanium surfaces with nanotopography is important for the rational design of implants. Mast cells are multifunctional cells of the immune system that release a range of chemical mediators involved in the inflammatory response that occurs at the tissue-implant interface. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the nanotopography of titanium surfaces on the physiology of mast cells. The results show that the nanotopography of titanium surfaces promoted the spreading of mast cells, which was accompanied by the reorganization of the cytoskeleton. Also, the nanotopography of titanium surfaces enhanced cell migration and cell growth, but did not alter the number of adherent cells in first hours of culture or affect focal adhesions and mediator release. Thus, the results show that nanotopography of titanium surfaces can affect mast cell physiology, and represents an improved strategy for the rational production of surfaces that stimulate tissue integration with the titanium implants. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2150-2161, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

All silicon electrode photocapacitor for integrated energy storage and conversion.

PubMed

Cohn, Adam P; Erwin, William R; Share, Keith; Oakes, Landon; Westover, Andrew S; Carter, Rachel E; Bardhan, Rizia; Pint, Cary L

2015-04-08

We demonstrate a simple wafer-scale process by which an individual silicon wafer can be processed into a multifunctional platform where one side is adapted to replace platinum and enable triiodide reduction in a dye-sensitized solar cell and the other side provides on-board charge storage as an electrochemical supercapacitor. This builds upon electrochemical fabrication of dual-sided porous silicon and subsequent carbon surface passivation for silicon electrochemical stability. The utilization of this silicon multifunctional platform as a combined energy storage and conversion system yields a total device efficiency of 2.1%, where the high frequency discharge capability of the integrated supercapacitor gives promise for dynamic load-leveling operations to overcome current and voltage fluctuations during solar energy harvesting.

Smart multifunctional drug delivery towards anticancer therapy harmonized in mesoporous nanoparticles.

PubMed

Baek, Seonmi; Singh, Rajendra K; Khanal, Dipesh; Patel, Kapil D; Lee, Eun-Jung; Leong, Kam W; Chrzanowski, Wojciech; Kim, Hae-Won

2015-09-14

Nanomedicine seeks to apply nanoscale materials for the therapy and diagnosis of diseased and damaged tissues. Recent advances in nanotechnology have made a major contribution to the development of multifunctional nanomaterials, which represents a paradigm shift from single purpose to multipurpose materials. Multifunctional nanomaterials have been proposed to enable simultaneous target imaging and on-demand delivery of therapeutic agents only to the specific site. Most advanced systems are also responsive to internal or external stimuli. This approach is particularly important for highly potent drugs (e.g. chemotherapeutics), which should be delivered in a discreet manner and interact with cells/tissues only locally. Both advances in imaging and precisely controlled and localized delivery are critically important in cancer treatment, and the use of such systems - theranostics - holds great promise to minimise side effects and boost therapeutic effectiveness of the treatment. Among others, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs) are considered one of the most promising nanomaterials for drug delivery. Due to their unique intrinsic features, including tunable porosity and size, large surface area, structural diversity, easily modifiable chemistry and suitability for functionalization, and biocompatibility, MSNPs have been extensively utilized as multifunctional nanocarrier systems. The combination or hybridization with biomolecules, drugs, and other nanoparticles potentiated the ability of MSNPs towards multifunctionality, and even smart actions stimulated by specified signals, including pH, optical signal, redox reaction, electricity and magnetism. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art of multifunctional, smart drug delivery systems centered on advanced MSNPs, with special emphasis on cancer related applications.

Smart multifunctional drug delivery towards anticancer therapy harmonized in mesoporous nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baek, Seonmi; Singh, Rajendra K.; Khanal, Dipesh; Patel, Kapil D.; Lee, Eun-Jung; Leong, Kam W.; Chrzanowski, Wojciech; Kim, Hae-Won

2015-08-01

Nanomedicine seeks to apply nanoscale materials for the therapy and diagnosis of diseased and damaged tissues. Recent advances in nanotechnology have made a major contribution to the development of multifunctional nanomaterials, which represents a paradigm shift from single purpose to multipurpose materials. Multifunctional nanomaterials have been proposed to enable simultaneous target imaging and on-demand delivery of therapeutic agents only to the specific site. Most advanced systems are also responsive to internal or external stimuli. This approach is particularly important for highly potent drugs (e.g. chemotherapeutics), which should be delivered in a discreet manner and interact with cells/tissues only locally. Both advances in imaging and precisely controlled and localized delivery are critically important in cancer treatment, and the use of such systems - theranostics - holds great promise to minimise side effects and boost therapeutic effectiveness of the treatment. Among others, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs) are considered one of the most promising nanomaterials for drug delivery. Due to their unique intrinsic features, including tunable porosity and size, large surface area, structural diversity, easily modifiable chemistry and suitability for functionalization, and biocompatibility, MSNPs have been extensively utilized as multifunctional nanocarrier systems. The combination or hybridization with biomolecules, drugs, and other nanoparticles potentiated the ability of MSNPs towards multifunctionality, and even smart actions stimulated by specified signals, including pH, optical signal, redox reaction, electricity and magnetism. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art of multifunctional, smart drug delivery systems centered on advanced MSNPs, with special emphasis on cancer related applications.

Biosilica from Living Diatoms: Investigations on Biocompatibility of Bare and Chemically Modified Thalassiosira weissflogii Silica Shells

PubMed Central

Cicco, Stefania Roberta; Vona, Danilo; Gristina, Roberto; Sardella, Eloisa; Ragni, Roberta; Lo Presti, Marco; Farinola, Gianluca Maria

2016-01-01

In the past decade, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) with a large surface area and pore volume have attracted considerable attention for their application in drug delivery and biomedicine. Here we propose biosilica from diatoms as an alternative source of mesoporous materials in the field of multifunctional supports for cell growth: the biosilica surfaces were chemically modified by traditional silanization methods resulting in diatom silica microparticles functionalized with 3-mercaptopropyl-trimethoxysilane (MPTMS) and 3-aminopropyl-triethoxysilane (APTES). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses revealed that the –SH or –NH2 were successfully grafted onto the biosilica surface. The relationship among the type of functional groups and the cell viability was established as well as the interaction of the cells with the nanoporosity of frustules. These results show that diatom microparticles are promising natural biomaterials suitable for cell growth, and that the surfaces, owing to the mercapto groups, exhibit good biocompatibility. PMID:28952597

Cancer theranostics: Multifunctional gold nanoparticles for diagnostics and therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Conde, Joao Diogo Osorio de Castro

The use of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) has been gaining momentum in molecular diagnostics due to their unique physico-chemical properties these systems present huge advantages, such as increased sensitivity, reduced cost and potential for single-molecule characterisation. Because of their versatility and easy of functionalisation, multifunctional AuNPs have also been proposed as optimal delivery systems for therapy (nanovectors). Being able to produce such systems would mean the dawn of a new age in theranostics (diagnostics and therapy)driven by nanotechnology vehicles. Nanotechnology can be exploit for cancer theranostics via the development of diagnostics systems such as colorimetric and imunoassays, and in therapy approaches through gene therapy, drug delivery and tumour targeting systems. The unique characteristics of nanoparticles in the nanometre range, such as high surface-tovolume ratio or shape/size-dependent optical properties, are drastically different from those of their bulk materials and hold pledge in the clinical field for disease therapeutics. This PhD project intends to optimise a gold-nanoparticle based technique for the detection of oncogenes' transcripts (c-Myc and BCR-ABL) that can be used for the evaluation of the expression profile in cancer cells, while simultaneously developing an innovative platform of multifunctional gold nanoparticles (tumour markers, cell penetrating peptides, fluorescent dyes) loaded with siRNA capable of silencing the selected proto-oncogenes, which can be used to evaluate the level of expression and determine the efficiency of silencing. In order to achieve this goal we developed effective conjugation strategies to combine, in a highly controlled way, biomolecules to the surface of AuNPs with specific functions such as: ssDNA oligos to detect specific sequences and for mRNA quantification; Biofunctional spacers: Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) spacers used to increase solubility and biocompatibility and confer chemical functionality; Cell penetrating peptides: to overcome the lipophilic barrier of the cellular membranes and deliver molecules into cells using TAT peptide to achieve cytoplasm and nucleus; Quaternary ammonium: to introduce stable positively charged in gold nanoparticles surface; and RNA interference: siRNA complementary to a master regulator gene, the proto-oncogene c-Myc, that is implicated in cell growth, proliferation, loss of differentiation, and cell death. In order to establish that they are viable alternatives to the available methods, these innovative nanoparticles were extensively characterized on their chemical functionalization, ease of uptake, cellular toxicity and inflammation, and knockdown of MYC protein expression in several cancer cell lines and in in vivo models.

Development of multifunctional nanoparticles towards applications in non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging and axonal tracing.

PubMed

Du, Yan; Qin, Yubo; Li, Zizhen; Yang, Xiuying; Zhang, Jingchang; Westwick, Harrison; Tsai, Eve; Cao, Xudong

2017-12-01

A multifunctional nanobiomaterial has been developed by deliberately combining functions of superparamagnetism, fluorescence, and axonal tracing into one material. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles were first synthesized and coated with a silica layer to prevent emission quenching through core-dye interactions; a fluorescent molecule, fluorescein isothiocyanate, was doped inside second layer of silica shell to improve photo-stability and to enable further thiol functionalization. Subsequently, biotinylated dextran amine, a sensitive axonal tracing reagent, was immobilized on the thiol-functionalized nanoparticle surfaces. The resulting nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, magnetic resonance imaging and fluorescence confocal microscopy. In vitro cell experiments using both undifferentiated and differentiated Neuro-2a cells showed that the cells were able to take up the nanoparticles intracellularly and that the nanoparticles showed good biocompatibilities. In summary, this new material demonstrated promising performances for both optical and magnetic resonance imaging modalities, suggesting its promising potentials in applications such as in non-invasive imaging, particularly in neuronal tracing.

Pleiotrophin, a multifunctional cytokine and growth factor, induces leukocyte responses through the integrin Mac-1.

PubMed

Shen, Di; Podolnikova, Nataly P; Yakubenko, Valentin P; Ardell, Christopher L; Balabiyev, Arnat; Ugarova, Tatiana P; Wang, Xu

2017-11-17

Pleiotrophin (PTN) is a multifunctional, cationic, glycosaminoglycan-binding cytokine and growth factor involved in numerous physiological and pathological processes, including tissue repair and inflammation-related diseases. PTN has been shown to promote leukocyte responses by inducing their migration and expression of inflammatory cytokines. However, the mechanisms through which PTN mediates these responses remain unclear. Here, we identified the integrin Mac-1 (αMβ2, CD11b/CD18) as the receptor mediating macrophage adhesion and migration to PTN. We also found that expression of Mac-1 on the surface of human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells induced their adhesion and migration to PTN. Accordingly, PTN promoted Mac-1-dependent cell spreading and initiated intracellular signaling manifested in phosphorylation of Erk1/2. While binding to PTN, Mac-1 on Mac-1-expressing HEK293 cells appears to cooperate with cell-surface proteoglycans because both anti-Mac-1 function-blocking mAb and heparin were required to block adhesion. Moreover, biolayer interferometry and NMR indicated a direct interaction between the α M I domain, the major ligand-binding region of Mac-1, and PTN. Using peptide libraries, we found that in PTN the α M I domain bound sequences enriched in basic and hydrophobic residues, indicating that PTN conforms to the general principle of ligand-recognition specificity of the α M I domain toward cationic proteins/peptides. Finally, using recombinant PTN-derived fragments, we show that PTN contains two distinct Mac-1-binding sites in each of its constitutive domains. Collectively, these results identify PTN as a ligand for the integrin Mac-1 on the surface of leukocytes and suggest that this interaction may play a role in inflammatory responses. © 2017 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Multi-functional liposomes showing radiofrequency-triggered release and magnetic resonance imaging for tumor multi-mechanism therapy.

PubMed

Du, Bin; Han, Shuping; Li, Hongyan; Zhao, Feifei; Su, Xiangjie; Cao, Xiaohui; Zhang, Zhenzhong

2015-03-12

Recently, nanoplatforms with multiple functions, such as tumor-targeting drug carriers, MRI, optical imaging, thermal therapy etc., have become popular in the field of cancer research. The present study reports a novel multi-functional liposome for cancer theranostics. A dual targeted drug delivery with radiofrequency-triggered drug release and imaging based on the magnetic field influence was used advantageously for tumor multi-mechanism therapy. In this system, the surface of fullerene (C60) was decorated with iron oxide nanoparticles, and PEGylation formed a hybrid nanosystem (C60-Fe3O4-PEG2000). Thermosensitive liposomes (dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, DPPC) with DSPE-PEG2000-folate wrapped up the hybrid nanosystem and docetaxel (DTX), which were designed to combine features of biological and physical (magnetic) drug targeting for fullerene radiofrequency-triggered drug release. The magnetic liposomes not only served as powerful tumor diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents, but also as powerful agents for photothermal ablation of tumors. Furthermore, a remarkable thermal therapy combined chemotherapy multi-functional liposome nanoplatform converted radiofrequency energy into thermal energy to release drugs from thermosensitive liposomes, which was also observed during both in vitro and in vivo treatment. The multi-functional liposomes also could selectively kill cancer cells in highly localized regions via their excellent active tumor targeting and magnetic targeted abilities.

Multifunctional biocompatible graphene oxide quantum dots decorated magnetic nanoplatform for efficient capture and two-photon imaging of rare tumor cells.

PubMed

Shi, Yongliang; Pramanik, Avijit; Tchounwou, Christine; Pedraza, Francisco; Crouch, Rebecca A; Chavva, Suhash Reddy; Vangara, Aruna; Sinha, Sudarson Sekhar; Jones, Stacy; Sardar, Dhiraj; Hawker, Craig; Ray, Paresh Chandra

2015-05-27

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are extremely rare cells in blood containing billions of other cells. The selective capture and identification of rare cells with sufficient sensitivity is a real challenge. Driven by this need, this manuscript reports the development of a multifunctional biocompatible graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQDs) coated, high-luminescence magnetic nanoplatform for the selective separation and diagnosis of Glypican-3 (GPC3)-expressed Hep G2 liver cancer tumor CTCs from infected blood. Experimental data show that an anti-GPC3-antibody-attached multifunctional nanoplatform can be used for selective Hep G2 hepatocellular carcinoma tumor cell separation from infected blood containing 10 tumor cells/mL of blood in a 15 mL sample. Reported data indicate that, because of an extremely high two-photon absorption cross section (40530 GM), an anti-GPC3-antibody-attached GOQDs-coated magnetic nanoplatform can be used as a two-photon luminescence platform for selective and very bright imaging of a Hep G2 tumor cell in a biological transparency window using 960 nm light. Experimental results with nontargeted GPC3(-) and SK-BR-3 breast cancer cells show that multifunctional-nanoplatform-based cell separation, followed by two-photon imaging, is highly selective for Hep G2 hepatocellular carcinoma tumor cells.

A Novel Nonviral Gene Delivery System: Multifunctional Envelope-Type Nano Device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hatakeyama, Hiroto; Akita, Hidetaka; Kogure, Kentaro; Harashima, Hideyoshi

In this review we introduce a new concept for developing a nonviral gene delivery system which we call "Programmed Packaging." Based on this concept, we succeeded in developing a multifunctional envelope-type nano device (MEND), which exerts high transfection activities equivalent to those of an adenovirus in a dividing cell. The use of MEND has been extended to in vivo applications. PEG/peptide/DOPE ternary conjugate (PPD)-MEND, a new in vivo gene delivery system for the targeting of tumor cells that dissociates surface-modified PEG in tumor tissue by matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and exerts significant transfection activities, was developed. In parallel with the development of MEND, a quantitative gene delivery system, Confocal Image-assisted 3-dimensionally integrated quantification (CIDIQ), also was developed. This method identified the rate-limiting step of the nonviral gene delivery system by comparing it with adenoviral-mediated gene delivery. The results of this analysis provide a new direction for the development of rational nonviral gene delivery systems.

Multifunctional enveloped mesoporous silica nanoparticles for subcellular co-delivery of drug and therapeutic peptide.

PubMed

Luo, Guo-Feng; Chen, Wei-Hai; Liu, Yun; Lei, Qi; Zhuo, Ren-Xi; Zhang, Xian-Zheng

2014-08-14

A multifunctional enveloped nanodevice based on mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN) was delicately designed for subcellular co-delivery of drug and therapeutic peptide to tumor cells. Mesoporous silica MCM-41 nanoparticles were used as the core for loading antineoplastic drug topotecan (TPT). The surface of nanoparticles was decorated with mitochondria-targeted therapeutic agent (Tpep) containing triphenylphosphonium (TPP) and antibiotic peptide (KLAKLAK)2 via disulfide linkage, followed by coating with a charge reversal polyanion poly(ethylene glycol)-blocked-2,3-dimethylmaleic anhydride-modified poly(L-lysine) (PEG-PLL(DMA)) via electrostatic interaction. It was found that the outer shielding layer could be removed at acidic tumor microenvironment due to the degradation of DMA blocks and the cellular uptake was significantly enhanced by the formation of cationic nanoparticles. After endocytosis, due to the cleavage of disulfide bonds in the presence of intracellular glutathione (GSH), pharmacological agents (Tpep and TPT) could be released from the nanoparticles and subsequently induce specific damage of tumor cell mitochondria and nucleus respectively with remarkable synergistic antitumor effect.

Graphene Oxide-Based Nanocomposites Decorated with Silver Nanoparticles as an Antibacterial Agent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jaworski, Sławomir; Wierzbicki, Mateusz; Sawosz, Ewa; Jung, Anna; Gielerak, Grzegorz; Biernat, Joanna; Jaremek, Henryk; Łojkowski, Witold; Woźniak, Bartosz; Wojnarowicz, Jacek; Stobiński, Leszek; Małolepszy, Artur; Mazurkiewicz-Pawlicka, Marta; Łojkowski, Maciej; Kurantowicz, Natalia; Chwalibog, André

2018-04-01

One of the most promising methods against drug-resistant bacteria can be surface-modified materials with biocidal nanoparticles and nanocomposites. Herein, we present a nanocomposite with silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) on the surface of graphene oxide (GO) as a novel multifunctional antibacterial and antifungal material. Ultrasonic technologies have been used as an effective method of coating polyurethane foils. Toxicity on gram-negative bacteria ( Escherichia coli), gram-positive bacteria ( Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis), and pathogenic yeast ( Candida albicans) was evaluated by analysis of cell morphology, assessment of cell viability using the PrestoBlue assay, analysis of cell membrane integrity using the lactate dehydrogenase assay, and reactive oxygen species production. Compared to Ag-NPs and GO, which have been widely used as antibacterial agents, our nanocomposite shows much higher antimicrobial efficiency toward bacteria and yeast cells.

Graphene Oxide-Based Nanocomposites Decorated with Silver Nanoparticles as an Antibacterial Agent.

PubMed

Jaworski, Sławomir; Wierzbicki, Mateusz; Sawosz, Ewa; Jung, Anna; Gielerak, Grzegorz; Biernat, Joanna; Jaremek, Henryk; Łojkowski, Witold; Woźniak, Bartosz; Wojnarowicz, Jacek; Stobiński, Leszek; Małolepszy, Artur; Mazurkiewicz-Pawlicka, Marta; Łojkowski, Maciej; Kurantowicz, Natalia; Chwalibog, André

2018-04-23

One of the most promising methods against drug-resistant bacteria can be surface-modified materials with biocidal nanoparticles and nanocomposites. Herein, we present a nanocomposite with silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) on the surface of graphene oxide (GO) as a novel multifunctional antibacterial and antifungal material. Ultrasonic technologies have been used as an effective method of coating polyurethane foils. Toxicity on gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli), gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis), and pathogenic yeast (Candida albicans) was evaluated by analysis of cell morphology, assessment of cell viability using the PrestoBlue assay, analysis of cell membrane integrity using the lactate dehydrogenase assay, and reactive oxygen species production. Compared to Ag-NPs and GO, which have been widely used as antibacterial agents, our nanocomposite shows much higher antimicrobial efficiency toward bacteria and yeast cells.

Gold nano-popcorn-based targeted diagnosis, nanotherapy treatment, and in situ monitoring of photothermal therapy response of prostate cancer cells using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy.

PubMed

Lu, Wentong; Singh, Anant Kumar; Khan, Sadia Afrin; Senapati, Dulal; Yu, Hongtao; Ray, Paresh Chandra

2010-12-29

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death among the American male population, and the cost of treating prostate cancer patients is about $10 billion/year in the United States. Current treatments are mostly ineffective against advanced-stage prostate cancer and are often associated with severe side effects. Driven by these factors, we report a multifunctional, nanotechnology-driven, gold nano-popcorn-based surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) assay for targeted sensing, nanotherapy treatment, and in situ monitoring of photothermal nanotherapy response during the therapy process. Our experimental data show that, in the presence of LNCaP human prostate cancer cells, multifunctional popcorn-shaped gold nanoparticles form several hot spots and provide a significant enhancement of the Raman signal intensity by several orders of magnitude (2.5 × 10(9)). As a result, it can recognize human prostate cancer cells at the 50-cells level. Our results indicate that the localized heating that occurs during near-infrared irradiation can cause irreparable cellular damage to the prostate cancer cells. Our in situ time-dependent results demonstrate for the first time that, by monitoring SERS intensity changes, one can monitor photothermal nanotherapy response during the therapy process. Possible mechanisms and operating principles of our SERS assay are discussed. Ultimately, this nanotechnology-driven assay could have enormous potential applications in rapid, on-site targeted sensing, nanotherapy treatment, and monitoring of the nanotherapy process, which are critical to providing effective treatment of cancer.

Gold Nano-Popcorn Based Targeted Diagonosis, Nanotherapy Treatment and In-Situ Monitoring of Photothermal Therapy Response of Prostate Cancer Cells Using Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

PubMed Central

Lu, Wentong; Singh, Anant Kumar; Khan, Sadia Afrin; Senapati, Dulal; Yu, Hongtao; Ray, Paresh Chandra

2010-01-01

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death among the American male population and the cost of treating prostate cancer patients is about $10 billion/year in the US. Current treatments are mostly ineffective against advanced stage prostate cancer disease and are often associated with severe side effects. Driven by the need, in this manuscript, we report multifunctional nanotechnology-driven gold nano-popcorn based surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) assay for targeted sensing, nanotherapy treatment and in-situ monitoring of photothermal nanotherapy response during the therapy process. Our experimental data show that in the presence of LNCaP human prostate cancer cell, multifunctional popcorn shape gold nanoparticle forms several hot spots and provides a significant enhancement of the Raman signal intensity by several orders of magnitude (2.5 × 109). As a result, it can recognize human prostate cancer cell in 50 cells level. Our results indicate that the localized heating that occurs during NIR irradiation is able to cause irreparable cellular damage of the prostate cancer cell. Our in-situ time dependent results demonstrates for the first time that by monitoring SERS intensity change, one can monitor photo thermal nanotherapy response during therapy process. Possible mechanisms and operating principle of our SERS assay have been discussed. Ultimately, this nanotechnology driven assay could have enormous potential applications in rapid, on-site targeted sensing, nanotherapy treatment and monitoring of nanotherapy process which is critical to providing effective treatment of cancer disease. PMID:21128627

Development of Multifunctional Nanoparticles for Targeted Drug Delivery and Non-invasive Imaging of Therapeutic Effect

PubMed Central

Sajja, Hari Krishna; East, Michael P.; Mao, Hui; Wang, Andrew Y.; Nie, Shuming; Yang, Lily

2011-01-01

Nanotechnology is a multidisciplinary scientific field undergoing explosive development. Nanometer-sized particles offer novel structural, optical and electronic properties that are not attainable with individual molecules or bulk solids. Advances in nanomedicine can be made by engineering biodegradable nanoparticles such as magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, polymers, dendrimers and liposomes that are capable of targeted delivery of both imaging agents and anticancer drugs. This leads toward the concept and possibility of personalized medicine for the potential of early detection of cancer lesions, determination of molecular signatures of the tumor by non-invasive imaging and, most importantly, molecular targeted cancer therapy. Increasing evidence suggests that the nanoparticles, whose surface contains a targeting molecule that binds to receptors highly expressed in tumor cells, can serve as cancer image contrast agents to increase sensitivity and specificity in tumor detection. In comparison with other small molecule contrast agents, the advantage of using nanoparticles is their large surface area and the possibility of surface modifications for further conjugation or encapsulation of large amounts of therapeutic agents. Targeted nanoparticles ferry large doses of therapeutic agents into malignant cells while sparing the normal healthy cells. Such multifunctional nanodevices hold the promise of significant improvement of current clinical management of cancer patients. This review explores the development of nanoparticles for enabling and improving the targeted delivery of therapeutic agents, the potential of nanomedicine, and the development of novel and more effective diagnostic and screening techniques to extend the limits of molecular diagnostics providing point-of-care diagnosis and more personalized medicine. PMID:19275541

Triple Therapy of HER2+ Cancer Using Radiolabeled Multifunctional Iron Oxide Nanoparticles and Alternating Magnetic Field.

PubMed

Zolata, Hamidreza; Afarideh, Hossein; Davani, Fereydoun Abbasi

2016-11-01

By using radio-labeled multifunctional superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) and an alternating magnetic field (AMF), we carried out targeted hyperthermia, drug delivery, radio-immunotherapy (RIT), and controlled chemotherapy of cancer tumors. We synthesized and characterized Indium-111-labeled, Trastuzumab and Doxorubicin (DOX)-conjugated APTES-PEG-coated SPIONs in our previous work. Then, we evaluated their capability in SPECT/MRI (single photon emission computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging) dual modal molecular imaging, targeting, and controlled release. In this research, AMF was introduced to evaluate therapeutic effects of magnetic hyperthermia on radionuclide-chemo therapy of HER2 + cells and tumor (HER2 + )-bearing mice. In vitro and in vivo experiments using synthesized complex were repeated under an AMF (f: 100 KHz, H: 280 Gs). Instead of an intra-tumor injection in most hyperthermia experiments, SPIONs were injected to the tail vein, based on our delivery strategies. For magnetic delivery, we held a permanent Nd-B-Fe magnet near the tumor region. The results showed that simultaneous magnetic hyperthermia enhanced SKBR3 cancer cells, killing by 24%, 28%, 33%, and 80% at 48 hours post-treatment for treated cells with (1) bare SPIONs; (2) antibody-conjugated, DOX-free, surface-modified SPIONs; (3) 111 In-labeled, antibody-conjugated surface-modified SPIONs; and (4) 111 In-labeled, antibody- and DOX-conjugated surface-modified SPIONs, respectively. Moreover, tumor volume inhibitory rate was 85% after a 28 day period of treatment. By using this method, multimodal imaging-guided, targeted hyperthermia, RIT, and controlled chemotherapy could be achievable in the near future.

Polarization-switchable and wavelength-controllable multi-functional metasurface for focusing and surface-plasmon-polariton wave excitation.

PubMed

Ling, Yonghong; Huang, Lirong; Hong, Wei; Liu, Tongjun; Jing, Luan; Liu, Wenbin; Wang, Ziyong

2017-11-27

Realizing versatile functionalities in a single photonic device is crucial for photonic integration. We here propose a polarization-switchable and wavelength-controllable multi-functional metasurface. By changing the polarization state of incident light, its functionality can be switched between the flat focusing lens and exciting surface-plasmon-polariton (SPP) wave. Interestingly, by tuning the wavelength of incident light, the generated SPP waves can also be controlled at desired interfaces, traveling along the upper or lower interface of the metasurface, or along both of them, depending on whether the incident light satisfies the first or second Kerker condition. This polarization-switchable and wavelength-controllable multifunctional metasurface may provide flexibility in designing tunable or multifunctional metasurfaces and may find potential applications in highly integrated photonic systems.

Intelligent design of multifunctional lipid-coated nanoparticle platforms for cancer therapy.

PubMed

Ramishetti, Srinivas; Huang, Leaf

2012-12-01

Nanotechnology is rapidly evolving and dramatically changing the paradigms of drug delivery. The small sizes, unique chemical properties, large surface areas, structural diversity and multifunctionality of nanoparticles prove to be greatly advantageous for combating notoriously therapeutically evasive diseases such as cancer. Multifunctional nanoparticles have been designed to enhance tumor uptake through either passive or active targeting, while also avoiding reticuloendothelial system uptake through the incorporation of PEG onto the surface. First-generation nanoparticle systems, such as liposomes, are good carriers for drugs and nucleic acid therapeutics, although they have some limitations. These lipid bilayers are now being utilized as excellent carriers for drug-loaded, solid core particles such as iron oxide, mesoporus silica and calcium phosphate. In this article, their design, as well as their multifunctional role in cancer therapy are discussed.

Gene transfer mediated by alpha2-macroglobulin.

PubMed Central

Schneider, H; Huse, K; Birkenmeier, G; Otto, A; Scholz, G H

1996-01-01

alpha2-Macroglobulin covalently linked to poly(L)-lysine can be used as a vehicle for receptor-mediated gene transfer. This modified alpha2-macroglobulin maintains its ability to bind to the alpha2-macroglobulin receptor, and was shown to introduce a luciferase reporter gene plasmid into HepG2 human hepatoma cells in vitro. The alpha2-macroglobulin receptor is a very large and multifunctional cell surface receptor, whose rapid and efficient internalization rate makes it attractive for gene therapy, e.g. for hepatic gene targeting via injection into the portal vein. PMID:8871570

Bio-Inspired Multi-Functional Drug Transport Design Concept and Simulations.

PubMed

Pidaparti, Ramana M; Cartin, Charles; Su, Guoguang

2017-04-25

In this study, we developed a microdevice concept for drug/fluidic transport taking an inspiration from supramolecular motor found in biological cells. Specifically, idealized multi-functional design geometry (nozzle/diffuser/nozzle) was developed for (i) fluidic/particle transport; (ii) particle separation; and (iii) droplet generation. Several design simulations were conducted to demonstrate the working principles of the multi-functional device. The design simulations illustrate that the proposed design concept is feasible for multi-functionality. However, further experimentation and optimization studies are needed to fully evaluate the multifunctional device concept for multiple applications.

Hybrid Energy Cell with Hierarchical Nano/Micro-Architectured Polymer Film to Harvest Mechanical, Solar, and Wind Energies Individually/Simultaneously.

PubMed

Dudem, Bhaskar; Ko, Yeong Hwan; Leem, Jung Woo; Lim, Joo Ho; Yu, Jae Su

2016-11-09

We report the creation of hybrid energy cells based on hierarchical nano/micro-architectured polydimethylsiloxane (HNMA-PDMS) films with multifunctionality to simultaneously harvest mechanical, solar, and wind energies. These films consist of nano/micro dual-scale architectures (i.e., nanonipples on inverted micropyramidal arrays) on the PDMS surface. The HNMA-PDMS is replicable by facile and cost-effective soft imprint lithography using a nanoporous anodic alumina oxide film formed on the micropyramidal-structured silicon substrate. The HNMA-PDMS film plays multifunctional roles as a triboelectric layer in nanogenerators and an antireflection layer for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), as well as a self-cleaning surface. This film is employed in triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) devices, fabricated by laminating it on indium-tin oxide-coated polyethylene terephthalate (ITO/PET) as a bottom electrode. The large effective contact area that emerged from the densely packed hierarchical nano/micro-architectures of the PDMS film leads to the enhancement of TENG device performance. Moreover, the HNMA-PDMS/ITO/PET, with a high transmittance of >90%, also results in highly transparent TENG devices. By placing the HNMA-PDMS/ITO/PET, where the ITO/PET is coated with zinc oxide nanowires, as the top glass substrate of DSSCs, the device is able to add the functionality of TENG devices, thus creating a hybrid energy cell. The hybrid energy cell can successfully convert mechanical, solar, and wind energies into electricity, simultaneously or independently. To specify the device performance, the effects of external pushing frequency and load resistance on the output of TENG devices are also analyzed, including the photovoltaic performance of the hybrid energy cells.

Direct association of thioredoxin-1 (TRX) with macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF): regulatory role of TRX on MIF internalization and signaling.

PubMed

Son, Aoi; Kato, Noriko; Horibe, Tomohisa; Matsuo, Yoshiyuki; Mochizuki, Michika; Mitsui, Akira; Kawakami, Koji; Nakamura, Hajime; Yodoi, Junji

2009-10-01

Thioredoxin-1 (TRX) is a small (14 kDa) multifunctional protein with the redox-active site Cys-Gly-Pro-Cys. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a 12 kDa cytokine belonging to the TRX family. Historically, when we purified TRX from the supernatant of ATL-2 cells, a 12 kDa protein was identified along with TRX, which was later proved to be MIF. Here, we show that TRX and MIF form a complex in the cell and the culture supernatant of ATL-2 cells. Using a BIAcore assay, we confirmed that TRX has a specific affinity with MIF. We also found that extracellular MIF was more effectively internalized into the ATL-2 cells expressing TRX on the cell surface, than the Jurkat T cells which do not express surface TRX. Moreover, anti-TRX antibody blocked the MIF internalization, suggesting that the cell surface TRX is involved in MIF internalization into the cells. Furthermore, anti-TRX antibody inhibited MIF-mediated enhancement of TNF-alpha production from macrophage RAW264.7 cells. These results suggest that the cell surface TRX serves as one of the MIF binding molecules or MIF receptor component and inhibits MIF-mediated inflammatory signals.

Multifunctional Polymer Microbubbles for Advanced Sentinel Lymph Node Imaging and Mapping

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-01

undesired PMA attached to microbubble surface. Figure 1: One-pot polymer -lipid microbubbles. (a) Synthesis of thiolated poly(acrylic acid) with...Award Number: W81XWH-11-1-0215 TITLE: Multifunctional Polymer Microbubbles for Advanced Sentinel...February 2012 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER Multifunctional Polymer Microbubbles for Advanced Sentinel Lymph Node Imaging and Mapping 5b

Facilitating Proton Transport in Nafion-Based Membranes at Low Humidity by Incorporating Multifunctional Graphene Oxide Nanosheets.

PubMed

He, Xueyi; He, Guangwei; Zhao, Anqi; Wang, Fei; Mao, Xunli; Yin, Yongheng; Cao, Li; Zhang, Bei; Wu, Hong; Jiang, Zhongyi

2017-08-23

Nafion, as a state-of-the-art solid electrolyte for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), suffers from drastic decline in proton conductivity with decreasing humidity, which significantly restricts the efficient and stable operation of the fuel cell system. In this study, the proton conductivity of Nafion at low relative humidity (RH) was remarkably enhanced by incorporating multifunctional graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets as multifunctional fillers. Through surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization of sulfopropyl methacrylate (SPM) and poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate, the copolymer-grafted GO was synthesized and incorporated into the Nafion matrix, generating efficient paths at the Nafion-GO interface for proton conduction. The Lewis basic oxygen atoms of ethylene oxide (EO) units and sulfonated acid groups of SPM monomers served as additional proton binding and release sites to facilitate the proton hopping through the membrane. Meanwhile, the hygroscopic EO units enhanced the water retention property of the composite membrane, conferring a dramatic increase in proton conductivity under low humidity. With 1 wt % filler loading, the composite membrane displayed the highest proton conductivity of 2.98 × 10 -2 S cm -1 at 80 °C and 40% RH, which was 10 times higher than that of recast Nafion. Meanwhile, the Nafion composite exhibited a 135.5% increase in peak power density at 60 °C and 50% RH, indicating its great application potential in PEMFCs.

Multifunctional Biocompatible Graphene Oxide Quantum Dots Decorated Magnetic Nanoplatform for Efficient Capture and Two-Photon Imaging of Rare Tumor Cells

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are extremely rare cells in blood containing billions of other cells. The selective capture and identification of rare cells with sufficient sensitivity is a real challenge. Driven by this need, this manuscript reports the development of a multifunctional biocompatible graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQDs) coated, high-luminescence magnetic nanoplatform for the selective separation and diagnosis of Glypican-3 (GPC3)-expressed Hep G2 liver cancer tumor CTCs from infected blood. Experimental data show that an anti-GPC3-antibody-attached multifunctional nanoplatform can be used for selective Hep G2 hepatocellular carcinoma tumor cell separation from infected blood containing 10 tumor cells/mL of blood in a 15 mL sample. Reported data indicate that, because of an extremely high two-photon absorption cross section (40530 GM), an anti-GPC3-antibody-attached GOQDs-coated magnetic nanoplatform can be used as a two-photon luminescence platform for selective and very bright imaging of a Hep G2 tumor cell in a biological transparency window using 960 nm light. Experimental results with nontargeted GPC3(−) and SK-BR-3 breast cancer cells show that multifunctional-nanoplatform-based cell separation, followed by two-photon imaging, is highly selective for Hep G2 hepatocellular carcinoma tumor cells. PMID:25939643

Design and construction of multifunctional hyperbranched polymers coated magnetite nanoparticles for both targeting magnetic resonance imaging and cancer therapy.

PubMed

Mashhadi Malekzadeh, Asemeh; Ramazani, Ali; Tabatabaei Rezaei, Seyed Jamal; Niknejad, Hassan

2017-03-15

Magnetic drug targeting is a drug delivery strategy that can be used to improve the therapeutic efficiency on tumor cells and reduce the side effects on normal cells and tissues. The aim in this study is designing a novel multifunctional drug delivery system based on superparamagnetic nanoparticles for cancer therapy. Magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized by coprecipitation of iron oxide followed by coating with poly citric acid (PCA) dendritic macromolecules via bulk polymerization strategy. It was further surface-functionalized with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and then to achieve tumor cell targeting property, folic acid was further incorporated to the surface of prepared carriers via a facile coupling reaction between the hydroxyl end group of the PEG and the carboxyl group of folic acid. The so prepared nanocarriers (Fe 3 O 4 @PCA-PEG-FA) were characterized by X-ray diffraction, TEM, TGA, FT-IR, DLS and VSM techniques. The room temperature VSM measurements showed that magnetic particles were superparamagnetic. Transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering were also performed which revealed that size of nanocarriers was lying in the range of 10-49nm. Quercetin loading and release profiles of prepared nanocarriers showed that up to 83% of loaded drug was released in 250h. Fluorescent microscopy showed that the cellular uptake by folate receptor-overexpressing HeLa cells of the quercetin-loaded Fe 3 O 4 @PCA-PEG-FA nanoparticles was higher than that of non-folate conjugated nanoparticles. Thus, folate conjugation significantly increased nanoparticle cytotoxicity. Also, T 2 -weighted MRI images of Fe 3 O 4 @PCA-PEG-FA nanoparticles showed that the magnetic resonance signal is enhanced significantly with increasing nanoparticle concentration in water and they also served as MRI contrast agents with relaxivities of 3.4mM -1 s -1 (r 1 ) and 99.8mM -1 s -1 (r 2 ). The results indicate that this multifunctional nanocarrier is a significant breakthrough in developing a drug delivery vehicle that combines drug targeting as well as sensing and therapy at the same time. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Multifunctional targeting vinorelbine plus tetrandrine liposomes for treating brain glioma along with eliminating glioma stem cells

PubMed Central

Li, Xue-tao; Tang, Wei; Jiang, Ying; Wang, Xiao-min; Wang, Yan-hong; Cheng, Lan; Meng, Xian-sheng

2016-01-01

Malignant brain glioma is the most lethal and aggressive type of cancer. Surgery and radiotherapy cannot eliminate all glioma stem cells (GSCs) and blood–brain barrier (BBB) restricts the movement of antitumor drugs from blood to brain, thus leading to the poor prognosis with high recurrence rate. In the present study, the targeting conjugates of cholesterol polyethylene glycol polyethylenimine (CHOL-PEG2000-PEI) and D-a-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate vapreotide (TPGS1000-VAP) were newly synthesized for transporting drugs across the BBB and targeting glioma cells and GSCs. The multifunctional targeting vinorelbine plus tetrandrine liposomes were constructed by modifying the targeting conjugates. The studies were undertaken on BBB model, glioma cells, GSCs, and glioma-bearing mice. In vitro results showed that multifunctional targeting drugs-loaded liposomes with suitable physicochemical property could enhance the transport drugs across the BBB, increase the intracellular uptake, inhibit glioma cells and GSCs, penetrate and destruct the GSCs spheroids, and induce apoptosis via activating related apoptotic proteins. In vivo results demonstrated that multifunctional targeting drugs-loaded liposomes could significantly accumulate into brain tumor location, show the specificity to tumor sites, and result in a robust overall antitumor efficacy in glioma-bearing mice. These data suggested that the multifunctional targeting vinorelbine plus tetrandrine liposomes could offer a promising strategy for treating brain glioma. PMID:27029055

Intelligent design of multifunctional lipid-coated nanoparticle platforms for cancer therapy

PubMed Central

Ramishetti, Srinivas; Huang, Leaf

2013-01-01

Nanotechnology is rapidly evolving and dramatically changing the paradigms of drug delivery. The small sizes, unique chemical properties, large surface areas, structural diversity and multifunctionality of nanoparticles prove to be greatly advantageous for combating notoriously therapeutically evasive diseases such as cancer. Multifunctional nanoparticles have been designed to enhance tumor uptake through either passive or active targeting, while also avoiding reticuloendothelial system uptake through the incorporation of PEG onto the surface. First-generation nanoparticle systems, such as liposomes, are good carriers for drugs and nucleic acid therapeutics, although they have some limitations. These lipid bilayers are now being utilized as excellent carriers for drug-loaded, solid core particles such as iron oxide, mesoporus silica and calcium phosphate. In this article, their design, as well as their multifunctional role in cancer therapy are discussed. PMID:23323560

Multifunctional Carbon Nanostructures for Advanced Energy Storage Applications

PubMed Central

Wang, Yiran; Wei, Huige; Lu, Yang; Wei, Suying; Wujcik, Evan K.; Guo, Zhanhu

2015-01-01

Carbon nanostructures—including graphene, fullerenes, etc.—have found applications in a number of areas synergistically with a number of other materials.These multifunctional carbon nanostructures have recently attracted tremendous interest for energy storage applications due to their large aspect ratios, specific surface areas, and electrical conductivity. This succinct review aims to report on the recent advances in energy storage applications involving these multifunctional carbon nanostructures. The advanced design and testing of multifunctional carbon nanostructures for energy storage applications—specifically, electrochemical capacitors, lithium ion batteries, and fuel cells—are emphasized with comprehensive examples. PMID:28347034

Plant species richness and ecosystem multifunctionality in global drylands

USGS Publications Warehouse

Maestre, Fernando T.; Quero, Jose L.; Gotelli, Nicholas J.; Escudero, Adrian; Ochoa, Victoria; Delgado-Baquerizo, Manuel; Garcia-Gomez, Miguel; Bowker, Matthew A.; Soliveres, Santiago; Escolar, Cristina; Garcia-Palacios, Pablo; Berdugo, Miguel; Valencia, Enrique; Gozalo, Beatriz; Gallardo, Antonio; Aguilera, Lorgio; Arredondo, Tulio; Blones, Julio; Boeken, Bertrand; Bran, Donaldo; Conceicao, Abel A.; Cabrera, Omar; Chaieb, Mohamed; Derak, Mchich; Eldridge, David J.; Espinosa, Carlos I.; Florentino, Adriana; Gaitan, Juan; Gatica, M. Gabriel; Ghiloufi, Wahida; Gomez-Gonzalez, Susana; Gutie, Julio R.; Hernandez, Rosa M.; Huang, Xuewen; Huber-Sannwald, Elisabeth; Jankju, Mohammad; Miriti, Maria; Monerris, Jorge; Mau, Rebecca L.; Morici, Ernesto; Naseri, Kamal; Ospina, Abelardo; Polo, Vicente; Prina, Anibal; Pucheta, Eduardo; Ramirez-Collantes, David A.; Romao, Roberto; Tighe, Matthew; Torres-Diaz, Cristian; Val, James; Veiga, Jose P.; Wang, Deli; Zaady, Eli

2012-01-01

Experiments suggest that biodiversity enhances the ability of ecosystems to maintain multiple functions, such as carbon storage, productivity, and the buildup of nutrient pools (multifunctionality). However, the relationship between biodiversity and multifunctionality has never been assessed globally in natural ecosystems. We report here on a global empirical study relating plant species richness and abiotic factors to multifunctionality in drylands, which collectively cover 41% of Earth's land surface and support over 38% of the human population. Multifunctionality was positively and significantly related to species richness. The best-fitting models accounted for over 55% of the variation in multifunctionality and always included species richness as a predictor variable. Our results suggest that the preservation of plant biodiversity is crucial to buffer negative effects of climate change and desertification in drylands.

Plant species richness and ecosystem multifunctionality in global drylands

PubMed Central

Maestre, Fernando T.; Quero, José L.; Gotelli, Nicholas J.; Escudero, Adriá; Ochoa, Victoria; Delgado-Baquerizo, Manuel; García-Gómez, Miguel; Bowker, Matthew A.; Soliveres, Santiago; Escolar, Cristina; García-Palacios, Pablo; Berdugo, Miguel; Valencia, Enrique; Gozalo, Beatriz; Gallardo, Antonio; Aguilera, Lorgio; Arredondo, Tulio; Blones, Julio; Boeken, Bertrand; Bran, Donaldo; Conceição, Abel A.; Cabrera, Omar; Chaieb, Mohamed; Derak, Mchich; Eldridge, David J.; Espinosa, Carlos I.; Florentino, Adriana; Gaitán, Juan; Gatica, M. Gabriel; Ghiloufi, Wahida; Gómez-González, Susana; Gutiérrez, Julio R.; Hernández, Rosa M.; Huang, Xuewen; Huber-Sannwald, Elisabeth; Jankju, Mohammad; Miriti, Maria; Monerris, Jorge; Mau, Rebecca L.; Morici, Ernesto; Naseri, Kamal; Ospina, Abelardo; Polo, Vicente; Prina, Aníbal; Pucheta, Eduardo; Ramírez-Collantes, David A.; Romão, Roberto; Tighe, Matthew; Torres-Díaz, Cristian; Val, James; Veiga, José P.; Wang, Deli; Zaady, Eli

2013-01-01

Experiments suggest that biodiversity enhances the ability of ecosystems to maintain multiple functions, such as carbon storage, productivity, and buildup of nutrient pools (multifunctionality). However, the relationship between biodiversity and multifunctionality has never been assessed globally in natural ecosystems. We report on the first global empirical study relating plant species richness and abiotic factors to multifunctionality in drylands, which collectively cover 41% of Earth’s land surface and support over 38% of the human population. Multifunctionality was positively and significantly related to species richness. The best-fitting models accounted for over 55% of the variation in multifunctionality, and always included species richness as a predictor variable. Our results suggest that preservation of plant biodiversity is crucial to buffer negative effects of climate change and desertification in drylands. PMID:22246775

Bio-Inspired Multi-Functional Drug Transport Design Concept and Simulations †

PubMed Central

Pidaparti, Ramana M.; Cartin, Charles; Su, Guoguang

2017-01-01

In this study, we developed a microdevice concept for drug/fluidic transport taking an inspiration from supramolecular motor found in biological cells. Specifically, idealized multi-functional design geometry (nozzle/diffuser/nozzle) was developed for (i) fluidic/particle transport; (ii) particle separation; and (iii) droplet generation. Several design simulations were conducted to demonstrate the working principles of the multi-functional device. The design simulations illustrate that the proposed design concept is feasible for multi-functionality. However, further experimentation and optimization studies are needed to fully evaluate the multifunctional device concept for multiple applications. PMID:28952516

Insight into Multifunctional Reactive Adsorbents: Engaging Chemistry, Porosity, Photoactivity and Conductivity into Decontamination Process

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-06-07

AUTHORS 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAMES AND ADDRESSES 15. SUBJECT TERMS b. ABSTRACT 2. REPORT TYPE 17. LIMITATION OF ABSTRACT 15. NUMBER OF PAGES 5d...Insight Into Multifunctional Reactive Adsorbents: Engaging Chemistry , Porosity, Photoactivity and Conductivity into Decontamination Process The...Office P.O. Box 12211 Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2211 CWA decontamination, multifunctional adsorbents, porosity, surface chemistry

PEDOT:PSS as multi-functional composite material for enhanced Li-air-battery air electrodes.

PubMed

Yoon, Dae Ho; Yoon, Seon Hye; Ryu, Kwang-Sun; Park, Yong Joon

2016-01-27

We propose PSS as a multi-functional composite material for an enhanced Li-air-battery air electrode. The PSS layer was coated on the surface of carbon (graphene) using simple method. A electrode containing PSS-coated graphene (PEDOT electrode) could be prepared without binder (such as PVDF) because of high adhesion of PSS. PEDOT electrode presented considerable discharge and charge capacity at all current densities. These results shows that PSS acts as a redox reaction matrix and conducting binder in the air electrode. Moreover, after cycling, the accumulation of reaction products due to side reaction in the electrode was significantly reduced through the use of PSS. This implies that PSS coating layer can suppress the undesirable side reactions between the carbon and electrolyte (and/or Li2O2), which causes enhanced Li-air cell cyclic performance.

Paraneurons in the gills and airways of fishes.

PubMed

Zaccone, G; Fasulo, S; Ainis, L; Licata, A

1997-04-01

This chapter describes the distributional patterns of the neuroendocrine cells in the respiratory surfaces of fishes and their bioactive secretions which are compared with similar elements in higher vertebrates. The neuroendocrine cells in the airways of fishes differentiate as solitary and clustered cells, but the clusters are not converted into neuroepithelial bodies which are reported in terrestrial vertebrates. The dipnoan fish Protopterus has innervated neuroendocrine cells in the pneumatic duct region. In Polypterus and Amia the lungs have neuroendocrine cells that are apparently not innervated. Two types of neuroendocrine cells are found in the gill of teleost fishes. These cells are very different by their location, structure and immunohistochemistry. Advanced studies on functional morphology of neuroendocrine cells in fish airways are still necessary to increase our understanding of their multifunctional role in the gill area.

Multifunctional cell-culture platform for aligned cell sheet monitoring, transfer printing, and therapy.

PubMed

Kim, Seok Joo; Cho, Hye Rim; Cho, Kyoung Won; Qiao, Shutao; Rhim, Jung Soo; Soh, Min; Kim, Taeho; Choi, Moon Kee; Choi, Changsoon; Park, Inhyuk; Hwang, Nathaniel S; Hyeon, Taeghwan; Choi, Seung Hong; Lu, Nanshu; Kim, Dae-Hyeong

2015-03-24

While several functional platforms for cell culturing have been proposed for cell sheet engineering, a soft integrated system enabling in vitro physiological monitoring of aligned cells prior to their in vivo applications in tissue regeneration has not been reported. Here, we present a multifunctional, soft cell-culture platform equipped with ultrathin stretchable nanomembrane sensors and graphene-nanoribbon cell aligners, whose system modulus is matched with target tissues. This multifunctional platform is capable of aligning plated cells and in situ monitoring of cellular physiological characteristics during proliferation and differentiation. In addition, it is successfully applied as an in vitro muscle-on-a-chip testing platform. Finally, a simple but high-yield transfer printing mechanism is proposed to deliver cell sheets for scaffold-free, localized cell therapy in vivo. The muscle-mimicking stiffness of the platform allows the high-yield transfer printing of multiple cell sheets and results in successful therapies in diseased animal models. Expansion of current results to stem cells will provide unique opportunities for emerging classes of tissue engineering and cell therapy technologies.

Functionalized ZnO Nanoparticles with Gallic Acid for Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activity against Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus

PubMed Central

Lee, Joo Min; Choi, Kyong-Hoon; Min, Jeeeun; Kim, Ho-Joong; Jee, Jun-Pil; Park, Bong Joo

2017-01-01

In this study, we report a new multifunctional nanoparticle with antioxidative and antibacterial activities in vitro. ZnO@GA nanoparticles were fabricated by coordinated covalent bonding of the antioxidant gallic acid (GA) on the surface of ZnO nanoparticles. This addition imparts both antioxidant activity and high affinity for the bacterial cell membrane. Antioxidative activities at various concentrations were evaluated using a 2,2′-azino-bis(ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging method. Antibacterial activities were evaluated against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus: S. aureus), including several strains of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli). The functionalized ZnO@GA nanoparticles showed good antioxidative activity (69.71%), and the bactericidal activity of these nanoparticles was also increased compared to that of non-functionalized ZnO nanoparticles, with particularly effective inhibition and high selectivity for MRSA strains. The results indicate that multifunctional ZnO nanoparticles conjugated to GA molecules via a simple surface modification process displaying both antioxidant and antibacterial activity, suggesting a possibility to use it as an antibacterial agent for removing MRSA. PMID:29099064

Design, fabrication, and characterization of multifunctional wings to harvest solar energy in flapping wing air vehicles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perez-Rosado, Ariel; Gehlhar, Rachel D.; Nolen, Savannah; Gupta, Satyandra K.; Bruck, Hugh A.

2015-06-01

Currently, flapping wing unmanned aerial vehicles (a.k.a., ornithopters or robotic birds) sustain very short duration flight due to limited on-board energy storage capacity. Therefore, energy harvesting elements, such as flexible solar cells, need to be used as materials in critical components, such as wing structures, to increase operational performance. In this paper, we describe a layered fabrication method that was developed for realizing multifunctional composite wings for a unique robotic bird we developed, known as Robo Raven, by creating compliant wing structure from flexible solar cells. The deformed wing shape and aerodynamic lift/thrust loads were characterized throughout the flapping cycle to understand wing mechanics. A multifunctional performance analysis was developed to understand how integration of solar cells into the wings influences flight performance under two different operating conditions: (1) directly powering wings to increase operation time, and (2) recharging batteries to eliminate need for external charging sources. The experimental data is then used in the analysis to identify a performance index for assessing benefits of multifunctional compliant wing structures. The resulting platform, Robo Raven III, was the first demonstration of a robotic bird that flew using energy harvested from solar cells. We developed three different versions of the wing design to validate the multifunctional performance analysis. It was also determined that residual thrust correlated to shear deformation of the wing induced by torsional twist, while biaxial strain related to change in aerodynamic shape correlated to lift. It was also found that shear deformation of the solar cells induced changes in power output directly correlating to thrust generation associated with torsional deformation. Thus, it was determined that multifunctional solar cell wings may be capable of three functions: (1) lightweight and flexible structure to generate aerodynamic forces, (2) energy harvesting to extend operational time and autonomy, and (3) sensing of an aerodynamic force associated with wing deformation.

Plasmon-resonant nanorods as multimodal agents for two-photon luminescent imaging and photothermal therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huff, Terry B.; Hansen, Matthew N.; Tong, Ling; Zhao, Yan; Wang, Haifeng; Zweifel, Daniel A.; Cheng, Ji-Xin; Wei, Alexander

2007-02-01

Plasmon-resonant gold nanorods have outstanding potential as multifunctional agents for image-guided therapies. Nanorods have large absorption cross sections at near-infrared (NIR) frequencies, and produce two-photon luminescence (TPL) when excited by fs-pulsed laser irradiation. The TPL signals can be detected with single-particle sensitivity, enabling nanorods to be imaged in vivo while passing through blood vessels at subpicomolar concentrations. Furthermore, cells labeled with nanorods become highly susceptible to photothermal damage when irradiated at plasmon resonance, often resulting in a dramatic blebbing of the cell membrane. However, the straightforward application of gold nanorods for cell-specific labeling is obstructed by the presence of CTAB, a cationic surfactant carried over from nanorod synthesis which also promotes their nonspecific uptake into cells. Careful exchange and replacement of CTAB can be achieved by introducing oligoethyleneglycol (OEG) units capable of chemisorption onto nanorod surfaces by in situ dithiocarbamate formation, a novel method of surface functionalization. Nanorods with a dense coating of methyl-terminated OEG chains are shielded from nonspecific cell uptake, whereas nanorods functionalized with folate-terminated OEG chains accumulate on the surface of tumor cells overexpressing their cognate receptor, with subsequent delivery of photoinduced cell damage at low laser fluence.

One-step fabrication of robust superhydrophobic and superoleophilic surfaces with self-cleaning and oil/water separation function.

PubMed

Zhang, Zhi-Hui; Wang, Hu-Jun; Liang, Yun-Hong; Li, Xiu-Juan; Ren, Lu-Quan; Cui, Zhen-Quan; Luo, Cheng

2018-03-01

Superhydrophobic surfaces have great potential for application in self-cleaning and oil/water separation. However, the large-scale practical applications of superhydrophobic coating surfaces are impeded by many factors, such as complicated fabrication processes, the use of fluorinated reagents and noxious organic solvents and poor mechanical stability. Herein, we describe the successful preparation of a fluorine-free multifunctional coating without noxious organic solvents that was brushed, dipped or sprayed onto glass slides and stainless-steel meshes as substrates. The obtained multifunctional superhydrophobic and superoleophilic surfaces (MSHOs) demonstrated self-cleaning abilities even when contaminated with or immersed in oil. The superhydrophobic surfaces were robust and maintained their water repellency after being scratched with a knife or abraded with sandpaper for 50 cycles. In addition, stainless-steel meshes sprayed with the coating quickly separated various oil/water mixtures with a high separation efficiency (>93%). Furthermore, the coated mesh maintained a high separation efficiency above 95% over 20 cycles of separation. This simple and effective strategy will inspire the large-scale fabrication of multifunctional surfaces for practical applications in self-cleaning and oil/water separation.

Effective Design of Multifunctional Peptides by Combining Compatible Functions

PubMed Central

Diener, Christian; Garza Ramos Martínez, Georgina; Moreno Blas, Daniel; Castillo González, David A.; Corzo, Gerardo; Castro-Obregon, Susana; Del Rio, Gabriel

2016-01-01

Multifunctionality is a common trait of many natural proteins and peptides, yet the rules to generate such multifunctionality remain unclear. We propose that the rules defining some protein/peptide functions are compatible. To explore this hypothesis, we trained a computational method to predict cell-penetrating peptides at the sequence level and learned that antimicrobial peptides and DNA-binding proteins are compatible with the rules of our predictor. Based on this finding, we expected that designing peptides for CPP activity may render AMP and DNA-binding activities. To test this prediction, we designed peptides that embedded two independent functional domains (nuclear localization and yeast pheromone activity), linked by optimizing their composition to fit the rules characterizing cell-penetrating peptides. These peptides presented effective cell penetration, DNA-binding, pheromone and antimicrobial activities, thus confirming the effectiveness of our computational approach to design multifunctional peptides with potential therapeutic uses. Our computational implementation is available at http://bis.ifc.unam.mx/en/software/dcf. PMID:27096600

Multifunctional Enveloped Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Subcellular Co-delivery of Drug and Therapeutic Peptide

PubMed Central

Luo, Guo-Feng; Chen, Wei-Hai; Liu, Yun; Lei, Qi; Zhuo, Ren-Xi; Zhang, Xian-Zheng

2014-01-01

A multifunctional enveloped nanodevice based on mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN) was delicately designed for subcellular co-delivery of drug and therapeutic peptide to tumor cells. Mesoporous silica MCM-41 nanoparticles were used as the core for loading antineoplastic drug topotecan (TPT). The surface of nanoparticles was decorated with mitochondria-targeted therapeutic agent (Tpep) containing triphenylphosphonium (TPP) and antibiotic peptide (KLAKLAK)2 via disulfide linkage, followed by coating with a charge reversal polyanion poly(ethylene glycol)-blocked-2,3-dimethylmaleic anhydride-modified poly(L-lysine) (PEG-PLL(DMA)) via electrostatic interaction. It was found that the outer shielding layer could be removed at acidic tumor microenvironment due to the degradation of DMA blocks and the cellular uptake was significantly enhanced by the formation of cationic nanoparticles. After endocytosis, due to the cleavage of disulfide bonds in the presence of intracellular glutathione (GSH), pharmacological agents (Tpep and TPT) could be released from the nanoparticles and subsequently induce specific damage of tumor cell mitochondria and nucleus respectively with remarkable synergistic antitumor effect. PMID:25317538

Articles including thin film monolayers and multilayers

DOEpatents

Li, DeQuan; Swanson, Basil I.

1995-01-01

Articles of manufacture including: (a) a base substrate having an oxide surface layer, and a multidentate ligand, capable of binding a metal ion, attached to the oxide surface layer of the base substrate, (b) a base substrate having an oxide surface layer, a multidentate ligand, capable of binding a metal ion, attached to the oxide surface layer of the base substrate, and a metal species attached to the multidentate ligand, (c) a base substrate having an oxide surface layer, a multidentate ligand, capable of binding a metal ion, attached to the oxide surface layer of the base substrate, a metal species attached to the multidentate ligand, and a multifunctional organic ligand attached to the metal species, and (d) a base substrate having an oxide surface layer, a multidentate ligand, capable of binding a metal ion, attached to the oxide surface layer of the base substrate, a metal species attached to the multidentate ligand, a multifunctional organic ligand attached to the metal species, and a second metal species attached to the multifunctional organic ligand, are provided, such articles useful in detecting the presence of a selected target species, as nonliear optical materials, or as scavengers for selected target species.

The Adhesion of Lactobacillus salivarius REN to a Human Intestinal Epithelial Cell Line Requires S-layer Proteins

PubMed Central

Wang, Ran; Jiang, Lun; Zhang, Ming; Zhao, Liang; Hao, Yanling; Guo, Huiyuan; Sang, Yue; Zhang, Hao; Ren, Fazheng

2017-01-01

Lactobacillus salivarius REN, a novel probiotic isolated from Chinese centenarians, can adhere to intestinal epithelial cells and subsequently colonize the host. We show here that the surface-layer protein choline-binding protein A (CbpA) of L. salivarius REN was involved in adherence to the human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line HT-29. Adhesion of a cbpA deletion mutant was significantly reduced compared with that of wild-type, suggesting that CbpA acts as an adhesin that mediates the interaction between the bacterium and its host. To identify the molecular mechanism of adhesion, we determined the crystal structure of a truncated form of CbpA that is likely involved in binding to its cell-surface receptor. The crystal structure identified CbpA as a peptidase of the M23 family whose members harbor a zinc-dependent catalytic site. Therefore, we propose that CbpA acts as a multifunctional surface protein that cleaves the host extracellular matrix and participates in adherence. Moreover, we identified enolase as the CbpA receptor on the surface of HT-29 cells. The present study reveals a new class of surface-layer proteins as well as the molecular mechanism that may contribute to the ability of L. salivarius REN to colonize the human gut. PMID:28281568

The Adhesion of Lactobacillus salivarius REN to a Human Intestinal Epithelial Cell Line Requires S-layer Proteins.

PubMed

Wang, Ran; Jiang, Lun; Zhang, Ming; Zhao, Liang; Hao, Yanling; Guo, Huiyuan; Sang, Yue; Zhang, Hao; Ren, Fazheng

2017-03-10

Lactobacillus salivarius REN, a novel probiotic isolated from Chinese centenarians, can adhere to intestinal epithelial cells and subsequently colonize the host. We show here that the surface-layer protein choline-binding protein A (CbpA) of L. salivarius REN was involved in adherence to the human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line HT-29. Adhesion of a cbpA deletion mutant was significantly reduced compared with that of wild-type, suggesting that CbpA acts as an adhesin that mediates the interaction between the bacterium and its host. To identify the molecular mechanism of adhesion, we determined the crystal structure of a truncated form of CbpA that is likely involved in binding to its cell-surface receptor. The crystal structure identified CbpA as a peptidase of the M23 family whose members harbor a zinc-dependent catalytic site. Therefore, we propose that CbpA acts as a multifunctional surface protein that cleaves the host extracellular matrix and participates in adherence. Moreover, we identified enolase as the CbpA receptor on the surface of HT-29 cells. The present study reveals a new class of surface-layer proteins as well as the molecular mechanism that may contribute to the ability of L. salivarius REN to colonize the human gut.

Multifunctional gold nanocomposites designed for targeted CT/MR/optical trimodal imaging of human non-small cell lung cancer cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Jingwen; Sun, Yingqi; Chen, Qian; Wang, Le; Wang, Suhe; Tang, Yun; Shi, Xiangyang; Wang, Han

2016-07-01

Multifunctional gold nanocomposites, which were designed as dendrimer-entrapped gold nanoparticles functionalized with gadolinium, cyanine dye (Cy5.5), and folic acid, were synthesized to be used as the first dendrimer-based clinical nanoprobes for targeted X-ray computed tomography/magnetic resonance/optical trimodal imaging in vitro and in vivo of human non-small cell cancer cells.Multifunctional gold nanocomposites, which were designed as dendrimer-entrapped gold nanoparticles functionalized with gadolinium, cyanine dye (Cy5.5), and folic acid, were synthesized to be used as the first dendrimer-based clinical nanoprobes for targeted X-ray computed tomography/magnetic resonance/optical trimodal imaging in vitro and in vivo of human non-small cell cancer cells. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Synthesis and characterization data of the nanoprobes; biocompatibility results; confirmation of the tumor cell uptake of the nanoprobes in vitro and in vivo; biodistribution results in vivo. See DOI: 10.1039/c6nr03143a

"Clickable", trifunctional magnetite nanoparticles and their chemoselective biofunctionalization.

PubMed

Das, Manasmita; Bandyopadhyay, Debarati; Mishra, Debasish; Datir, Satyajit; Dhak, Prasanta; Jain, Sanyog; Maiti, Tapas Kumar; Basak, Amit; Pramanik, Panchanan

2011-06-15

A multifunctional iron oxide based nanoformulation for combined cancer-targeted therapy and multimodal imaging has been meticulously designed and synthesized using a chemoselective ligation approach. Novel superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles simultaneously functionalized with amine, carboxyl, and azide groups were fabricated through a sequence of stoichiometrically controllable partial succinylation and Cu (II) catalyzed diazo transfer on the reactive amine termini of 2-aminoethylphosphonate grafted magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs). Functional moieties associated with MNP surface were chemoselectively conjugated with rhodamine B isothiocyanate (RITC), propargyl folate (FA), and paclitaxel (PTX) via tandem nucleophic addition of amine to isothithiocyanates, Cu (I) catalyzed azide--alkyne click chemistry and carbodiimide-promoted esterification. An extensive in vitro study established that the bioactives chemoselectively appended to the magnetite core bequeathed multifunctionality to the nanoparticles without any loss of activity of the functional molecules. Multifunctional nanoparticles, developed in the course of the study, could selectively target and induce apoptosis to folate-receptor (FR) overexpressing cancer cells with enhanced efficacy as compared to the free drug. In addition, the dual optical and magnetic properties of the synthesized nanoparticles aided in the real-time tracking of their intracellular pathways also as apoptotic events through dual fluorescence and MR-based imaging.

SERS-Active Nanoinjector for Intracellular Spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vitol, Elina; Orynbayeva, Zulfiya; Bouchard, Michael; Azizkhan-Clifford, Jane; Friedman, Gary; Gogotsi, Yury

2009-03-01

We developed a multifunctional nanopipette which allows simultaneous cell injection and intacellular surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) analysis. SERS spectra contain the characteristic frequencies of molecular bond vibrations. This is a unique method for studying cell biochemistry and physiology on a single organelle level. Unlike the fluorescence spectroscopy, it does not require any specific staining. The principle of SERS is based on very large electromagnetic field enhancement localized around a nano-rough metallic surface. Gold colloids are widely used SERS substrates. Previously, the colloidal nanoparticles were introduced into a cell by the mechanism of endocytosis. The disadvantage of this method is the uncontrollable aggregation and distribution of gold nanoparticles inside a cell which causes a significant uncertainty in the origin of the acquired data. At the same time, the nanoparticle uptake is irreversible. We present a SERS-active nanoinjector, coated with gold nanoparticles, which enables selective signal acquisition from any point-of-interest inside a cell. The nanoinjector provides a highly localized SERS signal with sub-nanometer resolution in real time.

Primed tumor-reactive multifunctional CD62L+ human CD8+T-cells for immunotherapy

PubMed Central

Wölfl, Matthias; Merker, Katharina; Morbach, Henner; Van Gool, Stefaan W.; Eyrich, Matthias; Greenberg, Philip D.; Schlegel, Paul G.

2011-01-01

T-cell mediated immunotherapy against malignancies has been shown to be effective for certain types of cancer. However ex vivo expansion of tumor-reactive T-cells has been hindered by the low precursor frequency of such cells, often requiring multiple rounds of stimulation, resulting in full differentiation, loss of homing receptors and potential exhaustion of the expanded T-cells. Here we show that when using highly purified naïve CD8+ T-cells, a single stimulation with peptide pulsed, IFNγ/LPS-matured dendritic cells in combination with the sequential use of IL-21, IL-7 and IL-15 is sufficient for extensive expansion of antigen-specific T-cells. Short-term expanded T-cells were tumor-reactive, multifunctional and retained a central memory-like phenotype (CD62L+, CCR7+, CD28+). The procedure is highly reproducible and robust as demonstrated for different healthy donors and for cancer patients. Such short-term tumor-antigen-primed, multifunctional T-cells may therefore serve as a platform to target different malignancies accessible to immunotherapy. PMID:20972785

Microvillar cell surface as a natural defense system against xenobiotics: a new interpretation of multidrug resistance.

PubMed

Lange, K; Gartzke, J

2001-08-01

The phenomenon of multidrug resistance (MDR) is reinterpreted on the basis of the recently proposed concept of microvillar signaling. According to this notion, substrate and ion fluxes across the surface of differentiated cells occur via transporters and ion channels that reside in membrane domains at the tips of microvilli (MV). The flux rates are regulated by the actin-based cytoskeletal core structure of MV, acting as a diffusion barrier between the microvillar tip compartment and the cytoplasm. The expression of this diffusion barrier system is a novel aspect of cell differentiation and represents a functional component of the natural defense system of epithelial cells against environmental hazardous ions and lipophilic compounds. Because of the specific organization of epithelial Ca(2+) signaling and the secretion, lipophilic compounds associated with the plasma membrane are transferred from the basal to the apical cell surface by a lipid flow mechanism. Drug release from the apical pole occurs by either direct secretion from the cell surface or metabolization by the microvillar cytochrome P-450 system and efflux of the metabolites and conjugation products through the large multifunctional anion channels localized in apical MV. The natural microvillar defense system also provides a mechanistic basis of acquired MDR in tumor cells. The microvillar surface organization is lost in rapidly growing cells such as tumor or embryonic cells but is restored during exposure of tumor cells to cytotoxins by induction of a prolonged G(0)/G(1) resting phase.

A smart multifunctional nanocomposite for intracellular targeted drug delivery and self-release

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Chan; Lv, Piping; Wei, Wei; Tao, Shengyang; Hu, Tao; Yang, Jingbang; Meng, Changgong

2011-10-01

A multifunctional 'all-in-one' nanocomposite is fabricated using a colloid, template and surface-modification method. This material encompasses magnetic induced target delivery, cell uptake promotion and controlled drug release in one system. The nanocomposite is characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption and vibrating sample magnetometry. The prepared material has a diameter of 350-400 nm, a high surface area of 420.29 m2 g - 1, a pore size of 1.91 nm and a saturation magnetization of 32 emu g - 1. Doxorubicin (DOX) is loaded in mesopores and acid-sensitive blockers are introduced onto the orifices of the mesopores by a Schiff base linker to implement pH-dependent self-release. Folate was also introduced to improve DOX targeted delivery and endocytosis. The linkers remained intact to block pores with ferrocene valves and inhibit the diffusion of DOX at neutral pH. However, in lysosomes of cancer cells, which have a weak acidic pH, hydrolysis of the Schiff base group removes the nanovalves and allows the trapped DOX to be released. These processes are demonstrated by UV-visible absorption spectra, confocal fluorescence microscopy images and methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assays in vitro, which suggest that the smart nanocomposite successfully integrates targeted drug delivery with internal stimulus induced self-release and is a potentially useful material for nanobiomedicine.

Roles of the multifunctional glycoprotein, emmprin (basigin; CD147), in tumour progression.

PubMed

Yan, Li; Zucker, Stanley; Toole, Bryan P

2005-02-01

Emmprin (basigin;CD147) is a widely distributed cell surface glycoprotein that belongs to the Ig superfamily and is highly enriched on the surface of malignant tumour cells. Emmprin is involved in numerous physiological and pathological systems and exhibits several molecular and cellular characteristics, but a major function of emmprin is stimulation of synthesis of several matrix metalloproteinases. In tumours, emmprin most likely stimulates matrix metalloproteinase production in stromal fibroblasts and endothelial cells as well as in tumour cells themselves by a mechanism involving homophilic interactions between emmprin molecules on apposing cells or on neighbouring cells after membrane vesicle shedding. Membrane-associated cofactors, including caveolin-1 and annexin II, regulate emmprin activity. Emmprin induces angiogenesis via stimulation of VEGF production, invasiveness via stimulation of matrix metalloproteinase production and multidrug resistance via hyaluronan-mediated up-regulation of ErbB2 signaling and cell survival pathway activities. Although the detailed mechanisms whereby it regulates these numerous phenomena are not yet known, it is clear that emmprin is a major mediator of malignant cell behavior.

Multifunctional pH-Sensitive Amino Lipids for siRNA Delivery.

PubMed

Gujrati, Maneesh; Vaidya, Amita; Lu, Zheng-Rong

2016-01-20

RNA interference (RNAi) represents a powerful modality for human disease therapy that can regulate gene expression signature using small interfering RNA (siRNA). Successful delivery of siRNA into the cytoplasm of target cells is imperative for efficient RNAi and also constitutes the primary stumbling block in the clinical applicability of RNAi. Significant progress has been made in the development of lipid-based siRNA delivery systems, which have practical advantages like simple chemistry and easy formulation of nanoparticles with siRNA. This review discusses the recent development of pH-sensitive amino lipids, with particular focus on multifunctional pH-sensitive amino lipids for siRNA delivery. The key components of these multifunctional lipids include a protonatable amino head group, distal lipid tails, and two cross-linkable thiol groups, which together facilitate the facile formation of stable siRNA-nanoparticles, easy surface modification for target-specific delivery, endosomal escape in response to the pH decrease during subcellular trafficking, and reductive dissociation of the siRNA-nanoparticles for cytoplasmic release of free siRNA. By virtue of these properties, multifunctional pH-sensitive lipids can mediate efficient cytosolic siRNA delivery and gene silencing. Targeted siRNA nanoparticles can be readily formulated with these lipids, without the need for other helper lipids, to promote systemic delivery of therapeutic siRNAs. Such targeted siRNA nanoparticles have been shown to effectively regulate the expression of cancer-related genes, resulting in significant efficacy in the treatment of aggressive tumors, including metastatic triple negative breast cancer. These multifunctional pH-sensitive lipids constitute a promising platform for the systemic and targeted delivery of therapeutic siRNA for the treatment of human diseases. This review summarizes the structure-property relationship of the multifunctional pH-sensitive lipids and their efficacy in in vitro and in vivo siRNA delivery and gene silencing.

Multifunctional polymeric micelles for delivery of drugs and siRNA

PubMed Central

Jhaveri, Aditi M.; Torchilin, Vladimir P.

2014-01-01

Polymeric micelles, self-assembling nano-constructs of amphiphilic copolymers with a core-shell structure have been used as versatile carriers for delivery of drugs as well as nucleic acids. They have gained immense popularity owing to a host of favorable properties including their capacity to effectively solubilize a variety of poorly soluble pharmaceutical agents, biocompatibility, longevity, high stability in vitro and in vivo and the ability to accumulate in pathological areas with compromised vasculature. Moreover, additional functions can be imparted to these micelles by engineering their surface with various ligands and cell-penetrating moieties to allow for specific targeting and intracellular accumulation, respectively, to load them with contrast agents to confer imaging capabilities, and incorporating stimuli-sensitive groups that allow drug release in response to small changes in the environment. Recently, there has been an increasing trend toward designing polymeric micelles which integrate a number of the above functions into a single carrier to give rise to “smart,” multifunctional polymeric micelles. Such multifunctional micelles can be envisaged as key to improving the efficacy of current treatments which have seen a steady increase not only in hydrophobic small molecules, but also in biologics including therapeutic genes, antibodies and small interfering RNA (siRNA). The purpose of this review is to highlight recent advances in the development of multifunctional polymeric micelles specifically for delivery of drugs and siRNA. In spite of the tremendous potential of siRNA, its translation into clinics has been a significant challenge because of physiological barriers to its effective delivery and the lack of safe, effective and clinically suitable vehicles. To that end, we also discuss the potential and suitability of multifunctional polymeric micelles, including lipid-based micelles, as promising vehicles for both siRNA and drugs. PMID:24795633

PEDOT:PSS as multi-functional composite material for enhanced Li-air-battery air electrodes

PubMed Central

Yoon, Dae Ho; Yoon, Seon Hye; Ryu, Kwang-Sun; Park, Yong Joon

2016-01-01

We propose PEDOT:PSS as a multi-functional composite material for an enhanced Li-air-battery air electrode. The PEDOT:PSS layer was coated on the surface of carbon (graphene) using simple method. A electrode containing PEDOT:PSS-coated graphene (PEDOT electrode) could be prepared without binder (such as PVDF) because of high adhesion of PEDOT:PSS. PEDOT electrode presented considerable discharge and charge capacity at all current densities. These results shows that PEDOT:PSS acts as a redox reaction matrix and conducting binder in the air electrode. Moreover, after cycling, the accumulation of reaction products due to side reaction in the electrode was significantly reduced through the use of PEDOT:PSS. This implies that PEDOT:PSS coating layer can suppress the undesirable side reactions between the carbon and electrolyte (and/or Li2O2), which causes enhanced Li-air cell cyclic performance. PMID:26813852

Submicroporous/microporous and compatible/incompatible multi-functional dual-layer polymer electrolytes and their interfacial characteristics with lithium metal anode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Young-Gi; Kyhm, Kwangseuk; Choi, Nam-Soon; Ryu, Kwang Sun

A novel multi-functional dual-layer polymer electrolyte was prepared by impregnating the interconnected pores with an ethylene carbonate (EC)/dimethyl carbonate (DMC)/lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF 6) solution. An incompatible layer is based on a microporous polyethylene (PE) and a compatible layer, based on a poly(vinylidenefluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (P(VdF-co-HFP)) is sub-microporous and compatible with an electrolyte solution. The Li electrode/the dual-layer polymer electrolyte/Li[Ni 0.15Li 0.23M n0.62]O 2 cell showed stable cycle performance under prolonged cycle number. This behavior is due to the enhanced compatibility between the matrix polymer and the liquid electrolytes within the submicroporous compatible layer, which could lead to a controlled Li + deposition on the Li anode surface by forming homegeneous electrolyte zone near the anode.

Theoretical insight of adsorption thermodynamics of multifunctional molecules on metal surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Loffreda, David

2006-05-01

Adsorption thermodynamics based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations are exposed for the interaction of several multifunctional molecules with Pt and Au(1 1 0)-(1 × 2) surfaces. The Gibbs free adsorption energy explicitly depends on the adsorption internal energy, which is derived from DFT adsorption energy, and the vibrational entropy change during the chemisorption process. Zero-point energy (ZPE) corrections have been systematically applied to the adsorption energy. Moreover the vibrational entropy change has been computed on the basis of DFT harmonic frequencies (gas and adsorbed phases, clean surfaces), which have been extended to all the adsorbate vibrations and the metallic surface phonons. The phase diagrams plotted in realistic conditions of temperature (from 100 to 400 K) and pressure (0.15 atm) show that the ZPE corrected adsorption energy is the main contribution. When strong chemisorption is considered on the Pt surface, the multifunctional molecules are adsorbed on the surface in the considered temperature range. In contrast for weak chemisorption on the Au surface, the thermodynamic results should be held cautiously. The systematic errors of the model (choice of the functional, configurational entropy and vibrational entropy) make difficult the prediction of the adsorption-desorption phase boundaries.

Multifunctional Inverse Opal-Like TiO2 Electron Transport Layer for Efficient Hybrid Perovskite Solar Cells.

PubMed

Chen, Xiao; Yang, Shuang; Zheng, Yi Chu; Chen, Ying; Hou, Yu; Yang, Xiao Hua; Yang, Hua Gui

2015-09-01

A novel multifunctional inverse opal-like TiO 2 electron transport layer (IOT-ETL) is designed to replace the traditional compact layer and mesoporous scaffold layer in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Improved light harvesting efficiency and charge transporting performance in IOT-ETL based PSCs yield high power conversion efficiency of 13.11%.

A global characterization and identification of multifunctional enzymes.

PubMed

Cheng, Xian-Ying; Huang, Wei-Juan; Hu, Shi-Chang; Zhang, Hai-Lei; Wang, Hao; Zhang, Jing-Xian; Lin, Hong-Huang; Chen, Yu-Zong; Zou, Quan; Ji, Zhi-Liang

2012-01-01

Multi-functional enzymes are enzymes that perform multiple physiological functions. Characterization and identification of multi-functional enzymes are critical for communication and cooperation between different functions and pathways within a complex cellular system or between cells. In present study, we collected literature-reported 6,799 multi-functional enzymes and systematically characterized them in structural, functional, and evolutionary aspects. It was found that four physiochemical properties, that is, charge, polarizability, hydrophobicity, and solvent accessibility, are important for characterization of multi-functional enzymes. Accordingly, a combinational model of support vector machine and random forest model was constructed, based on which 6,956 potential novel multi-functional enzymes were successfully identified from the ENZYME database. Moreover, it was observed that multi-functional enzymes are non-evenly distributed in species, and that Bacteria have relatively more multi-functional enzymes than Archaebacteria and Eukaryota. Comparative analysis indicated that the multi-functional enzymes experienced a fluctuation of gene gain and loss during the evolution from S. cerevisiae to H. sapiens. Further pathway analyses indicated that a majority of multi-functional enzymes were well preserved in catalyzing several essential cellular processes, for example, metabolisms of carbohydrates, nucleotides, and amino acids. What's more, a database of known multi-functional enzymes and a server for novel multi-functional enzyme prediction were also constructed for free access at http://bioinf.xmu.edu.cn/databases/MFEs/index.htm.

Self-assembled Monolayer Mediated Surface Environment Modification of Poly(vinylpyrrolidone)-Coated Hollow Au-Ag Nanoshells for Enhanced Loading of Hydrophobic Drug and Efficient Multimodal Therapy.

PubMed

Jang, Hongje; Kim, Dong-Eun; Min, Dal-Hee

2015-06-17

Hollow Au-Ag bimetallic nanoshell possessing hydrophobic interior space and hydrophilic exterior surface was prepared and its application as a chemo-thermo-gene therapeutic agent based on its high payload of multiple drugs having different water solubility was demonstrated. The multifunctional drug delivery system is based on the hydrophobic interior created by the self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of hexanethiol onto the inner surface of the hollow metallic nanoshells whereas the outer surface was mostly coated by hydrophilic biocompatible polymer. The nanoshells having surface environment modified by hexanethiol SAMs provided high capacity both for hydrophilic DNAzyme (Dz) to induce gene silencing and for hydrophobic SN38 (7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin), anticancer drug. The release of the loaded Dz and SN38 was independently triggered by an acidic environment and by photothermal temperature elevation upon irradiation, respectively. The chemo-thermo-gene multitherapy based on the present nanoshells having modified surface environment showed high efficacy in quantitative cell-based assays using Huh7 human liver cell containing hepatitis C viral NS3 gene replicon RNA.

Shaping the CD4+ memory immune response against tuberculosis: the role of antigen persistence, location and multi-functionality.

PubMed

Ancelet, Lindsay; Kirman, Joanna

2012-02-01

Abstract Effective vaccination against intracellular pathogens, such as tuberculosis (TB), relies on the generation and maintenance of CD4 memory T cells. An incomplete understanding of the memory immune response has hindered the rational design of a new, more effective TB vaccine. This review discusses how the persistence of antigen, the location of memory cells, and their multifunctional ability shape the CD4 memory T cell response against TB.

Development of Multifunctional Fluorescent–Magnetic Nanoprobes for Selective Capturing and Multicolor Imaging of Heterogeneous Circulating Tumor Cells

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

Circulating tumor cells (CTC) are highly heterogeneous in nature due to epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is the major obstacle for CTC analysis via “liquid biopsy”. This article reports the development of a new class of multifunctional fluorescent–magnetic multicolor nanoprobes for targeted capturing and accurate identification of heterogeneous CTC. A facile design approach for the synthesis and characterization of bioconjugated multifunctonal nanoprobes that exhibit excellent magnetic properties and emit very bright and photostable multicolor fluorescence at red, green, and blue under 380 nm excitation is reported. Experimental data presented show that the multifunctional multicolor nanoprobes can be used for targeted capture and multicolor fluorescence mapping of heterogeneous CTC and can distinguish targeted CTC from nontargeted cells. PMID:27255574

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jason Maung, K.; Hahn, H. Thomas; Ju, Y.S.

Multifunction integration of solar cells in load-bearing structures can enhance overall system performance by reducing parasitic components and material redundancy. The article describes a manufacturing strategy, named the co-curing scheme, to integrate thin-film silicon solar cells on carbon-fiber-reinforced epoxy composites and eliminate parasitic packaging layers. In this scheme, an assembly of a solar cell and a prepreg is cured to form a multifunctional composite in one processing step. The photovoltaic performance of the manufactured structures is then characterized under controlled cyclic mechanical loading. The study finds that the solar cell performance does not degrade under 0.3%-strain cyclic tension loading upmore » to 100 cycles. Significant degradation, however, is observed when the magnitude of cyclic loading is increased to 1% strain. The present study provides an initial set of data to guide and motivate further studies of multifunctional energy harvesting structures. (author)« less

Defensins and Other Antimicrobial Peptides at the Ocular Surface

PubMed Central

McDermott, Alison M.

2006-01-01

Although constantly exposed to the environment and “foreign bodies” such as contact lenses and unwashed fingertips, the ocular surface succumbs to infection relatively infrequently. This is, in large part, due to a very active and robust innate immune response mounted at the ocular surface. Studies over the past 20 years have revealed that small peptides with antimicrobial activity are a major component of the human innate immune response system. The ocular surface is no exception, with peptides of the defensin and cathelicidin families being detected in the tear film and secreted by corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells. There is also much evidence to suggest that the role of some antimicrobial peptides is not restricted to direct killing of pathogens, but, rather, that they function in various aspects of the immune response, including recruitment of immune cells, and through actions on dendritic cells provide a link to adaptive immunity. A role in wound healing is also supported. In this article, the properties, mechanisms of actions and functional roles of antimicrobial peptides are reviewed, with particular emphasis on the potential multifunctional roles of defensins and LL-37 (the only known human cathelicidin) at the ocular surface. PMID:17216098

Formulation and evaluation of targeted nanoparticles for breast cancer theranostic system.

PubMed

Dadras, Pegah; Atyabi, Fatemeh; Irani, Shiva; Ma'mani, Leila; Foroumadi, Alireza; Mirzaie, Zahra Hadavand; Ebrahimi, Marzieh; Dinarvand, R

2017-01-15

Theranostic polymeric NPs developed for both cancer diagnosis and cancer therapy. This multifunctional polymeric vehicle was prepared by a single emulsion evaporation method, using carboxyl-terminated PLGA. LHRH as a targeting moiety, was conjugated to the surface of polymeric carrier by applying polyethylene glycol. The results indicated that the diameter of NPs was ~185.4±4.6nm as defined by DLS. The entrapment efficacy of docetaxel, silibinin, and SPIONs was 84.6±4.1%, 80.6±2.7%, and 77.9±4.3%, respectively. The NPs showed a triphasic in-vitro drug release pattern. MTT assay was done on two cell lines, MCF-7 and SKOV-3. Enhanced cellular uptake ability of the targeted NPs to MCF-7 was evaluated in-vitro by confocal laser scanning microscopy. The results indicated that compared to non-targeted NPs, the LHRH targeted NPs had significant efficacy at IC50 concentration. The effect of the NPs on VEGF expression in MCF-7 and SKOV-3 cells was investigated by Real-Time PCR method. VEGF mRNA level expression in MCF-7 cell line reduced by 83% in comparison to control cell line. The designed NPs can be used as promising multifunctional platform for detection and targeted drug delivery in breast cancer. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

High-strength porous carbon and its multifunctional applications

DOEpatents

Wojtowicz, Marek A; Rubenstein, Eric P; Serio, Michael A; Cosgrove, Joseph E

2013-12-31

High-strength porous carbon and a method of its manufacture are described for multifunctional applications, such as ballistic protection, structural components, ultracapacitor electrodes, gas storage, and radiation shielding. The carbon is produced from a polymer precursor via carbonization, and optionally by surface activation and post-treatment.

Novel multi-functional fluid flow device for studying cellular mechanotransduction

PubMed Central

Lyons, James S.; Iyer, Shama R.; Lovering, Richard M.; Ward, Christopher W.; Stains, Joseph P.

2016-01-01

Cells respond to their mechanical environment by initiating multiple mechanotransduction signaling pathways. Defects in mechanotransduction have been implicated in a number of pathologies; thus, there is need for convenient and efficient methods for studying the mechanisms underlying these processes. A widely used and accepted technique for mechanically stimulating cells in culture is the introduction of fluid flow on cell monolayers. Here, we describe a novel, multifunctional fluid flow device for exposing cells to fluid flow in culture. This device integrates with common lab equipment including routine cell culture plates and peristaltic pumps. Further, it allows the fluid flow treated cells to be examined with outcomes at the cell and molecular level. We validated the device using the biologic response of cultured UMR-106 osteoblast-like cells in comparison to a commercially available system of laminar sheer stress to track live cell calcium influx in response to fluid flow. In addition, we demonstrate the fluid flow-dependent activation of phospho-ERK in these cells, consistent with the findings in other fluid flow devices. This device provides a low cost, multi-functional alternative to currently available systems, while still providing the ability to generate physiologically relevant conditions for studying processes involved in mechanotransduction in vitro. PMID:27887728

Targeting Endothelial Cells with Multifunctional GaN/Fe Nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Braniste, Tudor; Tiginyanu, Ion; Horvath, Tibor; Raevschi, Simion; Andrée, Birgit; Cebotari, Serghei; Boyle, Erin C.; Haverich, Axel; Hilfiker, Andres

2017-08-01

In this paper, we report on the interaction of multifunctional nanoparticles with living endothelial cells. The nanoparticles were synthesized using direct growth of gallium nitride on zinc oxide nanoparticles alloyed with iron oxide followed by core decomposition in hydrogen flow at high temperature. Using transmission electron microscopy, we demonstrate that porcine aortic endothelial cells take up GaN-based nanoparticles suspended in the growth medium. The nanoparticles are deposited in vesicles and the endothelial cells show no sign of cellular damage. Intracellular inert nanoparticles are used as guiding elements for controlled transportation or designed spatial distribution of cells in external magnetic fields.

Plasmonic nanobubbles for target cell-specific gene and drug delivery and multifunctional processing of heterogeneous cell systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lukianova-Hleb, Ekaterina Y.; Huye, Leslie E.; Brenner, Malcolm K.; Lapotko, Dmitri O.

2014-03-01

Cell and gene cancer therapies require ex vivo cell processing of human grafts. Such processing requires at least three steps - cell enrichment, cell separation (destruction), and gene transfer - each of which requires the use of a separate technology. While these technologies may be satisfactory for research use, they are of limited usefulness in the clinical treatment setting because they have a low processing rate, as well as a low transfection and separation efficacy and specificity in heterogeneous human grafts. Most problematic, because current technologies are administered in multiple steps - rather than in a single, multifunctional, and simultaneous procedure - they lengthen treatment process and introduce an unnecessary level of complexity, labor, and resources into clinical treatment; all these limitations result in high losses of valuable cells. We report a universal, high-throughput, and multifunctional technology that simultaneously (1) inject free external cargo in target cells, (2) destroys unwanted cells, and (3) preserve valuable non-target cells in heterogeneous grafts. Each of these functions has single target cell specificity in heterogeneous cell system, processing rate > 45 mln cell/min, injection efficacy 90% under 96% viability of the injected cells, target cell destruction efficacy > 99%, viability of not-target cells >99% The developed technology employs novel cellular agents, called plasmonic nanobubbles (PNBs). PNBs are not particles, but transient, intracellular events, a vapor nanobubbles that expand and collapse in mere nanoseconds under optical excitation of gold nanoparticles with short picosecond laser pulses. PNBs of different, cell-specific, size (1) inject free external cargo with small PNBs, (2) Destroy other target cells mechanically with large PNBs and (3) Preserve non-target cells. The multi-functionality, precision, and high throughput of all-in-one PNB technology will tremendously impact cell and gene therapies and other clinical applications that depend on ex vivo processing of heterogeneous cell systems.

Multiplex acute leukemia cytosensing using multifunctional hybrid electrochemical nanoprobes at a hierarchically nanoarchitectured electrode interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Tingting; Tan, Tingting; Zhang, Qingfeng; Fu, Jia-Ju; Wu, Jia-Jun; Zhang, Kui; Zhu, Jun-Jie; Wang, Hui

2013-10-01

We have developed a robust, nanobiotechnology-based electrochemical cytosensing approach with high sensitivity, selectivity, and reproducibility toward the simultaneous multiplex detection and classification of both acute myeloid leukemia and acute lymphocytic leukemia cells. The construction of the electrochemical cytosensor involves the hierarchical assembly of dual aptamer-functionalized, multilayered graphene-Au nanoparticle electrode interface and the utilization of hybrid electrochemical nanoprobes co-functionalized with redox tags, horseradish peroxidase, and cell-targeting nucleic acid aptamers. The hybrid nanoprobes are multifunctional, capable of specifically targeting the cells of interest, amplifying the electrochemical signals, and generating distinguishable signals for multiplex cytosensing. The as-assembled electrode interface not only greatly facilitates the interfacial electron transfer process due to its high conductivity and surface area but also exhibits excellent biocompatibility and specificity for cell recognition and adhesion. A superstructured sandwich-type sensor geometry is adopted for electrochemical cytosensing, with the cells of interest sandwiched between the nanoprobes and the electrode interface. Such an electrochemical sensing strategy allows for ultrasensitive, multiplex acute leukemia cytosensing with a detection limit as low as ~350 cells per mL and a wide linear response range from 5 × 102 to 1 × 107 cells per mL for HL-60 and CEM cells, with minimal cross-reactivity and interference from non-targeting cells. This electrochemical cytosensing approach holds great promise as a new point-of-care diagnostic tool for early detection and classification of human acute leukemia and may be readily expanded to multiplex cytosensing of other cancer cells.We have developed a robust, nanobiotechnology-based electrochemical cytosensing approach with high sensitivity, selectivity, and reproducibility toward the simultaneous multiplex detection and classification of both acute myeloid leukemia and acute lymphocytic leukemia cells. The construction of the electrochemical cytosensor involves the hierarchical assembly of dual aptamer-functionalized, multilayered graphene-Au nanoparticle electrode interface and the utilization of hybrid electrochemical nanoprobes co-functionalized with redox tags, horseradish peroxidase, and cell-targeting nucleic acid aptamers. The hybrid nanoprobes are multifunctional, capable of specifically targeting the cells of interest, amplifying the electrochemical signals, and generating distinguishable signals for multiplex cytosensing. The as-assembled electrode interface not only greatly facilitates the interfacial electron transfer process due to its high conductivity and surface area but also exhibits excellent biocompatibility and specificity for cell recognition and adhesion. A superstructured sandwich-type sensor geometry is adopted for electrochemical cytosensing, with the cells of interest sandwiched between the nanoprobes and the electrode interface. Such an electrochemical sensing strategy allows for ultrasensitive, multiplex acute leukemia cytosensing with a detection limit as low as ~350 cells per mL and a wide linear response range from 5 × 102 to 1 × 107 cells per mL for HL-60 and CEM cells, with minimal cross-reactivity and interference from non-targeting cells. This electrochemical cytosensing approach holds great promise as a new point-of-care diagnostic tool for early detection and classification of human acute leukemia and may be readily expanded to multiplex cytosensing of other cancer cells. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Additional figures as noted in the text. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr02903d

Transmembrane Mucins: Signaling Receptors at the Intersection of Inflammation and Cancer

PubMed Central

van Putten, Jos P.M.; Strijbis, Karin

2017-01-01

Mucosal surfaces line our body cavities and provide the interaction surface between commensal and pathogenic microbiota and the host. The barrier function of the mucosal layer is largely maintained by gel-forming mucin proteins that are secreted by goblet cells. In addition, mucosal epithelial cells express cell-bound mucins that have both barrier and signaling functions. The family of transmembrane mucins consists of diverse members that share a few characteristics. The highly glycosylated extracellular mucin domains inhibit invasion by pathogenic bacteria and can form a tight mesh structure that protects cells in harmful conditions. The intracellular tails of transmembrane mucins can be phosphorylated and connect to signaling pathways that regulate inflammation, cell-cell interactions, differentiation, and apoptosis. Transmembrane mucins play important roles in preventing infection at mucosal surfaces, but are also renowned for their contributions to the development, progression, and metastasis of adenocarcinomas. In general, transmembrane mucins seem to have evolved to monitor and repair damaged epithelia, but these functions can be highjacked by cancer cells to yield a survival advantage. This review presents an overview of the current knowledge of the functions of transmembrane mucins in inflammatory processes and carcinogenesis in order to better understand the diverse functions of these multifunctional proteins. PMID:28052300

Use of multi-functional flexible micro-sensors for in situ measurement of temperature, voltage and fuel flow in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell.

PubMed

Lee, Chi-Yuan; Chan, Pin-Cheng; Lee, Chung-Ju

2010-01-01

Temperature, voltage and fuel flow distribution all contribute considerably to fuel cell performance. Conventional methods cannot accurately determine parameter changes inside a fuel cell. This investigation developed flexible and multi-functional micro sensors on a 40 μm-thick stainless steel foil substrate by using micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and embedded them in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) to measure the temperature, voltage and flow. Users can monitor and control in situ the temperature, voltage and fuel flow distribution in the cell. Thereby, both fuel cell performance and lifetime can be increased.

Targeting Strategies for Multifunctional Nanoparticles in Cancer Imaging and Therapy

PubMed Central

Yu, Mi Kyung; Park, Jinho; Jon, Sangyong

2012-01-01

Nanomaterials offer new opportunities for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Multifunctional nanoparticles harboring various functions including targeting, imaging, therapy, and etc have been intensively studied aiming to overcome limitations associated with conventional cancer diagnosis and therapy. Of various nanoparticles, magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles with superparamagnetic property have shown potential as multifunctional nanoparticles for clinical translation because they have been used asmagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) constrast agents in clinic and their features could be easily tailored by including targeting moieties, fluorescence dyes, or therapeutic agents. This review summarizes targeting strategies for construction of multifunctional nanoparticles including magnetic nanoparticles-based theranostic systems, and the various surface engineering strategies of nanoparticles for in vivo applications. PMID:22272217

The solid state environment orchestrates embryonic development and tissue remodeling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Damsky, C. H.; Moursi, A.; Zhou, Y.; Fisher, S. J.; Globus, R. K.

1997-01-01

Cell interactions with extracellular matrix and with other cells play critical roles in morphogenesis during development and in tissue homeostasis and remodeling throughout life. Extracellular matrix is information-rich, not only because it is comprised of multifunctional structural ligands for cell surface adhesion receptors, but also because it contains peptide signaling factors, and proteinases and their inhibitors. The functions of these groups of molecules are extensively interrelated. In this review, three primary cell culture models are described that focus on adhesion receptors and their roles in complex aspects of morphogenesis and remodeling: the regulation of proteinase expression by fibronectin and integrins in synovial fibroblasts; the regulation of osteoblast differentiation and survival by fibronectin, and the regulation of trophoblast differentiation and invasion by integrins, cadherins and immunoglobulin family adhesion receptors.

Rapid Biochemical Mixture Screening by Three-Dimensional Patterned Multifunctional Substrate with Ultra-Thin Layer Chromatography (UTLC) and Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS).

PubMed

Lee, Bi-Shen; Lin, Pi-Chen; Lin, Ding-Zheng; Yen, Ta-Jen

2018-01-11

We present a three-dimensional patterned (3DP) multifunctional substrate with the functions of ultra-thin layer chromatography (UTLC) and surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), which simultaneously enables mixture separation, target localization and label-free detection. This multifunctional substrate is comprised of a 3DP silicon nanowires array (3DP-SiNWA), decorated with silver nano-dendrites (AgNDs) atop. The 3DP-SiNWA is fabricated by a facile photolithographic process and low-cost metal assisted chemical etching (MaCE) process. Then, the AgNDs are decorated onto 3DP-SiNWA by a wet chemical reduction process, obtaining 3DP-AgNDs@SiNWA multifunctional substrates. With various patterns designed on the substrates, the signal intensity could be maximized by the excellent confinement and concentrated effects of patterns. By using this 3DP-AgNDs@SiNWA substrate to scrutinize the mixture of two visible dyes, the individual target could be recognized and further boosted the Raman signal of target 15.42 times comparing to the un-patterned AgNDs@SiNWA substrate. Therefore, such a three-dimensional patterned multifunctional substrate empowers rapid mixture screening, and can be readily employed in practical applications for biochemical assays, food safety and other fields.

Biodegradable "Smart" Polyphosphazenes with Intrinsic Multifunctionality as Intracellular Protein Delivery Vehicles.

PubMed

Martinez, Andre P; Qamar, Bareera; Fuerst, Thomas R; Muro, Silvia; Andrianov, Alexander K

2017-06-12

A series of biodegradable drug delivery polymers with intrinsic multifunctionality have been designed and synthesized utilizing a polyphosphazene macromolecular engineering approach. Novel water-soluble polymers, which contain carboxylic acid and pyrrolidone moieties attached to an inorganic phosphorus-nitrogen backbone, were characterized by a suite of physicochemical methods to confirm their structure, composition, and molecular sizes. All synthesized polyphosphazenes displayed composition-dependent hydrolytic degradability in aqueous solutions at neutral pH. Their formulations were stable at lower temperatures, potentially indicating adequate shelf life, but were characterized by accelerated degradation kinetics at elevated temperatures, including 37 °C. It was found that synthesized polyphosphazenes are capable of environmentally triggered self-assembly to produce nanoparticles with narrow polydispersity in the size range of 150-700 nm. Protein loading capacity of copolymers has been validated via their ability to noncovalently bind avidin without altering biological functionality. Acid-induced membrane-disruptive activity of polyphosphazenes has been established with an onset corresponding to the endosomal pH range and being dependent on polymer composition. The synthesized polyphosphazenes facilitated cell-surface interactions followed by time-dependent, vesicular-mediated, and saturable internalization of a model protein cargo into cancer cells, demonstrating the potential for intracellular delivery.

Multifunctional organic–inorganic hybrid nanoparticles and nanosheets based on chitosan derivative and layered double hydroxide: cellular uptake mechanism and application for topical ocular drug delivery

PubMed Central

Chi, Huibo; Gu, Yan; Xu, Tingting; Cao, Feng

2017-01-01

To study the cellular uptake mechanism of multifunctional organic–inorganic hybrid nanoparticles and nanosheets, new chitosan–glutathione–valine–valine-layered double hydroxide (CG-VV-LDH) nanosheets with active targeting to peptide transporter-1 (PepT-1) were prepared, characterized and further compared with CG-VV-LDH nanoparticles. Both organic–inorganic hybrid nanoparticles and nanosheets showed a sustained release in vitro and prolonged precorneal retention time in vivo, but CG-VV-LDH nanoparticles showed superior permeability in the isolated cornea of rabbits than CG-VV-LDH nanosheets. Furthermore, results of cellular uptake on human corneal epithelial primary cells (HCEpiC) and retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE-19) cells indicated that both clathrin-mediated endocytosis and active transport of PepT-1 are involved in the internalization of CG-VV-LDH nanoparticles and CG-VV-LDH nanosheets. In summary, the CG-VV-LDH nanoparticle may be a promising carrier as a topical ocular drug delivery system for the treatment of ocular diseases of mid-posterior segments, while the CG-VV-LDH nanosheet may be suitable for the treatment of ocular surface diseases. PMID:28280329

Pyruvate dehydrogenase subunit β of Lactobacillus plantarum is a collagen adhesin involved in biofilm formation.

PubMed

Salzillo, Marzia; Vastano, Valeria; Capri, Ugo; Muscariello, Lidia; Marasco, Rosangela

2017-04-01

Multi-functional surface proteins have been observed in a variety of pathogenic bacteria, where they mediate host cell adhesion and invasion, as well as in commensal bacterial species, were they mediate positive interaction with the host. Among these proteins, some glycolytic enzymes, expressed on the bacterial cell surface, can bind human extracellular matrix components (ECM). A major target for them is collagen, an abundant glycoprotein of connective tissues. We have previously shown that the enolase EnoA1 of Lactobacillus plantarum, one of the most predominant species in the gut microbiota of healthy individuals, is involved in binding with collagen type I (CnI). In this study, we found that PDHB, a component of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, contributes to the L. plantarum LM3 adhesion to CnI. By a cellular adhesion assay to immobilized CnI, we show that LM3-B1 cells, carrying a null mutation in the pdhB gene, bind to CnI - coated surfaces less efficiently than wild-type cells. Moreover, we show that the PDHB-CnI interaction requires a native state for PDHB. We also analyzed the ability to develop biofilm in wild-type and mutant strains and we found that the lack of the PDHB on cell surface generates cells partially impaired in biofilm development. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Multifunctional clickable and protein-repellent magnetic silica nanoparticles.

PubMed

Estupiñán, Diego; Bannwarth, Markus B; Mylon, Steven E; Landfester, Katharina; Muñoz-Espí, Rafael; Crespy, Daniel

2016-02-07

Silica nanoparticles are versatile materials whose physicochemical surface properties can be precisely adjusted. Because it is possible to combine several functionalities in a single carrier, silica-based materials are excellent candidates for biomedical applications. However, the functionality of the nanoparticles can get lost upon exposure to biological media due to uncontrolled biomolecule adsorption. Therefore, it is important to develop strategies that reduce non-specific protein-particle interactions without losing the introduced surface functionality. Herein, organosilane chemistry is employed to produce magnetic silica nanoparticles bearing differing amounts of amino and alkene functional groups on their surface as orthogonally addressable chemical functionalities. Simultaneously, a short-chain zwitterion is added to decrease the non-specific adsorption of biomolecules on the nanoparticles surface. The multifunctional particles display reduced protein adsorption after incubation in undiluted fetal bovine serum as well as in single protein solutions (serum albumin and lysozyme). Besides, the particles retain their capacity to selectively react with biomolecules. Thus, they can be covalently bio-functionalized with an antibody by means of orthogonal click reactions. These features make the described multifunctional silica nanoparticles a promising system for the study of surface interactions with biomolecules, targeting, and bio-sensing.

Engineering design of sub-micron topographies for simultaneously adherent and reflective metal-polymer interfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, Christopher A.

1993-01-01

The approach of the project is to base the design of multi-function, reflective topographies on the theory that topographically dependent phenomena react with surfaces and interfaces at certain scales. The first phase of the project emphasizes the development of methods for understanding the sizes of topographic features which influence reflectivity. Subsequent phases, if necessary, will address the scales of interaction for adhesion and manufacturing processes. A simulation of the interaction of electromagnetic radiation, or light, with a reflective surface is performed using specialized software. Reflectivity of the surface as a function of scale is evaluated and the results from the simulation are compared with reflectivity measurements made on multi-function, reflective surfaces.

Structural Aspects of N-Glycosylations and the C-terminal Region in Human Glypican-1*

PubMed Central

Awad, Wael; Adamczyk, Barbara; Örnros, Jessica; Karlsson, Niclas G.; Mani, Katrin; Logan, Derek T.

2015-01-01

Glypicans are multifunctional cell surface proteoglycans involved in several important cellular signaling pathways. Glypican-1 (Gpc1) is the predominant heparan sulfate proteoglycan in the developing and adult human brain. The two N-linked glycans and the C-terminal domain that attach the core protein to the cell membrane are not resolved in the Gpc1 crystal structure. Therefore, we have studied Gpc1 using crystallography, small angle x-ray scattering, and chromatographic approaches to elucidate the composition, structure, and function of the N-glycans and the C terminus and also the topology of Gpc1 with respect to the membrane. The C terminus is shown to be highly flexible in solution, but it orients the core protein transverse to the membrane, directing a surface evolutionarily conserved in Gpc1 orthologs toward the membrane, where it may interact with signaling molecules and/or membrane receptors on the cell surface, or even the enzymes involved in heparan sulfate substitution in the Golgi apparatus. Furthermore, the N-glycans are shown to extend the protein stability and lifetime by protection against proteolysis and aggregation. PMID:26203194

Highly efficient multifunctional metasurface for high-gain lens antenna application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hou, Haisheng; Wang, Guangming; Li, Haipeng; Guo, Wenlong; Li, Tangjing

2017-07-01

In this paper, a novel multifunctional metasurface combining linear-to-circular polarization conversion and electromagnetic waves focusing has been proposed and applied to design a high-gain lens antenna working at Ku band. The multifunctional metasurface consists of 15 × 15 unit cells. Each unit cell is composed of four identical metallic layers and three intermediate dielectric layers. Due to well optimization, the multifunctional metasurface can convert the linearly polarized waves generated by the source to circularly polarized waves and focus the waves. By placing a patch antenna operating at 15 GHz at the focal point of the metasurface and setting the focal distance to diameter ratio ( F/ D) to 0.34, we obtain a multifunctional lens antenna. Simulated and measured results coincide well, indicating that the metasurface can convert linearly polarized waves to right-handed circularly polarized waves at 15 GHz with excellent performances in terms of the 3 dB axial ratio bandwidth of 5.3%, realized gain of 16.9 dB and aperture efficiency of 41.2%. Because of the advantages of high gain, competitive efficiency and easy fabrication, the proposed lens antenna has a great potential application in wireless and satellite communication.

Multi-Modal Strategies for Overcoming Tumor Drug Resistance: Hypoxia, Warburg’s Effect, Stem Cells, and Multifunctional Nanotechnology

PubMed Central

Milane, Lara; Ganesh, Shanthi; Shah, Shruti; Duan, Zhen-feng; Amiji, Mansoor

2011-01-01

Inefficiency in systemic drug delivery and tumor residence as well microenvironmental selection pressures contribute to the development of multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer. Characteristics of MDR include abnormal vasculature, regions of hypoxia, up-regulation of ABC-transporters, aerobic glycolysis, and an elevated apoptotic threshold. Nano-sized delivery vehicles are ideal for treating MDR cancer as they can improve the therapeutic index of drugs and they can be engineered to achieve multifunctional parameters. The multifunctional ability of nanocarriers makes them more adept at treating heterogeneous tumor mass than traditional chemotherapy. Nanocarriers also have preferential tumor accumulation via the EPR effect; this accumulation can be further enhanced by actively targeting the biological profile of MDR cells. Perhaps the most significant benefit of using nanocarrier drug delivery to treat MDR cancer is that nanocarrier delivery diverts the effects of ABC-transporter mediated drug efflux; which is the primary mechanism of MDR. This review discusses the capabilities, applications, and examples of multifunctional nanocarriers for the treatment of MDR. This review emphasizes multifunctional nanocarriers that enhance drug delivery efficiency, the application of RNAi, modulation of the tumor apoptotic threshold, and physical approaches to overcome MDR. PMID:21497176

Multifunctional Nano-engineered Polymer Surfaces with Enhanced Mechanical Resistance and Superhydrophobicity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hernández, Jaime J.; Monclús, Miguel A.; Navarro-Baena, Iván; Viela, Felipe; Molina-Aldareguia, Jon M.; Rodríguez, Isabel

2017-03-01

This paper presents a multifunctional polymer surface that provides superhydrophobicity and self-cleaning functions together with an enhancement in mechanical and electrical performance. These functionalities are produced by nanoimprinting high aspect ratio pillar arrays on polymeric matrix incorporating functional reinforcing elements. Two distinct matrix-filler systems are investigated specifically, Carbon Nanotube reinforced Polystyrene (CNT-PS) and Reduced Graphene Oxide reinforced Polyvinylidene Difluoride (RGO-PVDF). Mechanical characterization of the topographies by quantitative nanoindentation and nanoscratch tests are performed to evidence a considerable increase in stiffness, Young’s modulus and critical failure load with respect to the pristine polymers. The improvement on the mechanical properties is rationalized in terms of effective dispersion and penetration of the fillers into the imprinted structures as determined by confocal Raman and SEM studies. In addition, an increase in the degree of crystallization for the PVDF-RGO imprinted nanocomposite possibly accounts for the larger enhancement observed. Improvement of the mechanical ruggedness of functional textured surfaces with appropriate fillers will enable the implementation of multifunctional nanotextured materials in real applications.

Emmprin (basigin/CD147): matrix metalloproteinase modulator and multifunctional cell recognition molecule that plays a critical role in cancer progression.

PubMed

Nabeshima, Kazuki; Iwasaki, Hiroshi; Koga, Kaori; Hojo, Hironobu; Suzumiya, Junji; Kikuchi, Masahiro

2006-07-01

Emmprin (basigin, CD147) is a cell surface glycoprotein that belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily. It is highly expressed on the surface of tumor cells and stimulates adjacent fibroblasts or tumor cells to produce matrix metalloproteinases. Moreover, it has recently been shown that emmprin also stimulates expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and hyaluronan, which leads to angiogenesis and anchorage-independent growth/multidrug resistance, respectively. These findings have made emmprin an important molecule in tumor progression and, thus, more attractive as a target for antitumor treatment. However, other functions of emmprin, including as an activator of T cells, a chaperone for monocarboxylate transporters, a receptor for cyclophilin A and a neural recognition molecule, are also being identified in physiological and pathological conditions. Therefore, it is essential to develop specific means to control particular functions of emmprin, for which elucidation of each mechanism is crucial. This review will discuss the role of emmprin in tumor progression and recent advances in the molecular mechanisms of diverse phenomena regulated by emmprin.

Secreted glyceraldehye-3-phosphate dehydrogenase is a multifunctional autocrine transferrin receptor for cellular iron acquisition.

PubMed

Sheokand, Navdeep; Kumar, Santosh; Malhotra, Himanshu; Tillu, Vikas; Raje, Chaaya Iyengar; Raje, Manoj

2013-06-01

The long held view is that mammalian cells obtain transferrin (Tf) bound iron utilizing specialized membrane anchored receptors. Here we report that, during increased iron demand, cells secrete the glycolytic enzyme glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) which enhances cellular uptake of Tf and iron. These observations could be mimicked by utilizing purified GAPDH injected into mice as well as when supplemented in culture medium of model cell lines and primary cell types that play a key role in iron metabolism. Transferrin and iron delivery was evaluated by biochemical, biophysical and imaging based assays. This mode of iron uptake is a saturable, energy dependent pathway, utilizing raft as well as non-raft domains of the cell membrane and also involves the membrane protein CD87 (uPAR). Tf internalized by this mode is also catabolized. Our research demonstrates that, even in cell types that express the known surface receptor based mechanism for transferrin uptake, more transferrin is delivered by this route which represents a hidden dimension of iron homeostasis. Iron is an essential trace metal for practically all living organisms however its acquisition presents major challenges. The current paradigm is that living organisms have developed well orchestrated and evolved mechanisms involving iron carrier molecules and their specific receptors to regulate its absorption, transport, storage and mobilization. Our research uncovers a hidden and primitive pathway of bulk iron trafficking involving a secreted receptor that is a multifunctional glycolytic enzyme that has implications in pathological conditions such as infectious diseases and cancer. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Use of Multi-Functional Flexible Micro-Sensors for in situ Measurement of Temperature, Voltage and Fuel Flow in a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell

PubMed Central

Lee, Chi-Yuan; Chan, Pin-Cheng; Lee, Chung-Ju

2010-01-01

Temperature, voltage and fuel flow distribution all contribute considerably to fuel cell performance. Conventional methods cannot accurately determine parameter changes inside a fuel cell. This investigation developed flexible and multi-functional micro sensors on a 40 μm-thick stainless steel foil substrate by using micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and embedded them in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) to measure the temperature, voltage and flow. Users can monitor and control in situ the temperature, voltage and fuel flow distribution in the cell. Thereby, both fuel cell performance and lifetime can be increased. PMID:22163545

Multifunctional clickable and protein-repellent magnetic silica nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Estupiñán, Diego; Bannwarth, Markus B.; Mylon, Steven E.; Landfester, Katharina; Muñoz-Espí, Rafael; Crespy, Daniel

2016-01-01

Silica nanoparticles are versatile materials whose physicochemical surface properties can be precisely adjusted. Because it is possible to combine several functionalities in a single carrier, silica-based materials are excellent candidates for biomedical applications. However, the functionality of the nanoparticles can get lost upon exposure to biological media due to uncontrolled biomolecule adsorption. Therefore, it is important to develop strategies that reduce non-specific protein-particle interactions without losing the introduced surface functionality. Herein, organosilane chemistry is employed to produce magnetic silica nanoparticles bearing differing amounts of amino and alkene functional groups on their surface as orthogonally addressable chemical functionalities. Simultaneously, a short-chain zwitterion is added to decrease the non-specific adsorption of biomolecules on the nanoparticles surface. The multifunctional particles display reduced protein adsorption after incubation in undiluted fetal bovine serum as well as in single protein solutions (serum albumin and lysozyme). Besides, the particles retain their capacity to selectively react with biomolecules. Thus, they can be covalently bio-functionalized with an antibody by means of orthogonal click reactions. These features make the described multifunctional silica nanoparticles a promising system for the study of surface interactions with biomolecules, targeting, and bio-sensing.Silica nanoparticles are versatile materials whose physicochemical surface properties can be precisely adjusted. Because it is possible to combine several functionalities in a single carrier, silica-based materials are excellent candidates for biomedical applications. However, the functionality of the nanoparticles can get lost upon exposure to biological media due to uncontrolled biomolecule adsorption. Therefore, it is important to develop strategies that reduce non-specific protein-particle interactions without losing the introduced surface functionality. Herein, organosilane chemistry is employed to produce magnetic silica nanoparticles bearing differing amounts of amino and alkene functional groups on their surface as orthogonally addressable chemical functionalities. Simultaneously, a short-chain zwitterion is added to decrease the non-specific adsorption of biomolecules on the nanoparticles surface. The multifunctional particles display reduced protein adsorption after incubation in undiluted fetal bovine serum as well as in single protein solutions (serum albumin and lysozyme). Besides, the particles retain their capacity to selectively react with biomolecules. Thus, they can be covalently bio-functionalized with an antibody by means of orthogonal click reactions. These features make the described multifunctional silica nanoparticles a promising system for the study of surface interactions with biomolecules, targeting, and bio-sensing. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Detailed synthetic procedures and additional experimental light scattering and zeta-potential data. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr08258g

Multifunctional quantum dot-polypeptide hybrid nanogel for targeted imaging and drug delivery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Jie; Yao, Ming-Hao; Wen, Lang; Song, Ji-Tao; Zhang, Ming-Zhen; Zhao, Yuan-Di; Liu, Bo

2014-09-01

A new type of multifunctional quantum dot (QD)-polypeptide hybrid nanogel with targeted imaging and drug delivery properties has been developed by metal-affinity driven self-assembly between artificial polypeptides and CdSe-ZnS core-shell QDs. On the surface of QDs, a tunable sandwich-like microstructure consisting of two hydrophobic layers and one hydrophilic layer between them was verified by capillary electrophoresis, transmission electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering measurements. Hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs can be simultaneously loaded in a QD-polypeptide nanogel. In vitro drug release of drug-loaded QD-polypeptide nanogels varies strongly with temperature, pH, and competitors. A drug-loaded QD-polypeptide nanogel with an arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) motif exhibited efficient receptor-mediated endocytosis in αvβ3 overexpressing HeLa cells but not in the control MCF-7 cells as analyzed by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. In contrast, non-targeted QD-polypeptide nanogels revealed minimal binding and uptake in HeLa cells. Compared with the original QDs, the QD-polypeptide nanogels showed lower in vitro cytotoxicity for both HeLa cells and NIH 3T3 cells. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of the targeted QD-polypeptide nanogel was lower for normal NIH 3T3 cells than that for HeLa cancer cells. These results demonstrate that the integration of imaging and drug delivery functions in a single QD-polypeptide nanogel has the potential for application in cancer diagnosis, imaging, and therapy.A new type of multifunctional quantum dot (QD)-polypeptide hybrid nanogel with targeted imaging and drug delivery properties has been developed by metal-affinity driven self-assembly between artificial polypeptides and CdSe-ZnS core-shell QDs. On the surface of QDs, a tunable sandwich-like microstructure consisting of two hydrophobic layers and one hydrophilic layer between them was verified by capillary electrophoresis, transmission electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering measurements. Hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs can be simultaneously loaded in a QD-polypeptide nanogel. In vitro drug release of drug-loaded QD-polypeptide nanogels varies strongly with temperature, pH, and competitors. A drug-loaded QD-polypeptide nanogel with an arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) motif exhibited efficient receptor-mediated endocytosis in αvβ3 overexpressing HeLa cells but not in the control MCF-7 cells as analyzed by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. In contrast, non-targeted QD-polypeptide nanogels revealed minimal binding and uptake in HeLa cells. Compared with the original QDs, the QD-polypeptide nanogels showed lower in vitro cytotoxicity for both HeLa cells and NIH 3T3 cells. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of the targeted QD-polypeptide nanogel was lower for normal NIH 3T3 cells than that for HeLa cancer cells. These results demonstrate that the integration of imaging and drug delivery functions in a single QD-polypeptide nanogel has the potential for application in cancer diagnosis, imaging, and therapy. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr03058c

Multifunctional semi-interpenetrating polymer network-nanoencapsulated cathode materials for high-performance lithium-ion batteries.

PubMed

Kim, Ju-Myung; Park, Jang-Hoon; Lee, Chang Kee; Lee, Sang-Young

2014-04-08

As a promising power source to boost up advent of next-generation ubiquitous era, high-energy density lithium-ion batteries with reliable electrochemical properties are urgently requested. Development of the advanced lithium ion-batteries, however, is staggering with thorny problems of performance deterioration and safety failures. This formidable challenge is highly concerned with electrochemical/thermal instability at electrode material-liquid electrolyte interface, in addition to structural/chemical deficiency of major cell components. Herein, as a new concept of surface engineering to address the abovementioned interfacial issue, multifunctional conformal nanoencapsulating layer based on semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) is presented. This unusual semi-IPN nanoencapsulating layer is composed of thermally-cured polyimide (PI) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) bearing Lewis basic site. Owing to the combined effects of morphological uniqueness and chemical functionality (scavenging hydrofluoric acid that poses as a critical threat to trigger unwanted side reactions), the PI/PVP semi-IPN nanoencapsulated-cathode materials enable significant improvement in electrochemical performance and thermal stability of lithium-ion batteries.

Multifunctional semi-interpenetrating polymer network-nanoencapsulated cathode materials for high-performance lithium-ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Ju-Myung; Park, Jang-Hoon; Lee, Chang Kee; Lee, Sang-Young

2014-04-01

As a promising power source to boost up advent of next-generation ubiquitous era, high-energy density lithium-ion batteries with reliable electrochemical properties are urgently requested. Development of the advanced lithium ion-batteries, however, is staggering with thorny problems of performance deterioration and safety failures. This formidable challenge is highly concerned with electrochemical/thermal instability at electrode material-liquid electrolyte interface, in addition to structural/chemical deficiency of major cell components. Herein, as a new concept of surface engineering to address the abovementioned interfacial issue, multifunctional conformal nanoencapsulating layer based on semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) is presented. This unusual semi-IPN nanoencapsulating layer is composed of thermally-cured polyimide (PI) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) bearing Lewis basic site. Owing to the combined effects of morphological uniqueness and chemical functionality (scavenging hydrofluoric acid that poses as a critical threat to trigger unwanted side reactions), the PI/PVP semi-IPN nanoencapsulated-cathode materials enable significant improvement in electrochemical performance and thermal stability of lithium-ion batteries.

Multifunctional semi-interpenetrating polymer network-nanoencapsulated cathode materials for high-performance lithium-ion batteries

PubMed Central

Kim, Ju-Myung; Park, Jang-Hoon; Lee, Chang Kee; Lee, Sang-Young

2014-01-01

As a promising power source to boost up advent of next-generation ubiquitous era, high-energy density lithium-ion batteries with reliable electrochemical properties are urgently requested. Development of the advanced lithium ion-batteries, however, is staggering with thorny problems of performance deterioration and safety failures. This formidable challenge is highly concerned with electrochemical/thermal instability at electrode material-liquid electrolyte interface, in addition to structural/chemical deficiency of major cell components. Herein, as a new concept of surface engineering to address the abovementioned interfacial issue, multifunctional conformal nanoencapsulating layer based on semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) is presented. This unusual semi-IPN nanoencapsulating layer is composed of thermally-cured polyimide (PI) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) bearing Lewis basic site. Owing to the combined effects of morphological uniqueness and chemical functionality (scavenging hydrofluoric acid that poses as a critical threat to trigger unwanted side reactions), the PI/PVP semi-IPN nanoencapsulated-cathode materials enable significant improvement in electrochemical performance and thermal stability of lithium-ion batteries. PMID:24710575

Depth-Resolved Multispectral Sub-Surface Imaging Using Multifunctional Upconversion Phosphors with Paramagnetic Properties

PubMed Central

Ovanesyan, Zaven; Mimun, L. Christopher; Kumar, Gangadharan Ajith; Yust, Brian G.; Dannangoda, Chamath; Martirosyan, Karen S.; Sardar, Dhiraj K.

2015-01-01

Molecular imaging is very promising technique used for surgical guidance, which requires advancements related to properties of imaging agents and subsequent data retrieval methods from measured multispectral images. In this article, an upconversion material is introduced for subsurface near-infrared imaging and for the depth recovery of the material embedded below the biological tissue. The results confirm significant correlation between the analytical depth estimate of the material under the tissue and the measured ratio of emitted light from the material at two different wavelengths. Experiments with biological tissue samples demonstrate depth resolved imaging using the rare earth doped multifunctional phosphors. In vitro tests reveal no significant toxicity, whereas the magnetic measurements of the phosphors show that the particles are suitable as magnetic resonance imaging agents. The confocal imaging of fibroblast cells with these phosphors reveals their potential for in vivo imaging. The depth-resolved imaging technique with such phosphors has broad implications for real-time intraoperative surgical guidance. PMID:26322519

Engineering multifunctional protein nanoparticles by in vitro disassembling and reassembling of heterologous building blocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Unzueta, Ugutz; Serna, Naroa; Sánchez-García, Laura; Roldán, Mónica; Sánchez-Chardi, Alejandro; Mangues, Ramón; Villaverde, Antonio; Vázquez, Esther

2017-12-01

The engineering of protein self-assembling at the nanoscale allows the generation of functional and biocompatible materials, which can be produced by easy biological fabrication. The combination of cationic and histidine-rich stretches in fusion proteins promotes oligomerization as stable protein-only regular nanoparticles that are composed by a moderate number of building blocks. Among other applications, these materials are highly appealing as tools in targeted drug delivery once empowered with peptidic ligands of cell surface receptors. In this context, we have dissected here this simple technological platform regarding the controlled disassembling and reassembling of the composing building blocks. By applying high salt and imidazole in combination, nanoparticles are disassembled in a process that is fully reversible upon removal of the disrupting agents. By taking this approach, we accomplish here the in vitro generation of hybrid nanoparticles formed by heterologous building blocks. This fact demonstrates the capability to generate multifunctional and/or multiparatopic or multispecific materials usable in nanomedical applications.

Multifunctional Inorganic Nanoparticles: Recent Progress in Thermal Therapy and Imaging

PubMed Central

Cherukula, Kondareddy; Manickavasagam Lekshmi, Kamali; Uthaman, Saji; Cho, Kihyun; Cho, Chong-Su; Park, In-Kyu

2016-01-01

Nanotechnology has enabled the development of many alternative anti-cancer approaches, such as thermal therapies, which cause minimal damage to healthy cells. Current challenges in cancer treatment are the identification of the diseased area and its efficient treatment without generating many side effects. Image-guided therapies can be a useful tool to diagnose and treat the diseased tissue and they offer therapy and imaging using a single nanostructure. The present review mainly focuses on recent advances in the field of thermal therapy and imaging integrated with multifunctional inorganic nanoparticles. The main heating sources for heat-induced therapies are the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) in the near infrared region and alternating magnetic fields (AMFs). The different families of inorganic nanoparticles employed for SPR- and AMF-based thermal therapies and imaging are described. Furthermore, inorganic nanomaterials developed for multimodal therapies with different and multi-imaging modalities are presented in detail. Finally, relevant clinical perspectives and the future scope of inorganic nanoparticles in image-guided therapies are discussed. PMID:28335204

Multifunctional pH sensitive 3D scaffolds for treatment and prevention of bone infection.

PubMed

Cicuéndez, Mónica; Doadrio, Juan C; Hernández, Ana; Portolés, M Teresa; Izquierdo-Barba, Isabel; Vallet-Regí, María

2018-01-01

Multifunctional-therapeutic three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds have been prepared. These biomaterials are able to destroy the S. aureus bacterial biofilm and to allow bone regeneration at the same time. The present study is focused on the design of pH sensitive 3D hierarchical meso-macroporous 3D scaffolds based on MGHA nanocomposite formed by a mesostructured glassy network with embedded hydroxyapatite nanoparticles, whose mesopores have been loaded with levofloxacin (Levo) as antibacterial agent. These 3D platforms exhibit controlled and pH-dependent Levo release, sustained over time at physiological pH (7.4) and notably increased at infection pH (6.7 and 5.5), which is due to the different interaction rate between diverse Levo species and the silica matrix. These 3D systems are able to inhibit the S. aureus growth and to destroy the bacterial biofilm without cytotoxic effects on human osteoblasts and allowing an adequate colonization and differentiation of preosteoblastic cells on their surface. These findings suggest promising applications of these hierarchical MGHA nanocomposite 3D scaffolds for the treatment and prevention of bone infection. Multifunctional 3D nanocomposite scaffolds with the ability for loading and sustained delivery of an antimicrobial agent, to eliminate and prevent bone infection and at the same time to contribute to bone regeneration process without cytotoxic effects on the surrounding tissue has been proposed. These 3D scaffolds exhibit a sustained levofloxacin delivery at physiological pH (pH 7.4), which increasing notably when pH decreases to characteristic values of bone infection process (pH 6.7 and pH 5.5). In vitro competitive assays between preosteoblastic and bacteria onto the 3D scaffold surface demonstrated an adequate osteoblast colonization in entire scaffold surface together with the ability to eliminate bacteria contamination. Copyright © 2017 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Protein disulfide isomerase a multifunctional protein with multiple physiological roles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ali Khan, Hyder; Mutus, Bulent

2014-08-01

Protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), is a member of the thioredoxin superfamily of redox proteins. PDI has three catalytic activities including, thiol-disulfide oxireductase, disulfide isomerase and redox-dependent chaperone. Originally, PDI was identified in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum and subsequently detected at additional locations, such as cell surfaces and the cytosol. This review will provide an overview of the recent advances in relating the structural features of PDI to its multiple catalytic roles as well as its physiological and pathophysiological functions related to redox regulation and protein folding.

Stabilizing nanostructured solid oxide fuel cell cathode with atomic layer deposition.

PubMed

Gong, Yunhui; Palacio, Diego; Song, Xueyan; Patel, Rajankumar L; Liang, Xinhua; Zhao, Xuan; Goodenough, John B; Huang, Kevin

2013-09-11

We demonstrate that the highly active but unstable nanostructured intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cell cathode, La0.6Sr0.4CoO3-δ (LSCo), can retain its high oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity with exceptional stability for 4000 h at 700 °C by overcoating its surfaces with a conformal layer of nanoscale ZrO2 films through atomic layer deposition (ALD). The benefits from the presence of the nanoscale ALD-ZrO2 overcoats are remarkable: a factor of 19 and 18 reduction in polarization area-specific resistance and degradation rate over the pristine sample, respectively. The unique multifunctionality of the ALD-derived nanoscaled ZrO2 overcoats, that is, possessing porosity for O2 access to LSCo, conducting both electrons and oxide-ions, confining thermal growth of LSCo nanoparticles, and suppressing surface Sr-segregation is deemed the key enabler for the observed stable and active nanostructured cathode.

Preparation of Porous γ-Fe2O3@mWO3 Multifunctional Nanoparticles for Drug Loading and Controlled Release.

PubMed

Peng, Hongxia; Huang, Qin; Wu, Tengyan; Wen, Jin; He, Hengping

2018-02-14

The use of chemotherapy drug is hindered by relatively low selectivity toward cancer cells and severe side effects from uptake by noncancerous cells and tissue. Thus, targeted drug delivery systems are preferred to increase the efficiency of drug delivery to specific tissues as well as to decrease its side effects. The aims of this paper are develop microwave-triggered controlled-release drug delivery systems using porous γ-Fe2O3@mWO3 multifunctional core-shell nanoparticles. We also studied its magnetic- microwave to heat responsive properties and large specific surface area. We chose ibuprofen (IBU) as a model drug to evaluate the loading and release function of the γ- Fe2O3@mWO3 nanoparticles. We used a direct precipitation method and thermal decomposition of CTAB template method to synthesize core-shell structured γ-Fe2O3@mWO3 nanoparticles. The specific surface areas were calculated by the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method. The load drug and controlled release of the γ-Fe2O3@mWO3 triggered by microwave was determined with ultraviolet-visible spectroscopic analysis. The γ-Fe2O3@mWO3 nanoparticles possesses high surface area of 100.09 m2/g, provides large accessible pore diameter of 6.0 nm for adsorption of drug molecules, high magnetization saturation value of 43.6 emu/g for drug targeting under foreign magnetic fields, quickly convert electromagnetic energy into thermal energy for controlled release by microwave-triggered which was caused by mWO3 shell. The IBU release of over 78% under microwave discontinuous irradiation out classes the 0.15% within 20s only stirring release. This multifunctional material shows good performance for targeting delivery and mWO3 microwave controlled release of anticancer drugs based on all the properties they possess. The porous shell and the introduction of absorbing material not only increased the drug loading efficiency of the nanoparticles but also realized the microwave-stimulated anticancer drug controlled release. The nanoparticles would be very promising for microwave-induced controlled drug release, targeted drug delivery and hyperthermia therapy using microwave. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

A multifunctional solar panel antenna for cube satellites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fawole, Olutosin C.

The basic cube satellite (CubeSat) is a modern small satellite that has a standard size of about one liter (the 1U CubeSat). Three 1U CubeSats could be stacked to form a 3U CubeSat. Their low-cost, short development time, and ease of deployment make CubeSats popular for space research, geographical information gathering, and communication applications. An antenna is a key part of the CubeSat communication subsystem. Traditionally, antennas used on CubeSats are wrapped-up wire dipole antennas, which are deployed after satellite launch. Another antenna type used on CubeSats is the patch antenna. In addition to their low gain and efficiency, deployable dipole antennas may also fail to deploy on satellite launch. On the other hand, a solid patch antenna will compete for space with solar cells when placed on a CubeSat face, interfering with satellite power generation. Slot antennas are promising alternatives to dipole and patch antennas on CubeSats. When excited, a thin slot aperture etched on a conductive sheet (ground plane) is an efficient bidirectional radiator. This open slot antenna can be backed by a reflector or cavity for unidirectional radiation, and solar cells can be placed in spaces on the ground plane not occupied by the slot. The large surface areas of 3U CubeSats can be exploited for a multifunctional antenna by integrating multiple thin slot radiators, which are backed by a thin cavity on the CubeSat surfaces. Solar cells can then be integrated on the antenna surface. Polarization diversity and frequency diversity improve the overall performance of a communication system. Having a single radiating structure that could provide these diversities is desired. It has been demonstrated that when a probe excites a square cavity with two unequal length crossed-slots, the differential radiation from the two slots combines in the far-field to yield circular polarization. In addition, it has been shown that two equal-length proximal slots, when both fed with a stripline, resonate at a frequency due to their original lengths, and also resonate at a lower frequency due to mutual coupling between the slots, leading to a dual-band operation. The multifunctional antenna designs presented are harmonizations and extensions of these two independent works. In the multifunctional antenna designs presented, multiple slots were etched on a 83 mm x 340 mm two-layer shallow cavity. The slots were laid out on the cavity such when the cavity was excited by a probe at a particular point, the differential radiation from the slots would combine in the far-field to yield Left-Handed Circular Polarization (LHCP). Furthermore, when the cavity was excited by another probe at an opposite point, the slots would produce Right-Handed Circular Polarization (RHCP). In addition, as forethought, these slots were laid out on the cavity such that some slots were close together enough to give Linearly Polarized (LP) dual-band operation when fed with a stripline. This antenna was designed and optimized via computer simulations, fabricated using Printed Circuit Board (PCB) technology, and characterized using a Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) and NSI Far Field Systems.

Intracellular targeting of CD44+ cells with self-assembling, protein only nanoparticles.

PubMed

Pesarrodona, Mireia; Ferrer-Miralles, Neus; Unzueta, Ugutz; Gener, Petra; Tatkiewicz, Witold; Abasolo, Ibane; Ratera, Imma; Veciana, Jaume; Schwartz, Simó; Villaverde, Antonio; Vazquez, Esther

2014-10-01

CD44 is a multifunctional cell surface protein involved in proliferation and differentiation, angiogenesis and signaling. The expression of CD44 is up-regulated in several types of human tumors and particularly in cancer stem cells, representing an appealing target for drug delivery in the treatment of cancer. We have explored here several protein ligands of CD44 for the construction of self-assembling modular proteins designed to bind and internalize target cells. Among five tested ligands, two of them (A5G27 and FNI/II/V) drive the formation of protein-only, ring-shaped nanoparticles of about 14 nm that efficiently bind and penetrate CD44(+) cells by an endosomal route. The potential of these newly designed nanoparticles is evaluated regarding the need of biocompatible nanostructured materials for drug delivery in CD44-linked conditions. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Single Wall Carbon Nanotube-Based Structural Health Sensing Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Watkins, A. Neal; Ingram, JoAnne L.; Jordan, Jeffrey D.; Wincheski, Russell A.; Smits, Jan M.; Williams, Phillip A.

2004-01-01

Single wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT)-based materials represent the future aerospace vehicle construction material of choice based primarily on predicted strength-to-weight advantages and inherent multifunctionality. The multifunctionality of SWCNTs arises from the ability of the nanotubes to be either metallic or semi-conducting based on their chirality. Furthermore, simply changing the environment around a SWCNT can change its conducting behavior. This phenomenon is being exploited to create sensors capable of measuring several parameters related to vehicle structural health (i.e. strain, pressure, temperature, etc.) The structural health monitor is constructed using conventional electron-beam lithographic and photolithographic techniques to place specific electrode patterns on a surface. SWCNTs are then deposited between the electrodes using a dielectrophoretic alignment technique. Prototypes have been constructed on both silicon and polyimide substrates, demonstrating that surface-mountable and multifunctional devices based on SWCNTs can be realized.

Multifunctional two-photon active silica-coated Au@MnO Janus particles for selective dual functionalization and imaging.

PubMed

Schick, Isabel; Lorenz, Steffen; Gehrig, Dominik; Schilmann, Anna-Maria; Bauer, Heiko; Panthöfer, Martin; Fischer, Karl; Strand, Dennis; Laquai, Frédéric; Tremel, Wolfgang

2014-02-12

Monodisperse multifunctional and nontoxic Au@MnO Janus particles with different sizes and morphologies were prepared by a seed-mediated nucleation and growth technique with precise control over domain sizes, surface functionalization, and dye labeling. The metal oxide domain could be coated selectively with a thin silica layer, leaving the metal domain untouched. In particular, size and morphology of the individual (metal and metal oxide) domains could be controlled by adjustment of the synthetic parameters. The SiO2 coating of the oxide domain allows biomolecule conjugation (e.g., antibodies, proteins) in a single step for converting the photoluminescent and superparamagnetic Janus nanoparticles into multifunctional efficient vehicles for theranostics. The Au@MnO@SiO2 Janus particles were characterized using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-)TEM, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), optical (UV-vis) spectroscopy, confocal laser fluorescence scanning microscopy (CLSM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The functionalized nanoparticles were stable in buffer solution or serum, showing no indication of aggregation. Biocompatibility and potential biomedical applications of the Au@MnO@SiO2 Janus particles were assayed by a cell viability analysis by coincubating the Au@MnO@SiO2 Janus particles with Caki 1 and HeLa cells. Time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy in combination with CLSM revealed the silica-coated Au@MnO@SiO2 Janus particles to be highly two-photon active; no indication for an electronic interaction between the dye molecules incorporated in the silica shell surrounding the MnO domains and the attached Au domains was found; fluorescence quenching was observed when dye molecules were bound directly to the Au domains.

Carbon Nanotube Based Devices for Intracellular Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singhal, Riju Mohan

Scientific investigations on individual cells have gained increasing attention in recent years as efforts are being made to understand cellular functioning in complex processes, such as cell division during embryonic development, and owing to realization of heterogeneity amongst a population of a single cell type (for instance, certain individual cancer cells being immune to chemotherapy). Therefore devices enabling electrochemical detection, spectroscopy, optical observations, and separation techniques, along with cell piercing and fluid transfer capabilities at the intra-cellular level, are required. Glass pipettes have conventionally been used for single cell interrogation, however their poor mechanical properties and an intrusive conical geometry have led to limited precision and frequent cell damage or death, justifying research efforts to develop novel, non-intrusive cell probes. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are known for their superior physical properties and tunable chemical structure. They possess a high aspect ratio and offer minimally invasive thin carbon walls and tubular geometry. Moreover, possibility of chemical functionalization of CNTs enables multi-functional probes. In this dissertation, novel nanofluidic instruments that have nanostructured carbon tips will be presented along with techniques that utilize the exceptional physical properties of carbon nanotubes, to take miniature biomedical instrumentation to the next level. New methods for fabricating the probes were rigorously developed and their operation was extensively studied. The devices were mechanically robust and were used to inject liquids to a single cell, detect electrochemical signals and enable surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) while inducing minimal harm to the cell. Particular attention was focused on the CVD process-which was used to deposit carbon, fluid flow through the nanotubes, and separation of chemical species (atto-liter chromatography) at the nanometer scale that would potentially lead to the highly sought after "selective component extraction" and analysis from a single cell. These multi-functional devices therefore provide a picture of the physiological state of a living cell and function as endoscopes for single cell analysis.

Multifunctional scanning ion conductance microscopy

PubMed Central

Page, Ashley; Unwin, Patrick R.

2017-01-01

Scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM) is a nanopipette-based technique that has traditionally been used to image topography or to deliver species to an interface, particularly in a biological setting. This article highlights the recent blossoming of SICM into a technique with a much greater diversity of applications and capability that can be used either standalone, with advanced control (potential–time) functions, or in tandem with other methods. SICM can be used to elucidate functional information about interfaces, such as surface charge density or electrochemical activity (ion fluxes). Using a multi-barrel probe format, SICM-related techniques can be employed to deposit nanoscale three-dimensional structures and further functionality is realized when SICM is combined with scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM), with simultaneous measurements from a single probe opening up considerable prospects for multifunctional imaging. SICM studies are greatly enhanced by finite-element method modelling for quantitative treatment of issues such as resolution, surface charge and (tip) geometry effects. SICM is particularly applicable to the study of living systems, notably single cells, although applications extend to materials characterization and to new methods of printing and nanofabrication. A more thorough understanding of the electrochemical principles and properties of SICM provides a foundation for significant applications of SICM in electrochemistry and interfacial science. PMID:28484332

Surface Modified Multifunctional and Stimuli Responsive Nanoparticles for Drug Targeting: Current Status and Uses

PubMed Central

Siafaka, Panoraia I.; Üstündağ Okur, Neslihan; Karavas, Evangelos; Bikiaris, Dimitrios N.

2016-01-01

Nanocarriers, due to their unique features, are of increased interest among researchers working with pharmaceutical formulations. Polymeric nanoparticles and nanocapsules, involving non-toxic biodegradable polymers, liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, and inorganic–organic nanomaterials, are among the most used carriers for drugs for a broad spectrum of targeted diseases. In fact, oral, injectable, transdermal-dermal and ocular formulations mainly consist of the aforementioned nanomaterials demonstrating promising characteristics such as long circulation, specific targeting, high drug loading capacity, enhanced intracellular penetration, and so on. Over the last decade, huge advances in the development of novel, safer and less toxic nanocarriers with amended properties have been made. In addition, multifunctional nanocarriers combining chemical substances, vitamins and peptides via coupling chemistry, inorganic particles coated by biocompatible materials seem to play a key role considering that functionalization can enhance characteristics such as biocompatibility, targetability, environmental friendliness, and intracellular penetration while also have limited side effects. This review aims to summarize the “state of the art” of drug delivery carriers in nanosize, paying attention to their surface functionalization with ligands and other small or polymeric compounds so as to upgrade active and passive targeting, different release patterns as well as cell targeting and stimuli responsibility. Lastly, future aspects and potential uses of nanoparticulated drug systems are outlined. PMID:27589733

Multifunctional nanoparticle platforms for in vivo MRI enhancement and photodynamic therapy of a rat brain cancer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kopelman, Raoul; Lee Koo, Yong-Eun; Philbert, Martin; Moffat, Bradford A.; Ramachandra Reddy, G.; McConville, Patrick; Hall, Daniel E.; Chenevert, Thomas L.; Bhojani, Mahaveer Swaroop; Buck, Sarah M.; Rehemtulla, Alnawaz; Ross, Brian D.

2005-05-01

A paradigm for brain cancer detection, treatment, and monitoring is established. Multifunctional biomedical nanoparticles (30-60 nm) containing photosensitizer externally deliver reactive oxygen species (ROS) to cancer cells while simultaneously enhancing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast providing real-time tumor kill measurement. Plasma residence time control and specific cell targeting are achieved. A 5 min treatment in rats halted and even reversed in vivo tumor growth after 3-4 days post-treatment.

Radionuclide 131I-labeled multifunctional dendrimers for targeted SPECT imaging and radiotherapy of tumors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Jingyi; Zhao, Lingzhou; Cheng, Yongjun; Xiong, Zhijuan; Tang, Yueqin; Shen, Mingwu; Zhao, Jinhua; Shi, Xiangyang

2015-10-01

We report the synthesis, characterization, and utilization of radioactive 131I-labeled multifunctional dendrimers for targeted single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging and radiotherapy of tumors. In this study, amine-terminated poly(amidoamine) dendrimers of generation 5 (G5.NH2) were sequentially modified with 3-(4'-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid-OSu (HPAO) and folic acid (FA) linked with polyethylene glycol (PEG), followed by acetylation modification of the dendrimer remaining surface amines and labeling of radioactive iodine-131 (131I). The generated multifunctional 131I-G5.NHAc-HPAO-PEG-FA dendrimers were characterized via different methods. We show that prior to 131I labeling, the G5.NHAc-HPAO-PEG-FA dendrimers conjugated with approximately 9.4 HPAO moieties per dendrimer are noncytotoxic at a concentration up to 20 μM and are able to target cancer cells overexpressing FA receptors (FAR), thanks to the modified FA ligands. In the presence of a phenol group, radioactive 131I is able to be efficiently labeled onto the dendrimer platform with good stability and high radiochemical purity, and render the platform with an ability for targeted SPECT imaging and radiotherapy of an FAR-overexpressing xenografted tumor model in vivo. The designed strategy to use the facile dendrimer nanotechnology may be extended to develop various radioactive theranostic nanoplatforms for targeted SPECT imaging and radiotherapy of different types of cancer.We report the synthesis, characterization, and utilization of radioactive 131I-labeled multifunctional dendrimers for targeted single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging and radiotherapy of tumors. In this study, amine-terminated poly(amidoamine) dendrimers of generation 5 (G5.NH2) were sequentially modified with 3-(4'-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid-OSu (HPAO) and folic acid (FA) linked with polyethylene glycol (PEG), followed by acetylation modification of the dendrimer remaining surface amines and labeling of radioactive iodine-131 (131I). The generated multifunctional 131I-G5.NHAc-HPAO-PEG-FA dendrimers were characterized via different methods. We show that prior to 131I labeling, the G5.NHAc-HPAO-PEG-FA dendrimers conjugated with approximately 9.4 HPAO moieties per dendrimer are noncytotoxic at a concentration up to 20 μM and are able to target cancer cells overexpressing FA receptors (FAR), thanks to the modified FA ligands. In the presence of a phenol group, radioactive 131I is able to be efficiently labeled onto the dendrimer platform with good stability and high radiochemical purity, and render the platform with an ability for targeted SPECT imaging and radiotherapy of an FAR-overexpressing xenografted tumor model in vivo. The designed strategy to use the facile dendrimer nanotechnology may be extended to develop various radioactive theranostic nanoplatforms for targeted SPECT imaging and radiotherapy of different types of cancer. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Part of the experimental details and additional experimental results. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr05585g

Efficient and accelerated growth of multifunctional dendrimers using orthogonal thiol-ene and SN2 reactions.

PubMed

Kottari, Naresh; Chabre, Yoann M; Shiao, Tze Chieh; Rej, Rabindra; Roy, René

2014-02-25

An orthogonal coupling strategy was developed by combining thiol-ene and SN2 reactions, which was subsequently applied to the accelerated synthesis of multifunctional dendrimers using carbohydrate building blocks. In surface plasmon resonance (SPR) studies, the β-d-galactopyranoside-coated dendrimer exhibited nM binding affinity with the bacterial LecA lectin extracted from Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Designing Microstructures/Structures for Desired Functional Material and Local Fields

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-12-02

utilized to engineer multifunctional soft materials for multi-sensing, multi- actuating , human-machine interfaces. [3] Establish a theoretical framework...model for surface elasticity, (ii) derived a new type of Maxwell stress in soft materials due to quantum mechanical-elasticity coupling and...elucidated its ramification in engineering multifunctional soft materials, and (iii) demonstrated the possibility of concurrent magnetoelectricity and

Multifunctional polymer nano-composite based superhydrophobic surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maitra, Tanmoy; Asthana, Ashish; Buchel, Robert; Tiwari, Manish K.; Poulikakos, Dimos

2014-11-01

Superhydrophobic surfaces become desirable in plethora of applications in engineering fields, automobile industry, construction industries to name a few. Typical fabrication of superhydrophobic surface consists of two steps: first is to create rough morphology on the substrate of interest, followed by coating of low energy molecules. However, typical exception of the above fabrication technique would be direct coating of functional polymer nanocomposites on substrate where superhydrophobicity is needed. Also in this case, the use of different nanoparticles in the polymer matrix can be exploited to impart multi-functional properties to the superhydrophobic coatings. Herein, different carbon nanoparticles like graphene nanoplatelets (GNP), carbon nanotubes (CNT) and carbon black (CB) are used in fluropolymer matrix to prepare superhydrophobic coatings. The multi-functional properties of coatings are enhanced by combining two different carbon fillers in the matrix. The aforementioned superhydrophobic coatings have shown high electrical conductivity and excellent droplet meniscus impalement resistance. Simultaneous superhydrophobic and oleophillic character of the above coating is used to separate mineral oil and water through filtration of their mixture. Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF) Grant 200021_135479.

A facile fabrication of multifunctional knit polyester fabric based on chitosan and polyaniline polymer nanocomposite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Xiaoning; Tian, Mingwei; Qu, Lijun; Zhu, Shifeng; Guo, Xiaoqing; Han, Guangting; Sun, Kaikai; Hu, Xili; Wang, Yujiao; Xu, Xiaoqi

2014-10-01

Knit polyester fabric was successively modified and decorated with chitosan layer and polyaniline polymer nanocomposite layer in this paper. The fabric was firstly treated with chitosan to form a stable layer through the pad-dry-cure process, and then the polyaniline polymer nanocomposite layer was established on the outer layer by in situ chemical polymerization method using ammonium persulfate as oxidant and chlorhydric acid as dopant. The surface morphology of coated fabric was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the co-existence of chitosan layer and granular polyaniline polymer nanocomposite was confirmed and well dispersed on the fabric surface. The resultant fabric was endowed with remarkable electrical conductivity properties and efficient water-repellent capability, which also have been found stable after water laundering. In addition, the photocatalytic decomposition activity for reactive red dye was observed when the multifunctional knit polyester fabric was exposed to the illumination of ultraviolet lamp. These results indicated that chitosan and polyaniline polymer nanocomposite could form ideal multifunctional coatings on the surface of knit polyester fabric.

A multifunctional material based on co-electrospinning for developing biosensors with optical oxygen transduction.

PubMed

Ramon-Marquez, Teresa; Medina-Castillo, Antonio L; Nagiah, Naveen; Fernandez-Gutierrez, Alberto; Fernandez-Sanchez, Jorge F

2018-07-26

A multifunctional material based on co-electrospinning has been developed as a basic material for the development of biosensors with optical oxygen transduction. It is based on coaxial nanofibres: inner fibres containing an oxygen sensitive dye and outer fibres containing aldehyde groups to allow the formation of Schiff bases with the amino groups of the enzyme. The resulting material preserves the oxygen sensing properties of the inner optical transducer as well as exhibits a high capacity for immobilizing molecules on its surface. Uricase has been selected as model enzyme and several parameters (temperature, pH, reaction time, buffer, and enzyme concentration) have been optimised to demonstrate the versatility of this novel multifunctional material in the development of biosensors with optical oxygen transduction for determining uric acid in serum samples. It suggests that the proposed multifunctional material can provide a promising multifunctional platform for biosensing applications. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Smart multifunctional nanoagents for in situ monitoring of small molecules with a switchable affinity towards biomedical targets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shevchenko, Konstantin G.; Cherkasov, Vladimir R.; Nikitina, Irina L.; Babenyshev, Andrey V.; Nikitin, Maxim P.

2018-02-01

The great diversity of nanomaterials provides ample opportunities for constructing effective agents for biomedical applications ranging from biosensing to drug delivery. Multifunctional nanoagents that combine several features in a single particle are of special interest due to capabilities that substantially exceed those of molecular drugs. An ideal theranostic agent should simultaneously be an advanced biosensor to identify a disease and report the diagnosis and a biomedical actuator to treat the disease. While many approaches were developed to load a nanoparticle with various drugs for actuation of the diseased cells (e.g., to kill them), the nanoparticle-based approaches for the localized biosensing with real-time reporting of the marker concentration severely lag behind. Here, we show a smart in situ nanoparticle-based biosensor/actuator system that dynamically and reversibly changes its structural and optical properties in response to a small molecule marker to allow real-time monitoring of the marker concentration and adjustment of the system ability to bind its biomedical target. Using the synergistic combination of signal readout based on the localized surface plasmon resonance and an original method of fabrication of smart ON/OFF-switchable nanoagents, we demonstrate reversible responsiveness of the system to a model small molecule marker (antibiotic chloramphenicol) in a wide concentration range. The proposed approach can be used for the development of advanced multifunctional nanoagents for theranostic applications.

Graphene Oxide/Silver Nanohybrid as Multi-functional Material for Highly Efficient Bacterial Disinfection and Detection of Organic Dye

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tam, Le Thi; Dinh, Ngo Xuan; Van Cuong, Nguyen; Van Quy, Nguyen; Huy, Tran Quang; Ngo, Duc-The; Mølhave, Kristian; Le, Anh-Tuan

2016-10-01

In this work, a multi-functional hybrid system consisting of graphene oxide and silver nanoparticles (GO-Ag NPs) was successfully synthesized by using a two-step chemical process. We firstly demonstrated noticeable bactericidal ability of the GO-Ag hybrid system. We provide more chemo-physical evidence explaining the antibacterial behavior of GO-Ag nanohybrid against Gram-negative Escherichia Coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus in light of ultrastructural damage analyses and Ag1+ ions release rate onto the cells/medium. A further understanding of the mode of antimicrobial action is very important for designing and developing advanced antimicrobial systems. Secondly, we have also demonstrated that the GO-Ag nanohybrid material could be used as a potential surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate to detect and quantify organic dyes, e.g., methylene blue (MB), in aqueous media. Our findings revealed that the GO-Ag hybrid system showed better SERS performance of MB detection than that of pure Ag-NPs. MB could be detected at a concentration as low as 1 ppm. The GO-Ag-based SERS platform can be effectively used to detect trace concentrations of various types of organic dyes in aqueous media. With the aforementioned properties, the GO-Ag hybrid system is found to be very promising as a multi-functional material for advanced biomedicine and environmental monitoring applications.

Multifunctional carboxymethyl cellulose-based magnetic nanovector as a theragnostic system for folate receptor targeted chemotherapy, imaging, and hyperthermia against cancer.

PubMed

Sivakumar, Balasubramanian; Aswathy, Ravindran Girija; Nagaoka, Yutaka; Suzuki, Masashi; Fukuda, Takahiro; Yoshida, Yasuhiko; Maekawa, Toru; Sakthikumar, Dasappan Nair

2013-03-12

A multifunctional biocompatible nanovector based on magnetic nanoparticle and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was developed. The nanoparticles have been characterized using TEM, SEM, DLS, FT-IR spectra, VSM, and TGA studies. We found that the synthesized carboxymethyl cellulose magnetic nanoparticles (CMC MNPs) were spherical in shape with an average size of 150 nm having low aggregation and superparamagnetic properties. We found that the folate-tagged CMC MNPs were delivered to cancer cells by a folate-receptor-mediated endocytosis mechanism. 5-FU was encapsulated as a model drug for delivering cytotoxicity, and we could demonstrate the sustained release of 5-FU. It was also observed that the FITC-labeled CMC MNPs could effectively enter cells, and the fate of nanoparticles was tracked with Lysotracker. The CMC MNPs could induce significant cell death when an alternating magnetic field was applied. These results indicate that the multifunctional CMC MNPs possess a high drug loading efficiency and high biocompatibility and with low cell cytotoxicity and can be considered to be promising candidates for CMC-based targeted drug delivery, cellular imaging, and magnetic hyperthermia (MHT).

Cancer Theranostics with Near-Infrared Light-Activatable Multimodal Nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Melancon, Marites P.; Zhou, Min; Li, Chun

2011-01-01

CONSPECTUS Nanomaterials that interact with light provide a unique opportunity for biophotonic nanomedicine. Multifunctional nanoparticles (NPs) that have strong and tunable surface plasmon resonance absorption in the near-infrared region combined with visibility with multiple imaging modalities (magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear imaging, and photoacoustic imaging) have great potential in image-guided therapies. These novel nanostructures, once introduced, are expected to home to solid tumors via the enhanced permeability and retention effect (a passive targeting mechanism) or via targeting ligands bound to their surfaces (an active targeting mechanism). The primary mode of action for photothermal conducting NPs is to convert photoenergy into heat, causing temperature in the treatment volume to be elevated above the thermal damage threshold, which results in irreversible cell killing. It is now recognized that this process, termed photothermal ablation therapy or PTA, although very effective, is unlikely to kill all tumor cells when used alone. In addition to PTA, photothermal conducting NPs can also efficiently trigger drug release and activate RNA interference. Such a multimodal approach, which permits simultaneous PTA therapy, chemotherapy, and therapeutic RNA interference, should provide an opportunity for complete eradication of residual disease. In this Account, we provide an up-to-date review of the synthesis and characterization, functionalization, and in vitro and in vivo evaluation of NIR light-activatable multifunctional nanostructures used for imaging and therapy, with an emphasis on hollow gold nanospheres, magnetic core–shell gold nanoshells, and semiconductor copper monosulfide NPs. We discuss three types novel drug delivery systems in which hollow gold nanospheres are used to mediate controlled drug release. PMID:21848277

64Cu-Labeled multifunctional dendrimers for targeted tumor PET imaging.

PubMed

Ma, Wenhui; Fu, Fanfan; Zhu, Jingyi; Huang, Rui; Zhu, Yizhou; Liu, Zhenwei; Wang, Jing; Conti, Peter S; Shi, Xiangyang; Chen, Kai

2018-03-29

We report the use of multifunctional folic acid (FA)-modified dendrimers as a platform to radiolabel with 64Cu for PET imaging of folate receptor (FR)-expressing tumors. In this study, amine-terminated generation 5 (G5) poly(amidoamine) dendrimers were sequentially modified with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FI), FA, and 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA), followed by acetylation of the remaining dendrimer terminal amines. The as-formed multifunctional DOTA-FA-FI-G5·NHAc dendrimers were then radiolabeled with 64Cu via the DOTA chelation. We show that the FA modification renders the dendrimers with targeting specificity to cancer cells overexpressing FR in vitro. Importantly, the radiolabeled 64Cu-DOTA-FA-FI-G5·NHAc dendrimers can be used as a nanoprobe for specific targeting of FR-overexpressing cancer cells in vitro and targeted microPET imaging of the FR-expressing xenografted tumor model in vivo. The developed 64Cu-labeled multifunctional dendrimeric nanoprobe may hold great promise to be used for targeted PET imaging of different types of FR-expressing cancer.

Surface modification of the TiO2 nanoparticle surface enables fluorescence monitoring of aggregation and enhanced photoreactivity.

PubMed

Kamps, Kara; Leek, Rachael; Luebke, Lanette; Price, Race; Nelson, Megan; Simonet, Stephanie; Eggert, David Joeseph; Ateşin, Tülay Aygan; Brown, Eric Michael Bratsolias

2013-01-01

Chemically and biologically modified nanoparticles are increasingly considered as viable and multifunctional tools to be used in cancer theranostics. Herein, we demonstrate that coordination of alizarin blue black B (ABBB) to the TiO(2) nanoparticle surface enhances the resulting nanoparticles by (1) creating distinct fluorescence emission spectra that differentiate smaller TiO(2) nanoparticles from larger TiO(2) nanoparticle aggregates (both in vitro and intracellular) and (2) enhancing visible light activation of TiO(2) nanoparticles above previously described methods to induce in vitro and intracellular damage to DNA and other targets. ABBB-TiO(2) nanoparticles are characterized through sedimentation, spectral absorbance, and gel electrophoresis. The possible coordination modes of ABBB to the TiO(2) nanoparticle surface are modeled by computational methods. Fluorescence emission spectroscopy studies indicate that ABBB coordination on TiO(2) nanoparticles enables discernment between nanoparticles and nanoparticle aggregates both in vitro and intracellular through fluorescence confocal microscopy. Visible light activated ABBB-TiO(2) nanoparticles are capable of inflicting increased DNA cleavage through localized production of reactive oxygen species as visualized by plasmid DNA damage detected through gel electrophoresis and atomic force microscopy. Finally, visible light excited ABBB-TiO(2) nanoparticles are capable of inflicting damage upon HeLa (cervical cancer) cells by inducing alterations in DNA structure and membrane associated proteins. The multifunctional abilities of these ABBB-TiO(2) nanoparticles to visualize and monitor aggregation in real time, as well as inflict visible light triggered damage upon cancer targets will enhance the use of TiO(2) nanoparticles in cancer theranostics.

A Simultaneously Antimicrobial, Protein-Repellent, and Cell-Compatible Polyzwitterion Network.

PubMed

Kurowska, Monika; Eickenscheidt, Alice; Guevara-Solarte, Diana-Lorena; Widyaya, Vania Tanda; Marx, Franziska; Al-Ahmad, Ali; Lienkamp, Karen

2017-04-10

A simultaneously antimicrobial, protein-repellent, and cell-compatible surface-attached polymer network is reported, which reduces the growth of bacterial biofilms on surfaces through its multifunctionality. The coating was made from a poly(oxonorbornene)-based zwitterion (PZI), which was surface-attached and cross-linked in one step by simultaneous UV-activated CH insertion and thiol-ene reaction. The process was applicable to both laboratory surfaces like silicon, glass, and gold and real-life surfaces like polyurethane foam wound dressings. The chemical structure and physical properties of the PZI surface and the two reference surfaces SMAMP ("synthetic mimic of an antimicrobial peptide"), an antimicrobial but protein-adhesive polymer coating, and PSB (poly(sulfobetaine)), a protein-repellent but not antimicrobial polyzwitterion coating were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ellipsometry, contact angle measurements, photoelectron spectroscopy, swellability measurements (using surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy, SPR), zeta potential measurements, and atomic force microscopy. The time-dependent antimicrobial activity assay (time-kill assay) confirmed the high antimicrobial activity of the PZI; SPR was used to demonstrate that it was also highly protein-repellent. Biofilm formation studies showed that the material effectively reduced the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus biofilms. Additionally, it was shown that the PZI was highly compatible with immortalized human mucosal gingiva keratinocytes and human red blood cells using the Alamar Blue assay, the live-dead stain, and the hemolysis assay. PZI thus may be an attractive coating for biomedical applications, particularly for the fight against bacterial biofilms on medical devices and in other applications.

A novel method for in-situ monitoring of local voltage, temperature and humidity distributions in fuel cells using flexible multi-functional micro sensors.

PubMed

Lee, Chi-Yuan; Fan, Wei-Yuan; Chang, Chih-Ping

2011-01-01

In this investigation, micro voltage, temperature and humidity sensors were fabricated and integrated for the first time on a stainless steel foil using micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS). These flexible multi-functional micro sensors have the advantages of high temperature resistance, flexibility, smallness, high sensitivity and precision of location. They were embedded in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) and used to simultaneously measure variations in the inner voltage, temperature and humidity. The accuracy and reproducibility of the calibrated results obtained using the proposed micro sensors is excellent. The experimental results indicate that, at high current density and 100%RH or 75%RH, the relative humidity midstream and downstream saturates due to severe flooding. The performance of the PEM fuel cell can be stabilized using home-made flexible multi-functional micro sensors by the in-situ monitoring of local voltage, temperature and humidity distributions within it.

A Novel Method for In-Situ Monitoring of Local Voltage, Temperature and Humidity Distributions in Fuel Cells Using Flexible Multi-Functional Micro Sensors

PubMed Central

Lee, Chi-Yuan; Fan, Wei-Yuan; Chang, Chih-Ping

2011-01-01

In this investigation, micro voltage, temperature and humidity sensors were fabricated and integrated for the first time on a stainless steel foil using micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS). These flexible multi-functional micro sensors have the advantages of high temperature resistance, flexibility, smallness, high sensitivity and precision of location. They were embedded in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) and used to simultaneously measure variations in the inner voltage, temperature and humidity. The accuracy and reproducibility of the calibrated results obtained using the proposed micro sensors is excellent. The experimental results indicate that, at high current density and 100%RH or 75%RH, the relative humidity midstream and downstream saturates due to severe flooding. The performance of the PEM fuel cell can be stabilized using home-made flexible multi-functional micro sensors by the in-situ monitoring of local voltage, temperature and humidity distributions within it. PMID:22319361

Alternating Magnetic Field Controlled, Multifunctional Nano-Reservoirs: Intracellular Uptake and Improved Biocompatibility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghosh, Santaneel; Ghoshmitra, Somesree; Cai, Tong; Diercks, David R.; Mills, Nathaniel C.; Hynds, Dianna L.

2010-01-01

Biocompatible magnetic nanoparticles hold great therapeutic potential, but conventional particles can be toxic. Here, we report the synthesis and alternating magnetic field dependent actuation of a remotely controllable, multifunctional nano-scale system and its marked biocompatibility with mammalian cells. Monodisperse, magnetic nanospheres based on thermo-sensitive polymer network poly(ethylene glycol) ethyl ether methacrylate- co-poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate were synthesized using free radical polymerization. Synthesized nanospheres have oscillating magnetic field induced thermo-reversible behavior; exhibiting desirable characteristics comparable to the widely used poly- N-isopropylacrylamide-based systems in shrinkage plus a broader volumetric transition range. Remote heating and model drug release were characterized for different field strengths. Nanospheres containing nanoparticles up to an iron concentration of 6 mM were readily taken up by neuron-like PC12 pheochromocytoma cells and had reduced toxicity compared to other surface modified magnetic nanocarriers. Furthermore, nanosphere exposure did not inhibit the extension of cellular processes (neurite outgrowth) even at high iron concentrations (6 mM), indicating minimal negative effects in cellular systems. Excellent intracellular uptake and enhanced biocompatibility coupled with the lack of deleterious effects on neurite outgrowth and prior Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of PEG-based carriers suggest increased therapeutic potential of this system for manipulating axon regeneration following nervous system injury.

Combined Cancer Therapy with Hyaluronan-Decorated Fullerene-Silica Multifunctional Nanoparticles to Target Cancer Stem-Like Cells

PubMed Central

Wang, Hai; Agarwal, Pranay; Zhao, Shuting; Yu, Jianhua; Lu, Xiongbin; He, Xiaoming

2016-01-01

Cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) are resistant to chemotherapy and highly tumorigenic, which contributes to tumor occurrence and post-treatment relapse. We developed a novel C60 fullerene-silica nanoparticle system surface-decorated with hyaluronan (HA) to target the variant CD44 overexpressed on breast CSCs. Furthermore, doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) and indocyanine green (ICG) can be encapsulated in the nanoparticles with ultrahigh encapsulation efficiency (> 90%) and loading content (e.g., 48.5% at a drug-to-nanoparticle feeding ratio of 1:1, compared to the commonly used drug-to-nanoparticle feeding ratio of 1:20 with a drug loading content of less than 5%). As a result, the DOX and ICG-laden nanoparticles can be used as a single nanoplatform to achieve combined chemo, photodynamic, and photothermal therapy under near infrared laser irradiation for effective destruction of the breast CSCs both in vitro and in vivo, with no evident systemic toxicity. Moreover, we found the nanoparticles with a higher drug loading content (e.g., 48.5 versus 4.6%) also have significantly higher antitumor efficacy, given the same total drug dose. These results demonstrate the great potential of the multifunctional hybrid nanoparticle system for augmenting cancer therapy by eliminating the CSCs. PMID:27162075

A dual wavelength-activatable gold nanorod complex for synergistic cancer treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pacardo, Dennis B.; Neupane, Bhanu; Rikard, S. Michaela; Lu, Yue; Mo, Ran; Mishra, Sumeet R.; Tracy, Joseph B.; Wang, Gufeng; Ligler, Frances S.; Gu, Zhen

2015-07-01

A multifunctional gold nanorod (AuNR) complex is described with potential utility for theranostic anticancer treatment. The AuNR was functionalized with cyclodextrin for encapsulation of doxorubicin, with folic acid for targeting, and with a photo-responsive dextran-azo compound for intracellular controlled drug release. The interaction of a AuNR complex with HeLa cells was facilitated via a folic acid targeting ligand as displayed in the dark-field images of cells. Enhanced anticancer efficacy was demonstrated through the synergistic combination of promoted drug release upon ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation and photothermal therapy upon infrared (IR) irradiation. This multifunctional AuNR-based system represents a novel theranostic strategy for spatiotemporal delivery of anticancer therapeutics.A multifunctional gold nanorod (AuNR) complex is described with potential utility for theranostic anticancer treatment. The AuNR was functionalized with cyclodextrin for encapsulation of doxorubicin, with folic acid for targeting, and with a photo-responsive dextran-azo compound for intracellular controlled drug release. The interaction of a AuNR complex with HeLa cells was facilitated via a folic acid targeting ligand as displayed in the dark-field images of cells. Enhanced anticancer efficacy was demonstrated through the synergistic combination of promoted drug release upon ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation and photothermal therapy upon infrared (IR) irradiation. This multifunctional AuNR-based system represents a novel theranostic strategy for spatiotemporal delivery of anticancer therapeutics. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr01568e

A novel surface modification approach for protein and cell microarrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurkuri, Mahaveer D.; Driever, Chantelle; Thissen, Helmut W.; Voelcker, Nicholas H.

2007-01-01

Tissue engineering and stem cell technologies have led to a rapidly increasing interest in the control of the behavior of mammalian cells growing on tissue culture substrates. Multifunctional polymer coatings can assist research in this area in many ways, for example, by providing low non-specific protein adsorption properties and reactive functional groups at the surface. The latter can be used for immobilization of specific biological factors that influence cell behavior. In this study, glass slides were coated with copolymers of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (PEGMA). The coatings were prepared by three different methods based on dip and spin coating as well as polymer grafting procedures. Coatings were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, surface sensitive infrared spectroscopy, ellipsometry and contact angle measurements. A fluorescently labelled protein was deposited onto reactive coatings using a contact microarrayer. Printing of a model protein (fluorescein labeled bovine serum albumin) was performed at different protein concentrations, pH, temperature, humidity and using different micropins. The arraying of proteins was studied with a microarray scanner. Arrays printed at a protein concentration above 50 μg/mL prepared in pH 5 phosphate buffer at 10°C and 65% relative humidity gave the most favourable results in terms of the homogeneity of the printed spots and the fluorescence intensity.

Cell surface GRP78 facilitates hepatoma cells proliferation and migration by activating IGF-IR.

PubMed

Yin, Yancun; Chen, Chen; Chen, Jinliang; Zhan, Renhui; Zhang, Qiang; Xu, Xiaoyan; Li, Defang; Li, Minjing

2017-07-01

The 78kDa glucose regulated protein (GRP78) is a multifunctional chaperone that is involved in a variety of cellular processes. Insulin like growth factor I receptor (IGF-IR) often aberrant expresses in many types of tumor cells. The IGF-IR signaling plays key roles in carcinogenesis and maintenance of the malignant phenotype. The crosstalk between GRP78 and IGF-IR molecules has not well been illuminated. Here, we demonstrated a reciprocal regulation of GRP78 expression and IGF-IR pathway activation. IGF-I induced GRP78 expression in hepatoma cells. IGF-IR knockdown or IGF-IR inhibitor repressed GRP78 expression. Both phosphatidylinositol 3-kianase (PI3K) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways involved in IGF-I induction of GRP78 expression. Interestingly, treatment of hepatoma cells with IGF-I re-distributes GRP78 from endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to cell surface and promotes its physical interaction with IGF-IR. Also, GRP78 promotes IGF-IR phosphorylation and activation. Blocked of GRP78 by small interfering RNA or inhibition of GRP78 function by (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) blocks IGF-I induced IGF-IR phosphorylation and its downstream signaling. Further, blocked cell surface GRP78 with antibody inhibits IGF-I stimulated cellular proliferation and migration. These data reveal an essential role for the molecular chaperone GRP78 in IGF-IR signaling and implicate the use of GRP78 inhibitors in blocking IGF-IR signaling in hepatoma cells. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Interaction of multi-functional silver nanoparticles with living cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sur, Ilknur; Cam, Dilek; Kahraman, Mehmet; Baysal, Asli; Culha, Mustafa

2010-04-01

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used in household products and in medicine due to their antibacterial and to wound healing properties. In recent years, there is also an effort for their use in biomedical imaging and photothermal therapy. The primary reason behind the effort for their utility in biomedicine and therapy is their unique plasmonic properties and easy surface chemistry for a variety of functionalizations. In this study, AgNPs modified with glucose, lactose, oligonucleotides and combinations of these ligands are investigated for their cytotoxicity and cellular uptake in living non-cancer (L929) and cancer (A549) cells. It is found that the chemical nature of the ligand strongly influences the toxicity and cellular uptake into the model cells. While the lactose-and glucose-modified AgNPs enter the L929 cells at about the same rate, a significant increase in the rate of lactose-modified AgNPs into the A549 cells is observed. The binding of oligonucleotides along with the carbohydrate on the AgNP surfaces influences the differential uptake rate pattern into the cells. The cytotoxicity study with the modified AgNPs reveals that only naked AgNPs influence the viability of the A549 cells. The findings of this study may provide the key to developing effective applications in medicine such as cancer therapy.

Surface modification of SiO2 coated ZnO nanoparticles for multifunctional cotton fabrics.

PubMed

El-Naggar, Mehrez E; Hassabo, Ahmed G; Mohamed, Amina L; Shaheen, Tharwat I

2017-07-15

A simple chemical synthetic route was designed to prepare zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) by using sodium alginate as anti-agglomeration agent in the presence of sodium hydroxide as alkali. Next, surface modification of ZnO-NPs with SiO 2 nanoparticles was achieved as per to sol-gel process. Further enhancing of the multifunctional properties of SiO 2 @ZnO-NPs was conducted successfully thanks to (aminopropyl)triethoxysilan (APTES) and vinyltriethoxysilan (VTES) which, in turns, increase the affinity of the SiO 2 @ZnO-NPs nanocomposite towards glycosidic chains of cotton fabrics. Thorough characterizations of synthesized ZnO-NPs, SiO 2 @ZnO-NPs, SiO 2 @ZnO-NPs/APTES and SiO 2 @ZnO-NPs/VTES were conducted by the making use of well advanced techniques such as FT-IR, XRD, TEM, DLS and SEM-EDX. The data obtained clarified the formation of an interfacial chemical bond between ZnO and SiO 2 as affirmed by FT-IR and XRD analysis. In addition, the results revealed by TEM, zeta sizer and SEM-EDX techniques, declared that the amorphous layers of SiO 2 , APTES or VTES evenly coated the surface of ZnO-NPs. For these nanocomposites, the work was extended to render cotton fabrics multifunctional properties such as antibacterial and UV protection with high durability even after 20 washing cycles using pad dry cure method. Taking the advantages of the silane compounds terminated by active groups such as OH, NH 2 , etc., open the door for further functionalization of the cotton fabrics' surfaces by durable multifunctional agents applied in various applications. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A multifunctional polymeric nanofilm with robust chemical performances for special wettability.

PubMed

Wang, Yabin; Lin, Feng; Dong, Yaping; Liu, Zhong; Li, Wu; Huang, Yudong

2016-03-07

A multifunctional polymeric nanofilm of a triazinedithiolsilane compound, which can protect metallic substrates and activate the corresponding surface simultaneously, is introduced onto a copper mesh surface via facile solution-immersion approaches. The resultant interface exhibits hydrophilic features due to the existence of silanol groups (SiOH) outward and has the potential to act as a superhydrophilic and underwater superoleophobic material. As the polymeric nanofilm atop the copper mesh is modified with long-chain octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS), the functionalized surface becomes superhydrophobic and superoleophilic. The OTS-modified polymeric nanofilm shows outstanding chemical durability and stability that are seldom concurrently satisfied for a material with special wettability, owing to its inherent architecture. These textures generate high separation efficiency, durable separation capability and excellent thermal stability. The protective ability, originating from the textures of the underlying cross-linked disulfide units (-SS-) and siloxane networks (SiOSi) on the top of the nanofilm, prolongs the chemical durability. The activating capability stemming from the residual SiOH groups improves the chemical stability as a result of the chemical bonds developed by these sites. The significant point of this investigation lies in enlightening us on the fabrication of multifunctional polymeric nanofilms on different metal surfaces using various triazinedithiolsilane compounds, and on the construction of interfaces with controllable wettable performances in demanding research or industrial applications.

Multifunctional surface modification of silk fabric via graphene oxide repeatedly coating and chemical reduction method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Jiliang; Wang, Chaoxia

2017-05-01

Multifunctional silk fabrics with electrical conductive, anti-ultraviolet and water repellent were successfully prepared by surface modification with graphene oxide (GO). The yellow-brown GO deposited on the surface of silk fabric was converted into graphitic black reduced graphene (RGO) by sodium hydrosulfite. The surface properties of silk fabrics were changed by repeatedly RGO coating process, which have been proved by SEM and XPS. The SEM results showed that the RGO sheets were successive form a continuously thin film on the surface of silk fabrics, and the deposition of GO or RGO also can be proved by XPS. The electrical conductivity was tested by electrical surface resistance value of the silk fabric, the surface resistance decreased with increasing of RGO surface modification times, and a low surface resistance value reached to 3.24 KΩ cm-1 after 9 times of modification, indicating the silk obtained excellent conductivity. The UPF value of one time GO modification silk fabric (silk-1RGO) was enhanced significantly to 24.45 in comparison to 10.40 of original silk. The contact angle of RGO coating silk samples was all above of 120°. The durability of RGO coated silk fabrics was tested by laundering. The electrical surface resistance of silk-4RGO (65.74 KΩ cm-1), silk-6RGO (15.54 KΩ cm-1) and silk-8RGO (3.86 KΩ cm-1) fabrics was up to 86.82, 22.30 and 6.57 KΩ cm-1 after 10 times of standard washing, respectively. The UPF value, contact angle and color differences of RGO modified silk fabric slightly changed before and after 10 times of standard washing. Therefore, the washing fastness of electric conduction, anti-ultraviolet and water repellent multifunctional silk fabrics was excellent.

Disintegrable NIR Light Triggered Gold Nanorods Supported Liposomal Nanohybrids for Cancer Theranostics.

PubMed

Chauhan, Deepak S; Prasad, Rajendra; Devrukhkar, Janhavi; Selvaraj, Kaliaperumal; Srivastava, Rohit

2018-05-16

In this work, facile synthesis and application of targeted, dual therapeutic gold nanorods-liposome (GNR-Lipos) nanohybrid for imaging guided photothermal therapy and chemotherapy is investigated. The dual therapeutic GNR-Lipos nanohybrid consists of GNR supported, and doxorubicin (DOX) loaded liposome. GNRs not only serve as a photothermal agent and increase the drug release in intracellular environment of cancer cells, but also provide mechanical strength to liposomes by being decorated both inside and outside of bilayer surfaces. The designed nanohybrid shows a remarkable response for synergistic chemophotothermal therapy compared to only chemotherapy or photothermal therapy. The NIR response, efficient uptake by the cells, disintegration of GNR-Lipos nanohybrid, and synergistic therapeutic effect of photothermal and chemotherapy over breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231 are studied for the better development of a biocompatible nanomaterial based multifunctional cancer theranostic agent.

Genome-Wide Detection and Analysis of Multifunctional Genes

PubMed Central

Pritykin, Yuri; Ghersi, Dario; Singh, Mona

2015-01-01

Many genes can play a role in multiple biological processes or molecular functions. Identifying multifunctional genes at the genome-wide level and studying their properties can shed light upon the complexity of molecular events that underpin cellular functioning, thereby leading to a better understanding of the functional landscape of the cell. However, to date, genome-wide analysis of multifunctional genes (and the proteins they encode) has been limited. Here we introduce a computational approach that uses known functional annotations to extract genes playing a role in at least two distinct biological processes. We leverage functional genomics data sets for three organisms—H. sapiens, D. melanogaster, and S. cerevisiae—and show that, as compared to other annotated genes, genes involved in multiple biological processes possess distinct physicochemical properties, are more broadly expressed, tend to be more central in protein interaction networks, tend to be more evolutionarily conserved, and are more likely to be essential. We also find that multifunctional genes are significantly more likely to be involved in human disorders. These same features also hold when multifunctionality is defined with respect to molecular functions instead of biological processes. Our analysis uncovers key features about multifunctional genes, and is a step towards a better genome-wide understanding of gene multifunctionality. PMID:26436655

Smart Biointerface with Photoswitched Functions between Bactericidal Activity and Bacteria-Releasing Ability.

PubMed

Wei, Ting; Zhan, Wenjun; Yu, Qian; Chen, Hong

2017-08-09

Smart biointerfaces with capability to regulate cell-surface interactions in response to external stimuli are of great interest for both fundamental research and practical applications. Smart surfaces with "ON/OFF" switchability for a single function such as cell attachment/detachment are well-known and useful, but the ability to switch between two different functions may be seen as the next level of "smart". In this work reported, a smart supramolecular surface capable of switching functions reversibly between bactericidal activity and bacteria-releasing ability in response to UV-visible light is developed. This platform is composed of surface-containing azobenzene (Azo) groups and a biocidal β-cyclodextrin derivative conjugated with seven quaternary ammonium salt groups (CD-QAS). The surface-immobilized Azo groups in trans form can specially incorporate CD-QAS to achieve a strongly bactericidal surface that kill more than 90% attached bacteria. On irradiation with UV light, the Azo groups switch to cis form, resulting in the dissociation of the Azo/CD-QAS inclusion complex and release of dead bacteria from the surface. After the kill-and-release cycle, the surface can be easily regenerated for reuse by irradiation with visible light and reincorporation of fresh CD-QAS. The use of supramolecular chemistry represents a promising approach to the realization of smart, multifunctional surfaces, and has the potential to be applied to diverse materials and devices in the biomedical field.

Combination Anticancer Nanopreparations of Novel Proapoptotic Drug, TRAIL and siRNA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riehle, Robert D.

Development of drugs for the treatment of cancer is a challenging endeavor often hindered by the solubility and distribution of the drug in the body. Drug delivery systems have been used for many years to overcome these issues. Polyethylene glycol-phosphatidylethanolamine (PEG-PE) micelles in particular have shown utility as a nanosized drug delivery vehicle capable of incorporating poorly soluble drugs and preferentially delivering them to the tumor. Addition of PEG polymers to the surface prolongs the half-life of the particle in the blood by evading clearance by the reticuloendothelial system (RES) and increases tumor accumulation through the utilization of the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. Micelles have also been shown to successfully incorporate and protect modified siRNA, a notoriously challenging therapeutic to deliver. Additionally, co-delivery of multiple therapeutics in multifunctional micelles has emerged as an important area in combination therapy research. The main goal of this project was to develop a multifunctional PEG-PE micellar delivery system capable of delivering multiple therapeutics for increased anti-tumor activity. Previous studies have indicated the utility of a DM-PIT-1, a member of a class of novel PIP3-PH inhibitors, and its potential in the treatment of cancer. The PIP3-kinase (PI3K) pathway has been shown to have serious implications in cancer. Inhibiting this pathway has been shown to sensitize the cell to apoptosis. A second generation of more potent and druggable compounds has been developed based on the structure of DM- PIT-1. However, it has been difficult to develop successful compounds inhibiting PIP3 signaling while maintaining the physicochemical properties necessary for an effective drug. Many of these compounds are limited by their poor solubility and rapid clearance in vivo. Incorporating these compounds into PEG-PE micelles allows for increased solubility, prolonged half-life and tumor accumulation. The addition of TNFa-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) bound to the surface of the micelle creates a combination micelle with excellent cytotoxic effects. TRAIL has been shown to be an effective apoptosis inducing ligand in a variety of in vitro and in vivo studies. TRAIL receptors are preferentially expressed on many cancer cell types as compared to healthy cells making this ligand an intriguing potential therapy. The combination of TRAIL and PIP3-PH inhibitors in a micellar delivery system has the potential to create a powerful anti-cancer therapeutic. Including modified siRNA to down regulate cancer defense mechanisms can further sensitize the cell to apoptosis. siRNA delivery has been shown to be a difficult task. Rapid metabolism and clearance in the blood hinders their ability to reach the tumor. Additionally, their large size and negative charge prevents them from crossing the cell membrane to reach their location of action. Reversibly conjugating a modified siRNA to a lipid thereby creating an siRNA-S-S-PE, allows for their incorporation into PEG-PE micelles. These mixed micelles have been shown to protect the siRNA and successfully transfect cells. This study aimed to combine the aforementioned therapeutics into a multifunctional PEG-PE based micelle delivery system. Novel proapoptotic drugs targeting the PIP3-PH binding domain have been successfully incorporated into the lipid core of the micelle. These drugs were able to effectively sensitize the cell to the effects of surface-bound TRAIL. Additionally, siRNA targeting the anti-apoptotic protein survivin was shown to be incorporated into the micelles and further sensitize the tumor to the effects of the above compounds. Lastly, conjugating transferrin (TF) to the surface of the micelle was shown increase the tumor cell targeting and cytotoxicity in vitro. Critical evaluation of this system was performed along the following specific aims: (1) characterization of PIP3-PH inhibition and cytotoxicity of proapoptotic drug DM-PIT-1 and its novel analogs in vitro with and without TRAIL; (2) preparation and characterization of TRAIL-modified micelles loaded with DM-PIT-1 or its analogs; (3) evaluation of in vitro cytotoxicity of combination formulations across a range of tumor cell types; (4) characterization of TF-modified micelles targeting potential and their effects on cytotoxicity in vitro; (5) formulation and characterization of siRNA-S-S-PE mixed micelles and evaluation of gene silencing in vitro and in vivo; (6) evaluation of combination micelles as a multifunctional delivery system utilizing in vivo mouse models of human cancer.

Experimental demonstration of programmable multi-functional spin logic cell based on spin Hall effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, X.; Wan, C. H.; Yuan, Z. H.; Fang, C.; Kong, W. J.; Wu, H.; Zhang, Q. T.; Tao, B. S.; Han, X. F.

2017-04-01

Confronting with the gigantic volume of data produced every day, raising integration density by reducing the size of devices becomes harder and harder to meet the ever-increasing demand for high-performance computers. One feasible path is to actualize more logic functions in one cell. In this respect, we experimentally demonstrate a prototype spin-orbit torque based spin logic cell integrated with five frequently used logic functions (AND, OR, NOT, NAND and NOR). The cell can be easily programmed and reprogrammed to perform desired function. Furthermore, the information stored in cells is symmetry-protected, making it possible to expand into logic gate array where the cell can be manipulated one by one without changing the information of other undesired cells. This work provides a prospective example of multi-functional spin logic cell with reprogrammability and nonvolatility, which will advance the application of spin logic devices.

Biodegradable and Multifunctional Polymer Micro-Tubes for Targeting Photothermal Therapy

PubMed Central

Wang, Xin; Yu, Guoping; Han, Xiyu; Zhang, Hua; Ren, Jing; Wu, Xia; Qu, Yanfeng

2014-01-01

We describe an innovative form of polymer micro-tubes with diverse functions including biodegradation, magnetic manipulation, and photothermal effect that employs and activates photothermal therapy to target cancer cells. The micro-tube comprised soybean protein isolate, poly-l-glutamic acid, magnetite nanoparticles, plus gold nanoparticles. Through electrostatic force, these components, with opposite charges, formed pairs of layers in the pores of the template, various bilayers of soybean protein isolate and poly-l-glutamic acid served as the biodegradable building wall to each micro-tube. The layers of magnetite nanoparticle functionalized micro-tubes enabled the micro-tube manipulate to target the cancer cells by using an external magnetic field. The photo-thermal effect of the layer of gold nanoparticles on the outer surface of the micro-tubes, when under irradiation and when brought about by the near infrared radiation, elevated each sample’s temperature. In addition, and when under the exposure of the near infrared radiation, the elevated temperature of the suspension of the micro-tubes, likewise with a concentration of 0.2 mg/mL, and similarly with a power of 2 W and as well maintained for 10 min, elevated the temperature of the suspension beyond 42 °C. Such temperatures induced apoptosis of target cancer cells through the effect of photothermal therapy. The findings assert that structured micro-tubes have a promising application as a photothermal agent. From this assertion, the implications are that this multifunctional agent will significantly improve the methodology for cancer diagnosis and therapy. PMID:24992593

Oral Vaccination with Lipid-Formulated BCG Induces a Long-lived, Multifunctional CD4+ T Cell Memory Immune Response

PubMed Central

Ancelet, Lindsay R.; Aldwell, Frank E.; Rich, Fenella J.; Kirman, Joanna R.

2012-01-01

Oral delivery of BCG in a lipid formulation (Liporale™-BCG) targets delivery of viable bacilli to the mesenteric lymph nodes and confers protection against an aerosol Mycobacterium tuberculosis challenge. The magnitude, quality and duration of the effector and memory immune response induced by Liporale™-BCG vaccination is unknown. Therefore, we compared the effector and memory CD4+ T cell response in the spleen and lungs of mice vaccinated with Liporale™-BCG to the response induced by subcutaneous BCG vaccination. Liporale™-BCG vaccination induced a long-lived CD4+ T cell response, evident by the detection of effector CD4+ T cells in the lungs and a significant increase in the number of Ag85B tetramer-specific CD4+ T cells in the spleen up to 30 weeks post vaccination. Moreover, following polyclonal stimulation, Liporale™-BCG vaccination, but not s.c. BCG vaccination, induced a significant increase in both the percentage of CD4+ T cells in the lungs capable of producing IFNγ and the number of multifunctional CD4+ T cells in the lungs at 30 weeks post vaccination. These results demonstrate that orally delivered Liporale™-BCG vaccine induces a long-lived multifunctional immune response, and could therefore represent a practical and effective means of delivering novel BCG-based TB vaccines. PMID:23049885

Studies of the antitumor mechanism of action of dermaseptin B2, a multifunctional cationic antimicrobial peptide, reveal a partial implication of cell surface glycosaminoglycans.

PubMed

Dos Santos, Célia; Hamadat, Sabah; Le Saux, Karen; Newton, Clara; Mazouni, Meriem; Zargarian, Loussiné; Miro-Padovani, Mickael; Zadigue, Patricia; Delbé, Jean; Hamma-Kourbali, Yamina; Amiche, Mohamed

2017-01-01

Dermaseptin-B2 (DRS-B2) is a multifunctional cationic antimicrobial peptide (CAP) isolated from frog skin secretion. We previously reported that DRS-B2 possesses anticancer and antiangiogenic activities in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, we evaluated the antiproliferative activity of DRS-B2 on numerous tumor cell lines, its cell internalization and studies of its molecular partners as well as their influences on its structure. Confocal microscopy using ([Alexa594]-(Cys0)-DRS-B2) shows that in sensitive human tumor cells (PC3), DRS-B2 seems to accumulate rapidly at the cytoplasmic membranes and enters the cytoplasm and the nucleus, while in less sensitive tumor cells (U87MG), DRS-B2 is found packed in vesicles at the cell membrane. Furthermore FACS analysis shows that PC3 cells viability decreases after DRS-B2 treatment while U87 MG seems to be unaffected. However, "pull down" experiments performed with total protein pools from PC3 or U87MG cells and the comparison between the antiproliferative effect of DRS-B2 and its synthetic analog containing all D-amino acids suggest the absence of a stereo-selective protein receptor. Pretreatment of PC3 cells with sodium chlorate, decreases the antiproliferative activity of DRS-B2. This activity is partially restored after addition of exogenous chondroitin sulfate C (CS-C). Moreover, we demonstrate that at nanomolar concentrations CS-C potentiates the antiproliferative effect of DRS-B2. These results highlight the partial implication of glycosaminoglycans in the mechanism of antiproliferative action of DRS-B2. Structural analysis of DRS-B2 by circular dichroism in the presence of increasing concentration of CS-C shows that DRS-B2 adopts an α-helical structure. Finally, structure-activity-relationship studies suggest a key role of the W residue in position 3 of the DRS-B2 sequence for its antiproliferative activity.

Studies of the antitumor mechanism of action of dermaseptin B2, a multifunctional cationic antimicrobial peptide, reveal a partial implication of cell surface glycosaminoglycans

PubMed Central

Dos Santos, Célia; Hamadat, Sabah; Le Saux, Karen; Newton, Clara; Mazouni, Meriem; Zargarian, Loussiné; Miro-Padovani, Mickael; Zadigue, Patricia; Delbé, Jean; Hamma-Kourbali, Yamina

2017-01-01

Dermaseptin-B2 (DRS-B2) is a multifunctional cationic antimicrobial peptide (CAP) isolated from frog skin secretion. We previously reported that DRS-B2 possesses anticancer and antiangiogenic activities in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, we evaluated the antiproliferative activity of DRS-B2 on numerous tumor cell lines, its cell internalization and studies of its molecular partners as well as their influences on its structure. Confocal microscopy using ([Alexa594]-(Cys0)-DRS-B2) shows that in sensitive human tumor cells (PC3), DRS-B2 seems to accumulate rapidly at the cytoplasmic membranes and enters the cytoplasm and the nucleus, while in less sensitive tumor cells (U87MG), DRS-B2 is found packed in vesicles at the cell membrane. Furthermore FACS analysis shows that PC3 cells viability decreases after DRS-B2 treatment while U87 MG seems to be unaffected. However, "pull down" experiments performed with total protein pools from PC3 or U87MG cells and the comparison between the antiproliferative effect of DRS-B2 and its synthetic analog containing all D-amino acids suggest the absence of a stereo-selective protein receptor. Pretreatment of PC3 cells with sodium chlorate, decreases the antiproliferative activity of DRS-B2. This activity is partially restored after addition of exogenous chondroitin sulfate C (CS-C). Moreover, we demonstrate that at nanomolar concentrations CS-C potentiates the antiproliferative effect of DRS-B2. These results highlight the partial implication of glycosaminoglycans in the mechanism of antiproliferative action of DRS-B2. Structural analysis of DRS-B2 by circular dichroism in the presence of increasing concentration of CS-C shows that DRS-B2 adopts an α-helical structure. Finally, structure-activity-relationship studies suggest a key role of the W residue in position 3 of the DRS-B2 sequence for its antiproliferative activity. PMID:28797092

The adhesive properties of the Staphylococcus lugdunensis multifunctional autolysin AtlL and its role in biofilm formation and internalization.

PubMed

Hussain, Muzaffar; Steinbacher, Tim; Peters, Georg; Heilmann, Christine; Becker, Karsten

2015-01-01

Although it belongs to the group of coagulase-negative staphylococci, Staphylococcus lugdunensis has been known to cause aggressive courses of native and prosthetic valve infective endocarditis with high mortality similar to Staphylococcus aureus. In contrast to S. aureus, only little is known about the equipment of S. lugdunensis with virulence factors including adhesins and their role in mediating attachment to extracellular matrix and plasma proteins and host cells. In this study, we show that the multifunctional autolysin/adhesin AtlL of S. lugdunensis binds to the extracellular matrix and plasma proteins fibronectin, fibrinogen, and vitronectin as well as to human EA.hy926 endothelial cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that AtlL also plays an important role in the internalization of S. lugdunensis by eukaryotic cells: The atlL-deficient mutant Mut17 adheres to and becomes internalized by eukaryotic cells to a lesser extent than the isogenic wild-type strain Sl253 and the complemented mutant Mut17 (pCUatlL) shows an increased internalization level in comparison to Mut17. Thus, surface localized AtlL that exhibits a broad binding spectrum also mediates the internalization of S. lugdunensis by eukaryotic cells. We therefore propose an internalization pathway for S. lugdunensis, in which AtlL plays a major role. Investigating the role of AtlL in biofilm formation of S. lugdunensis, Mut17 shows a significantly reduced ability for biofilm formation, which is restored in the complemented mutant. Thus, our data provide evidence for a significant role for AtlL in adherence and internalization processes as well as in biofilm formation of S. lugdunensis. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Generation of microgrooved silica nanotube membranes with sustained drug delivery and cell contact guidance ability by using a Teflon microfluidic chip

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Song; Shi, Xuetao; Chinnathambi, Shanmugavel; Wu, Hongkai; Hanagata, Nobutaka

2013-02-01

Silica nanotubes have been extensively applied in the biomedical field. However, very little attention has been paid to the fabrication and application of micropatterned silica nanotubes. In the present study, microgrooved silica nanotube membranes were fabricated in situ by microgrooving silica-coated collagen hybrid fibril hydrogels in a Teflon microfluidic chip followed by calcination for removal of collagen fibrils. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that the resulting silica nanotube membranes displayed a typical microgroove/ridge surface topography with ˜50 μm microgroove width and ˜120 μm ridge width. They supported adsorption of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) and exhibited a sustained release behavior for BMP-2. After culturing with osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells, they induced an enhanced osteoblast differentiation due to the release of biologically active BMP-2 and a strong contact guidance ability to directly align and elongate osteoblasts due to the presence of microgrooved surface topography, indicating their potential application as a multi-functional cell-supporting matrix for tissue generation.

CD44 Promotes intoxication by the clostridial iota-family toxins.

PubMed

Wigelsworth, Darran J; Ruthel, Gordon; Schnell, Leonie; Herrlich, Peter; Blonder, Josip; Veenstra, Timothy D; Carman, Robert J; Wilkins, Tracy D; Van Nhieu, Guy Tran; Pauillac, Serge; Gibert, Maryse; Sauvonnet, Nathalie; Stiles, Bradley G; Popoff, Michel R; Barth, Holger

2012-01-01

Various pathogenic clostridia produce binary protein toxins associated with enteric diseases of humans and animals. Separate binding/translocation (B) components bind to a protein receptor on the cell surface, assemble with enzymatic (A) component(s), and mediate endocytosis of the toxin complex. Ultimately there is translocation of A component(s) from acidified endosomes into the cytosol, leading to destruction of the actin cytoskeleton. Our results revealed that CD44, a multifunctional surface protein of mammalian cells, facilitates intoxication by the iota family of clostridial binary toxins. Specific antibody against CD44 inhibited cytotoxicity of the prototypical Clostridium perfringens iota toxin. Versus CD44(+) melanoma cells, those lacking CD44 bound less toxin and were dose-dependently resistant to C. perfringens iota, as well as Clostridium difficile and Clostridium spiroforme iota-like, toxins. Purified CD44 specifically interacted in vitro with iota and iota-like, but not related Clostridium botulinum C2, toxins. Furthermore, CD44 knockout mice were resistant to iota toxin lethality. Collective data reveal an important role for CD44 during intoxication by a family of clostridial binary toxins.

CD44 Promotes Intoxication by the Clostridial Iota-Family Toxins

PubMed Central

Wigelsworth, Darran J.; Ruthel, Gordon; Schnell, Leonie; Herrlich, Peter; Blonder, Josip; Veenstra, Timothy D.; Carman, Robert J.; Wilkins, Tracy D.; Van Nhieu, Guy Tran; Pauillac, Serge; Gibert, Maryse; Sauvonnet, Nathalie; Stiles, Bradley G.; Popoff, Michel R.; Barth, Holger

2012-01-01

Various pathogenic clostridia produce binary protein toxins associated with enteric diseases of humans and animals. Separate binding/translocation (B) components bind to a protein receptor on the cell surface, assemble with enzymatic (A) component(s), and mediate endocytosis of the toxin complex. Ultimately there is translocation of A component(s) from acidified endosomes into the cytosol, leading to destruction of the actin cytoskeleton. Our results revealed that CD44, a multifunctional surface protein of mammalian cells, facilitates intoxication by the iota family of clostridial binary toxins. Specific antibody against CD44 inhibited cytotoxicity of the prototypical Clostridium perfringens iota toxin. Versus CD44+ melanoma cells, those lacking CD44 bound less toxin and were dose-dependently resistant to C. perfringens iota, as well as Clostridium difficile and Clostridium spiroforme iota-like, toxins. Purified CD44 specifically interacted in vitro with iota and iota-like, but not related Clostridium botulinum C2, toxins. Furthermore, CD44 knockout mice were resistant to iota toxin lethality. Collective data reveal an important role for CD44 during intoxication by a family of clostridial binary toxins. PMID:23236484

Multifunctional shape and size specific magneto-polymer composite particles.

PubMed

Nunes, Janine; Herlihy, Kevin P; Mair, Lamar; Superfine, Richard; DeSimone, Joseph M

2010-04-14

Interest in uniform multifunctional magnetic particles is driven by potential applications in biomedical and materials science. Here we demonstrate the fabrication of highly tailored nanoscale and microscale magneto-polymer composite particles using a template based approach. Regiospecific surface functionalization of the particles was performed by chemical grafting and evaporative Pt deposition. Manipulation of the particles by an applied magnetic field was demonstrated in water and hydrogen peroxide.

Preparation of Fe(3)O(4)@C@CNC multifunctional magnetic core/shell nanoparticles and their application in a signal-type flow-injection photoluminescence immunosensor.

PubMed

Chu, Chengchao; Li, Meng; Li, Long; Ge, Shenguang; Ge, Lei; Yu, Jinghua; Yan, Mei; Song, Xianrang

2013-11-01

We describe here the preparation of carbon-coated Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles that were further fabricated into multifunctional core/shell nanoparticles (Fe3O4@C@CNCs) through a layer-by-layer self-assembly process of carbon nanocrystals (CNCs). The nanoparticles were applied in a photoluminescence (PL) immunosensor to detect the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and CEA primary antibody was immobilized onto the surface of the nanoparticles. In addition, CEA secondary antibody and glucose oxidase were covalently bonded to silica nanoparticles. After stepwise immunoreactions, the immunoreagent was injected into the PL cell using a flow-injection PL system. When glucose was injected, hydrogen peroxide was obtained because of glucose oxidase catalysis and quenched the PL of the Fe3O4@C@CNC nanoparticles. The here proposed PL immunosensor allowed us to determine CEA concentrations in the 0.005–50 ng·mL-1 concentration range, with a detection limit of 1.8 pg·mL-1.

Coordinated pH/redox dual-sensitive and hepatoma-targeted multifunctional polymeric micelle system for stimuli-triggered doxorubicin release: Synthesis, characterization and in vitro evaluation.

PubMed

Wang, Lele; Tian, Baocheng; Zhang, Jing; Li, Keke; Liang, Yan; Sun, Yujie; Ding, Yuanyuan; Han, Jingtian

2016-03-30

Multifunctional polymeric micelles self-assembled from a DOX-conjugated methoxypolyethylene glycols-b-poly (6-O-methacryloyl-D-galactopyranose)-disulfide bond-DOX (mPEG-b-PMAGP-SS-DOX) copolymer were prepared as an antitumor carrier for doxorubicin delivery, of which the chemical modification with disulfide bonds and hydrazone bonds allowed micelles to release doxorubicin (DOX) selectively at acidic pH and high redox conditions. The resulting micelles exhibited coordinated pH/redox dual-sensitive and hepatoma-targeted multifunction with sustaining stability in aqueous media. The multifunctional micelles showed spherical shapes with a mean diameter of 93 ± 2.08 nm, a low polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.21, a low CMC value of 0.095 mg/mL, a high drug grafting degree of 56.9% and a drug content of 39.0%. Remarkably, in vitro drug release studies clearly exhibited a pH and redox dual-sensitive drug release profile with significantly accelerated drug release treated with pH 5.0 and 10mM GSH (88.4% in 72 h) without drug burst release. The tumor proliferation assays indicated that DOX-grafted micelles, along with low cytotoxicity and well biocompatibility to normal cells up to a concentration of 10 μg/mL, inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells in a formulation-, time- and concentration-dependent manner in comparison with MCF-7 cells which was similar to free DOX. Anticancer activity releaved that the disulfide-modified micelles possessed much higher anti-hepatoma activity with a low IC50 value of 1.1 μg/mL following a 72 h incubation. Furthermore, the intracellular uptake tested by CLSM and FCM demonstrated that multifunctional polymeric micelles could be more efficiently taken up by HepG2 cells compared with MCF-7 cells, agreed well with MTT assays, suggesting these well-defined micelles provide a potential drug delivery system for dual-responsive controlled drug release and enhanced anti-hepatoma therapy. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Synthesis of upconversion nanoparticles conjugated with graphene oxide quantum dots and their use against cancer cell imaging and photodynamic therapy.

PubMed

Choi, Seung Yoo; Baek, Seung Hoon; Chang, Sung-Jin; Song, Yohan; Rafique, Rafia; Lee, Kang Taek; Park, Tae Jung

2017-07-15

Multifunctional nanocomposite has a huge potential for cell imaging, drug delivery, and improving therapeutic effect with less side effects. To date, diverse approaches have been demonstrated to endow a single nanostructure with multifunctionality. Herein, we report the synthesis and application of core-shell nanoparticles composed with upconversion nanoparticle (UCNP) as a core and a graphene oxide quantum dot (GOQD) as a shell. The UCNP was prepared and applied for imaging-guided analyses of upconversion luminescence. GOQD was prepared and employed as promising drug delivery vehicles to improve anti-tumor therapy effect in this study. Unique properties of UCNPs and GOQDs were incorporated into a single nanostructure to provide desirable functions for cell imaging and drug delivery. In addition, hypocrellin A (HA) was loaded on GOQDs for photo-dynamic therapy (PDT). HA, a commonly used chemotherapy drug and a photo-sensitizer, was conjugated with GOQD by π-π interaction and loaded on PEGylated UCNP without complicated synthetic process, which can break structure of HA. Applying these core-shell nanoparticles to MTT assay, we demonstrated that the UCNPs with GOQD shell loaded with HA could be excellent candidates as multifunctional agents for cell imaging, drug delivery and cell therapy. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Bioresponsive carbon nano-gated multifunctional mesoporous silica for cancer theranostics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prasad, Rajendra; Aiyer, Sandhya; Chauhan, Deepak S.; Srivastava, Rohit; Selvaraj, Kaliaperumal

2016-02-01

Designing bioresponsive nanocarriers for controlled and efficient intracellular drug release for cancer therapy is a major thrust area in nanomedicine. With recent recognition by the US FDA as a safe material for human trials, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs) are being extensively explored as promising theranostic agents. Green fluorescent carbon quantum dots (CQDs), though known as possible alternatives for their more toxic and relatively less efficient predecessors, are less known as gate keepers for drug release control. We report for the first time an efficient bioresponse of CQDs when judiciously designed using glutathione cleavable (redox responsive) disulphide bonds. When the anticancer drug doxorubicin loaded MSNPs are capped with these CQDs, they display promising drug release control on exposure to a mimicked intracellular cancer environment. Their dual functionality is well established with good control on preventing the premature release and exceptional bio-imaging of HeLa cancer cells. Fluorescence images prove selective targeting of HeLa cells by overexpression of folate receptors from the surface functionalised folic acid ligand. Extensive characterisation using XRD, TEM, BET analysis, drug loading tests, drug release kinetics, MTT assay and fluoroscence cell imaging helps in understanding the multifunctionalities of the successful design, extending its scope with exciting prospects towards non-invasive targeted drug delivery and bio-imaging for effective cancer diagnosis and treatment.Designing bioresponsive nanocarriers for controlled and efficient intracellular drug release for cancer therapy is a major thrust area in nanomedicine. With recent recognition by the US FDA as a safe material for human trials, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs) are being extensively explored as promising theranostic agents. Green fluorescent carbon quantum dots (CQDs), though known as possible alternatives for their more toxic and relatively less efficient predecessors, are less known as gate keepers for drug release control. We report for the first time an efficient bioresponse of CQDs when judiciously designed using glutathione cleavable (redox responsive) disulphide bonds. When the anticancer drug doxorubicin loaded MSNPs are capped with these CQDs, they display promising drug release control on exposure to a mimicked intracellular cancer environment. Their dual functionality is well established with good control on preventing the premature release and exceptional bio-imaging of HeLa cancer cells. Fluorescence images prove selective targeting of HeLa cells by overexpression of folate receptors from the surface functionalised folic acid ligand. Extensive characterisation using XRD, TEM, BET analysis, drug loading tests, drug release kinetics, MTT assay and fluoroscence cell imaging helps in understanding the multifunctionalities of the successful design, extending its scope with exciting prospects towards non-invasive targeted drug delivery and bio-imaging for effective cancer diagnosis and treatment. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Size distribution histograms, PL spectra of CQDs at different pH values and at different excitation wavelengths, TEM images and the FTIR spectrum. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr06756a

STK/RON receptor tyrosine kinase mediates both apoptotic and growth signals via the multifunctional docking site conserved among the HGF receptor family.

PubMed Central

Iwama, A; Yamaguchi, N; Suda, T

1996-01-01

STK/RON tyrosine kinase, a member of the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor family, is a receptor for macrophage-stimulating protein (MSP). To examine the STK/RON signalling pathway, we generated STK/ RON transfectants showing opposite features in growth. STK/RON-expressing Ba/F3 pro-B cells (BaF/STK) exhibited MSP-dependent growth, whereas STK/ RON-expressing mouse erythroleukaemia cells (MEL/ STK) displayed MSP-induced apoptosis. This apoptosis was accompanied by the prolonged activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), which has recently been implicated in the initiation of apoptosis. Co-immunoprecipitation analyses showed that autophosphorylated STK/RON associated with PLC-gamma, P13-kinase, Shc and Grb2 in both transfectants. However, major tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins, p61 and p65, specifically associated with STK/RON in MEL/STK cells. Mutations at two C-terminal tyrosine residues, Y1330 and Y1337, in the counterpart of the multifunctional docking site of the HGF receptor abolished both MSP-induced growth and apoptosis. Analyses of these mutants and in vitro association revealed that signalling proteins including p61 and p65 directly bound to the phosphotyrosines in the multifunctional docking site. These results demonstrate that positive or negative signals toward cell growth are generated through the multifunctional docking site and suggest the involvement of p61 and p65 as well as JNK in apoptosis. Our findings provide the first evidence for apoptosis via a receptor tyrosine kinase. Images PMID:8918464

Nanoceramics on osteoblast proliferation and differentiation in bone tissue engineering.

PubMed

Sethu, Sai Nievethitha; Namashivayam, Subhapradha; Devendran, Saravanan; Nagarajan, Selvamurugan; Tsai, Wei-Bor; Narashiman, Srinivasan; Ramachandran, Murugesan; Ambigapathi, Moorthi

2017-05-01

Bone, a highly dynamic connective tissue, consist of a bioorganic phase comprising osteogenic cells and proteins which lies over an inorganic phase predominantly made of CaPO 4 (biological apatite). Injury to bone can be due to mechanical, metabolic or inflammatory agents also owing pathological conditions like fractures, osteomyelitis, osteolysis or cysts may arise in enameloid, chondroid, cementum, or chondroid bone which forms the intermediate tissues of the body. Bone tissue engineering (BTE) applies bioactive scaffolds, host cells and osteogenic signals for restoring damaged or diseased tissues. Various bioceramics used in BTE can be bioactive (like glass ceramics and hydroxyapatite bioactive glass), bioresorbable (like tricalcium phosphates) or bioinert (like zirconia and alumina). Limiting the size of these materials to nano-scale has resulted in a higher surface area to volume ratio thereby improving multi-functionality, solubility, surface catalytic activity, high heat and electrical conductivity. Nanoceramics have been found to induce osteoconduction, osteointegration, osteogenesis and osteoinduction. The present review aims at summarizing the interactions of nanoceramics and osteoblast/stem cells for promoting the proliferation and differentiation of the osteoblast cells by nanoceramics as superior bone substitutes in bone tissue engineering applications. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Networks of gold nanoparticles and bacteriophage as biological sensors and cell-targeting agents

PubMed Central

Souza, Glauco R.; Christianson, Dawn R.; Staquicini, Fernanda I.; Ozawa, Michael G.; Snyder, Evan Y.; Sidman, Richard L.; Miller, J. Houston; Arap, Wadih; Pasqualini, Renata

2006-01-01

Biological molecular assemblies are excellent models for the development of nanoengineered systems with desirable biomedical properties. Here we report an approach for fabrication of spontaneous, biologically active molecular networks consisting of bacteriophage (phage) directly assembled with gold (Au) nanoparticles (termed Au–phage). We show that when the phage are engineered so that each phage particle displays a peptide, such networks preserve the cell surface receptor binding and internalization attributes of the displayed peptide. The spontaneous organization of these targeted networks can be manipulated further by incorporation of imidazole (Au–phage–imid), which induces changes in fractal structure and near-infrared optical properties. The networks can be used as labels for enhanced fluorescence and dark-field microscopy, surface-enhanced Raman scattering detection, and near-infrared photon-to-heat conversion. Together, the physical and biological features within these targeted networks offer convenient multifunctional integration within a single entity with potential for nanotechnology-based biomedical applications. PMID:16434473

Protein-Based Multifunctional Nanocarriers for Imaging, Photothermal Therapy, and Anticancer Drug Delivery.

PubMed

Pan, Uday Narayan; Khandelia, Rumi; Sanpui, Pallab; Das, Subhojit; Paul, Anumita; Chattopadhyay, Arun

2017-06-14

We report a simple approach for fabricating plasmonic and magneto-luminescent multifunctional nanocarriers (MFNCs) by assembling gold nanorods, iron oxide nanoparticles, and gold nanoclusters within BSA nanoparticles. The MFNCs showed self-tracking capability through single- and two-photon imaging, and the potential for magnetic targeting in vitro. Appreciable T 2 -relaxivity exhibited by the MFNCs indicated favorable conditions for magnetic resonance imaging. In addition to successful plasmonic-photothermal therapy of cancer cells (HeLa) in vitro, the MFNCs demonstrated efficient loading and delivery of doxorubicin to HeLa cells leading to significant cell death. The present MFNCs with their multimodal imaging and therapeutic capabilities could be eminent candidates for cancer theranostics.

Core-shell iron oxide-layered double hydroxide: High electrochemical sensing performance of H2O2 biomarker in live cancer cells with plasma therapeutics.

PubMed

Asif, Muhammad; Liu, Hongwei; Aziz, Ayesha; Wang, Haitao; Wang, Zhengyun; Ajmal, Muhammad; Xiao, Fei; Liu, Hongfang

2017-11-15

In this work, we develop a new type of multifunctional core-shell nanomaterial by controllable integration of CuAl layered double hydroxides (LDHs) over the surface of iron oxides (Fe 3 O 4 ) nanospheres (NSs) to fabricate (Fe 3 O 4 @CuAl NSs) hybrid material with interior tunability of LDH phase and explore its practical application in ultrasensitive detection of emerging biomarker, i.e., H 2 O 2 as cancer diagnostic probe. In addition, atmospheric pressure plasmas (APPs) have also been used as potential therapeutic approach for cancer treatment. Due to the synergistic combination of p-type semiconductive channels of LDHs with multi-functional properties, unique morphology and abundant surface active sites, the Fe 3 O 4 @CuAl NSs modified electrode exhibited attractive electrocatalytic activity towards H 2 O 2 reduction. Under the optimized conditions, the proposed biosensor demonstrated striking electrochemical sensing performances to H 2 O 2 including linear range as broad as 8 orders of magnitude, low real detection limit of 1nM (S/N = 3), high sensitivity, good reproducibility and long-term stability. Arising from the superb efficiency, the electrochemical biosensor has been used for in vitro determination of H 2 O 2 concentrations in human urine and serum samples prior to and following the intake of coffee, and real-time monitoring of H 2 O 2 efflux from different cancer cell lines in normal state and after plasma treatment. We believe that this novel nano-platform of structurally integrated core-shell nanohybrid materials combined with APPs will enhance diagnostic as well as therapeutic window for cancer diseases. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Enhanced proliferation of PC12 neural cells on untreated, nanotextured glass coverslips

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Islam, Muhymin; Atmaramani, Rahul; Mukherjee, Siddhartha; Ghosh, Santaneel; Iqbal, Samir M.

2016-10-01

Traumatic injury to the central nervous system is a significant health problem. There is no effective treatment available partly because of the complexity of the system. Implementation of multifunctional micro- and nano-device based combinatorial therapeutics can provide biocompatible and tunable approaches to perform on-demand release of specific drugs. This can help the damaged cells to improve neuronal survival, regeneration of axons, and their reconnection to appropriate targets. Nano-topological features induced rapid cell growth is especially important towards the design of effective platforms to facilitate damaged neural circuit reconstruction. In this study, for the first time, feasibility of neuron-like PC12 cell growth on untreated and easy to prepare nanotextured surfaces has been carried out. The PC12 neuron-like cells were cultured on micro reactive ion etched nanotextured glass coverslips. The effect of nanotextured topology as physical cue for the growth of PC12 cells was observed exclusively, eliminating the possible influence(s) of the enhanced concentration of coated materials on the surface. The cell density was observed to increase by almost 200% on nanotextured coverslips compared to plain coverslips. The morphology study indicated that PC12 cell attachment and growth on the nanotextured substrates did not launch any apoptotic machinery of the cell. Less than 5% cells deformed and depicted condensed nuclei with apoptotic bodies on nanotextured surfaces which is typical for the normal cell handling and culture. Enhanced PC12 cell proliferation by such novel and easy to prepare substrates is not only attractive for neurite outgrowth and guidance, but may be used to increase the affinity of similar cancerous cells (ex: B35 neuroblastoma) and rapid proliferation thereafter—towards the development of combinatorial theranostics to diagnose and treat aggressive cancers like neuroblastoma.

Rapid endocytosis of the low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein modulates cell surface distribution and processing of the beta-amyloid precursor protein.

PubMed

Cam, Judy A; Zerbinatti, Celina V; Li, Yonghe; Bu, Guojun

2005-04-15

The low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) is a approximately 600-kDa multifunctional endocytic receptor that is highly expressed in the brain. LRP and its ligands apolipoprotein E, alpha2-macroglobulin, and beta-amyloid precursor protein (APP), are genetically linked to Alzheimer disease and are found in characteristic plaque deposits in brains of patients with Alzheimer disease. To identify which extracellular domains of LRP interact with APP, we used minireceptors of each of the individual LRP ligand binding domains and assessed their ability to bind and degrade a soluble APP fragment. LRP minireceptors containing ligand binding domains II and IV, but not I or III, interacted with APP. To test whether APP trafficking is directly related to the rapid endocytosis of LRP, we generated stable Chinese hamster ovary cell lines expressing either a wild-type LRP minireceptor or its endocytosis mutants. Chinese hamster ovary cells stably expressing wild-type LRP minireceptor had less cell surface APP than pcDNA3 vector-transfected cells, whereas those stably expressing endocytosis-defective LRP minireceptors accumulated APP at the cell surface. We also found that the steady-state levels of the amyloid beta-peptides (Abeta) is dictated by the relative expression levels of APP and LRP, probably reflecting the dual roles of LRP in both Abeta production and clearance. Together, these data establish a relationship between LRP rapid endocytosis and APP trafficking and proteolytic processing to generate Abeta.

Liquid-assisted tunable metasurface for simultaneous manipulation of surface elastic and acoustic waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Si-Min; Ma, Tian-Xue; Chen, A.-Li; Wang, Yue-Sheng

2018-03-01

A tunable and multi-functional one-dimensional metasurface, which is formed by engraving periodic semi-ellipse grooves on the surface of an aluminum half-space, is proposed in this paper. One characteristic of the metasurface is the manipulation of multi-physical fields, i.e. it could be utilized to manipulate surface elastic and acoustic waves simultaneously. The dispersion curves of the elastic and acoustic waves can be effectively tuned by adding liquids into the grooves. Based on the tunability different applications can be realized by adding different volumes of different liquids into the grooves. As an example, simultaneous rainbow trapping of the surface elastic and acoustic waves is demonstrated in the metasurface. Moreover, a resonant cavity where the elastic and acoustic waves are highly confined is reported. The proposed metasurface paves the way to the design of multi-functional devices for simultaneous control of elastic and acoustic waves.

Multifunctional ultra-high vacuum apparatus for studies of the interactions of chemical warfare agents on complex surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilmsmeyer, Amanda R.; Gordon, Wesley O.; Davis, Erin Durke; Mantooth, Brent A.; Lalain, Teri A.; Morris, John R.

2014-01-01

A fundamental understanding of the surface chemistry of chemical warfare agents is needed to fully predict the interaction of these toxic molecules with militarily relevant materials, catalysts, and environmental surfaces. For example, rules for predicting the surface chemistry of agents can be applied to the creation of next generation decontaminants, reactive coatings, and protective materials for the warfighter. Here, we describe a multifunctional ultra-high vacuum instrument for conducting comprehensive studies of the adsorption, desorption, and surface chemistry of chemical warfare agents on model and militarily relevant surfaces. The system applies reflection-absorption infrared spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry to study adsorption and surface reactions of chemical warfare agents. Several novel components have been developed to address the unique safety and sample exposure challenges that accompany the research of these toxic, often very low vapor pressure, compounds. While results of vacuum-based surface science techniques may not necessarily translate directly to environmental processes, learning about the fundamental chemistry will begin to inform scientists about the critical aspects that impact real-world applications.

Multifunctional ultra-high vacuum apparatus for studies of the interactions of chemical warfare agents on complex surfaces.

PubMed

Wilmsmeyer, Amanda R; Gordon, Wesley O; Davis, Erin Durke; Mantooth, Brent A; Lalain, Teri A; Morris, John R

2014-01-01

A fundamental understanding of the surface chemistry of chemical warfare agents is needed to fully predict the interaction of these toxic molecules with militarily relevant materials, catalysts, and environmental surfaces. For example, rules for predicting the surface chemistry of agents can be applied to the creation of next generation decontaminants, reactive coatings, and protective materials for the warfighter. Here, we describe a multifunctional ultra-high vacuum instrument for conducting comprehensive studies of the adsorption, desorption, and surface chemistry of chemical warfare agents on model and militarily relevant surfaces. The system applies reflection-absorption infrared spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry to study adsorption and surface reactions of chemical warfare agents. Several novel components have been developed to address the unique safety and sample exposure challenges that accompany the research of these toxic, often very low vapor pressure, compounds. While results of vacuum-based surface science techniques may not necessarily translate directly to environmental processes, learning about the fundamental chemistry will begin to inform scientists about the critical aspects that impact real-world applications.

Multifunctional ultra-high vacuum apparatus for studies of the interactions of chemical warfare agents on complex surfaces

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wilmsmeyer, Amanda R.; Morris, John R.; Gordon, Wesley O.

2014-01-15

A fundamental understanding of the surface chemistry of chemical warfare agents is needed to fully predict the interaction of these toxic molecules with militarily relevant materials, catalysts, and environmental surfaces. For example, rules for predicting the surface chemistry of agents can be applied to the creation of next generation decontaminants, reactive coatings, and protective materials for the warfighter. Here, we describe a multifunctional ultra-high vacuum instrument for conducting comprehensive studies of the adsorption, desorption, and surface chemistry of chemical warfare agents on model and militarily relevant surfaces. The system applies reflection-absorption infrared spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry tomore » study adsorption and surface reactions of chemical warfare agents. Several novel components have been developed to address the unique safety and sample exposure challenges that accompany the research of these toxic, often very low vapor pressure, compounds. While results of vacuum-based surface science techniques may not necessarily translate directly to environmental processes, learning about the fundamental chemistry will begin to inform scientists about the critical aspects that impact real-world applications.« less

Multifunctional epidermal electronics printed directly onto the skin.

PubMed

Yeo, Woon-Hong; Kim, Yun-Soung; Lee, Jongwoo; Ameen, Abid; Shi, Luke; Li, Ming; Wang, Shuodao; Ma, Rui; Jin, Sung Hun; Kang, Zhan; Huang, Yonggang; Rogers, John A

2013-05-28

Materials and designs are presented for electronics and sensors that can be conformally and robustly integrated onto the surface of the skin. A multifunctional device of this type can record various physiological signals relevant to health and wellness. This class of technology offers capabilities in biocompatible, non-invasive measurement that lie beyond those available with conventional, point-contact electrode interfaces to the skin. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Co-encapsulation of magnetic nanoparticles and cisplatin within biocompatible polymers as multifunctional nanoplatforms: synthesis, characterization, and in vitro assays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ibarra, Jaime; Encinas, David; Blanco, Mateo; Barbosa, Silvia; Taboada, Pablo; Juárez, Josué; Valdez, Miguel A.

2018-01-01

In this work, we report the synthesis, characterization and biological evaluation of a multifunctional hybrid biocompatible nanoplatform consisting of a biodegradable poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) matrix functionalized with a polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan mixed surface layer, and co-loaded with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) and the anticancer drug cisplatin. In this manner, problems associated with cisplatin low aqueous solubility are precluded as well as a sustained controlled release of the drug is obtained. The hybrid nanoplatforms displayed slightly positive charges and spherical shapes, with an average diameter of ca 100 nm and very low polydispersity. This size range makes these particles suitable a priori to avoid extensive macrophage recognition whilst ensures exploitation of passive targeting in tumoral cells by the enhanced permeation and retention effect and successful interaction with cell surfaces. SPIONs and drug loading extents were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, respectively. The presence of the magnetic nanoparticle in the hybrid platform should enable their intended use as T2 imaging contrast agents as denoted from magnetic imaging measurements in vitro. Furthermore, in vitro release profiles of cisplatin from nanoplatform showed an initial burst release of about 16% in the first 6 h, followed by a sustained release over 10 days ensuring a slow delivery of the drug in the site of action to enhance chemotherapeutic activity. This was confirmed by in vitro cytotoxicity assays denoting that the chemotherapeutic effect of cisplatin on both cervical HeLa and breast MDA-MB-231 cancer cell lines is largely improved when encapsulated in the nanoplatform. Thus, the present characterization and in vitro biological evaluation data indicate that this nanoplatform can be considered as a promising theragnostic nanoplatform for combined imaging and therapy of several tumors. Moreover, its design using different biocompatible materials approved by regulatory agencies might open further expectatives to clinical translation once performing additional in vivo experiments currently on development.

γδ T cells exhibit multifunctional and protective memory in intestinal tissues

PubMed Central

Sheridan, Brian S.; Romagnoli, Pablo A.; Pham, Quynh-Mai; Fu, Han-Hsuan; Alonzo, Francis; Schubert, Wolf-Dieter; Freitag, Nancy E.; Lefrançois, Leo

2013-01-01

Summary The study of T cell memory and the target of vaccine design has focused on memory subsumed by T cells bearing the αβ T cell receptor. Alternatively, γδ T cells are thought to provide rapid immunity particularly at mucosal borders. Here we have shown that a distinct subset of mucosal γδ T cells mounts an immune response to oral Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) infection leading to the development of multifunctional memory T cells in the murine intestinal mucosa that is capable of simultaneously producing interferon-γ and interleukin-17A. Challenge infection with oral Lm, but not oral Salmonella or intravenous Lm, induced rapid expansion of memory γδ T cells suggesting contextual specificity to the priming pathogen. Importantly, memory γδ T cells were able to provide enhanced protection against infection. These findings illustrate a previously unrecognized role for γδ T cells with hallmarks of adaptive immunity in the intestinal mucosa. PMID:23890071

Multi-functionality and plasticity characterize epithelial cells in Hydra

PubMed Central

Buzgariu, W; Al Haddad, S; Tomczyk, S; Wenger, Y; Galliot, B

2015-01-01

Epithelial sheets, a synapomorphy of all metazoans but porifers, are present as 2 layers in cnidarians, ectoderm and endoderm, joined at their basal side by an extra-cellular matrix named mesoglea. In the Hydra polyp, epithelial cells of the body column are unipotent stem cells that continuously self-renew and concomitantly express their epitheliomuscular features. These multifunctional contractile cells maintain homeostasis by providing a protective physical barrier, by digesting nutrients, by selecting a stable microbiota, and by rapidly closing wounds. In addition, epithelial cells are highly plastic, supporting the adaptation of Hydra to physiological and environmental changes, such as long starvation periods where survival relies on a highly dynamic autophagy flux. Epithelial cells also play key roles in developmental processes as evidenced by the organizer activity they develop to promote budding and regeneration. We propose here an integrative view of the homeostatic and developmental aspects of epithelial plasticity in Hydra. PMID:26716072

The atlA operon of Streptococcus mutans: role in autolysin maturation and cell surface biogenesis.

PubMed

Ahn, Sang-Joon; Burne, Robert A

2006-10-01

The Smu0630 protein (AtlA) was recently shown to be involved in cell separation, biofilm formation, and autolysis. Here, transcriptional studies revealed that atlA is part of a multigene operon under the control of at least three promoters. The morphology and biofilm-forming capacity of a nonpolar altA mutant could be restored to that of the wild-type strain by adding purified AtlA protein to the medium. A series of truncated derivatives of AtlA revealed that full activity required the C terminus and repeat regions. AtlA was cell associated and readily extractable from with sodium dodecyl sulfate. Of particular interest, the surface protein profile of AtlA-deficient strains was dramatically altered compared to the wild-type strain, as was the nature of the association of the multifunctional adhesin P1 with the cell wall. In addition, AtlA-deficient strains failed to develop competence as effectively as the parental strain. Mutation of thmA, which can be cotranscribed with atlA and encodes a putative pore-forming protein, resulted in a phenotype very similar to that of the AtlA-deficient strain. ThmA was also shown to be required for efficient processing of AtlA to its mature form, and treatment of the thmA mutant strain with full-length AtlA protein did not restore normal cell separation and biofilm formation. The effects of mutating other genes in the operon on cell division, biofilm formation, or AtlA biogenesis were not as profound. This study reveals that AtlA is a surface-associated protein that plays a critical role in the network connecting cell surface biogenesis, biofilm formation, genetic competence, and autolysis.

Multifunctional pH-sensitive polymeric nanoparticles for theranostics evaluated experimentally in cancer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yongjun; Feng, Lixia; Liu, Tingxian; Zhang, Li; Yao, Yao; Yu, Dexin; Wang, Linlin; Zhang, Na

2014-02-01

A multifunctional pH-sensitive polymeric nanoparticle system was developed for simultaneous tumor magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and therapy. The nanoparticles were self-assembled using the multi-block polymer poly(lactic acid)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(l-lysine)-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (PLA-PEG-PLL-DTPA) and the pH-sensitive material poly(l-histidine)-poly(ethylene glycol)-biotin (PLH-PEG-biotin). The anti-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) drug sorafenib was encapsulated inside the nanoparticles. Gd ions were chelated to the DTPA groups which were distributed on the nanoparticle surface. Biotinylated vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) antibodies were linked to the surface biotin groups of nanoparticles through the avidin linker to form the target pH-sensitive theranostic nanoparticles (TPTN). TPTN exhibited spherical or ellipsoidal shapes, uniform particle size distribution (181.4 +/- 3.4 nm), positive zeta potential (14.95 +/- 0.60 mV), high encapsulation efficiency (95.02 +/- 1.47%) and drug loading (2.38 +/- 0.04%). The pH-sensitive sorafenib release from TPTN was observed under different pH values (47.81% at pH = 7.4 and 99.32% at pH = 5.0, respectively). In cell cytotoxicity studies, TPTN showed similar antitumor effect against HepG2 cells compared to solubilized sorafenib solution after pre-incubation in acid PBS (pH = 5.0) for 1 h in vitro (P > 0.05). In in vivo anti-tumor studies, TPTN showed significantly higher antitumor effect in H22 tumor (VEGFR overexpressed cell line) bearing mice compared to the solubilized sorafenib solution (oral or i.v. administration) group (P < 0.05). In the MRI test, the T1 relaxivity value of TPTN was 17.300 mM-1 s-1 which was 3.6 times higher than Magnevist® (r1 = 4.8 mM-1 s-1). As a positive contrast agent, TPTN exhibited higher resolution and longer imaging time (more than 90 min) in the MRI diagnosis of tumor-bearing mice compared to Magnevist® (more than 60 min). Furthermore, histological examination of TBN (blank TPTN, without sorafenib loaded) showed no visible tissue toxicity compared to normal saline. Thus, TPTN possessed dual-loading drugs and imaging agents, active targeting and pH-triggered drug release properties in one platform with good biocompatibility. All of these results indicated that TPTN was a promising theranostic carrier which could be a platform for the development of novel multifunctional theranostic agents.A multifunctional pH-sensitive polymeric nanoparticle system was developed for simultaneous tumor magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and therapy. The nanoparticles were self-assembled using the multi-block polymer poly(lactic acid)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(l-lysine)-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (PLA-PEG-PLL-DTPA) and the pH-sensitive material poly(l-histidine)-poly(ethylene glycol)-biotin (PLH-PEG-biotin). The anti-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) drug sorafenib was encapsulated inside the nanoparticles. Gd ions were chelated to the DTPA groups which were distributed on the nanoparticle surface. Biotinylated vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) antibodies were linked to the surface biotin groups of nanoparticles through the avidin linker to form the target pH-sensitive theranostic nanoparticles (TPTN). TPTN exhibited spherical or ellipsoidal shapes, uniform particle size distribution (181.4 +/- 3.4 nm), positive zeta potential (14.95 +/- 0.60 mV), high encapsulation efficiency (95.02 +/- 1.47%) and drug loading (2.38 +/- 0.04%). The pH-sensitive sorafenib release from TPTN was observed under different pH values (47.81% at pH = 7.4 and 99.32% at pH = 5.0, respectively). In cell cytotoxicity studies, TPTN showed similar antitumor effect against HepG2 cells compared to solubilized sorafenib solution after pre-incubation in acid PBS (pH = 5.0) for 1 h in vitro (P > 0.05). In in vivo anti-tumor studies, TPTN showed significantly higher antitumor effect in H22 tumor (VEGFR overexpressed cell line) bearing mice compared to the solubilized sorafenib solution (oral or i.v. administration) group (P < 0.05). In the MRI test, the T1 relaxivity value of TPTN was 17.300 mM-1 s-1 which was 3.6 times higher than Magnevist® (r1 = 4.8 mM-1 s-1). As a positive contrast agent, TPTN exhibited higher resolution and longer imaging time (more than 90 min) in the MRI diagnosis of tumor-bearing mice compared to Magnevist® (more than 60 min). Furthermore, histological examination of TBN (blank TPTN, without sorafenib loaded) showed no visible tissue toxicity compared to normal saline. Thus, TPTN possessed dual-loading drugs and imaging agents, active targeting and pH-triggered drug release properties in one platform with good biocompatibility. All of these results indicated that TPTN was a promising theranostic carrier which could be a platform for the development of novel multifunctional theranostic agents. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr05647c

Multi-functional sensor system for molten salt technologies

DOEpatents

Redey, Laszlo [Downers Grove, IL; Gourishankar, Karthick [Downers Grove, IL; Williamson, Mark A [Naperville, IL

2009-12-15

The present invention relates to a multi-functional sensor system that simultaneously measures cathode and anode electrode potentials, dissolved ion (i.e. oxide) concentration, and temperatures in an electrochemical cell. One embodiment of the invented system generally comprises: a reference(saturated) electrode, a reference(sensing) electrode, and a data acquisition system. Thermocouples are built into the two reference electrodes to provide important temperature information.

Towards multifunctional cellulosic fabric: UV photo-reduction and in-situ synthesis of silver nanoparticles into cellulose fabrics.

PubMed

Rehan, Mohamed; Barhoum, Ahmed; Van Assche, Guy; Dufresne, Alain; Gätjen, Linda; Wilken, Ralph

2017-05-01

Herein, the highly multifunctional cotton fabric surfaces were designed with excellent coloration, UV-protection function, and antimicrobial activity. These multifunctional functions were developed by in-situ synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) into the cotton fabric surface using a simple green one-pot "UV-reduction" method. Cotton fabrics were pretreated with non-anionic detergent, immersed into alcoholic silver nitrate solution (concentration ranging from 100 to 500ppm), squeezed to remove excess solution and then exposed to UV-irradiation (range 320-400nm) for 1h. The influence UV-irradiation on the thermal, chemical, optical and biological properties of the cotton fabric surface was discussed in details. The UV-irradiation promotes reducing of Ag + ions and the cotton fabrics act as seed medium for Ag NPs formation by "heterogeneous nucleation". Increasing Ag + concentration (from 100 to 500ppm) results in Ag NPs of particle size (distribution) of 50-100nm. Interestingly, the Ag NPs exhibited different localized surface Plasmon resonance properties causing a coloration of the cotton fabrics with different color shades ranging from bright to dark brown with excellent color fastness properties. The treated cotton fabrics also show high protecting functions against UV-transmission (reduction of 65%) and Escherichia coli growth (99%). The side-effects of the UV-reduction process are further investigated. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Spaser as a biological probe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galanzha, Ekaterina I.; Weingold, Robert; Nedosekin, Dmitry A.; Sarimollaoglu, Mustafa; Nolan, Jacqueline; Harrington, Walter; Kuchyanov, Alexander S.; Parkhomenko, Roman G.; Watanabe, Fumiya; Nima, Zeid; Biris, Alexandru S.; Plekhanov, Alexander I.; Stockman, Mark I.; Zharov, Vladimir P.

2017-06-01

Understanding cell biology greatly benefits from the development of advanced diagnostic probes. Here we introduce a 22-nm spaser (plasmonic nanolaser) with the ability to serve as a super-bright, water-soluble, biocompatible probe capable of generating stimulated emission directly inside living cells and animal tissues. We have demonstrated a lasing regime associated with the formation of a dynamic vapour nanobubble around the spaser that leads to giant spasing with emission intensity and spectral width >100 times brighter and 30-fold narrower, respectively, than for quantum dots. The absorption losses in the spaser enhance its multifunctionality, allowing for nanobubble-amplified photothermal and photoacoustic imaging and therapy. Furthermore, the silica spaser surface has been covalently functionalized with folic acid for molecular targeting of cancer cells. All these properties make a nanobubble spaser a promising multimodal, super-contrast, ultrafast cellular probe with a single-pulse nanosecond excitation for a variety of in vitro and in vivo biomedical applications.

FbpA, a novel multifunctional Listeria monocytogenes virulence factor.

PubMed

Dramsi, S; Bourdichon, F; Cabanes, D; Lecuit, M; Fsihi, H; Cossart, P

2004-07-01

Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive intracellular bacterium responsible for severe opportunistic infections in humans and animals. Signature-tagged mutagenesis (STM) was used to identify a gene named fbpA, required for efficient liver colonization of mice inoculated intravenously. FbpA was also shown to be required for intestinal and liver colonization after oral infection of transgenic mice expressing human E-cadherin. fbpA encodes a 570-amino-acid polypeptide that has strong homologies to atypical fibronectin-binding proteins. FbpA binds to immobilized human fibronectin in a dose-dependent and saturable manner and increases adherence of wild-type L. monocytogenes to HEp-2 cells in the presence of exogenous fibronectin. Despite the lack of conventional secretion/anchoring signals, FbpA is detected using an antibody generated against the recombinant FbpA protein on the bacterial surface by immunofluorescence, and in the membrane compartment by Western blot analysis of cell extracts. Strikingly, FbpA expression affects the protein levels of two virulence factors, listeriolysin O (LLO) and InlB, but not that of InlA or ActA. FbpA co-immunoprecipitates with LLO and InlB, but not with InlA or ActA. Thus, FbpA, in addition to being a fibronectin-binding protein, behaves as a chaperone or an escort protein for two important virulence factors and appears as a novel multifunctional virulence factor of L. monocytogenes.

Multifunctional Self-Adhesive Fibrous Layered Matrix (FiLM) for Tissue Glues and Therapeutic Carriers.

PubMed

Yoon, Ye-Eun; Im, Byung Gee; Kim, Jung-Suk; Jang, Jae-Hyung

2017-01-09

Tissue adhesives, which inherently serve as wound sealants or as hemostatic agents, can be further augmented to acquire crucial functions as scaffolds, thereby accelerating wound healing or elevating the efficacy of tissue regeneration. Herein, multifunctional adherent fibrous matrices, acting as self-adhesive scaffolds capable of cell/gene delivery, were devised by coaxially electrospinning poly(caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP). Wrapping the building block PCL fibers with the adherent PVP layers formed film-like fibrous matrices that could rapidly adhere to wet biological surfaces, referred to as fibrous layered matrix (FiLM) adhesives. The inclusion of ionic salts (i.e., dopamine hydrochloride) in the sheath layers generated spontaneously multilayered fibrous adhesives, whose partial layers could be manually peeled off, termed derivative FiLM (d-FiLM). In the context of scaffolds/tissue adhesives, both FiLM and d-FiLM demonstrated almost identical characteristics (i.e., sticky, mechanical, and performances as cell/gene carriers). Importantly, the single FiLM-process can yield multiple sets of d-FiLM by investing the same processing time, materials, and labor required to form a single conventional adhesive fibrous mat, thereby highlighting the economic aspects of the process. The FiLM/d-FiLM offer highly impacting contributions to many biomedical applications, especially in fields that require urgent aids (e.g., endoscopic surgeries, implantation in wet environments, severe wounds).

pH-Responsive, Self-Sacrificial Nanotheranostic Agent for Potential In Vivo and In Vitro Dual Modal MRI/CT Imaging, Real-Time, and In Situ Monitoring of Cancer Therapy.

PubMed

Yue, Ludan; Wang, Jinlong; Dai, Zhichao; Hu, Zunfu; Chen, Xue; Qi, Yafei; Zheng, Xiuwen; Yu, Dexin

2017-02-15

Multifunctional nanotheranostic agents have been highly commended due to the application to image-guided cancer therapy. Herein, based on the chemically disordered face centered cubic (fcc) FePt nanoparticles (NPs) and graphene oxide (GO), we develop a pH-responsive FePt-based multifunctional theranostic agent for potential in vivo and in vitro dual modal MRI/CT imaging and in situ cancer inhibition. The fcc-FePt will release highly active Fe ions due to the low pH in tumor cells, which would catalyze H 2 O 2 decomposition into reactive oxygen species (ROS) within the cells and further induce cancer cell apoptosis. Conjugated with folic acid (FA), the iron platinum-dimercaptosuccinnic acid/PEGylated graphene oxide-folic acid (FePt-DMSA/GO-PEG-FA) composite nanoassemblies (FePt/GO CNs) could effectively target and show significant toxicity to FA receptor-positive tumor cells, but no obvious toxicity to FA receptor-negative normal cells, which was evaluated by WST-1 assay. The FePt-based multifunctional nanoparticles allow real-time monitoring of Fe release by T 2 -weighted MRI, and the selective contrast enhancement in CT could be estimated in vivo after injection. The results showed that FePt-based NPs displayed excellent biocompatibility and favorable MRI/CT imaging ability in vivo and in vitro. Meanwhile, the decomposition of FePt will dramatically decrease the T 2 -weighted MRI signal and increase the ROS signal, which enables real-time and in situ visualized monitoring of Fe release in tumor cells. In addition, the self-sacrificial decomposition of fcc-FePt will be propitious to the self-clearance of the as-prepared FePt-based nanocomposite in vivo. Therefore, the FePt/GO CNs could serve as a potential multifunctional theranostic nanoplatform of MRI/CT imaging guided cancer diagnosis and therapy in the clinic.

RGD peptide-modified multifunctional dendrimer platform for drug encapsulation and targeted inhibition of cancer cells.

PubMed

He, Xuedan; Alves, Carla S; Oliveira, Nilsa; Rodrigues, João; Zhu, Jingyi; Bányai, István; Tomás, Helena; Shi, Xiangyang

2015-01-01

Development of multifunctional nanoscale drug-delivery systems for targeted cancer therapy still remains a great challenge. Here, we report the synthesis of cyclic arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) peptide-conjugated generation 5 (G5) poly(amidoamine) dendrimers for anticancer drug encapsulation and targeted therapy of cancer cells overexpressing αvβ3 integrins. In this study, amine-terminated G5 dendrimers were used as a platform to be sequentially modified with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FI) via a thiourea linkage and RGD peptide via a polyethylene glycol (PEG) spacer, followed by acetylation of the remaining dendrimer terminal amines. The developed multifunctional dendrimer platform (G5.NHAc-FI-PEG-RGD) was then used to encapsulate an anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX). We show that approximately six DOX molecules are able to be encapsulated within each dendrimer platform. The formed complexes are water-soluble, stable, and able to release DOX in a sustained manner. One- and two-dimensional NMR techniques were applied to investigate the interaction between dendrimers and DOX, and the impact of the environmental pH on the release rate of DOX from the dendrimer/DOX complexes was also explored. Furthermore, cell biological studies demonstrate that the encapsulation of DOX within the G5.NHAc-FI-PEG-RGD dendrimers does not compromise the anticancer activity of DOX and that the therapeutic efficacy of the dendrimer/DOX complexes is solely related to the encapsulated DOX drug. Importantly, thanks to the role played by RGD-mediated targeting, the developed dendrimer/drug complexes are able to specifically target αvβ3 integrin-overexpressing cancer cells and display specific therapeutic efficacy to the target cells. The developed RGD peptide-targeted multifunctional dendrimers may thus be used as a versatile platform for targeted therapy of different types of αvβ3 integrin-overexpressing cancer cells. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

DE-Cadherin Is Required for Intercellular Motility during Drosophila Oogenesis

PubMed Central

Niewiadomska, Paulina; Godt, Dorothea; Tepass, Ulrich

1999-01-01

Cadherins are involved in a variety of morphogenetic movements during animal development. However, it has been difficult to pinpoint the precise function of cadherins in morphogenetic processes due to the multifunctional nature of cadherin requirement. The data presented here indicate that homophilic adhesion promoted by Drosophila E-cadherin (DE-cadherin) mediates two cell migration events during Drosophila oogenesis. In Drosophila follicles, two groups of follicle cells, the border cells and the centripetal cells migrate on the surface of germline cells. We show that the border cells migrate as an epithelial patch in which two centrally located cells retain epithelial polarity and peripheral cells are partially depolarized. Both follicle cells and germline cells express DE-cadherin, and border cells and centripetal cells strongly upregulate the expression of DE-cadherin shortly before and during their migration. Removing DE-cadherin from either the follicle cells or the germline cells blocks migration of border cells and centripetal cells on the surface of germline cells. The function of DE-cadherin in border cells appears to be specific for migration as the formation of the border cell cluster and the adhesion between border cells are not disrupted in the absence of DE-cadherin. The speed of migration depends on the level of DE-cadherin expression, as border cells migrate more slowly when DE-cadherin activity is reduced. Finally, we show that the upregulation of DE-cadherin expression in border cells depends on the activity of the Drosophila C/EBP transcription factor that is essential for border cell migration. PMID:9971747

Insect Analogue to the Lotus Leaf: A Planthopper Wing Membrane Incorporating a Low-Adhesion, Nonwetting, Superhydrophobic, Bactericidal, and Biocompatible Surface.

PubMed

Watson, Gregory S; Green, David W; Cribb, Bronwen W; Brown, Christopher L; Meritt, Christopher R; Tobin, Mark J; Vongsvivut, Jitraporn; Sun, Mingxia; Liang, Ai-Ping; Watson, Jolanta A

2017-07-19

Nature has produced many intriguing and spectacular surfaces at the micro- and nanoscales. These small surface decorations act for a singular or, in most cases, a range of functions. The minute landscape found on the lotus leaf is one such example, displaying antiwetting behavior and low adhesion with foreign particulate matter. Indeed the lotus leaf has often been considered the "benchmark" for such properties. One could expect that there are animal counterparts of this self-drying and self-cleaning surface system. In this study, we show that the planthopper insect wing (Desudaba danae) exhibits a remarkable architectural similarity to the lotus leaf surface. Not only does the wing demonstrate a topographical likeness, but some surface properties are also expressed, such as nonwetting behavior and low adhering forces with contaminants. In addition, the insect-wing cuticle exhibits an antibacterial property in which Gram-negative bacteria (Porphyromonas gingivalis) are killed over many consecutive waves of attacks over 7 days. In contrast, eukaryote cell associations, upon contact with the insect membrane, lead to a formation of integrated cell sheets (e.g., among human stem cells (SHED-MSC) and human dermal fibroblasts (HDF)). The multifunctional features of the insect membrane provide a potential natural template for man-made applications in which specific control of liquid, solid, and biological contacts is desired and required. Moreover, the planthopper wing cuticle provides a "new" natural surface with which numerous interfacial properties can be explored for a range of comparative studies with both natural and man-made materials.

Rapid Endolysosomal Escape and Controlled Intracellular Trafficking of Cell Surface Mimetic Quantum-Dots-Anchored Peptides and Glycopeptides.

PubMed

Tan, Roger S; Naruchi, Kentaro; Amano, Maho; Hinou, Hiroshi; Nishimura, Shin-Ichiro

2015-09-18

A novel strategy for the development of a high performance nanoparticules platform was established by means of cell surface mimetic quantum-dots (QDs)-anchored peptides/glycopeptides, which was developed as a model system for nanoparticle-based drug delivery (NDD) vehicles with defined functions helping the specific intracellular trafficking after initial endocytosis. In this paper, we proposed a standardized protocol for the preparation of multifunctional QDs that allows for efficient cellular uptake and rapid escaping from the endolysosomal system and subsequent cytoplasmic molecular delivery to the target cellular compartment. Chemoselective ligation of the ketone-functionalized hexahistidine derivative facilitated both efficient endocytic entry and rapid endolysosomal escape of the aminooxy/phosphorylcholine self-assembled monolayer-coated QDs (AO/PCSAM-QDs) to the cytosol in various cell lines such as human normal and cancer cells, while modifications of these QDs with cell-penetrating arginine-rich peptides showed poor cellular uptake and induced self-aggregation of AO/PCSAM-QDs. Combined use of hexahistidylated AO/PCSAM-QDs with serglycine-like glycopeptides, namely synthetic proteoglycan initiators (PGIs), elicited the entry and controlled intracellular trafficking, Golgi localization, and also excretion of these nanoparticles, which suggested that the present approach would provide an ideal platform for the design of high performance NDD systems.

Adaptable bioinspired special wetting surface for multifunctional oil/water separation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kavalenka, Maryna N.; Vüllers, Felix; Kumberg, Jana; Zeiger, Claudia; Trouillet, Vanessa; Stein, Sebastian; Ava, Tanzila T.; Li, Chunyan; Worgull, Matthias; Hölscher, Hendrik

2017-01-01

Inspired by the multifunctionality of biological surfaces necessary for the survival of an organism in its specific environment, we developed an artificial special wetting nanofur surface which can be adapted to perform different functionalities necessary to efficiently separate oil and water for cleaning accidental oil spills or separating industrial oily wastewater. Initial superhydrophobic nanofur surface is fabricated using a hot pulling method, in which nano- and microhairs are drawn out of the polymer surface during separation from a heated sandblasted steel plate. By using a set of simple modification techniques, which include microperforation, plasma treatment and subsequent control of storage environment, we achieved selective separation of either water or oil, variable oil absorption and continuous gravity driven separation of oil/water mixtures by filtration. Furthermore, these functions can be performed using special wetting nanofur made from various thermoplastics, including biodegradable and recyclable polymers. Additionally, nanofur can be reused after washing it with organic solvents, thus, further helping to reduce the environmental impacts of oil/water separation processes.

Adaptable bioinspired special wetting surface for multifunctional oil/water separation

PubMed Central

Kavalenka, Maryna N.; Vüllers, Felix; Kumberg, Jana; Zeiger, Claudia; Trouillet, Vanessa; Stein, Sebastian; Ava, Tanzila T.; Li, Chunyan; Worgull, Matthias; Hölscher, Hendrik

2017-01-01

Inspired by the multifunctionality of biological surfaces necessary for the survival of an organism in its specific environment, we developed an artificial special wetting nanofur surface which can be adapted to perform different functionalities necessary to efficiently separate oil and water for cleaning accidental oil spills or separating industrial oily wastewater. Initial superhydrophobic nanofur surface is fabricated using a hot pulling method, in which nano- and microhairs are drawn out of the polymer surface during separation from a heated sandblasted steel plate. By using a set of simple modification techniques, which include microperforation, plasma treatment and subsequent control of storage environment, we achieved selective separation of either water or oil, variable oil absorption and continuous gravity driven separation of oil/water mixtures by filtration. Furthermore, these functions can be performed using special wetting nanofur made from various thermoplastics, including biodegradable and recyclable polymers. Additionally, nanofur can be reused after washing it with organic solvents, thus, further helping to reduce the environmental impacts of oil/water separation processes. PMID:28051163

Superamphiphobic Surfaces Prepared by Coating Multifunctional Nanofluids.

PubMed

Esmaeilzadeh, Pouriya; Sadeghi, Mohammad Taghi; Bahramian, Alireza; Fakhroueian, Zahra; Zarbakhsh, Ali

2016-11-23

Construction of surfaces with the capability of repelling both water and oil is a challenging issue. We report the superamphiphobic properties of mineral surfaces coated with nanofluids based on synthesized Co-doped and Ce-doped Barium Strontium Titanate (CoBST and CeBST) nanoparticles and fluorochemicals of trichloro(1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyl)silane (PFOS) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Coating surfaces with these nanofluids provides both oil (with surface tensions as low as 23 mN/m) and water repellency. Liquids with high surface tension (such as water and ethylene glycol) roll off the coated surface without tilting. A water drop released from 8 mm above the coated surface undergoes first a lateral displacement from its trajectory and shape deformation, striking the surface after 23 ms, bouncing and rolling off freely. These multifunctional coating nanofluids impart properties of self-cleaning. Applications include coating surfaces where cleanliness is paramount such as in hospitals and domestic environments as well as the maintenance of building facades and protection of public monuments from weathering. These superamphiphobic-doped nanofluids have thermal stability up to 180 °C; novel industrial applications include within fracking and the elimination of condensate blockage in gas reservoirs.

A multifunctional probe based on the use of labeled aptamer and magnetic nanoparticles for fluorometric determination of adenosine 5'-triphosphate.

PubMed

Liu, Xiaojie; Lin, Bixia; Yu, Ying; Cao, Yujuan; Guo, Manli

2018-04-02

A multifunctional fluorescent probe is synthesized for the determination of adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP). The 6-carboxyfluorescein-labeled aptamer (FAM-aptamer) was bound to the surface of magnetite nanoparticles coated with polydopamine (Fe 3 O 4 @PDA) by π-π stacking interaction to form the multifunctional probe. The probe has three functions including recognition, magnetic separation, and yielding a fluorescent signal. In the presence of ATP, FAM-aptamer on the surface of the probe binds to ATP and returns to the solution. Thus, the fluorescence of the supernatant is enhanced and can be related to the concentration of ATP. Fluorescence intensities were measured at excitation/emission wavelengths of 494/526 nm. Response is linear in the 0.1-100 μM ATP concentration range, and the detection limit is 89 nM. The probe was applied to the quantitation of ATP in spiked human urine and serum samples, with recoveries ranging between 94.8 and 102%. Graphical abstract A multifunctional fluorescent probe based on the use of FAM-aptamer and Fe 3 O 4 @PDA is described for the determination of ATP in spiked human urine and serum samples. FAM-aptamer: 6-carboxyfluorescein-labeled aptamer; Fe 3 O 4 @PDA: magnetite nanoparticles coated with polydopamine. ATP: adenosine 5'-triphosphate.

Effect of groove width of modified current collector on internal short circuit of abused lithium-ion battery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Meng; Shi, Yang; Noelle, Daniel J.; Le, Anh V.; Qiao, Yu

2017-10-01

In a lithium-ion battery (LIB), mechanical abuse often leads to internal short circuits (ISC) that trigger thermal runaway. We investigated a thermal-runaway mitigation (TRM) technique using a modified current collector. By generating surface grooves on the current collector, the area of electrodes directly involved in ISC could be largely reduced, which decreased the ISC current. The TRM mechanism took effect immediately after the LIB was damaged. The testing data indicate that the groove width is a critical factor. With optimized groove width, this technique may enable robust and multifunctional design of LIB cells for large-scale energy-storage units.

On the development of multifunctional luminescent supramolecular hydrogel of gold and egg white

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patra, Sudeshna; Ravulapalli, Sathyavathi; Hahm, Myung Gwan; Tadi, Kiran Kumar; Narayanan, Tharangattu N.

2016-10-01

Highly stable, luminescent, and printable/paintable supramolecular egg white hydrogel-based surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) matrix is created by an in situ synthesis of gold clusters inside a luminescent egg white hydrogel (Au-Gel). The synthesis of stable luminescent egg-white-based hydrogel, where the hydrogel can act as a three dimensional (3D) matrix, using a simple cross-linking chemistry, has promising application in the biomedical field including in 3D cell culturing. Furthermore, this functional hydrogel is demonstrated for micromolar-level detection of Rhodamine 6G using the SERS technique, where Au-Gel is painted over a flexible cellulose pad.

Engineering the bio-nano interface using a multi-functional polymer coating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Wentao

Interfacing inorganic nanoparticles with biological systems to develop a variety of novel imaging, sensing and diagnostic tools has generated great interest and much activity over the past two decades. However, the effectiveness of this approach hinges on the ability to prepare water dispersible nanoparticles, with compact size and long term colloidal stability in biological environments, and the development of controlled conjugation to various biomolecules. The primary focus of this dissertation is the design and synthesis, characterization and use of a series of new multidentate and multifunctional coordinating polymers as ligands that render various inorganic nanocrystals water soluble, In Chapter 1 we introduce the basic physical properties of quantum dots (QDs), gold nanocrystals and magnetic nanocrystals along with brief description of their syntheses. We then provide an overview of surface functionalization strategies and recent progress in the ligand chemistry, followed by highlights of a few conjugation approaches applied to nanoparticles in biology. We then discuss modulation of the optical and spectroscopic properties of QDs via energy and charge transfer interactions. We conclude by presenting a few related examples on the incorporation of QD-conjugates into sensor design and intracellular imaging. In Chapter 2, we report the design of a series of multifunctional polymers as ligands for surface engineering of QDs and facilitating their use in bioconjugation. First, we introduce a novel PEGylated polymer that combines the synergies of metal-chelation promoted by lipoic acid and imidazole groups, as effective coating for the surface functionalization of QDs; one of the goals was to address the problems associated with thiol oxidation and weak imidazole affinity. Second, to minimize the hydrodynamic radius of the QDs without sacrificing aqueous solubility, a set of polymer ligands appended with zwitterion and imidazole motifs have been synthesized applied for the surface engineering of QDs. Third, modulation of the nanoparticle's interaction with biological systems requires access to an effective conjugation of these materials with bioactive targets in a controlled manner. To fulfill this goal, we have developed several zwitterion-based multifunctional ligands presenting tunable functional groups, including carboxyl, amine, azide and biotin. This has allowed conjugation of the QDs to biomolecules via bio-orthogonal coupling chemistries, including (1) amine-isothiocyanate reaction; (2) biotin-streptavidin self-assembly; (3) copper-free click chemistry. The resulted QD-bioconjugates have been tested in sensor design and for cell imaging. We also find that the efficiency of polyhistidine-mediated metal coordination is not only determined by the ligand lateral extension but also greatly influenced by the nature of metal coordination on the QDs. In Chapter 3, we have applied the various multi-coordinating and multi-reactive polymers, in particular, those presenting lipoic acid and PEG for the functionalization of gold nanoparticles and nanorods. Gold nanocrystals coated with this polymer exhibit excellent long-term colloidal stability over a broad range of conditions, and furthermore prevent the formation of protein corona. This was verified using dynamic light scattering measurements combined with agarose gel electrophoresis. The diffusion properties of polymer-coated nanocrystals were further characterized using dynamic light scattering; this has yielded valuable information on the nature of the interparticle interactions in biological media. In Chapter 4, an additional set of modular ligands were synthesized and applied for the surface modification of iron oxide nanoparticles. These ligands feature several dopamines for tight binding on iron oxide nanoparticle surface, a short PEG for water solubility and reactive groups (amine, carboxyl, azide and thiol) for bioconjugation. Nanoparticles functionalized with these polymers show extended stability in biologically relevant conditions and little to no cytotoxicity. We demonstrate that covalent attachment of dye enables producing luminescent probe for cell imaging. (Abstract shortened by ProQuest.).

Simultaneous realization of Hg2+ sensing, magnetic resonance imaging and upconversion luminescence in vitro and in vivo bioimaging based on hollow mesoporous silica coated UCNPs and ruthenium complex

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ge, Xiaoqian; Sun, Lining; Ma, Binbin; Jin, Di; Dong, Liang; Shi, Liyi; Li, Nan; Chen, Haige; Huang, Wei

2015-08-01

We have constructed a multifunctional nanoprobe with sensing and imaging properties by using hollow mesoporous silica coated upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and Hg2+ responsive ruthenium (Ru) complex. The Ru complex was loaded into the hollow mesoporous silica and the UCNPs acted as an energy donor, transferring luminescence energy to the Ru complex. Furthermore, polyethylenimine (PEI) was assembled on the surface of mesoporous silica to achieve better hydrophilic and bio-compatibility. Upon addition of Hg2+, a blue shift of the absorption peak of the Ru complex is observed and the energy transfer process between the UCNPs and the Ru complex was blocked, resulting in an increase of the green emission intensity of the UCNPs. The un-changed 801 nm emission of the nanoprobe was used as an internal standard reference and the detection limit of Hg2+ was determined to be 0.16 μM for this nanoprobe in aqueous solution. In addition, based on the low cytotoxicity as studied by CCK-8 assay, the nanoprobe was successfully applied for cell imaging and small animal imaging. Furthermore, when doped with Gd3+ ions, the nanoprobe was successfully applied to in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of Kunming mice, which demonstrates its potential as a MRI positive-contrast agent. Therefore, the method and results may provide more exciting opportunities to afford nanoprobes with multimodal bioimaging and multifunctional applications.We have constructed a multifunctional nanoprobe with sensing and imaging properties by using hollow mesoporous silica coated upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and Hg2+ responsive ruthenium (Ru) complex. The Ru complex was loaded into the hollow mesoporous silica and the UCNPs acted as an energy donor, transferring luminescence energy to the Ru complex. Furthermore, polyethylenimine (PEI) was assembled on the surface of mesoporous silica to achieve better hydrophilic and bio-compatibility. Upon addition of Hg2+, a blue shift of the absorption peak of the Ru complex is observed and the energy transfer process between the UCNPs and the Ru complex was blocked, resulting in an increase of the green emission intensity of the UCNPs. The un-changed 801 nm emission of the nanoprobe was used as an internal standard reference and the detection limit of Hg2+ was determined to be 0.16 μM for this nanoprobe in aqueous solution. In addition, based on the low cytotoxicity as studied by CCK-8 assay, the nanoprobe was successfully applied for cell imaging and small animal imaging. Furthermore, when doped with Gd3+ ions, the nanoprobe was successfully applied to in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of Kunming mice, which demonstrates its potential as a MRI positive-contrast agent. Therefore, the method and results may provide more exciting opportunities to afford nanoprobes with multimodal bioimaging and multifunctional applications. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: DLS of Ru-UCNPs@HmSiO2-PEI in water. The zeta potential. The XRD patterns. EDX spectrum of Ru-UCNPs@HmSiO2-PEI. FT-IR spectra. N2 adsorption-desorption isotherm and pore size distribution. The investigation of the stability of Ru-UCNPs@HmSiO2-PEI. TG curves. UV/Vis absorption spectra of Ru complex at different concentrations. The sensitivity test of Ru-UCNPs@HmSiO2-PEI towards Hg2+. Cell viabilities of HeLa cells incubated with Ru-UCNPs@HmSiO2-PEI. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr04006j

Developing a Continuous Bioprocessing Approach to Stromal Cell Manufacture.

PubMed

Miotto, Martina; Gouveia, Ricardo; Abidin, Fadhilah Zainal; Figueiredo, Francisco; Connon, Che J

2017-11-29

To this day, the concept of continuous bioprocessing has been applied mostly to the manufacture of molecular biologics such as proteins, growth factors, and secondary metabolites with biopharmaceutical uses. The present work now sets to explore the potential application of continuous bioprocess methods to source large numbers of human adherent cells with potential therapeutic value. To this purpose, we developed a smart multifunctional surface coating capable of controlling the attachment, proliferation, and subsequent self-detachment of human corneal stromal cells. This system allowed the maintenance of cell cultures under steady-state growth conditions, where self-detaching cells were continuously replenished by the proliferation of those remaining attached. This facilitated a closed, continuous bioprocessing platform with recovery of approximately 1% of the total adherent cells per hour, a yield rate that was maintained for 1 month. Moreover, both attached and self-detached cells were shown to retain their original phenotype. Together, these results represent the proof-of-concept for a new high-throughput, high-standard, and low-cost biomanufacturing strategy with multiple potentials and important downstream applications.

Glioma-targeted superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles as drug-carrying vehicles for theranostic effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, He-Lin; Mao, Kai-Li; Huang, Yin-Ping; Yang, Jing-Jing; Xu, Jie; Chen, Pian-Pian; Fan, Zi-Liang; Zou, Shuang; Gao, Zheng-Zheng; Yin, Jia-Yu; Xiao, Jian; Lu, Cui-Tao; Zhang, Bao-Lin; Zhao, Ying-Zheng

2016-07-01

Multifunctional nanoparticles capable of the specific delivery of therapeutics to diseased cells and the real-time imaging of these sites have the potential to improve cancer treatment through personalized therapy. In this study, we have proposed a multifunctional nanoparticle that integrate magnetic targeting, drug-carrier functionality and real-time MRI imaging capabilities in one platform for the theranostic treatment of tumors. The multifunctional nanoparticle was designed with a superparamagnetic iron oxide core and a multifunctional shell composed of PEG/PEI/polysorbate 80 (Ps 80) and was used to encapsulate DOX. DOX-loaded multifunctional nanoparticles (DOX@Ps 80-SPIONs) with a Dh of 58.0 nm, a zeta potential of 28.0 mV, and a drug loading content of 29.3% presented superior superparamagnetic properties with a saturation magnetization (Ms) of 24.1 emu g-1. The cellular uptake of DOX@Ps 80-SPIONs by C6 cells under a magnetic field was significantly enhanced over that of free DOX in solution, resulting in stronger in vitro cytotoxicity. The real-time therapeutic outcome of DOX@Ps 80-SPIONs was easily monitored by MRI. Furthermore, the negative contrast enhancement effect of the nanoparticles was confirmed in glioma-bearing rats. Prussian blue staining and ex vivo DOX fluorescence assays showed that the magnetic Ps 80-SPIONs and encapsulated DOX were delivered to gliomas by imposing external magnetic fields, indicating effective magnetic targeting. Due to magnetic targeting and Ps 80-mediated endocytosis, DOX@Ps 80-SPIONs in the presence of a magnetic field led to the complete suppression of glioma growth in vivo at 28 days after treatment. The therapeutic mechanism of DOX@Ps 80-SPIONs acted by inducing apoptosis through the caspase-3 pathway. Finally, DOX@Ps 80-SPIONs' safety at therapeutic dosage was verified using pathological HE assays of the heart, liver, spleen, lung and kidney. Multifunctional SPIONs could be used as potential carriers for the theranostic treatment of CNS diseases.Multifunctional nanoparticles capable of the specific delivery of therapeutics to diseased cells and the real-time imaging of these sites have the potential to improve cancer treatment through personalized therapy. In this study, we have proposed a multifunctional nanoparticle that integrate magnetic targeting, drug-carrier functionality and real-time MRI imaging capabilities in one platform for the theranostic treatment of tumors. The multifunctional nanoparticle was designed with a superparamagnetic iron oxide core and a multifunctional shell composed of PEG/PEI/polysorbate 80 (Ps 80) and was used to encapsulate DOX. DOX-loaded multifunctional nanoparticles (DOX@Ps 80-SPIONs) with a Dh of 58.0 nm, a zeta potential of 28.0 mV, and a drug loading content of 29.3% presented superior superparamagnetic properties with a saturation magnetization (Ms) of 24.1 emu g-1. The cellular uptake of DOX@Ps 80-SPIONs by C6 cells under a magnetic field was significantly enhanced over that of free DOX in solution, resulting in stronger in vitro cytotoxicity. The real-time therapeutic outcome of DOX@Ps 80-SPIONs was easily monitored by MRI. Furthermore, the negative contrast enhancement effect of the nanoparticles was confirmed in glioma-bearing rats. Prussian blue staining and ex vivo DOX fluorescence assays showed that the magnetic Ps 80-SPIONs and encapsulated DOX were delivered to gliomas by imposing external magnetic fields, indicating effective magnetic targeting. Due to magnetic targeting and Ps 80-mediated endocytosis, DOX@Ps 80-SPIONs in the presence of a magnetic field led to the complete suppression of glioma growth in vivo at 28 days after treatment. The therapeutic mechanism of DOX@Ps 80-SPIONs acted by inducing apoptosis through the caspase-3 pathway. Finally, DOX@Ps 80-SPIONs' safety at therapeutic dosage was verified using pathological HE assays of the heart, liver, spleen, lung and kidney. Multifunctional SPIONs could be used as potential carriers for the theranostic treatment of CNS diseases. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c6nr02448c

Polysilicon-chromium-gold intracellular chips for multi-functional biomedical applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patiño, Tania; Soriano, Jorge; Amirthalingam, Ezhil; Durán, Sara; González-Campo, Arántzazu; Duch, Marta; Ibáñez, Elena; Barrios, Leonardo; Plaza, Jose Antonio; Pérez-García, Lluïsa; Nogués, Carme

2016-04-01

The development of micro- and nanosystems for their use in biomedicine is a continuously growing field. One of the major goals of such platforms is to combine multiple functions in a single entity. However, achieving the design of an efficient and safe micro- or nanoplatform has shown to be strongly influenced by its interaction with the biological systems, where particle features or cell types play a critical role. In this work, the feasibility of using multi-material pSi-Cr-Au intracellular chips (MMICCs) for multifunctional applications by characterizing their interactions with two different cell lines, one tumorigenic and one non-tumorigenic, in terms of biocompatibility, internalization and intracellular fate, has been explored. Moreover, the impact of MMICCs on the induction of an inflammatory response has been assessed by evaluating TNFα, IL1b, IL6, and IL10 human inflammatory cytokines secretion by macrophages. Results show that MMICCs are biocompatible and their internalization efficiency is strongly dependent on the cell type. Finally as a proof-of-concept, MMICCs have been dually functionalized with transferrin and pHrodo™ Red, SE to target cancer cells and detect intracellular pH, respectively. In conclusion, MMICCs can be used as multi-functional devices due to their high biocompatibility, non-inflammatory properties and the ability of developing multiple functions.

Polysilicon-chromium-gold intracellular chips for multi-functional biomedical applications.

PubMed

Patiño, Tania; Soriano, Jorge; Amirthalingam, Ezhil; Durán, Sara; González-Campo, Arántzazu; Duch, Marta; Ibáñez, Elena; Barrios, Leonardo; Plaza, Jose Antonio; Pérez-García, Lluïsa; Nogués, Carme

2016-04-28

The development of micro- and nanosystems for their use in biomedicine is a continuously growing field. One of the major goals of such platforms is to combine multiple functions in a single entity. However, achieving the design of an efficient and safe micro- or nanoplatform has shown to be strongly influenced by its interaction with the biological systems, where particle features or cell types play a critical role. In this work, the feasibility of using multi-material pSi-Cr-Au intracellular chips (MMICCs) for multifunctional applications by characterizing their interactions with two different cell lines, one tumorigenic and one non-tumorigenic, in terms of biocompatibility, internalization and intracellular fate, has been explored. Moreover, the impact of MMICCs on the induction of an inflammatory response has been assessed by evaluating TNFα, IL1b, IL6, and IL10 human inflammatory cytokines secretion by macrophages. Results show that MMICCs are biocompatible and their internalization efficiency is strongly dependent on the cell type. Finally as a proof-of-concept, MMICCs have been dually functionalized with transferrin and pHrodo™ Red, SE to target cancer cells and detect intracellular pH, respectively. In conclusion, MMICCs can be used as multi-functional devices due to their high biocompatibility, non-inflammatory properties and the ability of developing multiple functions.

Multi-functional Infrared Sensor

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-05-11

infrared imaging; perforated gold films with Si3N4 overlayers, studied the fundamental understanding of surface plasmon polariton modes and their...we studied the underlying mechanism of surface plamon polariton modes and their angle dependence by means of experiment, theory and simulation (In

Novel 3-phenylcoumarin-lipoic acid conjugates as multi-functional agents for potential treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

PubMed

Jalili-Baleh, Leili; Nadri, Hamid; Forootanfar, Hamid; Samzadeh-Kermani, Alireza; Küçükkılınç, Tuba Tüylü; Ayazgok, Beyza; Rahimifard, Mahban; Baeeri, Maryam; Doostmohammadi, Mohsen; Firoozpour, Loghman; Bukhari, Syed Nasir Abbas; Abdollahi, Mohammad; Ganjali, Mohammad Reza; Emami, Saeed; Khoobi, Mehdi; Foroumadi, Alireza

2018-05-02

New series of triazole-containing 3-phenylcoumarin-lipoic acid conjugates were designed as multi-functional agents for treatment of Alzheimer's disease. The target compounds 4a-o were synthesized via the azide-alkyne cycloaddition reaction and their biological activities were primarily evaluated in terms of neuroprotection against H 2 O 2 -induced cell death in PC12 cells and AChE/BuChE inhibition. The promising compounds 4j and 4i containing four carbons spacer were selected for further biological evaluations. Based on the obtained results, the benzocoumarin derivative 4j with IC 50 value of 7.3 µM was the most potent AChE inhibitor and displayed good inhibition toward intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). This compound with antioxidant and metal chelating ability showed also protective effect on cell injury induced by Aβ 1-42 in SH-SY5Y cells. Although the 8-methoxycoumarin analog 4i was slightly less active than 4j against AChE, but displayed higher protection ability against H 2 O 2 -induced cell death in PC12 and could significantly block Aβ-aggregation. The results suggested that the prototype compounds 4i and 4j might be promising multi-functional agents for the further development of the disease-modifying treatments of Alzheimer's disease. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Thin film surface modifications of thin/tunable liquid/gas diffusion layers for high-efficiency proton exchange membrane electrolyzer cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kang, Zhenye; Mo, Jingke; Yang, Gaoqiang

We present that a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer cell (PEMEC) is one of the most promising devices for high-efficiency and low-cost energy storage and ultrahigh purity hydrogen production. As one of the critical components in PEMECs, the titanium thin/tunable LGDL (TT-LGDL) with its advantages of small thickness, planar surface, straight-through pores, and well-controlled pore morphologies, achieved superior multifunctional performance for hydrogen and oxygen production from water splitting even at low temperature. Different thin film surface treatments on the novel TT-LGDLs for enhancing the interfacial contacts and PEMEC performance were investigated both in-situ and ex-situ for the first time. Surface modifiedmore » TT-LGDLs with about 180 nm thick Au thin film yielded performance improvement (voltage reduction), from 1.6849 V with untreated TT-LGDLs to only 1.6328 V with treated TT-LGDLs at 2.0 A/cm 2 and 80°C. Furthermore, the hydrogen/oxygen production rate was increased by about 28.2% at 1.60 V and 80°C. The durability test demonstrated that the surface treated TT-LGDL has good stability as well. Finally, the gold electroplating surface treatment is a promising method for the PEMEC performance enhancement and titanium material protection even in harsh environment.« less

Thin film surface modifications of thin/tunable liquid/gas diffusion layers for high-efficiency proton exchange membrane electrolyzer cells

DOE PAGES

Kang, Zhenye; Mo, Jingke; Yang, Gaoqiang; ...

2017-09-14

We present that a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer cell (PEMEC) is one of the most promising devices for high-efficiency and low-cost energy storage and ultrahigh purity hydrogen production. As one of the critical components in PEMECs, the titanium thin/tunable LGDL (TT-LGDL) with its advantages of small thickness, planar surface, straight-through pores, and well-controlled pore morphologies, achieved superior multifunctional performance for hydrogen and oxygen production from water splitting even at low temperature. Different thin film surface treatments on the novel TT-LGDLs for enhancing the interfacial contacts and PEMEC performance were investigated both in-situ and ex-situ for the first time. Surface modifiedmore » TT-LGDLs with about 180 nm thick Au thin film yielded performance improvement (voltage reduction), from 1.6849 V with untreated TT-LGDLs to only 1.6328 V with treated TT-LGDLs at 2.0 A/cm 2 and 80°C. Furthermore, the hydrogen/oxygen production rate was increased by about 28.2% at 1.60 V and 80°C. The durability test demonstrated that the surface treated TT-LGDL has good stability as well. Finally, the gold electroplating surface treatment is a promising method for the PEMEC performance enhancement and titanium material protection even in harsh environment.« less

Multifunctional nanoplatform for enhanced photodynamic cancer therapy and magnetic resonance imaging.

PubMed

Hao, Yongwei; Zhang, Bingxiang; Zheng, Cuixia; Niu, Mengya; Guo, Haochen; Zhang, Hongling; Chang, Junbiao; Zhang, Zhenzhong; Wang, Lei; Zhang, Yun

2017-03-01

Co-delivery of photosensitizers and synergistic agents by one single nanoplatform is interesting for enhancing photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer. Here, a multifunctional nanoplatform for enhanced photodynamic therapy and magnetic resonance imaging of cancer was constructed. The poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether (HMME) were coated with multifunctional manganese dioxide (MnO 2 ) shells, which were designed as PLGA/HMME@MnO 2 NPs. Once the NPs were effectively taken up by tumor cells, the intracellular H 2 O 2 was catalysed by the MnO 2 shells to generate O 2 . Meanwhile, the higher glutathione (GSH) promoted the degradation of MnO 2 into Mn 2+ ions with the ability of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. After the degradation of outer layer, the release of photosensitizer was promoted. Under irradiation, the released HMME produced cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) to damage the tumor cells when the O 2 was generated in the hypoxic tumor site. Furthermore, the decreased GSH level further inhibited the consumption of the produced ROS, which greatly enhanced the PDT efficacy. Therefore, this study suggested that this multifunctional system has the potential for enhanced photodynamic therapy and magnetic resonance imaging. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Multifunctional Envelope-Type siRNA Delivery Nanoparticle Platform for Prostate Cancer Therapy.

PubMed

Xu, Xiaoding; Wu, Jun; Liu, Yanlan; Saw, Phei Er; Tao, Wei; Yu, Mikyung; Zope, Harshal; Si, Michelle; Victorious, Amanda; Rasmussen, Jonathan; Ayyash, Dana; Farokhzad, Omid C; Shi, Jinjun

2017-03-28

With the capability of specific silencing of target gene expression, RNA interference (RNAi) technology is emerging as a promising therapeutic modality for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. One key challenge for the clinical applications of RNAi is the safe and effective delivery of RNAi agents such as small interfering RNA (siRNA) to a particular nonliver diseased tissue (e.g., tumor) and cell type with sufficient cytosolic transport. In this work, we proposed a multifunctional envelope-type nanoparticle (NP) platform for prostate cancer (PCa)-specific in vivo siRNA delivery. A library of oligoarginine-functionalized and sharp pH-responsive polymers was synthesized and used for self-assembly with siRNA into NPs with the features of long blood circulation and pH-triggered oligoarginine-mediated endosomal membrane penetration. By further modification with ACUPA, a small molecular ligand specifically recognizing prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) receptor, this envelope-type nanoplatform with multifunctional properties can efficiently target PSMA-expressing PCa cells and silence target gene expression. Systemic delivery of the siRNA NPs can efficiently silence the expression of prohibitin 1 (PHB1), which is upregulated in PCa and other cancers, and significantly inhibit PCa tumor growth. These results suggest that this multifunctional envelope-type nanoplatform could become an effective tool for PCa-specific therapy.

A graphitic hollow carbon nitride nanosphere as a novel photochemical internalization agent for targeted and stimuli-responsive cancer therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Chaoqun; Chen, Zhaowei; Wang, Zhenzhen; Li, Wei; Ju, Enguo; Yan, Zhengqing; Liu, Zhen; Ren, Jinsong; Qu, Xiaogang

2016-06-01

As a novel technique, photochemical internalization (PCI) has been employed as a new approach to overcome endo/lysosomal restriction, which is one of the main difficulties in both drug and gene delivery. However, the complicated synthesis procedure (usually requiring the self-assembly of polymers, photosensitizers and cargos) and payload specificity greatly limit its further application. In this paper, we employ a highly fluorescent graphitic hollow carbon nitride nanosphere (GHCNS) to simultaneously serve as a PCI photosensitizer, an imaging agent and a drug carrier. The surface modification of GHCNS with multifunctional polysaccharide hyaluronic acid (HA) endows the system with colloidal stability, biocompatibility and cancer cell targeting ability. After CD44 receptor-mediated endocytosis, the nanosystem is embedded in endo/lysosomal vesicles and HA could be specially degraded by hyaluronidase (Hyal), inducing open pores. In the following, with visible light illumination, GHCNS could produce ROS that effectively induced lipid peroxidation and caused endo/lysosomal membrane break, accelerating the cytoplasmic release of the drug in the targeted and irradiated cells. As a result, significantly increased therapeutic potency and specificity against cancer cells could be achieved.As a novel technique, photochemical internalization (PCI) has been employed as a new approach to overcome endo/lysosomal restriction, which is one of the main difficulties in both drug and gene delivery. However, the complicated synthesis procedure (usually requiring the self-assembly of polymers, photosensitizers and cargos) and payload specificity greatly limit its further application. In this paper, we employ a highly fluorescent graphitic hollow carbon nitride nanosphere (GHCNS) to simultaneously serve as a PCI photosensitizer, an imaging agent and a drug carrier. The surface modification of GHCNS with multifunctional polysaccharide hyaluronic acid (HA) endows the system with colloidal stability, biocompatibility and cancer cell targeting ability. After CD44 receptor-mediated endocytosis, the nanosystem is embedded in endo/lysosomal vesicles and HA could be specially degraded by hyaluronidase (Hyal), inducing open pores. In the following, with visible light illumination, GHCNS could produce ROS that effectively induced lipid peroxidation and caused endo/lysosomal membrane break, accelerating the cytoplasmic release of the drug in the targeted and irradiated cells. As a result, significantly increased therapeutic potency and specificity against cancer cells could be achieved. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr07719b

Selenium- and tellurium-containing multifunctional redox agents as biochemical redox modulators with selective cytotoxicity.

PubMed

Jamier, Vincent; Ba, Lalla A; Jacob, Claus

2010-09-24

Various human diseases, including different types of cancer, are associated with a disturbed intracellular redox balance and oxidative stress (OS). The past decade has witnessed the emergence of redox-modulating compounds able to utilize such pre-existing disturbances in the redox state of sick cells for therapeutic advantage. Selenium- and tellurium-based agents turn the oxidizing redox environment present in certain cancer cells into a lethal cocktail of reactive species that push these cells over a critical redox threshold and ultimately kill them through apoptosis. This kind of toxicity is highly selective: normal, healthy cells remain largely unaffected, since changes to their naturally low levels of oxidizing species produce little effect. To further improve selectivity, multifunctional sensor/effector agents are now required that recognize the biochemical signature of OS in target cells. The synthesis of such compounds provides interesting challenges for chemistry in the future.

Biomedical Nanocrystal Agents: Design, Synthesis, and Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, Minjung

In these days, nanomaterials are applied in a variety of biomedical applications including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cell imaging, drug delivery, and cell separation. Most MRI contrast agents affect the longitudinal relaxation time (T1) and transverse relaxation time (T2 ) of water protons in the tissue and result in increased positive or negative contrast. Here, we report the optimization of r1 (1/T 1) or r2 (1/T2) relaxivity dynamics with diameter controlled gadolinium oxide nanocrystals (2˜22 nm) and iron based magnetic nanocrystals (4 ˜33 nm). The r1 and r2 MR relaxivity values of hydrated nanocrystals were optimized and examined depending on their core diameter, surface coating, and compositions; the high r1 value of gadolinium oxide was 40-60 S-1mM-1, which is 10-15 fold higher than that of commercial Gd (III) chelates (4.3˜4.6 S-1mM-1). Moreover, in vitro toxicological studies revealed that polymer coated nanocrystals suspensions had no significant effect on human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells even at high concentration. Towards multimodal imaging or multifunctional ability, we developed the iron oxide/QDs complexes, which consist of cores of iron oxide that act as nucleation sites for fluorescent QDs. The choice of variable QDs helped to visualize and remove large iron oxide materials in a magnetic separation. Additionally, diluted materials concentrated on the magnet could be fluorescently detected even at very low concentration. The designed MRI or multifunctional nanomaterials will give great and powerful uses in biomedical applications.

A multi-functional guanine derivative for studying the DNA G-quadruplex structure.

PubMed

Ishizuka, Takumi; Zhao, Pei-Yan; Bao, Hong-Liang; Xu, Yan

2017-10-23

In the present study, we developed a multi-functional guanine derivative, 8F G, as a G-quadruplex stabilizer, a fluorescent probe for the detection of G-quadruplex formation, and a 19 F sensor for the observation of the G-quadruplex. We demonstrate that the functional nucleoside bearing a 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzene group at the 8-position of guanine stabilizes the DNA G-quadruplex structure and fluoresces following the G-quadruplex formation. Furthermore, we show that the functional sensor can be used to directly observe DNA G-quadruplexes by 19 F-NMR in living cells. To our knowledge, this is the first study showing that the nucleoside derivative simultaneously allows for three kinds of functions at a single G-quadruplex DNA. Our results suggest that the multi-functional nucleoside derivative can be broadly used for studying the G-quadruplex structure and serves as a powerful tool for examining the molecular basis of G-quadruplex formation in vitro and in living cells.

Multifunctional fluorescent and magnetic nanoparticles for biomedical applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Selvan, Subramanian T.

2012-03-01

Hybrid multifunctional nanoparticles (NPs) are emerging as useful probes for magnetic based targeting, delivery, cell separation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and fluorescence-based bio-labeling applications. Assessing from the literature, the development of multifunctional NPs for multimodality imaging is still in its infancy state. This report focuses on our recent work on quantum dots (QDs), magnetic NPs (MNPs) and bi-functional NPs (composed of either QDs or rare-earth NPs, and magnetic NPs - iron oxide or gadolinium oxide) for multimodality imaging based biomedical applications. The combination of MRI and fluorescence would ally each other in improving the sensitivity and resolution, resulting in improved and early diagnosis of the disease. The challenges in this area are discussed.

Blocking CD147 induces cell death in cancer cells through impairment of glycolytic energy metabolism

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Baba, Miyako; Inoue, Masahiro; Itoh, Kazuyuki

2008-09-12

CD147 is a multifunctional transmembrane protein and promotes cancer progression. We found that the anti-human CD147 mouse monoclonal antibody MEM-M6/1 strongly induces necrosis-like cell death in LoVo, HT-29, WiDr, and SW620 colon cancer cells and A2058 melanoma cells, but not in WI-38 and TIG-113 normal fibroblasts. Silencing or overexpression of CD147 in LoVo cells enhanced or decreased the MEM-M6/1 induced cell death, respectively. CD147 is known to form complex with proton-linked monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs), which is critical for lactate transport and intracellular pH (pHi) homeostasis. In LoVo cells, CD147 and MCT-1 co-localized on the cell surface, and MEM-M6/1 inhibited themore » association of these molecules. MEM-M6/1 inhibited lactate uptake, lactate release, and reduced pHi. Further, the induction of acidification was parallel to the decrease of the glycolytic flux and intracellular ATP levels. These effects were not found in the normal fibroblasts. As cancer cells depend on glycolysis for their energy production, CD147 inhibition might induce cell death specific to cancer cells.« less

Nanotechnology Based Green Energy Conversion Devices with Multifunctional Materials at Low Temperatures.

PubMed

Lu, Yuzheng; Afzal, Muhammad; Zhu, Bin; Wang, Baoyuan; Wang, Jun; Xia, Chen

2017-07-10

Nanocomposites (integrating the nano and composite technologies) for advanced fuel cells (NANOCOFC) demonstrate the great potential to reduce the operational temperature of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) significantly in the low temperature (LT) range 300-600ºC. NANOCOFC has offered the development of multi-functional materials composed of semiconductor and ionic materials to meet the requirements of low temperature solid oxide fuel cell (LTSOFC) and green energy conversion devices with their unique mechanisms. This work reviews the recent developments relevant to the devices and the patents in LTSOFCs from nanotechnology perspectives that reports advances including fabrication methods, material compositions, characterization techniques and cell performances. Finally, the future scope of LTSOFC with nanotechnology and the practical applications are also discussed. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

Cell internalizable and intracellularly degradable cationic polyurethane micelles as a potential platform for efficient imaging and drug delivery.

PubMed

Ding, Mingming; Zeng, Xin; He, Xueling; Li, Jiehua; Tan, Hong; Fu, Qiang

2014-08-11

A cell internalizable and intracellularly degradable micellar system, assembled from multiblock polyurethanes bearing cell-penetrating gemini quaternary ammonium pendent groups in the side chain and redox-responsive disulfide linkages throughout the backbone, was developed for potential magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and drug delivery. The nanocarrier is featured as a typical "cleavable core-internalizable shell-protective corona" architecture, which exhibits small size, positive surface charge, high loading capacity, and reduction-triggered destabilization. Furthermore, it can rapidly enter tumor cells and release its cargo in response to an intracellular level of glutathione, resulting in enhanced drug efficacy in vitro. The magnetic micelles loaded with superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles demonstrate excellent MRI contrast enhancement, with T2 relaxivity found to be affected by the morphology of SPIO-clustering inside the micelle core. The multifunctional carrier with good cytocompatibility and nontoxic degradation products can serve as a promising theranostic candidate for efficient intracellular delivery of anticancer drugs and real-time monitoring of therapeutic effect.

Design and studies of multiple mechanism of anti-Candida activity of a new potent Trp-rich peptide dendrimers.

PubMed

Zielińska, Paulina; Staniszewska, Monika; Bondaryk, Małgorzata; Koronkiewicz, Mirosława; Urbańczyk-Lipkowska, Zofia

2015-11-13

Eight peptide dendrimers were designed as structural mimics of natural cationic amphiphilic peptides with antifungal activity and evaluated for their anti-Candida potential against the wild type strains and mutants. Dendrimer 14 containing four Trp residues and dodecyl tail and a slightly smaller dendrimer 9 decorated with four N-methylated Trp that displayed 100 and 99.7% of growth inhibition at 16 μg/mL respectively, were selected for evaluation against the Candida albicans mutants with disabled biosynthesis of aspartic proteases responsible for host tissue colonization and morphogenesis during biofilm formation (sessile model). Flow cytometry method was employed to detect apoptotic cells with membrane alterations (phosphatidylserine translocation), and differentiation of apoptotic from necrotic cells was also performed. Simultaneous staining of cell surface phosphatidylserine with Annexin-V-Fluorescein and necrotic cells with propidium iodide was conducted. 14 at 16 μg/mL caused C. albicans cells to undergo cellular apoptosis but its increasing concentrations induced necrosis. 14 influenced C. albicans biofilm viability as well as hyphal and cell wall morphology. Confocal microscopy and cell wall staining with calcofluor white revealed that in epithelial model the cell surface structure was perturbed at MIC of peptide dendrimer. It appears that tryptophan or 1-methyltryptophan groups displayed at the surface and positive charges hidden in the dendrimer tree along with hydrocarbon tail located at C-terminus are important for the anti-Candida activity since dendrimers containing tryptamine at C-terminus showed only a moderate activity. Our results suggest that membranolytic dendrimer 14, targeting cellular apoptotic pathway and impairing the cell wall formation in mature biofilm, may be a potential multifunctional antifungal lead compound for the control of C. albicans infections. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

[Supramolecular Agents for Theranostics].

PubMed

Deyev, S M; Lebedenko, E N

2015-01-01

This mini-review summarizes recent data obtained in the process of creation of a versatile module platform suitable for construction of supramolecular theranostic agents. As an example, we consider multifunctional hybrid agents for imaging and elimination of cancer cells. The use of an adapter protein system barnase:barstar for producing targeted multifunctional hybrid structures on the basis of highly specific peptides and mini-antibodies as addressing modules and recombinant proteins and/or nanoparticles of different nature (quantum dots, nanogold, magnetic nanoparticles, nanodiamonds, upconverting nanophosphores, polymer nanoparticles) as agents visualizing and damaging cancer cells is described. New perspectives for creation of selective and highly effective compounds for theranostics and personified medicine are contemplated.

Multifunctional nanocomposite based on halloysite nanotubes for efficient luminescent bioimaging and magnetic resonance imaging

PubMed Central

Zhou, Tao; Jia, Lei; Luo, Yi-Feng; Xu, Jun; Chen, Ru-Hua; Ge, Zhi-Jun; Ma, Tie-Liang; Chen, Hong; Zhu, Tao-Feng

2016-01-01

A novel multifunctional halloysite nanotube (HNT)-based Fe3O4@HNT-polyethyleneimine-Tip-Eu(dibenzoylmethane)3 nanocomposite (Fe-HNT-Eu NC) with both photoluminescent and magnetic properties was fabricated by a simple one-step hydrothermal process combined with the coupling grafting method, which exhibited high suspension stability and excellent photophysical behavior. The as-prepared multifunctional Fe-HNT-Eu NC was characterized using various techniques. The results of cell viability assay, cell morphological observation, and in vivo toxicity assay indicated that the NC exhibited excellent biocompatibility over the studied concentration range, suggesting that the obtained Fe-HNT-Eu NC was a suitable material for bioimaging and biological applications in human hepatic adenocarcinoma cells. Furthermore, the biocompatible Fe-HNT-Eu NC displayed superparamagnetic behavior with high saturation magnetization and also functioned as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent in vitro and in vivo. The results of the MRI tests indicated that the Fe-HNT-Eu NC can significantly decrease the T2 signal intensity values of the normal liver tissue and thus make the boundary between the normal liver and transplanted cancer more distinct, thus effectively improving the diagnosis effect of cancers. PMID:27698562

Multifunctional nanocomposite based on halloysite nanotubes for efficient luminescent bioimaging and magnetic resonance imaging.

PubMed

Zhou, Tao; Jia, Lei; Luo, Yi-Feng; Xu, Jun; Chen, Ru-Hua; Ge, Zhi-Jun; Ma, Tie-Liang; Chen, Hong; Zhu, Tao-Feng

A novel multifunctional halloysite nanotube (HNT)-based Fe 3 O 4 @HNT-polyethyleneimine-Tip-Eu(dibenzoylmethane) 3 nanocomposite (Fe-HNT-Eu NC) with both photoluminescent and magnetic properties was fabricated by a simple one-step hydrothermal process combined with the coupling grafting method, which exhibited high suspension stability and excellent photophysical behavior. The as-prepared multifunctional Fe-HNT-Eu NC was characterized using various techniques. The results of cell viability assay, cell morphological observation, and in vivo toxicity assay indicated that the NC exhibited excellent biocompatibility over the studied concentration range, suggesting that the obtained Fe-HNT-Eu NC was a suitable material for bioimaging and biological applications in human hepatic adenocarcinoma cells. Furthermore, the biocompatible Fe-HNT-Eu NC displayed superparamagnetic behavior with high saturation magnetization and also functioned as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent in vitro and in vivo. The results of the MRI tests indicated that the Fe-HNT-Eu NC can significantly decrease the T 2 signal intensity values of the normal liver tissue and thus make the boundary between the normal liver and transplanted cancer more distinct, thus effectively improving the diagnosis effect of cancers.

Synthesis and characterization of multifunctional hybrid-polymeric nanoparticles for drug delivery and multimodal imaging of cancer

PubMed Central

Tng, Danny Jian Hang; Song, Peiyi; Lin, Guimiao; Soehartono, Alana Mauluidy; Yang, Guang; Yang, Chengbin; Yin, Feng; Tan, Cher Heng; Yong, Ken-Tye

2015-01-01

In this study, multifunctional hybrid-polymeric nanoparticles were prepared for the treatment of cultured multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTS) of the PANC-1 and MIA PaCa-2 pancreatic carcinoma cell lines. To synthesize the hybrid-polymeric nanoparticles, the poly lactic-co-glycolic acid core of the particles was loaded with Rhodamine 6G dye and the chemotherapeutic agent, Paclitaxel, was incorporated into the outer phospholipid layer. The surface of the nanoparticles was coated with gadolinium chelates for magnetic resonance imaging applications. This engineered nanoparticle formulation was found to be suitable for use in guided imaging therapy. Specifically, we investigated the size-dependent therapeutic response and the uptake of nanoparticles that were 65 nm, 85 nm, and 110 nm in size in the MCTS of the two pancreatic cancer cell lines used. After 24 hours of treatment, the MCTS of both PANC-1 and MIA PaCa-2 cell lines showed an average increase in the uptake of 18.4% for both 65 nm and 85 nm nanoparticles and 24.8% for 110 nm nanoparticles. Furthermore, the studies on therapeutic effects showed that particle size had a slight influence on the overall effectiveness of the formulation. In the MCTS of the MIA PaCa-2 cell line, 65 nm nanoparticles were found to produce the greatest therapeutic effect, whereas 12.8% of cells were apoptotic of which 11.4% of cells were apoptotic for 85 nm nanoparticles and 9.79% for 110 nm nanoparticles. Finally, the study conducted in vivo revealed the importance of nanoparticle size selection for the effective delivery of drug formulations to the tumors. In agreement with our in vitro results, excellent uptake and retention were found in the tumors of MIA PaCa-2 tumor-bearing mice treated with 110 nm nanoparticles. PMID:26396511

Gloss, colour and grip: multifunctional epidermal cell shapes in bee- and bird-pollinated flowers.

PubMed

Papiorek, Sarah; Junker, Robert R; Lunau, Klaus

2014-01-01

Flowers bear the function of filters supporting the attraction of pollinators as well as the deterrence of floral antagonists. The effect of epidermal cell shape on the visual display and tactile properties of flowers has been evaluated only recently. In this study we quantitatively measured epidermal cell shape, gloss and spectral reflectance of flowers pollinated by either bees or birds testing three hypotheses: The first two hypotheses imply that bee-pollinated flowers might benefit from rough surfaces on visually-active parts produced by conical epidermal cells, as they may enhance the colour signal of flowers as well as the grip on flowers for bees. In contrast, bird-pollinated flowers might benefit from flat surfaces produced by flat epidermal cells, by avoiding frequent visitation from non-pollinating bees due to a reduced colour signal, as birds do not rely on specific colour parameters while foraging. Moreover, flat petal surfaces in bird-pollinated flowers may hamper grip for bees that do not touch anthers and stigmas while consuming nectar and thus, are considered as nectar thieves. Beside this, the third hypothesis implies that those flower parts which are vulnerable to nectar robbing of bee- as well as bird-pollinated flowers benefit from flat epidermal cells, hampering grip for nectar robbing bees. Our comparative data show in fact that conical epidermal cells are restricted to visually-active parts of bee-pollinated flowers, whereas robbing-sensitive parts of bee-pollinated as well as the entire floral surface of bird-pollinated flowers possess on average flat epidermal cells. However, direct correlations between epidermal cell shape and colour parameters have not been found. Our results together with published experimental studies show that epidermal cell shape as a largely neglected flower trait might act as an important feature in pollinator attraction and avoidance of antagonists, and thus may contribute to the partitioning of flower-visitors.

Thin Film Sensors for Surface Measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Martin, Lisa C.; Wrbanek, John D.; Fralick, Gustave C.

2001-01-01

Advanced thin film sensors that can provide accurate surface temperature, strain, and heat flux measurements have been developed at NASA Glenn Research Center. These sensors provide minimally intrusive characterization of advanced propulsion materials and components in hostile, high-temperature environments as well as validation of propulsion system design codes. The sensors are designed for applications on different material systems and engine components for testing in engine simulation facilities. Thin film thermocouples and strain gauges for the measurement of surface temperature and strain have been demonstrated on metals, ceramics and advanced ceramic-based composites of various component configurations. Test environments have included both air-breathing and space propulsion-based engine and burner rig environments at surface temperatures up to 1100 C and under high gas flow and pressure conditions. The technologies developed for these sensors as well as for a thin film heat flux gauge have been integrated into a single multifunctional gauge for the simultaneous real-time measurement of surface temperature, strain, and heat flux. This is the first step toward the development of smart sensors with integrated signal conditioning and high temperature electronics that would have the capability to provide feedback to the operating system in real-time. A description of the fabrication process for the thin film sensors and multifunctional gauge will be provided. In addition, the material systems on which the sensors have been demonstrated, the test facilities and the results of the tests to-date will be described. Finally, the results will be provided of the current effort to demonstrate the capabilities of the multifunctional gauge.

Multifunctional Hybrid Multilayer Gate Dielectrics with Tunable Surface Energy for Ultralow-Power Organic and Amorphous Oxide Thin-Film Transistors.

PubMed

Byun, Hye-Ran; You, Eun-Ah; Ha, Young-Geun

2017-03-01

For large-area, printable, and flexible electronic applications using advanced semiconductors, novel dielectric materials with excellent capacitance, insulating property, thermal stability, and mechanical flexibility need to be developed to achieve high-performance, ultralow-voltage operation of thin-film transistors (TFTs). In this work, we first report on the facile fabrication of multifunctional hybrid multilayer gate dielectrics with tunable surface energy via a low-temperature solution-process to produce ultralow-voltage organic and amorphous oxide TFTs. The hybrid multilayer dielectric materials are constructed by iteratively stacking bifunctional phosphonic acid-based self-assembled monolayers combined with ultrathin high-k oxide layers. The nanoscopic thickness-controllable hybrid dielectrics exhibit the superior capacitance (up to 970 nF/cm 2 ), insulating property (leakage current densities <10 -7 A/cm 2 ), and thermal stability (up to 300 °C) as well as smooth surfaces (root-mean-square roughness <0.35 nm). In addition, the surface energy of the hybrid multilayer dielectrics are easily changed by switching between mono- and bifunctional phosphonic acid-based self-assembled monolayers for compatible fabrication with both organic and amorphous oxide semiconductors. Consequently, the hybrid multilayer dielectrics integrated into TFTs reveal their excellent dielectric functions to achieve high-performance, ultralow-voltage operation (< ± 2 V) for both organic and amorphous oxide TFTs. Because of the easily tunable surface energy, the multifunctional hybrid multilayer dielectrics can also be adapted for various organic and inorganic semiconductors, and metal gates in other device configurations, thus allowing diverse advanced electronic applications including ultralow-power and large-area electronic devices.

Multi-functional electrospun antibacterial core-shell nanofibrous membranes for prolonged prevention of post-surgical tendon adhesion and inflammation.

PubMed

Shalumon, K T; Sheu, Chialin; Chen, Chih-Hao; Chen, Shih-Heng; Jose, Gils; Kuo, Chang-Yi; Chen, Jyh-Ping

2018-05-01

The possibility of endowing an electrospun anti-adhesive barrier membrane with multi-functionality, such as lubrication, prevention of fibroblast attachment and anti-infection and anti-inflammation properties, is highly desirable for the management of post-surgical tendon adhesion. To this end, we fabricated core-shell nanofibrous membranes (CSNMs) with embedded silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) in the poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)/poly(caprolactone) (PCL) shell and hyaluronic acid (HA)/ibuprofen in the core. HA imparted a lubrication effect for smooth tendon gliding and reduced fibroblast attachment, while Ag NPs and ibuprofen functioned as anti-infection and anti-inflammation agents, respectively. CSNMs with a PEG/PCL/Ag shell (PPA) and HA core containing 0% (H/PPA), 10% (HI10/PPA), 30% (HI30/PPA) and 50% (HI50/PPA) ibuprofen were fabricated through co-axial electrospinning and assessed through microscopic, spectroscopic, thermal, mechanical and drug release analyses. Considering nutrient passage through the barrier, the microporous CSNMs exerted the same barrier effect but drastically increased the mass transfer coefficients of bovine serum albumin compared with the commercial anti-adhesive membrane SurgiWrap®. Cell attachment/focal adhesion formation of fibroblasts revealed effective reduction of initial cell attachment on the CSNM surface with minimum cytotoxicity (except HI50/PPA). The anti-bacterial effect against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria was verified to be due to the Ag NPs in the membranes. In vivo studies using H/PPA and HI30/PPA CSNMs and SurgiWrap® in a rabbit flexor tendon rupture model demonstrated the improved efficacy of HI30/PPA CSNMs in reducing inflammation and tendon adhesion formation based on gross observation, histological analysis and functional assays. We conclude that HI30/PPA CSNMs can act as a multifunctional barrier membrane to prevent peritendinous adhesion after tendon surgery. A multi-functional anti-adhesion barrier membrane that could reduce fibroblasts attachment and penetration while simultaneously prevent post-surgical infection and inflammation is urgently needed. To this end, we prepared electrospun core-shell hyaluronic acid + ibuprofen/polyethylene glycol + polycaprolactone + Ag nanoparticles nanofibrous membranes by co-axial electrospinning as an ideal anti-adhesive membrane. The core-shell structure could meet the need of a desirable anti-adhesion barrier through release of ibuprofen and Ag nanoparticles to reduce infection and inflammation while hyaluronic acid can reduce fibroblasts adhesion. The superior performance of this multi-functional core-shell nanofibrous membrane in preventing peritendinous adhesion and post-surgical inflammation was demonstrated in a rabbit flexor tendon rupture model. Copyright © 2018 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Laminin active peptide/agarose matrices as multifunctional biomaterials for tissue engineering.

PubMed

Yamada, Yuji; Hozumi, Kentaro; Aso, Akihiro; Hotta, Atsushi; Toma, Kazunori; Katagiri, Fumihiko; Kikkawa, Yamato; Nomizu, Motoyoshi

2012-06-01

Cell adhesive peptides derived from extracellular matrix components are potential candidates to afford bio-adhesiveness to cell culture scaffolds for tissue engineering. Previously, we covalently conjugated bioactive laminin peptides to polysaccharides, such as chitosan and alginate, and demonstrated their advantages as biomaterials. Here, we prepared functional polysaccharide matrices by mixing laminin active peptides and agarose gel. Several laminin peptide/agarose matrices showed cell attachment activity. In particular, peptide AG73 (RKRLQVQLSIRT)/agarose matrices promoted strong cell attachment and the cell behavior depended on the stiffness of agarose matrices. Fibroblasts formed spheroid structures on the soft AG73/agarose matrices while the cells formed a monolayer with elongated morphologies on the stiff matrices. On the stiff AG73/agarose matrices, neuronal cells extended neuritic processes and endothelial cells formed capillary-like networks. In addition, salivary gland cells formed acini-like structures on the soft matrices. These results suggest that the peptide/agarose matrices are useful for both two- and three-dimensional cell culture systems as a multifunctional biomaterial for tissue engineering. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Nanomaterials for Engineering Stem Cell Responses.

PubMed

Kerativitayanan, Punyavee; Carrow, James K; Gaharwar, Akhilesh K

2015-08-05

Recent progress in nanotechnology has stimulated the development of multifunctional biomaterials for tissue engineering applications. Synergistic interactions between nanomaterials and stem cell engineering offer numerous possibilities to address some of the daunting challenges in regenerative medicine, such as controlling trigger differentiation, immune reactions, limited supply of stem cells, and engineering complex tissue structures. Specifically, the interactions between stem cells and their microenvironment play key roles in controlling stem cell fate, which underlines therapeutic success. However, the interactions between nanomaterials and stem cells are not well understood, and the effects of the nanomaterials shape, surface morphology, and chemical functionality on cellular processes need critical evaluation. In this Review, focus is put on recent development in nanomaterial-stem cell interactions, with specific emphasis on their application in regenerative medicine. Further, the emerging technologies based on nanomaterials developed over the past decade for stem cell engineering are reviewed, as well as the potential applications of these nanomaterials in tissue regeneration, stem cell isolation, and drug/gene delivery. It is anticipated that the enhanced understanding of nanomaterial-stem cell interactions will facilitate improved biomaterial design for a range of biomedical and biotechnological applications. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Reliability enumeration model for the gear in a multi-functional machine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nasution, M. K. M.; Ambarita, H.

2018-02-01

The angle and direction of motion play an important role in the ability of a multifunctional machine to be able to perform the task to be charged. The movement can be a rotational action that appears to perform a round, by which the rotation can be done by connecting the generator by hand through the help of a hinge formed from two rounded surfaces. The rotation of the entire arm can be carried out by the interconnection between two surfaces having a jagged ring. This link will change according to the angle of motion, and any yeast of the serration will have a share in the success of this process, therefore a robust hand measurement model is established based on canonical provisions.

Targeted Imaging and Chemo-Phototherapy of Brain Cancer by a Multifunctional Drug Delivery System.

PubMed

Hao, Yongwei; Wang, Lei; Zhao, Yalin; Meng, Dehui; Li, Dong; Li, Haixia; Zhang, Bingxiang; Shi, Jinjin; Zhang, Hongling; Zhang, Zhenzhong; Zhang, Yun

2015-11-01

The aim of this study was to develop multifunctional poly lactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) nanoparticles with the ability to simultaneously deliver indocyanine green (ICG) and docetaxel (DTX) to the brain by surface decoration with the brain-targeting peptide angiopep-2 to achieve combined chemo-phototherapy for glioma under near-infrared (NIR) imaging. ICG was selected as a near-infrared imaging and phototherapy agent and DTX was employed as a chemotherapeutic agent. ICG and DTX were simultaneously incorporated into PLGA nanoparticles with higher stability. These nanoparticles were further decorated with angiopep-2 via the outer maleimide group of 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[methoxy(polyethyleneglycol)-2000]-maleinimide incorporated in the nanoparticles. The NIR image-guided chemo-phototherapy of the angiopep-2 modified PLGA/DTX/ICG nanoparticles (ANG/PLGA/DTX/ICG NPs) not only highly induced U87MG cell death in vitro, but also efficiently prolonged the life span of the brain orthotopic U87MG glioma xenograft-bearing mice in vivo. Thus, this study suggests that ANG/PLGA/DTX/ICG NPs have the potential for combinatorial chemotherapy and phototherapy for glioma. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Multifunctional magnetic nanostructured hardystonite scaffold for hyperthermia, drug delivery and tissue engineering applications.

PubMed

Farzin, Ali; Fathi, Mohammadhossein; Emadi, Rahmatollah

2017-01-01

Hyperthermia and local drug delivery have been proposed as potential therapeutic approaches for killing cancer cells. The development of bioactive materials such as Hardystonite (HT) with magnetic and drug delivery properties can potentially meet this target. This new class of magnetic bioceramic can replace the widely used magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, whose long-term biocompatibility is not clear. Magnetic HT can be potentially employed to develop new ceramic scaffolds for bone surgery and anticancer therapies. With this in mind, a synthesis procedure was developed to prepare multifunctional bioactive scaffold for tissue engineering, hyperthermia and drug delivery applications. To this end, iron (Fe 3+ )-containing HT scaffolds were prepared. The effect of Fe on biological, magnetic and drug delivery properties of HT scaffolds were investigated. The results showed that obtained Fe-HT is bioactive and magnetic with no magnetite or maghemite as secondary phases. The Fe-HT scaffolds obtained also possessed high specific surface areas and demonstrated sustained drug delivery. These results potentially open new aspects for biomaterials aimed at regeneration of large-bone defects caused by malignant bone tumors through a combination of hyperthermia, local drug delivery and osteoconductivity. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Core-shell designs of photoluminescent nanodiamonds with porous silica coatings for bioimaging and drug delivery II: application.

PubMed

Prabhakar, Neeraj; Näreoja, Tuomas; von Haartman, Eva; Karaman, Didem Şen; Jiang, Hua; Koho, Sami; Dolenko, Tatiana A; Hänninen, Pekka E; Vlasov, Denis I; Ralchenko, Victor G; Hosomi, Satoru; Vlasov, Igor I; Sahlgren, Cecilia; Rosenholm, Jessica M

2013-05-07

Recent advances within materials science and its interdisciplinary applications in biomedicine have emphasized the potential of using a single multifunctional composite material for concurrent drug delivery and biomedical imaging. Here we present a novel composite material consisting of a photoluminescent nanodiamond (ND) core with a porous silica (SiO2) shell. This novel multifunctional probe serves as an alternative nanomaterial to address the existing problems with delivery and subsequent tracing of the particles. Whereas the unique optical properties of ND allows for long-term live cell imaging and tracking of cellular processes, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have proven to be efficient drug carriers. The advantages of both ND and MSNs were hereby integrated in the new composite material, ND@MSN. The optical properties provided by the ND core rendered the nanocomposite suitable for microscopy imaging in fluorescence and reflectance mode, as well as super-resolution microscopy as a STED label; whereas the porous silica coating provided efficient intracellular delivery capacity, especially in surface-functionalized form. This study serves as a demonstration how this novel nanomaterial can be exploited for both bioimaging and drug delivery for future theranostic applications.

Natural material-decorated mesoporous silica nanoparticle container for multifunctional membrane-controlled targeted drug delivery

PubMed Central

Hu, Yan; Ke, Lei; Chen, Hao; Zhuo, Ma; Yang, Xinzhou; Zhao, Dan; Zeng, Suying; Xiao, Xincai

2017-01-01

To avoid the side effects caused by nonspecific targeting, premature release, weak selectivity, and poor therapeutic efficacy of current nanoparticle-based systems used for drug delivery, we fabricated natural material-decorated nanoparticles as a multifunctional, membrane-controlled targeted drug delivery system. The nanocomposite material coated with a membrane was biocompatible and integrated both specific tumor targeting and responsiveness to stimulation, which improved transmission efficacy and controlled drug release. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), which are known for their biocompatibility and high drug-loading capacity, were selected as a model drug container and carrier. The membrane was established by the polyelectrolyte composite method from chitosan (CS) which was sensitive to the acidic tumor microenvironment, folic acid-modified CS which recognizes the folate receptor expressed on the tumor cell surface, and a CD44 receptor-targeted polysaccharide hyaluronic acid. We characterized the structure of the nanocomposite as well as the drug release behavior under the control of the pH-sensitive membrane switch and evaluated the antitumor efficacy of the system in vitro. Our results provide a basis for the design and fabrication of novel membrane-controlled nanoparticles with improved tumor-targeting therapy. PMID:29200852

A multi-functional high voltage experiment apparatus for vacuum surface flashover switch research.

PubMed

Zeng, Bo; Su, Jian-cang; Cheng, Jie; Wu, Xiao-long; Li, Rui; Zhao, Liang; Fang, Jin-peng; Wang, Li-min

2015-04-01

A multifunctional high voltage apparatus for experimental researches on surface flashover switch and high voltage insulation in vacuum has been developed. The apparatus is composed of five parts: pulse generating unit, axial field unit, radial field unit, and two switch units. Microsecond damped ringing pulse with peak-to-peak voltage 800 kV or unipolar pulse with maximum voltage 830 kV is generated, forming transient axial or radial electrical field. Different pulse waveforms and field distributions make up six experimental configurations in all. Based on this apparatus, preliminary experiments on vacuum surface flashover switch with different flashover dielectric materials have been conducted in the axial field unit, and nanosecond pulse is generated in the radial field unit which makes a pulse transmission line in the experiment. Basic work parameters of this kind of switch such as lifetime, breakdown voltage are obtained.

Quercetin-Based Modified Porous Silicon Nanoparticles for Enhanced Inhibition of Doxorubicin-Resistant Cancer Cells.

PubMed

Liu, Zehua; Balasubramanian, Vimalkumar; Bhat, Chinmay; Vahermo, Mikko; Mäkilä, Ermei; Kemell, Marianna; Fontana, Flavia; Janoniene, Agne; Petrikaite, Vilma; Salonen, Jarno; Yli-Kauhaluoma, Jari; Hirvonen, Jouni; Zhang, Hongbo; Santos, Hélder A

2017-02-01

One of the most challenging obstacles in nanoparticle's surface modification is to achieve the concept that one ligand can accomplish multiple purposes. Upon such consideration, 3-aminopropoxy-linked quercetin (AmQu), a derivative of a natural flavonoid inspired by the structure of dopamine, is designed and subsequently used to modify the surface of thermally hydrocarbonized porous silicon (PSi) nanoparticles. This nanosystem inherits several advanced properties in a single carrier, including promoted anticancer efficiency, multiple drug resistance (MDR) reversing, stimuli-responsive drug release, drug release monitoring, and enhanced particle-cell interactions. The anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) is efficiently loaded into this nanosystem and released in a pH-dependent manner. AmQu also effectively quenches the fluorescence of the loaded DOX, thereby allowing the use of the nanosystem for monitoring the intracellular drug release. Furthermore, a synergistic effect with the presence of AmQu is observed in both normal MCF-7 and DOX-resistant MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Due to the similar structure as dopamine, AmQu may facilitate both the interaction and internalization of PSi into the cells. Overall, this PSi-based platform exhibits remarkable superiority in both multifunctionality and anticancer efficiency, making this nanovector a promising system for anti-MDR cancer treatment. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Multifunctional quantum dots-based cancer diagnostics and stem cell therapeutics for regenerative medicine.

PubMed

Onoshima, Daisuke; Yukawa, Hiroshi; Baba, Yoshinobu

2015-12-01

A field of recent diagnostics and therapeutics has been advanced with quantum dots (QDs). QDs have developed into new formats of biomolecular sensing to push the limits of detection in biology and medicine. QDs can be also utilized as bio-probes or labels for biological imaging of living cells and tissues. More recently, QDs has been demonstrated to construct a multifunctional nanoplatform, where the QDs serve not only as an imaging agent, but also a nanoscaffold for diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. This review highlights the promising applications of multi-functionalized QDs as advanced nanosensors for diagnosing cancer and as innovative fluorescence probes for in vitro or in vivo stem cell imaging in regenerative medicine. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Juggling jobs: roles and mechanisms of multifunctional protease inhibitors in plants.

PubMed

Grosse-Holz, Friederike M; van der Hoorn, Renier A L

2016-05-01

Multifunctional protease inhibitors juggle jobs by targeting different enzymes and thereby often controlling more than one biological process. Here, we discuss the biological functions, mechanisms and evolution of three types of multifunctional protease inhibitors in plants. The first type is double-headed inhibitors, which feature two inhibitory sites targeting proteases with different specificities (e.g. Bowman-Birk inhibitors) or even different hydrolases (e.g. α-amylase/protease inhibitors preventing both early germination and seed predation). The second type consists of multidomain inhibitors which evolved by intragenic duplication and are released by processing (e.g. multicystatins and potato inhibitor II, implicated in tuber dormancy and defence, respectively). The third type consists of promiscuous inhibitory folds which resemble mouse traps that can inhibit different proteases cleaving the bait they offer (e.g. serpins, regulating cell death, and α-macroglobulins). Understanding how multifunctional inhibitors juggle biological jobs increases our knowledge of the connections between the networks they regulate. These examples show that multifunctionality evolved independently from a remarkable diversity of molecular mechanisms that can be exploited for crop improvement and provide concepts for protein design. © 2016 The Authors. New Phytologist © 2016 New Phytologist Trust.

A novel contrast agent with rare earth-doped up-conversion luminescence and Gd-DTPA magnetic resonance properties

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lu Qing; Wei Daixu; Cheng Jiejun

2012-08-15

The magnetic-luminescent multifunctional nanoparticles based on Gd-DTPA and NaYF{sub 4}:Yb, Er were successfully synthesized by the conjugation of activated DTPA and silica-coated/surface-aminolated NaYF{sub 4}:Yb, Er nanoparticles through EDC/NHS coupling chemistry. The as-prepared products were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, and fourier transform infrared spectrometry. The room-temperature upconversion luminescent spectra and T{sub 1}-weighted maps of the obtained nanoparticles were carried out by 980 nm NIR light excitation and a 3T MR imaging scanner, respectively. The results indicated that the as-synthesized multifunctional nanoparticles with small size, highly solubility in water, and bothmore » high MR relaxivities and upconversion luminescence may have potential usage for MR imaging in future. - Graphical abstract: We have synthesized magnetic-luminescent multifunctional nanoparticles based on Gd-DTPA and NaYF4:Yb, Er by the conjugation of activated DTPA and silica-coated/surface-aminolated NaYF4:Yb, Er nanoparticles through EDC/NHS coupling chemistry. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer A novel magnetic-luminescent multifunctional nanoparticles are synthesized. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The nanoparticles are highly efficient for luminescence and T{sub 1}-weighted MR imaging. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The nanoparticles are small in size and highly solubility in water. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The nanoparticles hold great potential usage for future biomedical engineering.« less

Multifunctional Self-Assembled Monolayers for Organic Field-Effect Transistors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cernetic, Nathan

Organic field effect transistors (OFETs) have the potential to reach commercialization for a wide variety of applications such as active matrix display circuitry, chemical and biological sensing, radio-frequency identification devices and flexible electronics. In order to be commercially competitive with already at-market amorphous silicon devices, OFETs need to approach similar performance levels. Significant progress has been made in developing high performance organic semiconductors and dielectric materials. Additionally, a common route to improve the performance metric of OFETs is via interface modification at the critical dielectric/semiconductor and electrode/semiconductor interface which often play a significant role in charge transport properties. These metal oxide interfaces are typically modified with rationally designed multifunctional self-assembled monolayers. As means toward improving the performance metrics of OFETs, rationally designed multifunctional self-assembled monolayers are used to explore the relationship between surface energy, SAM order, and SAM dipole on OFET performance. The studies presented within are (1) development of a multifunctional SAM capable of simultaneously modifying dielectric and metal surface while maintaining compatibility with solution processed techniques (2) exploration of the relationship between SAM dipole and anchor group on graphene transistors, and (3) development of self-assembled monolayer field-effect transistor in which the traditional thick organic semiconductor is replaced by a rationally designed self-assembled monolayer semiconductor. The findings presented within represent advancement in the understanding of the influence of self-assembled monolayers on OFETs as well as progress towards rationally designed monolayer transistors.

Accelerated weathering of wood surfaces coated with multifunctional allkoxysilanes by sol-gel deposition

Treesearch

Mandla A. Tshabalala; John E. Gangstad

2003-01-01

Accelerated weathering of wood surfaces coated with hexadecyltrimethoxysilane (HDTMOS) in the presence of methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMOS) by the sol-gel process was investigated. The sol-gel process allowed the deposition of a covalently bound thin layer of polysiloxane networks on the wood surface that was resistant to water sorption and water leaching. The rate of...

Fundamental Degradation Mechanisms of Multi-Functional Nanoengineered Surfaces

DTIC Science & Technology

2018-04-08

surface tension fluids with widely used lubricants for designing LIS. We considered a wide range of low surface tension fluids (12 to 48 mN/m) and...selection in designing stable LIS for the low surface tension fluids. Lastly, using steady state condensation experiments, we show that polymeric...polymeric coating to the high surface energy substrate and mechanical delamination of the coating. This finding will be key to future design

Peptidoglycan Branched Stem Peptides Contribute to Streptococcus pneumoniae Virulence by Inhibiting Pneumolysin Release

PubMed Central

Greene, Neil G.; Narciso, Ana R.; Filipe, Sergio R.; Camilli, Andrew

2015-01-01

Streptococcus pneumoniae (the pneumococcus) colonizes the human nasopharynx and is a significant pathogen worldwide. Pneumolysin (Ply) is a multi-functional, extracellular virulence factor produced by this organism that is critical for pathogenesis. Despite the absence of any apparent secretion or cell surface attachment motifs, Ply localizes to the cell envelope of actively growing cells. We sought to characterize the consequences of this surface localization. Through functional assays with whole cells and subcellular fractions, we determined that Ply activity and its release into the extracellular environment are inhibited by peptidoglycan (PG) structure. The ability of PG to inhibit Ply release was dependent on the stem peptide composition of this macromolecule, which was manipulated by mutation of the murMN operon that encodes proteins responsible for branched stem peptide synthesis. Additionally, removal of choline-binding proteins from the cell surface significantly reduced Ply release to levels observed in a mutant with a high proportion of branched stem peptides suggesting a link between this structural feature and surface-associated choline-binding proteins involved in PG metabolism. Of clinical relevance, we also demonstrate that a hyperactive, mosaic murMN allele associated with penicillin resistance causes decreased Ply release with concomitant increases in the amount of branched stem peptides. Finally, using a murMN deletion mutant, we observed that increased Ply release is detrimental to virulence during a murine model of pneumonia. Taken together, our results reveal a novel role for branched stem peptides in pneumococcal pathogenesis and demonstrate the importance of controlled Ply release during infection. These results highlight the importance of PG composition in pathogenesis and may have broad implications for the diverse PG structures observed in other bacterial pathogens. PMID:26114646

Peptidoglycan Branched Stem Peptides Contribute to Streptococcus pneumoniae Virulence by Inhibiting Pneumolysin Release.

PubMed

Greene, Neil G; Narciso, Ana R; Filipe, Sergio R; Camilli, Andrew

2015-06-01

Streptococcus pneumoniae (the pneumococcus) colonizes the human nasopharynx and is a significant pathogen worldwide. Pneumolysin (Ply) is a multi-functional, extracellular virulence factor produced by this organism that is critical for pathogenesis. Despite the absence of any apparent secretion or cell surface attachment motifs, Ply localizes to the cell envelope of actively growing cells. We sought to characterize the consequences of this surface localization. Through functional assays with whole cells and subcellular fractions, we determined that Ply activity and its release into the extracellular environment are inhibited by peptidoglycan (PG) structure. The ability of PG to inhibit Ply release was dependent on the stem peptide composition of this macromolecule, which was manipulated by mutation of the murMN operon that encodes proteins responsible for branched stem peptide synthesis. Additionally, removal of choline-binding proteins from the cell surface significantly reduced Ply release to levels observed in a mutant with a high proportion of branched stem peptides suggesting a link between this structural feature and surface-associated choline-binding proteins involved in PG metabolism. Of clinical relevance, we also demonstrate that a hyperactive, mosaic murMN allele associated with penicillin resistance causes decreased Ply release with concomitant increases in the amount of branched stem peptides. Finally, using a murMN deletion mutant, we observed that increased Ply release is detrimental to virulence during a murine model of pneumonia. Taken together, our results reveal a novel role for branched stem peptides in pneumococcal pathogenesis and demonstrate the importance of controlled Ply release during infection. These results highlight the importance of PG composition in pathogenesis and may have broad implications for the diverse PG structures observed in other bacterial pathogens.

Protein-gold hybrid nanocubes for cell imaging and drug delivery.

PubMed

Ding, Han; Yang, Dongying; Zhao, Chen; Song, Zhuokun; Liu, Pengchang; Wang, Yu; Chen, Zhijun; Shen, Jiacong

2015-03-04

Multifunctional biocompatible nanomaterials containing both fluorescent and vehicle functions are highly favored in bioimaging, therapeutic, and drug delivery applications. Nevertheless, the rational design and synthesis of highly biocompatible multifunctional materials remain challenging. We present here the development of novel protein-gold hybrid nanocubes (PGHNs), which were assembled using gold nanoclusters, bovine serum albumin, and tryptophan as building blocks. The green-synthesized PGHNs in this study are blue-emitting under UV exposure and cube-shaped with a size of approximately 100 nm. These hybrid nanomaterials are highly biocompatible as shown by cytotoxicity experiments and can be readily internalized by different types of cells. Moreover, PGHNs can act as nanovehicles that successfully deliver dyes or drugs into the cells. The protein-metal hybrid nanocubes can serve as a new type of dual-purpose tool: a blue-emitting cell marker in bioimaging investigation and a nanocarrier in drug delivery studies.

Multifunctional, Tunable Metal–Organic Framework Materials Platform for Bioimaging Applications [A Multifunctional Tunable MOF Materials Platform for Bio-Imaging Applications

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sava Gallis, Dorina F.; Rohwer, Lauren E. S.; Rodriguez, Mark A.

Herein, we describe a novel multifunctional metal–organic framework (MOF) materials platform that displays both porosity and tunable emission properties as a function of the metal identity (Eu, Nd, and tuned compositions of Nd/Yb). Their emission collectively spans the deep red to near-infrared (NIR) spectral region (~614–1350 nm), which is highly relevant for in vivo bioimaging. These new materials meet important prerequisites as relevant to biological processes: they are minimally toxic to living cells and retain structural integrity in water and phosphate-buffered saline. To assess their viability as optical bioimaging agents, we successfully synthesized the nanoscale Eu analog as a proof-of-conceptmore » system in this series. In vitro studies show that it is cell-permeable in individual RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage and HeLa human cervical cancer tissue culture cells. The efficient discrimination between the Eu emission and cell autofluorescence was achieved with hyperspectral confocal fluorescence microscopy, used here for the first time to characterize MOF materials. Importantly, this is the first report that documents the long-term conservation of the intrinsic emission in live cells of a fluorophore-based MOF to date (up to 48 h). As a result this finding, in conjunction with the materials’ very low toxicity, validates the biocompatibility in these systems and qualifies them as promising for use in long-term tracking and biodistribution studies.« less

Multifunctional, Tunable Metal–Organic Framework Materials Platform for Bioimaging Applications [A Multifunctional Tunable MOF Materials Platform for Bio-Imaging Applications

DOE PAGES

Sava Gallis, Dorina F.; Rohwer, Lauren E. S.; Rodriguez, Mark A.; ...

2017-06-14

Herein, we describe a novel multifunctional metal–organic framework (MOF) materials platform that displays both porosity and tunable emission properties as a function of the metal identity (Eu, Nd, and tuned compositions of Nd/Yb). Their emission collectively spans the deep red to near-infrared (NIR) spectral region (~614–1350 nm), which is highly relevant for in vivo bioimaging. These new materials meet important prerequisites as relevant to biological processes: they are minimally toxic to living cells and retain structural integrity in water and phosphate-buffered saline. To assess their viability as optical bioimaging agents, we successfully synthesized the nanoscale Eu analog as a proof-of-conceptmore » system in this series. In vitro studies show that it is cell-permeable in individual RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage and HeLa human cervical cancer tissue culture cells. The efficient discrimination between the Eu emission and cell autofluorescence was achieved with hyperspectral confocal fluorescence microscopy, used here for the first time to characterize MOF materials. Importantly, this is the first report that documents the long-term conservation of the intrinsic emission in live cells of a fluorophore-based MOF to date (up to 48 h). As a result this finding, in conjunction with the materials’ very low toxicity, validates the biocompatibility in these systems and qualifies them as promising for use in long-term tracking and biodistribution studies.« less

A Multifunctional Surface That Simultaneously Balances Hydrophilic Enzyme Catalysis and Hydrophobic Water Repellency.

PubMed

Lawton, Timothy J; Uzarski, Joshua R; Filocamo, Shaun F

2016-08-16

The compatibility of multiple functions at a single interface is difficult to achieve, but is even more challenging when the functions directly counteract one another. This study provides insight into the creation of a simultaneously multifunctional surface formed by balancing two orthogonal functions; water repellency and enzyme catalysis. A partially fluorinated thiol is used to impart bulk hydrophobicity on the surface, and an N-hydroxysuccinimide ester-terminated thiol provides a specific anchoring sites for the covalent enzyme attachment. Different ratios of the two thiols are mixed together to form amphiphilic self-assembled monolayers, which are characterized with polarization-modulation infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy and contact angle goniometry. The enzyme activity is measured by a fluorescence assay. With the results collected here, specific surface compositions are identified at which the orthogonal functions of water repellency and enzyme catalysis are balanced and exist simultaneously. An understanding of how to effectively balance orthogonal functions at surfaces can be extended to a number of higher-scale applications. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Low DPP4 expression and activity in multiple sclerosis.

PubMed

Tejera-Alhambra, Marta; Casrouge, Armanda; de Andrés, Clara; Ramos-Medina, Rocío; Alonso, Bárbara; Vega, Janet; Albert, Matthew L; Sánchez-Ramón, Silvia

2014-02-01

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a prototypic Th1/Th17 chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4 or CD26) is a multifunctional molecule involved in autoimmune diseases' pathophysiology. We sought to integrate disparate pieces of data and analyze the plasma levels of sDPP4, DPP activity and DPP4 surface expression on T-cells in 129 MS patients with different clinical forms and 53 healthy controls, across two independent cohorts. Herein, we provide new evidence that sDPP4 concentration and DPP activity are significantly lower in MS patients than controls (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.01, respectively). In contrast, the frequency of circulating CD8(+)DPP4(hi) T-cells (p = 0.02) was increased in MS patients. This is the first study that simultaneously analyzes DPP4 expression and function in a large cohort of MS patients. Our data indicate a putative role for DPP4 in MS pathophysiology and suggest that a deeper understanding of surface versus shed DPP4 biology is warranted. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Fluorescence life-time imaging and steady state polarization for examining binding of fluorophores to gold nanoparticles.

PubMed

Schwartz, Shmulik; Fixler, Dror; Popovtzer, Rachela; Shefi, Orit

2015-11-01

Nanocomposites as multifunctional agents are capable of combing imaging and cell biology technologies. The conventional methods used for validation of the conjugation process of nanoparticles (NPs) to fluorescent molecules such as spectroscopy analysis and surface potential measurements, are not sufficient. In this paper we present a new and highly sensitive procedure that uses the combination of (1) fluorescence spectrum, (2) fluorescence lifetime, and (3) steady state fluorescence polarization measurements. We characterize and analyze gold NPs with Lucifer yellow (LY) surface coating as a model. We demonstrate the ability to differentiate between LY-GNP (the conjugated complex) and a mixture of coated NP and free dyes. We suggest the approach for neuroscience applications where LY is used for detecting and labeling cells, studying morphology and intracellular communications. Histograms of Fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) of free LY dye (Left) in comparison to the conjugated dye to gold nanoparticles, LY-GNP (Middle) enable the differentiation between LY-GNP (the conjugated complex) and a mixture of coated NP and free dyes (Right). © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

The multifunctional application of microfluidic lab-on-a-chip surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (LOC-SERS) within the field of bioanalytics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

März, Anne; Mönch, Bettina; Walter, Angela; Bocklitz, Thomas; Schumacher, Wilm; Rösch, Petra; Kiehntopf, Michael; Popp, Jürgen

2011-07-01

This contribution will present a variety of applications of lab-on-a-chip surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy in the field of bioanalytic. Beside the quantification and online monitoring of drugs and pharmaceuticals, determination of enzyme activity and discrimination of bacteria are successfully carried out utilizing LOC-SERS. The online-monitoring of drugs using SERS in a microfluidic device is demonstrated for nicotine. The enzyme activity of thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) in lysed red blood cells is determined by SERS in a lab-on-a-chip device. To analyse the activity of TPMT the metabolism of 6-mercaptopurine to 6-methylmercaptopurine is investigated. The discrimination of bacteria on strain level is carried out with different E. coli strains. For the investigations, the bacteria are busted by ultra sonic to achieve a high information output. This sample preparation provides the possibility to detect SERS spectra containing information of the bacterial cell walls as well as of the cytoplasm. This contribution demonstrates the great potential of LOC-SERS in the field of bioanalytics.

Magnetic Nanoparticles: From Design and Synthesis to Real World Applications

PubMed Central

Kudr, Jiri; Heger, Zbynek; Cernak, Mirko; Adam, Vojtech; Zitka, Ondrej

2017-01-01

The increasing number of scientific publications focusing on magnetic materials indicates growing interest in the broader scientific community. Substantial progress was made in the synthesis of magnetic materials of desired size, morphology, chemical composition, and surface chemistry. Physical and chemical stability of magnetic materials is acquired by the coating. Moreover, surface layers of polymers, silica, biomolecules, etc. can be designed to obtain affinity to target molecules. The combination of the ability to respond to the external magnetic field and the rich possibilities of coatings makes magnetic materials universal tool for magnetic separations of small molecules, biomolecules and cells. In the biomedical field, magnetic particles and magnetic composites are utilized as the drug carriers, as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and in magnetic hyperthermia. However, the multifunctional magnetic particles enabling the diagnosis and therapy at the same time are emerging. The presented review article summarizes the findings regarding the design and synthesis of magnetic materials focused on biomedical applications. We highlight the utilization of magnetic materials in separation/preconcentration of various molecules and cells, and their use in diagnosis and therapy. PMID:28850089

In vitro cell imaging using multifunctional small sized KGdF4:Yb3+,Er3+ upconverting nanoparticles synthesized by a one-pot solvothermal process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wong, Hon-Tung; Tsang, Ming-Kiu; Chan, Chi-Fai; Wong, Ka-Leung; Fei, Bin; Hao, Jianhua

2013-03-01

Multifunctional KGdF4:18%Yb3+,2%Er3+ nanoparticles with upconversion fluorescence and paramagnetism are synthesized. The average sizes of the nanoparticles capped with branched polyethyleneimine (PEI) and 6-aminocaproic acid (6AA) are ~14 and ~13 nm, respectively. Our KGdF4 host does not exhibit any phase change with the decrease of particle size, which can prevent the detrimental significant decrease in upconversion luminescence caused by this effect observed in the well-known NaYF4 host. The branched PEI and 6AA capping ligands endow our nanoparticles with water-dispersibility and biocompatibility, which can favor internalization of our nanoparticles into the cytoplasm of HeLa cells and relatively high cell viability. The strong upconversion luminescence detected at the cytoplasm of HeLa cells incubated with the branched PEI-capped nanoparticles is probably attributed to the reported high efficiency of cellular uptake. The magnetic mass susceptibility of our nanoparticle is 8.62 × 10-5 emu g-1 Oe-1. This is the highest value ever reported in trivalent rare-earth ion-doped KGdF4 nanoparticles of small size (<=14 nm), and is very close to that of nanoparticles used as T1 contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging. These suggest the potential of our KGdF4:Yb3+,Er3+ nanoparticles as small-sized multifunctional bioprobes.

Multifunctional nanoparticle-EpCAM aptamer bioconjugates: a paradigm for targeted drug delivery and imaging in cancer therapy.

PubMed

Das, Manasi; Duan, Wei; Sahoo, Sanjeeb K

2015-02-01

The promising proposition of multifunctional nanoparticles for cancer diagnostics and therapeutics has inspired the development of theranostic approach for improved cancer therapy. Moreover, active targeting of drug carrier to specific target site is crucial for providing efficient delivery of therapeutics and imaging agents. In this regard, the present study investigates the theranostic capabilities of nutlin-3a loaded poly (lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles, functionalized with a targeting ligand (EpCAM aptamer) and an imaging agent (quantum dots) for cancer therapy and bioimaging. A wide spectrum of in vitro analysis (cellular uptake study, cytotoxicity assay, cell cycle and apoptosis analysis, apoptosis associated proteins study) revealed superior therapeutic potentiality of targeted NPs over other formulations in EpCAM expressing cells. Moreover, our nanotheranostic system served as a superlative bio-imaging modality both in 2D monolayer culture and tumor spheroid model. Our result suggests that, these aptamer-guided multifunctional NPs may act as indispensable nanotheranostic approach toward cancer therapy. This study investigated the theranostic capabilities of nutlin-3a loaded poly (lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles functionalized with a targeting ligand (EpCAM aptamer) and an imaging agent (quantum dots) for cancer therapy and bioimaging. It was concluded that the studied multifunctional targeted nanoparticle may become a viable and efficient approach in cancer therapy. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Modular Coassembly Approach to All-In-One Multifunctional Nanoplatform for Synergistic Codelivery of Doxorubicin and Curcumin

PubMed Central

Yang, Muyang; Yu, Lixia; Guo, Ruiwei; Dong, Anjie; Lin, Cunguo

2018-01-01

Synergistic combination therapy by integrating chemotherapeutics and chemosensitizers into nanoparticles has demonstrated great potential to reduce side effects, overcome multidrug resistance (MDR), and thus improve therapeutic efficacy. However, with regard to the nanocarriers for multidrug codelivery, it remains a strong challenge to maintain design simplicity, while incorporating the desirable multifunctionalities, such as coloaded high payloads, targeted delivery, hemodynamic stability, and also to ensure low drug leakage before reaching the tumor site, but simultaneously the corelease of drugs in the same cancer cell. Herein, we developed a facile modular coassembly approach to construct an all-in-one multifunctional multidrug delivery system for the synergistic codelivery of doxorubicin (DOX, chemotherapeutic agent) and curcumin (CUR, MDR modulator). The acid-cleavable PEGylated polymeric prodrug (DOX-h-PCEC), tumor cell-specific targeting peptide (CRGDK-PEG-PCL), and natural chemosensitizer (CUR) were ratiometrically assembled into in one single nanocarrier (CUR/DOX-h-PCEC@CRGDK NPs). The resulting CUR/DOX-h-PCEC@CRGDK NPs exhibited several desirable characteristics, such as efficient and ratiometric drug loading, high hemodynamic stability and low drug leakage, tumor intracellular acid-triggered cleavage, and subsequent intracellular simultaneous drug corelease, which are expected to maximize a synergistic effect of chemotherapy and chemosensitization. Collectively, the multifunctional nanocarrier is feasible for the creation of a robust nanoplatform for targeted multidrug codelivery and efficient MDR modulation. PMID:29543780

Plasmonic-resonance-based ternary composite complementary enhancement of the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bai, Lihua; Li, Meiya; Liu, Xiaolian; Luoshan, Mengdai; Zhang, Feng; Guo, Kaimo; Zhu, Yongdan; Sun, Beilei; Zhao, Xingzhong

2016-10-01

Graphene (G), TiO2 fusiform nanorods (TiO2NRs) adsorbed with Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) are prepared and blended as multifunctional materials into TiO2 nanocrystalline film to form a novel ternary (G-TiO2NRs-Au) composite photoanode in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The effects of G-TiO2NRs-Au on the properties of the photoanode and DSSC are investigated. Results show that, by blending G-TiO2NRs-Au, the light absorption and scattering of the photoanode are obviously improved, and the charge transfer resistance R2 and electron recombination are decreased, resulting in a significant enhancement in the short-circuit current density (J sc) and the photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) of the DSSCs. The maximum J sc of 17.66 mA cm-2 and PCE of 8.56% are obtained in the optimal G-TiO2NRs-Au-based DSSC, about 33.6% and 35.0% higher than that obtained in the conventional TiO2-based DSSC. This significant improvement in the performance of the DSSC can be attributed to the ternary composite complementary effects of multi-functions from the surface plasmon resonance of AuNPs, light scattering of TiO2NRs, and the improved dye loading and fast electron transmission channel from graphene. This study provides an effective way of ternary composite complementary enhancement of the J sc and PCE of the DSSCs.

A difunctional squarylium indocyanine dye distinguishes dead cells through diverse staining of the cell nuclei/membranes.

PubMed

Li, Jie; Guo, Kunru; Shen, Jie; Yang, Wantai; Yin, Meizhen

2014-04-09

Functionalized fluorescent dyes have attracted great interest for the specific staining of subcellular organelles in multicellular organisms. A novel nanometer-sized water-soluble multi-functional squarylium indocyanine dye (D1) that contains four primary amines is synthesized. The dye exhibits good photostability, non-toxicity and biocompatibility. Isothermal titration calorimetry demonstrates that an affinity between D1 and DNA is higher than that between D1 and analogue of phospholipids. Analysis of circular dichroism spectra indicates that D1 targets to the DNA minor groove and aggregates to a helix. Because of the distinct affinity between the dye and subcellular organelles, the dye exhibits difunctional abilities to label the cell nuclei in fixed cells/tissue and the cell membranes in live cells/tissue. By combination of the two staining capabilities, the dye is further explored as a specific marker to distinguish apoptotic cells in live cells/tissue. The research opens a new way to design novel multifunctional dyes for life science applications. © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

HER2 expression in breast cancer cells is downregulated upon active targeting by antibody-engineered multifunctional nanoparticles in mice.

PubMed

Corsi, Fabio; Fiandra, Luisa; De Palma, Clara; Colombo, Miriam; Mazzucchelli, Serena; Verderio, Paolo; Allevi, Raffaele; Tosoni, Antonella; Nebuloni, Manuela; Clementi, Emilio; Prosperi, Davide

2011-08-23

Subcellular destiny of targeted nanoparticles in cancer cells within living organisms is still an open matter of debate. By in vivo and ex vivo experiments on tumor-bearing mice treated with antibody-engineered magnetofluorescent nanocrystals, in which we combined fluorescence imaging, magnetic relaxation, and trasmission electron microscopy approaches, we provide evidence that nanoparticles are effectively delivered to the tumor by active targeting. These nanocrystals were demonstrated to enable contrast enhancement of the tumor in magnetic resonance imaging. In addition, we were able to discriminate between the fate of the organic corona and the metallic core upon cell internalization. Accurate immunohistochemical analysis confirmed that hybrid nanoparticle endocytosis is mediated by the complex formation with HER2 receptor, leading to a substantial downregulation of HER2 protein expression on the cell surface. These results provide a direct insight into the pathway of internalization and degradation of targeted hybrid nanoparticles in cancer cells in vivo and suggest a potential application of this immunotheranostic nanoagent in neoadjuvant therapy of cancer. © 2011 American Chemical Society

Multi-functional surface acoustic wave sensor for monitoring enviromental and structural condition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Furuya, Y.; Kon, T.; Okazaki, T.; Saigusa, Y.; Nomura, T.

2006-03-01

As a first step to develop a health monitoring system with active and embedded nondestructive evaluation devices for the machineries and structures, multi-functional SAW (surface acoustic wave) device was developed. A piezoelectric LiNbO3(x-y cut) materials were used as a SAW substrate on which IDT(20μm pitch) was produced by lithography. On the surface of a path of SAW between IDTs, environmentally active material films of shape memory Ti50Ni41Cu(at%) with non-linear hysteresis and superelastic Ti48Ni43Cu(at%) with linear deformation behavior were formed by magnetron-sputtering technique. In this study, these two kinds of shape memory alloys SMA) system were used to measure 1) loading level, 2) phase transformation and 3)stress-strain hysteresis under cyclic loading by utilizing their linearity and non-linearity deformation behaviors. Temperature and stress dependencies of SAW signal were also investigated in the non-sputtered film state. Signal amplitude and phase change of SAW were chosen to measure as the sensing parameters. As a result, temperature, stress level, phase transformation in SMA depending on temperature and mechanical damage accumulation could be measured by the proposed multi-functional SAW sensor. Moreover, the wireless SAW sensing system which has a unique feature of no supplying electric battery was constructed, and the same characteristic evaluation is confirmed in comparison with wired case.

Mechanical Properties of Optimized Diamond Lattice Structure for Bone Scaffolds Fabricated via Selective Laser Melting.

PubMed

Liu, Fei; Zhang, David Z; Zhang, Peng; Zhao, Miao; Jafar, Salman

2018-03-03

Developments in selective laser melting (SLM) have enabled the fabrication of periodic cellular lattice structures characterized by suitable properties matching the bone tissue well and by fluid permeability from interconnected structures. These multifunctional performances are significantly affected by cell topology and constitutive properties of applied materials. In this respect, a diamond unit cell was designed in particular volume fractions corresponding to the host bone tissue and optimized with a smooth surface at nodes leading to fewer stress concentrations. There were 33 porous titanium samples with different volume fractions, from 1.28 to 18.6%, manufactured using SLM. All of them were performed under compressive load to determine the deformation and failure mechanisms, accompanied by an in-situ approach using digital image correlation (DIC) to reveal stress-strain evolution. The results showed that lattice structures manufactured by SLM exhibited comparable properties to those of trabecular bone, avoiding the effects of stress-shielding and increasing longevity of implants. The curvature of optimized surface can play a role in regulating the relationship between density and mechanical properties. Owing to the release of stress concentration from optimized surface, the failure mechanism of porous titanium has been changed from the pattern of bottom-up collapse by layer (or cell row) to that of the diagonal (45°) shear band, resulting in the significant enhancement of the structural strength.

Mechanical Properties of Optimized Diamond Lattice Structure for Bone Scaffolds Fabricated via Selective Laser Melting

PubMed Central

Zhang, David Z.; Zhang, Peng; Zhao, Miao; Jafar, Salman

2018-01-01

Developments in selective laser melting (SLM) have enabled the fabrication of periodic cellular lattice structures characterized by suitable properties matching the bone tissue well and by fluid permeability from interconnected structures. These multifunctional performances are significantly affected by cell topology and constitutive properties of applied materials. In this respect, a diamond unit cell was designed in particular volume fractions corresponding to the host bone tissue and optimized with a smooth surface at nodes leading to fewer stress concentrations. There were 33 porous titanium samples with different volume fractions, from 1.28 to 18.6%, manufactured using SLM. All of them were performed under compressive load to determine the deformation and failure mechanisms, accompanied by an in-situ approach using digital image correlation (DIC) to reveal stress–strain evolution. The results showed that lattice structures manufactured by SLM exhibited comparable properties to those of trabecular bone, avoiding the effects of stress-shielding and increasing longevity of implants. The curvature of optimized surface can play a role in regulating the relationship between density and mechanical properties. Owing to the release of stress concentration from optimized surface, the failure mechanism of porous titanium has been changed from the pattern of bottom-up collapse by layer (or cell row) to that of the diagonal (45°) shear band, resulting in the significant enhancement of the structural strength. PMID:29510492

Lactoferrin modified graphene oxide iron oxide nanocomposite for glioma-targeted drug delivery.

PubMed

Song, Meng-Meng; Xu, Huai-Liang; Liang, Jun-Xing; Xiang, Hui-Hui; Liu, Rui; Shen, Yu-Xian

2017-08-01

Targeting delivery of drugs in a specific manner represents a potential powerful technology in gliomas. Herein, we prepared a multifunctional targeted delivery system based on graphene oxide (GO) that contains a molecular bio-targeting ligand and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles on the surface of GO for magnetic targeting. Superparamagnetic Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles was loaded on the surface of GO via chemical precipitation method to form GO@Fe 3 O 4 nanocomposites. Lactoferrin (Lf), an iron-transporting serum glycoprotein that binds to receptors overexpressed at the surface of glioma cells and vascular endothelial cell of the blood brain barrier, was chosen as the targeted ligand to construct the targeted delivery system Lf@GO@Fe 3 O 4 through EDC/NHS chemistry. With the confirmation of TEM, DLS and VSM, the resulting Lf@GO@Fe 3 O 4 had a size distribution of 200-1000nm and exhibited a superparamagnetic behavior. The nano delivery system had a high loading capacity and exhibited a pH-dependent release behavior. Compared with free DOX and DOX@GO@Fe 3 O 4 , Lf@GO@Fe 3 O 4 @DOX displayed greater intracellular delivery efficiency and stronger cytotoxicity against C6 glioma cells. The results demonstrated the potential utility of Lf conjugated GO@Fe 3 O 4 nanocomposites for therapeutic application in the treatment of gliomas. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Graphene-based platforms for cancer therapeutics

PubMed Central

Patel, Sunny C; Lee, Stephen; Lalwani, Gaurav; Suhrland, Cassandra; Chowdhury, Sayan Mullick; Sitharaman, Balaji

2016-01-01

Graphene is a multifunctional carbon nanomaterial and could be utilized to develop platform technologies for cancer therapies. Its surface can be covalently and noncovalently functionalized with anticancer drugs and functional groups that target cancer cells and tissue to improve treatment efficacies. Furthermore, its physicochemical properties can be harnessed to facilitate stimulus responsive therapeutics and drug delivery. This review article summarizes the recent literature specifically focused on development of graphene technologies to treat cancer. We will focus on advances at the interface of graphene based drug/gene delivery, photothermal/photodynamic therapy and combinations of these techniques. We also discuss the current understanding in cytocompatibility and biocompatibility issues related to graphene formulations and their implications pertinent to clinical cancer management. PMID:26769305

Graphene-based platforms for cancer therapeutics.

PubMed

Patel, Sunny C; Lee, Stephen; Lalwani, Gaurav; Suhrland, Cassandra; Chowdhury, Sayan Mullick; Sitharaman, Balaji

2016-01-01

Graphene is a multifunctional carbon nanomaterial and could be utilized to develop platform technologies for cancer therapies. Its surface can be covalently and noncovalently functionalized with anticancer drugs and functional groups that target cancer cells and tissue to improve treatment efficacies. Furthermore, its physicochemical properties can be harnessed to facilitate stimulus responsive therapeutics and drug delivery. This review article summarizes the recent literature specifically focused on development of graphene technologies to treat cancer. We will focus on advances at the interface of graphene based drug/gene delivery, photothermal/photodynamic therapy and combinations of these techniques. We also discuss the current understanding in cytocompatibility and biocompatibility issues related to graphene formulations and their implications pertinent to clinical cancer management.

Multifunctional Inflatable Structure Being Developed for the PowerSphere Concept

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peterson, Todd T.

2003-01-01

The continuing development of microsatellites and nanosatellites for low Earth orbits requires the collection of sufficient power for instruments onboard a low-weight, low-volume spacecraft. Because the overall surface area of a microsatellite or nanosatellite is small, body-mounted solar cells cannot provide enough power. The deployment of traditional, rigid, solar arrays necessitates larger satellite volumes and weights, and also requires extra apparatus for pointing. One solution to this power choke problem is the deployment of a spherical, inflatable power system. This power system, termed the "PowerSphere," has several advantages, including a high collection area, low weight and stowage volume, and the elimination of solar array pointing mechanisms.

The influence of nanostructured features on bacterial adhesion and bone cell functions on severely shot peened 316L stainless steel.

PubMed

Bagherifard, Sara; Hickey, Daniel J; de Luca, Alba C; Malheiro, Vera N; Markaki, Athina E; Guagliano, Mario; Webster, Thomas J

2015-12-01

Substrate grain structure and topography play major roles in mediating cell and bacteria activities. Severe plastic deformation techniques, known as efficient metal-forming and grain refining processes, provide the treated material with novel mechanical properties and can be adopted to modify nanoscale surface characteristics, possibly affecting interactions with the biological environment. This in vitro study evaluates the capability of severe shot peening, based on severe plastic deformation, to modulate the interactions of nanocrystallized metallic biomaterials with cells and bacteria. The treated 316L stainless steel surfaces were first investigated in terms of surface topography, grain size, hardness, wettability and residual stresses. The effects of the induced surface modifications were then separately studied in terms of cell morphology, adhesion and proliferation of primary human osteoblasts (bone forming cells) as well as the adhesion of multiple bacteria strains, specifically Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and ampicillin-resistant Escherichia coli. The results indicated a significant enhancement in surface work hardening and compressive residual stresses, maintenance of osteoblast adhesion and proliferation as well as a remarkable decrease in the adhesion and growth of gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus and S. epidermidis) compared to non-treated and conventionally shot peened samples. Impressively, the decrease in bacteria adhesion and growth was achieved without the use of antibiotics, for which bacteria can develop a resistance towards anyway. By slightly grinding the surface of severe shot peened samples to remove differences in nanoscale surface roughness, the effects of varying substrate grain size were separated from those of varying surface roughness. The expression of vinculin focal adhesions from osteoblasts was found to be singularly and inversely related to grain size, whereas the attachment of gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus and S. epidermidis) decreased with increasing nanoscale surface roughness, and was not affected by grain refinement. Ultimately, this study demonstrated the advantages of the proposed shot peening treatment to produce multifunctional 316L stainless steel materials for improved implant functions without necessitating the use of drugs. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Co-immobilization of adhesive peptides and VEGF within a dextran-based coating for vascular applications.

PubMed

Noel, Samantha; Fortier, Charles; Murschel, Frederic; Belzil, Antoine; Gaudet, Guillaume; Jolicoeur, Mario; De Crescenzo, Gregory

2016-06-01

Multifunctional constructs providing a proper environment for adhesion and growth of selected cell types are needed for most tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications. In this context, vinylsulfone (VS)-modified dextran was proposed as a matrix featuring low-fouling properties as well as multiple versatile moieties. The displayed VS groups could indeed react with thiol, amine or hydroxyl groups, be it for surface grafting, crosslinking or subsequent tethering of biomolecules. In the present study, a library of dextran-VS was produced, grafted to aminated substrates and characterized in terms of degree of VS modification (%VS), cell-repelling properties and potential for the oriented grafting of cysteine-tagged peptides. As a bioactive coating of vascular implants, ECM peptides (e.g. RGD) as well as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were co-immobilized on one of the most suitable dextran-VS coating (%VS=ca. 50% of saccharides units). Both RGD and VEGF were efficiently tethered at high densities (ca. 1nmol/cm(2) and 50fmol/cm(2), respectively), and were able to promote endothelial cell adhesion as well as proliferation. The latter was enhanced to the same extent as with soluble VEGF and proved selective to endothelial cells over smooth muscle cells. Altogether, multiple biomolecules could be efficiently incorporated into a dextran-VS construct, while maintaining their respective biological activity. This work addresses the need for multifunctional coatings and selective cell response inherent to many tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications, for instance, vascular graft. More specifically, a library of dextrans was first generated through vinylsulfone (VS) modification. Thoroughly selected dextran-VS provided an ideal platform for unbiased study of cell response to covalently grafted biomolecules. Considering that processes such as healing and angiogenesis require multiple factors acting synergistically, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was then co-immobilized with the cell adhesive RGD peptide within our dextran coating through a relevant strategy featuring orientation and specificity. Altogether, both adhesive and proliferative cues could be incorporated into our construct with additive, if not synergetic, effects. Copyright © 2016 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Bacteria as Bio-Template for 3D Carbon Nanotube Architectures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ozden, Sehmus; Macwan, Isaac G.; Owuor, Peter S.

It is one of the most important needs to develop renewable, scalable and multifunctional methods for the fabrication of 3D carbon architectures. Even though a lot of methods have been developed to create porous and mechanically stable 3D scaffolds, the fabrication and control over the synthesis of such architectures still remain a challenge. Here, we used Magnetospirillum magneticum (AMB-1) bacteria as a bio-template to fabricate light-weight 3D solid structure of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with interconnected porosity. The resulting porous scaffold showed good mechanical stability and large surface area because of the excellent pore interconnection and high porosity. Steered molecular dynamicsmore » simulations were used to quantify the interactions between nanotubes and AMB-1 via the cell surface protein MSP-1 and flagellin. Furthermore, the 3D CNTs-AMB1 nanocomposite scaffold is further demonstrated as a potential substrate for electrodes in supercapacitor applications.« less

Highly transparent, flexible, and thermally stable superhydrophobic ORMOSIL aerogel thin films.

PubMed

Budunoglu, Hulya; Yildirim, Adem; Guler, Mustafa O; Bayindir, Mehmet

2011-02-01

We report preparation of highly transparent, flexible, and thermally stable superhydrophobic organically modified silica (ORMOSIL) aerogel thin films from colloidal dispersions at ambient conditions. The prepared dispersions are suitable for large area processing with ease of coating and being directly applicable without requiring any pre- or post-treatment on a variety of surfaces including glass, wood, and plastics. ORMOSIL films exhibit and retain superhydrophobic behavior up to 500 °C and even on bent flexible substrates. The surface of the films can be converted from superhydrophobic (contact angle of 179.9°) to superhydrophilic (contact angle of <5°) by calcination at high temperatures. The wettability of the coatings can be changed by tuning the calcination temperature and duration. The prepared films also exhibit low refractive index and high porosity making them suitable as multifunctional coatings for many application fields including solar cells, flexible electronics, and lab on papers.

Bacteria as Bio-Template for 3D Carbon Nanotube Architectures

DOE PAGES

Ozden, Sehmus; Macwan, Isaac G.; Owuor, Peter S.; ...

2017-08-29

It is one of the most important needs to develop renewable, scalable and multifunctional methods for the fabrication of 3D carbon architectures. Even though a lot of methods have been developed to create porous and mechanically stable 3D scaffolds, the fabrication and control over the synthesis of such architectures still remain a challenge. Here, we used Magnetospirillum magneticum (AMB-1) bacteria as a bio-template to fabricate light-weight 3D solid structure of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with interconnected porosity. The resulting porous scaffold showed good mechanical stability and large surface area because of the excellent pore interconnection and high porosity. Steered molecular dynamicsmore » simulations were used to quantify the interactions between nanotubes and AMB-1 via the cell surface protein MSP-1 and flagellin. Furthermore, the 3D CNTs-AMB1 nanocomposite scaffold is further demonstrated as a potential substrate for electrodes in supercapacitor applications.« less

Vitronectin Expression in the Airways of Subjects with Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

PubMed Central

Salazar-Peláez, Lina M.; Abraham, Thomas; Herrera, Ana M.; Correa, Mario A.; Ortega, Jorge E.; Paré, Peter D.; Seow, Chun Y.

2015-01-01

Vitronectin, a multifunctional glycoprotein, is involved in coagulation, inhibition of the formation of the membrane attack complex (MAC), cell adhesion and migration, wound healing, and tissue remodeling. The primary cellular source of vitronectin is hepatocytes; it is not known whether resident cells of airways produce vitronectin, even though the glycoprotein has been found in exhaled breath condensate and bronchoalveolar lavage from healthy subjects and patients with interstitial lung disease. It is also not known whether vitronectin expression is altered in subjects with asthma and COPD. In this study, bronchial tissue from 7 asthmatic, 10 COPD and 14 control subjects was obtained at autopsy and analyzed by immunohistochemistry to determine the percent area of submucosal glands occupied by vitronectin. In a separate set of experiments, quantitative colocalization analysis was performed on tracheobronchial tissue sections obtained from donor lungs (6 asthmatics, 4 COPD and 7 controls). Vitronectin RNA and protein expressions in bronchial surface epithelium were examined in 12 subjects who undertook diagnostic bronchoscopy. Vitronectin was found in the tracheobronchial epithelium from asthmatic, COPD, and control subjects, although its expression was significantly lower in the asthmatic group. Colocalization analysis of 3D confocal images indicates that vitronectin is expressed in the glandular serous epithelial cells and in respiratory surface epithelial cells other than goblet cells. Expression of the 65-kDa vitronectin isoform was lower in bronchial surface epithelium from the diseased subjects. The cause for the decreased vitronectin expression in asthma is not clear, however, the reduced concentration of vitronectin in the epithelial/submucosal layer of airways may be linked to airway remodeling. PMID:25768308

Mussel-inspired immobilization of BN nanosheets onto poly(p-phenylene benzobisoxazole) fibers: Multifunctional interface for photothermal self-healing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shao, Qing; Hu, Zhen; Xu, Xirong; Yu, Long; Zhang, Dayu; Huang, Yudong

2018-05-01

The composites with interfacial self-healing ability are smart and promising materials in the future. Although some approaches have been used to heal the micro-cracks in composite materials, it is still a great challenge to develop a versatile strategy to fabricate multifunctional interface for self-healing. Here, boron nitride nanosheets (BN) are immobilized onto PBO fibers by facile polydopamine (PDA) chemistry. Benefiting from the photothermal effect of BN-PDA, the obtained surface layer displays interfacial self-healing properties under Xenon light irradiation.

Elucidation of peptide sequence effects that control the activity, size, and function of nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coppage, Ryan

Bio-inspired nanoparticle catalysis offers the opportunity to improve on current catalytic standards with respect to turnover efficiency, organic solvent use, and thermal activation. Unfortunately, projected energy demands will soon outweigh our fuel supplies. The task of creating multifunctional catalysts that both lower thermal activation and possess a number of functions in aqueous conditions is daunting. Similar to these needs, nature has evolved to create a wide range of highly specialized catalytic processes, which incorporate inorganic materials, take place in ambient temperatures, and in an aqueous environment. These specialized biological systems provide inspiration, but are not applicable to current needs. Exploitation of these biotic-abiotic systems could allow for green, multifunctional catalysts. In the resulting works, a peptide sequence has been isolated via phage display with affinity for Pd surfaces, that forms stable, peptide-capped nanoparticles. Substitution of residues results in the tuning of both nanocatalyst activity and nanoparticle size, such that a peptide surface-controlling effect can be noted. These characteristics can be exploited to ultimately understand the binding interactions among bio-inorganic interfaces, such that a rational design of biomolecules can be realized for the synthesis of highly active, green, multifunctional nanomaterials.

Phenotypic, ultra-structural and functional characterization of bovine peripheral blood dendritic cell subsets

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Dendritic cells (DC) are multifunctional cells that bridge the gap between innate and adaptive immune systems. In bovine, significant information is lacking on the precise identity and role of peripheral blood DC subsets. In this study, we identify and characterize bovine peripheral blood DC subsets...

Preparation of chitosan-based multifunctional nanocarriers overcoming multiple barriers for oral delivery of insulin.

PubMed

Li, Lei; Jiang, Guohua; Yu, Weijiang; Liu, Depeng; Chen, Hua; Liu, Yongkun; Tong, Zaizai; Kong, Xiangdong; Yao, Juming

2017-01-01

To overcome multiple barriers for oral delivery of insulin, the chitosan-based multifunctional nanocarriers modified by L-valine (LV, used as a target ligand to facilitate the absorption of the small intestine) and phenylboronic acid (PBA, used as a glucose-responsive unit) have been designed and evaluated in this study. The resultant nanocarriers exhibited low cytotoxicity against HT-29 cells and excellent stability against protein solution. The insulin release behaviors were evaluated triggered by pH and glucose in vitro. The chemical stability of loaded insulin against digestive enzyme were established in presence of simulated gastric fluid (SGF) containing pepsin and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) containing pancreatin, respectively. The uptake behavior of HT-29 cells was evaluated by confocal laser scanning microscope. After oral administration to the diabetic rats, an effective hypoglycemic effect was obtained compared with subcutaneous injection of insulin. This work suggests that L-valine modified chitosan-based multifunctional nanocarriers may be a promising drug delivery carrier for oral administration of insulin. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Multifunctional biodegradable polymer nanoparticles with uniform sizes: generation and in vitro anti-melanoma activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Ruijing; Wang, Jing; Wu, Xian; Dong, Liyun; Deng, Renhua; Wang, Ke; Sullivan, Martin; Liu, Shanqin; Wu, Min; Tao, Juan; Yang, Xiangliang; Zhu, Jintao

2013-11-01

We present a simple, yet versatile strategy for the fabrication of uniform biodegradable polymer nanoparticles (NPs) with controllable sizes by a hand-driven membrane-extrusion emulsification approach. The size and size distribution of the NPs can be easily tuned by varying the experimental parameters, including initial polymer concentration, surfactant concentration, number of extrusion passes, membrane pore size, and polymer molecular weight. Moreover, hydrophobic drugs (e.g., paclitaxel (PTX)) and inorganic NPs (e.g., quantum dots (QDs) and magnetic NPs (MNPs)) can be effectively and simultaneously encapsulated into the polymer NPs to form the multifunctional hybrid NPs through this facile route. These PTX-loaded NPs exhibit high encapsulation efficiency and drug loading density as well as excellent drug sustained release performance. As a proof of concept, the A875 cell (melanoma cell line) experiment in vitro, including cellular uptake analysis by fluorescence microscope, cytotoxicity analysis of NPs, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies, indicates that the PTX-loaded hybrid NPs produced by this technique could be potentially applied as a multifunctional delivery system for drug delivery, bio-imaging, and tumor therapy, including malignant melanoma therapy.

Multifunctional Nucleus-targeting Nanoparticles with Ultra-high Gene Transfection Efficiency for In Vivo Gene Therapy

PubMed Central

Li, Ling; Li, Xia; Wu, Yuzhe; Song, Linjiang; Yang, Xi; He, Tao; Wang, Ning; Yang, Suleixin; Zeng, Yan; Wu, Qinjie; Qian, Zhiyong; Wei, Yuquan; Gong, Changyang

2017-01-01

Cancer stem cell-like cells (CSCL) are responsible for tumor recurrence associated with conventional therapy (e.g. surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy). Here, we developed a novel multifunctional nucleus-targeting nanoparticle-based gene delivery system which is capable of targeting and eradicating CSCL. These nanoparticles can facilitate efficient endosomal escape and spontaneously penetrate into nucleus without additional nuclear localization signal. They also induced extremely high gene transfection efficiency (>95%) even in culture medium containing 30% serum, which significantly surpassed that of some commercial transfection reagents, such as Lipofectamine 2000 and Lipofectamine 3000 etc. Especially, when loaded with the TRAIL gene, this system mediated remarkable depletion of CSCL. Upon systemic administration, the nanoparticles accumulated in tumor sites while sparing the non-cancer tissues and significantly inhibited the growth of tumors with no evident systemic toxicity. Taken together, our results suggest that these novel multifunctional, nucleus-targeting nanoparticles are a very promising in vivo gene delivery system capable of targeting CSCL and represent a new treatment candidate for improving the survival of cancer patients. PMID:28529641

Improvement of corrosion resistance of low-alloy steels by resurfacing using multifunction cavitation in water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ijiri, Masataka; Yoshimura, Toshihiko

2018-02-01

Low-alloy steels are based on carbon steel in combination with several percent or less (in many cases, 1 mass%) alloying elements, and they offer improved resistance to corrosion at a cost slightly higher than that of carbon steel. However, these materials do not exhibit the same corrosion resistance as stainless steel. The authors have previously developed a novel multifunction cavitation (MFC) technique, which combines ultrasonic cavitation with water jet cavitation. In this study, MFC was used to modify the surface of Cr-Mo steel (SCM435) and Ni-Cr-Mo steel (SNCM630). MFC was found to improve the residual stress value of the material as the result of surface modification while also imparting high strength and superior corrosion resistance.

Structural and biological evaluation of a multifunctional SWCNT-AgNPs-DNA/PVA bio-nanofilm.

PubMed

Subbiah, Ramesh P; Lee, Haisung; Veerapandian, Murugan; Sadhasivam, Sathya; Seo, Soo-Won; Yun, Kyusik

2011-04-01

A bio-nanofilm consisting of a tetrad nanomaterial (nanotubes, nanoparticles, DNA, polymer) was fabricated utilizing in situ reduction and noncovalent interactions and it displayed effective antibacterial activity and biocompatibility. This bio-nanofilm was composed of homogenous silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) coated on single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), which were later hybridized with DNA and stabilized in poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) in the presence of a surfactant with the aid of ultrasonication. Electron microscopy and bio-AFM (atomic force microscopy) images were used to assess the morphology of the nanocomposite (NC) structure. Functionalization and fabrication were examined using FT-Raman spectroscopy by analyzing the functional changes in the bio-nanofilm before and after fabrication. UV-visible spectroscopy and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) confirmed that AgNPs were present in the final NC on the basis of its surface plasmon resonance (370 nm) and crystal planes. Thermal gravimetric analysis was used to measure the percentage weight loss of SWCNT (17.5%) and final SWCNT-AgNPs-DNA/PVA (47.7%). The antimicrobial efficiency of the bio-nanofilm was evaluated against major pathogenic organisms. Bactericidal ratios, zone of inhibition, and minimum inhibitory concentration were examined against gram positive and gram negative bacteria. A preliminary cytotoxicity analysis was conducted using A549 lung cancer cells and IMR-90 fibroblast cells. Confocal laser microscopy, bio-AFM, and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) images demonstrated that the NCs were successfully taken up by the cells. These combined results indicate that this bio-nanofilm was biocompatible and displayed antimicrobial activity. Thus, this novel bio-nanofilm holds great promise for use as a multifunctional tool in burn therapy, tissue engineering, and other biomedical applications.

Microfluidic Assembly of a Multifunctional Tailorable Composite System Designed for Site Specific Combined Oral Delivery of Peptide Drugs.

PubMed

Araújo, Francisca; Shrestha, Neha; Shahbazi, Mohammad-Ali; Liu, Dongfei; Herranz-Blanco, Bárbara; Mäkilä, Ermei M; Salonen, Jarno J; Hirvonen, Jouni T; Granja, Pedro L; Sarmento, Bruno; Santos, Hélder A

2015-08-25

Multifunctional tailorable composite systems, specifically designed for oral dual-delivery of a peptide (glucagon-like peptide-1) and an enzymatic inhibitor (dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4)), were assembled through the microfluidics technique. Both drugs were coloaded into these systems for a synergistic therapeutic effect. The systems were composed of chitosan and cell-penetrating peptide modified poly(lactide-co-glycolide) and porous silicon nanoparticles as nanomatrices, further encapsulated in an enteric hydroxypropylmethylcellulose acetylsuccinate polymer. The developed multifunctional systems were pH-sensitive, inherited by the enteric polymer, enabling the release of the nanoparticles only in the simulated intestinal conditions. Moreover, the encapsulation into this polymer prevented the degradation of the nanoparticles' modifications. These nanoparticles showed strong and higher interactions with the intestinal cells in comparison with the nonmodified ones. The presence of DPP4 inhibitor enhanced the peptide permeability across intestinal cell monolayers. Overall, this is a promising platform for simultaneously delivering two drugs from a single formulation. Through this approach peptides are expected to increase their bioavailability and efficiency in vivo both by their specific release at the intestinal level and also by the reduced enzymatic activity. The use of this platform, specifically in combination of the two antidiabetic drugs, has clinical potential for the therapy of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Helminth Infections Coincident with Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis Inhibit Mono- and Multifunctional CD4+ and CD8+ T Cell Responses in a Process Dependent on IL-10

PubMed Central

George, Parakkal Jovvian; Anuradha, Rajamanickam; Kumar, Nathella Pavan; Sridhar, Rathinam; Banurekha, Vaithilingam V.; Nutman, Thomas B.; Babu, Subash

2014-01-01

Tissue invasive helminth infections and tuberculosis (TB) are co-endemic in many parts of the world and can trigger immune responses that might antagonize each other. We have previously shown that helminth infections modulate the Th1 and Th17 responses to mycobacterial-antigens in latent TB. To determine whether helminth infections modulate antigen-specific and non-specific immune responses in active pulmonary TB, we examined CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses as well as the systemic (plasma) cytokine levels in individuals with pulmonary TB with or without two distinct helminth infections—Wuchereria bancrofti and Strongyloides stercoralis infection. By analyzing the frequencies of Th1 and Th17 CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and their component subsets (including multifunctional cells), we report a significant diminution in the mycobacterial–specific frequencies of mono- and multi–functional CD4+ Th1 and (to a lesser extent) Th17 cells when concomitant filarial or Strongyloides infection occurs. The impairment in CD4+ and CD8+ T cell cytokine responses was antigen-specific as polyclonal activated T cell frequencies were equivalent irrespective of helminth infection status. This diminution in T cell responses was also reflected in diminished circulating levels of Th1 (IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-2)- and Th17 (IL-17A and IL-17F)-associated cytokines. Finally, we demonstrate that for the filarial co-infections at least, this diminished frequency of multifunctional CD4+ T cell responses was partially dependent on IL-10 as IL-10 blockade significantly increased the frequencies of CD4+ Th1 cells. Thus, co-existent helminth infection is associated with an IL-10 mediated (for filarial infection) profound inhibition of antigen-specific CD4+ T cell responses as well as protective systemic cytokine responses in active pulmonary TB. PMID:25211342

E-beam-Cure Fabrication of Polymer Fiber/Matrix Composites for Multifunctional Radiation Shielding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, John W.; Jensen, Brian J.; Thibeault, Sheila A.; Hou, Tan-Hung; Saether, Erik; Glaessgen, Edward H.; Humes, Donald H.; Chang, Chie K.; Badavi, Francis F.; Kiefer, Rrichard L.;

A Targeted Mulifunctional Platform for Imaging and Treatment of Breast Cancer and Its Metastases Based on Adenoviral Vectors and Magnetic Nanoparticles

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-02-01

tu- mor cells. In this regard, herpesvirus samiri (HVS) was de- monstrated to be naturally selectively oncolytic for the pancreatic cancer line PANC-1...the hexon virus. Therefore, Ad can provide a versatile platform for selective binding of AuNPs, resulting in a multifunctional agent capable of...utility remained unaffected. Therefore, Ad can provide a versatile platform for selective binding of nanoparticles, resulting in a multifunctional agent

LRP1 integrates murine macrophage cholesterol homeostasis and inflammatory responses in atherosclerosis

PubMed Central

Zhou, Li; Plattner, Florian; Liu, Mingxia; Parks, John S; Hammer, Robert E; Boucher, Philippe; Tsai, Shirling

2017-01-01

Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) is a multifunctional cell surface receptor with diverse physiological roles, ranging from cellular uptake of lipoproteins and other cargo by endocytosis to sensor of the extracellular environment and integrator of a wide range of signaling mechanisms. As a chylomicron remnant receptor, LRP1 controls systemic lipid metabolism in concert with the LDL receptor in the liver, whereas in smooth muscle cells (SMC) LRP1 functions as a co-receptor for TGFβ and PDGFRβ in reverse cholesterol transport and the maintenance of vascular wall integrity. Here we used a knockin mouse model to uncover a novel atheroprotective role for LRP1 in macrophages where tyrosine phosphorylation of an NPxY motif in its intracellular domain initiates a signaling cascade along an LRP1/SHC1/PI3K/AKT/PPARγ/LXR axis to regulate and integrate cellular cholesterol homeostasis through the expression of the major cholesterol exporter ABCA1 with apoptotic cell removal and inflammatory responses. PMID:29144234

Multifunctional nanocarriers for biomedical applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bleul, R.; Thiermann, R.; Saatchi, K.; Häfeli, U. O.; Maskos, M.

2013-02-01

Polymeric vesicles (Pluronic® L-121) loaded with magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) and an anti-cancer drug (camptothecin) were prepared continuously in a micro mixing device. Characterization by TEM confirmed the successful incorporation of the MNP and DLS measurements showed a relatively narrow size distribution of the hybrid polymersomes. A very high drug loading of camptothecin (100 μg/ml in the polymersome formulation) was reached and a drug release study of loaded magnetic polymersomes has shown a sustained camptothecin release over several days. Carboxylation of Pluronic® L-121 was performed and enabled a further surface functionalization with bombesin, a 14 amino acid peptide, which binds specifically to the GRPR (gastrin releasing peptide receptor). This receptor is often overexpressed in tumor cells (e.g., human prostate cancer cells) and therefore a suitable target for cancer treatment. An additional fluorescence label with Alexa Fluor® 647 allow tracking of the polymersomes e.g., in cell experiments. Relaxivity measurements to evaluate the potential of magnetic polymersomes as MR contrast agent for in vivo imaging are in progress.

Multicomponent polymeric nanoparticles enhancing intracellular drug release in cancer cells.

PubMed

Ahmed, Arsalan; Liu, Sen; Pan, Yutong; Yuan, Shanmei; He, Jian; Hu, Yong

2014-12-10

Three kinds of amphiphilic copolymer, that is, poly(ε-caprolactone)-SS-poly(ethylene glycol) (PCL-SS-PEG), poly(ε-caprolactone)-polyethylenimine (PCL-PEI), and poly(ε-caprolactone)-polyethylenimine-folate (PCL-PEI-Fol) were synthesized and self-assembled into surface engineered hybrid nanoparticles (NPs). Morphological studies elucidated the stable, spherical, and uniform sandwich structure of the NPs. PCL-PEI and PCL-SS-PEG segments have introduced pH and reduction responsive characteristics in these NPs, while PCL-PEI-FA copolymers could provide specific targeting capability to cancer cells. The stimuli responsive capabilities of these NPs were carried out. Negative-to-positive charge reversible property, in response to the pH change, was investigated by zeta potential and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements. The structure cleavage, due to redox gradient, was studied by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). These NPs showed controlled degradation, better drug release, less toxicity, and effective uptake in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. These multifunctional NPs showed promising potential in the treatment of cancer.

Branched multifunctional polyether polyketals: variation of ketal group structure enables unprecedented control over polymer degradation in solution and within cells.

PubMed

Shenoi, Rajesh A; Narayanannair, Jayaprakash K; Hamilton, Jasmine L; Lai, Benjamin F L; Horte, Sonja; Kainthan, Rajesh K; Varghese, Jos P; Rajeev, Kallanthottathil G; Manoharan, Muthiah; Kizhakkedathu, Jayachandran N

2012-09-12

Multifunctional biocompatible and biodegradable nanomaterials incorporating specific degradable linkages that respond to various stimuli and with defined degradation profiles are critical to the advancement of targeted nanomedicine. Herein we report, for the first time, a new class of multifunctional dendritic polyether polyketals containing different ketal linkages in their backbone that exhibit unprecedented control over degradation in solution and within the cells. High-molecular-weight and highly compact poly(ketal hydroxyethers) (PKHEs) were synthesized from newly designed α-epoxy-ω-hydroxyl-functionalized AB(2)-type ketal monomers carrying structurally different ketal groups (both cyclic and acyclic) with good control over polymer properties by anionic ring-opening multibranching polymerization. Polymer functionalization with multiple azide and amine groups was achieved without degradation of the ketal group. The polymer degradation was controlled primarily by the differences in the structure and torsional strain of the substituted ketal groups in the main chain, while for polymers with linear (acyclic) ketal groups, the hydrophobicity of the polymer may play an additional role. This was supported by the log P values of the monomers and the hydrophobicity of the polymers determined by fluorescence spectroscopy using pyrene as the probe. A range of hydrolysis half-lives of the polymers at mild acidic pH values was achieved, from a few minutes to a few hundred days, directly correlating with the differences in ketal group structures. Confocal microscopy analyses demonstrated similar degradation profiles for PKHEs within live cells, as seen in solution and the delivery of fluorescent marker to the cytosol. The cell viability measured by MTS assay and blood compatibility determined by complement activation, platelet activation, and coagulation assays demonstrate that PKHEs and their degradation products are highly biocompatible. Taken together, these data demonstrate the utility this new class of biodegradable polymer as a highly promising candidate in the development of multifunctional nanomedicine.

Observation of multicellular spinning behavior of Proteus mirabilis by atomic force microscopy and multifunctional microscopy.

PubMed

Liu, Yanxia; Deng, Yuanxin; Luo, Shuxiu; Deng, Yu; Guo, Linming; Xu, Weiwei; Liu, Lei; Liu, Junkang

2014-01-01

This study aimed to observe the multicellular spinning behavior of Proteus mirabilis by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and multifunctional microscopy in order to understand the mechanism underlying this spinning movement and its biological significance. Multifunctional microscopy with charge-coupled device (CCD) and real-time AFM showed changes in cell structure and shape of P. mirabilis during multicellular spinning movement. Specifically, the morphological characteristics of P. mirabilis, multicellular spinning dynamics, and unique movement were observed. Our findings indicate that the multicellular spinning behavior of P. mirabilis may be used to collect nutrients, perform colonization, and squeeze out competitors. The movement characteristics of P. mirabilis are vital to the organism's biological adaptability to the surrounding environment. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Self-assembled carbon nanotube honeycomb networks using a butterfly wing template as a multifunctional nanobiohybrid.

PubMed

Miyako, Eijiro; Sugino, Takushi; Okazaki, Toshiya; Bianco, Alberto; Yudasaka, Masako; Iijima, Sumio

2013-10-22

Insect wings have many unique and complex nano/microstructures that are presently beyond the capabilities of any current technology to reproduce them artificially. In particular, Morpho butterflies are an attractive type of insect because their multifunctional wings are composed of nano/microstructures. In this paper, we show that carbon nanotube-containing composite adopts honeycomb-shaped networks when simply self-assembled on Morpho butterfly wings used as a template. The unique nano/microstructure of the composites exhibits multifunctionalities such as laser-triggered remote-heating, high electrical conductivity, and repetitive DNA amplification. Our present study highlights the important progress that has been made toward the development of smart nanobiomaterials for various applications such as digital diagnosis, soft wearable electronic devices, photosensors, and photovoltaic cells.

Nanoparticles in practice for molecular-imaging applications: An overview.

PubMed

Padmanabhan, Parasuraman; Kumar, Ajay; Kumar, Sundramurthy; Chaudhary, Ravi Kumar; Gulyás, Balázs

2016-09-01

Nanoparticles (NPs) are playing a progressively more significant role in multimodal and multifunctional molecular imaging. The agents like Superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO), manganese oxide (MnO), gold NPs/nanorods and quantum dots (QDs) possess specific properties like paramagnetism, superparamagnetism, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and photoluminescence respectively. These specific properties make them able for single/multi-modal and single/multi-functional molecular imaging. NPs generally have nanomolar or micromolar sensitivity range and can be detected via imaging instrumentation. The distinctive characteristics of these NPs make them suitable for imaging, therapy and delivery of drugs. Multifunctional nanoparticles (MNPs) can be produced through either modification of shell or surface or by attaching an affinity ligand to the nanoparticles. They are utilized for targeted imaging by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography (PET), computed tomography (CT), photo acoustic imaging (PAI), two photon or fluorescent imaging and ultra sound etc. Toxicity factor of NPs is also a very important concern and toxic effect should be eliminated. First generation NPs have been designed, developed and tested in living subjects and few of them are already in clinical use. In near future, molecular imaging will get advanced with multimodality and multifunctionality to detect diseases like cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiac diseases, inflammation, stroke, atherosclerosis and many others in their early stages. In the current review, we discussed single/multifunctional nanoparticles along with molecular imaging modalities. The present article intends to reveal recent avenues for nanomaterials in multimodal and multifunctional molecular imaging through a review of pertinent literatures. The topic emphasises on the distinctive characteristics of nanomaterial which makes them, suitable for biomedical imaging, therapy and delivery of drugs. This review is more informative of indicative technologies which will be helpful in a way to plan, understand and lead the nanotechnology related work. Copyright © 2016 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Novel multifunctional theranostic liposome drug delivery system: construction, characterization, and multimodality MR, near-infrared fluorescent, and nuclear imaging.

PubMed

Li, Shihong; Goins, Beth; Zhang, Lujun; Bao, Ande

2012-06-20

Liposomes are effective lipid nanoparticle drug delivery systems, which can also be functionalized with noninvasive multimodality imaging agents with each modality providing distinct information and having synergistic advantages in diagnosis, monitoring of disease treatment, and evaluation of liposomal drug pharmacokinetics. We designed and constructed a multifunctional theranostic liposomal drug delivery system, which integrated multimodality magnetic resonance (MR), near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent and nuclear imaging of liposomal drug delivery, and therapy monitoring and prediction. The premanufactured liposomes were composed of DSPC/cholesterol/Gd-DOTA-DSPE/DOTA-DSPE with the molar ratio of 39:35:25:1 and having ammonium sulfate/pH gradient. A lipidized NIR fluorescent tracer, IRDye-DSPE, was effectively postinserted into the premanufactured liposomes. Doxorubicin could be effectively postloaded into the multifunctional liposomes. The multifunctional doxorubicin-liposomes could also be stably radiolabeled with (99m)Tc or (64)Cu for single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) or positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, respectively. MR images displayed the high-resolution micro-intratumoral distribution of the liposomes in squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (SCCHN) tumor xenografts in nude rats after intratumoral injection. NIR fluorescent, SPECT, and PET images also clearly showed either the high intratumoral retention or distribution of the multifunctional liposomes. This multifunctional drug carrying liposome system is promising for disease theranostics allowing noninvasive multimodality NIR fluorescent, MR, SPECT, and PET imaging of their in vivo behavior and capitalizing on the inherent advantages of each modality.

Development of Coprocessed Chitin-Calcium Carbonate as Multifunctional Tablet Excipient for Direct Compression.

PubMed

Chaheen, Mohammad; Sanchez-Ballester, Noelia M; Bataille, Bernard; Yassine, Ahmad; Belamie, Emmanuel; Sharkawi, Tahmer

2018-04-24

Owing to the increasing interest in multifunctional excipients for tableting, coprocessing of individual excipients is regularly used to produce excipients of improved multifunctionality superior to individual excipients or their physical mix. The use of chitin as an excipient in tablet formulation is limited because of certain drawbacks such as poor flowability and low true density. The objective of this work is to improve these properties through coprocessing of chitin with calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ) by precipitating CaCO 3 on chitin particles using different methods. In addition, optimization of the coprocessed chitin was carried out to improve the excipient's properties. Physicochemical (CaCO 3 content, true density, X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy) and functional testing (swelling force, flowability, tensile strength, deformation mechanism, and disintegration time) were used to characterize the coprocessed product. Results showed that the calcite CaCO 3 polymorph is precipitated on the chitin surface and that it interacts with chitin at carbonyl- and amide-group level. In addition, the coprocessed excipient has an improved true density and powder flowability, with CaCO 3 forming single layer on the chitin particles surface. Tableting studies showed that the coprocessed powder exhibited an intermediate deformation behavior between CaCO 3 (most brittle) and chitin (most plastic). Tablets showed acceptable tensile strength and rapid disintegration (2-4 s). These results show the potential use of coprocessed chitin-CaCO 3 as a multifunctional excipient for fast disintegration of tablets produced by direct compression. Copyright © 2018 American Pharmacists Association®. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Doxorubicin loaded superparamagnetic PLGA-iron oxide multifunctional microbubbles for dual-mode US/MR imaging and therapy of metastasis in lymph nodes.

PubMed

Niu, Chengcheng; Wang, Zhigang; Lu, Guangming; Krupka, Tianyi M; Sun, Yang; You, Yufang; Song, Weixiang; Ran, Haitao; Li, Pan; Zheng, Yuanyi

2013-03-01

Current strategies for tumor-induced sentinel lymph node detection and metastasis therapy have limitations. In this work, we co-encapsulated iron oxide nanoparticles and chemotherapeutic drug into poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microbubbles to form multifunctional polymer microbubbles (MPMBs) for both tumor lymph node imaging and therapy. Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles and doxorubicin (DOX) co-encapsulated PLGA microbubbles were prepared and filled with perfluorocarbon gas. Enhancement of ultrasound (US)/magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and US triggered drug delivery were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. The MPMBs exhibited characters like narrow size distribution and smooth surface with a mean diameter of 868.0 ± 68.73 nm. In addition, varying the concentration of Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles in the bubbles did not significantly influence the DOX encapsulation efficiency or drug loading efficiency. Our in vitro results demonstrated that these MPMBs could enhance both US and MR imaging which was further validated in vivo showing that these MPMBs enhanced tumor lymph nodes signals. The anti-tumor effect of MPMBs mediated chemotherapy was assessed in vivo using end markers like tumor proliferation index, micro blood vessel density and micro lymphatic vessel density, which were shown consistently the lowest after the MPMBs plus sonication treatment compared to controls. In line with these findings, the tumor cell apoptotic index was found the largest after the MPMBs plus sonication treatment. In conclusion, we have successfully developed a doxorubicin loaded superparamagnetic PLGA-Iron Oxide multifunctional theranostic agent for dual-mode US/MR Imaging of lymph node, and for low frequency US triggered therapy of metastasis in lymph nodes, which might provide a strategy for the imaging and chemotherapy of primary tumor and their metastases. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Studies in Multifunctional Drug Development: Preparation and Evaluation of 11beta-Substituted Estradiol-Drug Conjugates, Cell Membrane Targeting Imaging Agents, and Target Multifunctional Nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dao, KinhLuan Lenny D.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death after cardiovascular disease in the United State. Despite extensive research in development of antitumor drugs, most of these therapeutic entities often possess nonspecific toxicity, thus they can only be used to treat tumors in higher doses or more frequently. Because of the cytotoxicity and severe side effects, the drug therapeutic window normally is limited. Beside the toxicity issue, antitumor drug are also not selectively taken up by tumor cells, thus the necessitating concentrations that would eradicate the tumor can often not be used. In addition, tumor cells tend to develop resistance against the anticancer drugs after prolonged treatment. Therefore, alleviating the systemic cytotoxicity and side effects, improving in tumor selectivity, high potency, and therapeutic efficacy are still major obstacles in the area of anticancer drug development. A more promising approach for developing a selective agent for cancer is to conjugate a potent therapeutic drug, or an imaging agent with a targeting group, such as antibody or a high binding-specificity small molecule, that selectively recognize the overexpressed antigens or proteins on tumor cells. My research combines several approaches to describe this strategy via using different targeting molecules to different diseases, as well as different potent cytotoxic drugs for different therapies. Three studies related to the preparation and biological evaluation of new therapeutic agents, such as estradiol-drug hybrids, cell membrane targeted molecular imaging agents, and multifunctional NPs will be discussed. The preliminary results of these studies indicated that our new reagents achieved their initial objectives and can be further improved for optimized synthesis and in vivo experiments. The first study describes the method in which we employed a modular assembly approach to synthesize a novel 11beta-substituted steroidal anti-estrogen. The key intermediate was synthesized with an azido-tetraethylene glycol moiety that could be coupled to a complementary doxorubicin benzoyl hydrazone, functionalized with a propargyl tetraethylene glycol moiety. Huisgen [3+2] cycloaddition chemistry gave the final hybrid which was evaluated for receptor binding to demonstrate ER-affinity and for cytotoxicity in ER(+)-MCF-7 and ER(-)-MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines. The anti-estrogen-doxorubicin hybrid demonstrated enhanced (>70-fold) selectivity for ER(+)-cells versus ER(-)-cells and enhanced efficacy compared to doxorubicin alone. The reversal of these effects by co-administration of estradiol demonstrated that the presence of the anti-estrogenic component was critical for selectivity and cytotoxicity in ER(+)-MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. The results suggest that this approach the basis for developing selective therapeutic agents for ER(+)-cancer cells with reduced effects on non-target tissues.1,2 The second study describes our use of 11beta-AE for targeting ER membrane targeting in hormone-dependent breast cancer, and of a urea-based prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) inhibitor for targeting PSMA membrane receptors in androgen-independent of prostate cancer. These derivatives were used to prepare a series of molecular imaging probes. We have successfully established our model compound, 11beta-AE radiolabeled with 18F-fluoro-OEG-azide, for in vivo imaging.3 The third study describes a strategy based on the design and synthesis of a multifunctional gold nanoparticulate (mfAuNPs) drug delivery system that can be used for prostate cancer therapy. We have utilized a convergent modular assembly approach to prepare individual components such as a) prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) ligands for targeting; b) pH-sensitive doxorubicin; and c) Re/99Tc chelating complex for radioimaging. The components can be assembled with a terminal lipoic acid or thiolated ethylene glycol oligomer for attachment to the Au surface. Initial in vitro studies with the PSMA-targeted mfAuNPs demonstrated significant selective uptake and localization properties in LnCaP and PC-3 prostate cancer cells.4 References: (1) Dao, K.-L.; Hanson, R. N.: Targeting the Estrogen Receptor using Steroid-Therapeutic Drug Conjugates (Hybrids). Bioconjugate Chemistry 2012. DOI: 10.1021/bc300378e. (2) Dao, K.-L.; Sawant, R. R.; Hendricks, J. A.; Ronga, V.; Torchilin, V. P.; Hanson, R. N.: Design, Synthesis, and Initial Biological Evaluation of a Steroidal Anti-Estrogen-Doxorubicin Bioconjugate for Targeting Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer Cells. Bioconjugate Chemistry 2012, 23, 785-795. (3) Design, Synthesis, and in vivo PET imaging of radioligand 18F-11beta-substituted estradiol (18F-11betaAE) in breast cancer (manuscript in prep.) (4) Prostate Cancer-Specific Drug Delivery and Imaging Systems: Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Multi-functional Gold Nanoparticles (manuscript in prep.)

Fully printed and integrated electrolyzer cells with additive manufacturing for high-efficiency water splitting

DOE PAGES

Yang, Gaoqiang; Mo, Jingke; Kang, Zhenye; ...

2018-02-20

Using additive manufacturing (AM) technology, a fundamental material and structure innovation was proposed to significantly increase the energy efficiency, and to reduce the weight, volume and component quantity of proton exchange membrane electrolyzer cells (PEMECs). Four conventional parts (liquid/gas diffusion layer, bipolar plate, gasket, and current distributor) in a PEMEC were integrated into one multifunctional AM plate without committing to tools or molds for the first time. In addition, since the interfacial contact resistances between those parts were eliminated, the comprehensive in-situ characterizations of AM cells showed that an excellent energy efficiency of up to 86.48% was achieved at 2more » A/cm2 and 80 degrees C, and the hydrogen generation rate was increased by 61.81% compared to the conventional cell. More importantly, the highly complex inner structures of the AM integrated multifunctional plates also exhibit the potential to break limitations of conventional manufacture methods for hydrogen generation and to open a door for the development of other energy conversion devices, including fuel cells, solar cells and batteries.« less

Fully printed and integrated electrolyzer cells with additive manufacturing for high-efficiency water splitting

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yang, Gaoqiang; Mo, Jingke; Kang, Zhenye

Using additive manufacturing (AM) technology, a fundamental material and structure innovation was proposed to significantly increase the energy efficiency, and to reduce the weight, volume and component quantity of proton exchange membrane electrolyzer cells (PEMECs). Four conventional parts (liquid/gas diffusion layer, bipolar plate, gasket, and current distributor) in a PEMEC were integrated into one multifunctional AM plate without committing to tools or molds for the first time. In addition, since the interfacial contact resistances between those parts were eliminated, the comprehensive in-situ characterizations of AM cells showed that an excellent energy efficiency of up to 86.48% was achieved at 2more » A/cm2 and 80 degrees C, and the hydrogen generation rate was increased by 61.81% compared to the conventional cell. More importantly, the highly complex inner structures of the AM integrated multifunctional plates also exhibit the potential to break limitations of conventional manufacture methods for hydrogen generation and to open a door for the development of other energy conversion devices, including fuel cells, solar cells and batteries.« less

Multifunctional Interface Facility for Receiving and Processing Planetary Surface Materials for Science Investigation and Resource Evaluation at the Deep Space Gateway

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sibille, L.; Mantovani, J. G.; Townsend, I. I.; Mueller, R. P.

2018-02-01

The concepts describe hardware and instrumentation for the study of planetary surface materials at the Deep Space Gateway as a progressive evolution of capabilities for eliminating the need for special handling and Planetary Protection (PP) protocols inside the habitats.

Hierarchical Structure and Multifunctional Surface Properties of Carnivorous Pitcher Plants Nepenthes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsu, Chiao-Peng; Lin, Yu-Min; Chen, Po-Yu

2015-04-01

Carnivorous pitcher plants of the genus Nepenthes have evolved specialized leaves fulfilling the multi-functions of attracting, capturing, retaining and digesting the prey, mostly arthropods. Different capturing mechanisms have been proposed and discussed in previous works. The most important capture mechanism is the unique super-hydrophilic surface properties of the peristome. The combination of a hierarchical surface structure and nectar secretions results in an exceptional water-lubricated trapping system. Anisotropic and unidirectional wettability is attributed to the ridge-like surface and epidermal folding. The three-dimensional plate-like wax crystals in the hydrophobic waxy zone can further prevent the prey from escaping. The captured prey are then digested in the hydrophilic digestive zone. The hybrid species Nepenthes × Miranda was investigated in this study. The surface morphology and hierarchical microstructure were characterized by scanning electron microscope. Contact angle measurement and wetting efficiency tests were performed to determine the wettability of the peristome under fresh, nectar-free and sucrose-coated conditions with controlled temperature and humidity. The results showed that sucrose-coated peristome surfaces possess the best wetting efficiency. The structure-property-function relationship and the capturing mechanism of Nepenthes were elucidated, which could further lead to the design and synthesis of novel bio-inspired surfaces and potential applications.

Microgramma vacciniifolia (Polypodiaceae) fronds contain a multifunctional lectin with immunomodulatory properties on human cells.

PubMed

de Siqueira Patriota, Leydianne Leite; Procópio, Thamara Figueiredo; de Santana Brito, Jéssica; Sebag, Virginie; de Oliveira, Ana Patrícia Silva; de Araújo Soares, Ana Karine; Moreira, Leyllane Rafael; de Albuquerque Lima, Thâmarah; Soares, Tatiana; da Silva, Túlio Diego; Paiva, Patrícia Maria Guedes; de Lorena, Virgínia Maria Barros; de Melo, Cristiane Moutinho Lagos; de Albuquerque, Lidiane Pereira; Napoleão, Thiago Henrique

2017-10-01

In this study, we report the purification and characterization of a multifunctional lectin (MvFL) from Microgramma vacciniifolia fronds as well as its immunomodulatory properties on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). MvFL (pI 4.51; 54kDa) is a glycoprotein able to inhibit trypsin activity and that has sequence similarities (32% coverage) with a plant RNA-binding protein. Hemagglutinating activity of MvFL was not altered by heating at 100°C for 30min, but was reduced in alkaline pH (8.0 and 9.0). Fluorimetric analyses showed that this lectin did not undergo marked conformational changes when heated. However, the MvFL conformation changed depending on the pH. MvFL at 6.25-25μg/mL was not cytotoxic to lymphocytes present among PBMCs. The PBMCs incubated for 24h with the lectin (12.5μg/mL) showed increased TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-10, and nitric oxide production. MvFL also stimulated T lymphocytes from PBMCs to differentiate into CD8 + cells. The activation (indicated by CD28 expression) of these cells was also stimulated. In conclusion, MvFL is a heat-stable and multifunctional protein, with both lectin and trypsin inhibitor activities, and capable of inducing predominantly a Th1 response in human PBMCs as well as activation and differentiation of T lymphocytes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Subcellular distributions of rat CaM kinase phosphatase N and other members of the CaM kinase regulatory system.

PubMed

Kitani, Takako; Okuno, Sachiko; Takeuchi, Masayuki; Fujisawa, Hitoshi

2003-07-01

Ca2+/Calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaM kinase) regulatory system is composed of multifunctional CaM kinases such as CaM kinases IV and I, upstream CaM kinases such as CaM kinase kinases alpha and beta, which activate multifunctional CaM kinases, and CaM kinase phosphatases such as CaM kinase phosphatase and CaM kinase phosphatase N, which deactivate the activated multifunctional CaM kinases. To understand the combinations of CaM kinases I and IV, CaM kinase kinases alpha and beta, and CaM kinase phosphatases, the locations of the enzymes in the cell were examined by immunocytochemical studies of cultured cells. The results indicate that CaM kinase I, CaM kinase kinase beta, and CaM kinase phosphatase occur in the cytoplasm and that CaM kinase IV, CaM kinase kinase alpha (and CaM kinase kinase beta in some cell types and tissues), and CaM kinase phosphatase N occur inside the cellular nucleus, suggesting that there are at least two different sets of CaM kinase regulatory systems, one consisting of CaM kinase I, CaM kinase kinase beta, and CaM kinase phosphatase in the cytoplasm and the other consisting of CaM kinase IV, CaM kinase kinase alpha (and CaM kinase kinase beta in some cell types and tissues), and CaM kinase phosphatase N in the nucleus.

A multifunctional poly(curcumin) nanomedicine for dual-modal targeted delivery, intracellular responsive release, dual-drug treatment and imaging of multidrug resistant cancer cells† †Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: The synthesis procedure of Biotin–PEG–PCDA and the experimental results of MTT. See DOI: 10.1039/c5tb02450a Click here for additional data file.

PubMed Central

Wang, Jining; Wang, Feihu; Li, Fangzhou; Zhang, Wenjun

2016-01-01

A multifunctional anti-cancer nanomedicine based on a biotin–poly(ethylene glycol)–poly(curcumin-dithio dipropionic acid) (Biotin–PEG–PCDA) polymeric nanocarrier loaded with paclitaxel (PTX), magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and quantum dots (QDs) is developed. It combines advantageous properties of efficient targeted delivery and uptake (via biotin and MNP), intracellular responsive release (via cleavable PCDA polymer), fluorescence imaging (via QD) and combined PTX-curcumin dual-drug treatment, allowing for overcoming drug resistance mechanisms of model multidrug resistant breast cancer cells (MCF-7/ADR). The PTX/MNPs/QDs@Biotin–PEG–PCDA nanoparticles are highly stable under physiological conditions, but are quickly disassembled to release their drug load in the presence of 10 mM glutathione (GSH). The nanoparticles show high uptake by tumour cells from a combined effect of magnet targeting and biotin receptor-mediated internalization. Moreover, curcumin, an intracellularly cleaved product of PCDA, can effectively down regulate the expression of drug efflux transporters such as P-glycoprotein (P-gp) to increase PTX accumulation within target cancer cells, thereby enhancing PTX induced cytotoxicity and therapeutic efficacy against MCF-7/ADR cells. Taken together, this novel tumour-targeting and traceable multifunctional nanomedicine is highly effective against model MDR cancer at the cellular level. PMID:27152196

Plasma membrane signaling in HIV-1 infection.

PubMed

Abbas, Wasim; Herbein, Georges

2014-04-01

Plasma membrane is a multifunctional structure that acts as the initial barrier against infection by intracellular pathogens. The productive HIV-1 infection depends upon the initial interaction of virus and host plasma membrane. Immune cells such as CD4+ T cells and macrophages contain essential cell surface receptors and molecules such as CD4, CXCR4, CCR5 and lipid raft components that facilitate HIV-1 entry. From plasma membrane HIV-1 activates signaling pathways that prepare the grounds for viral replication. Through viral proteins HIV-1 hijacks host plasma membrane receptors such as Fas, TNFRs and DR4/DR5, which results in immune evasion and apoptosis both in infected and uninfected bystander cells. These events are hallmark in HIV-1 pathogenesis that leads towards AIDS. The interplay between HIV-1 and plasma membrane signaling has much to offer in terms of viral fitness and pathogenicity, and a better understanding of this interplay may lead to development of new therapeutic approaches. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Viral Membrane Proteins - Channels for Cellular Networking. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Photonic Multitasking Interleaved Si Nanoantenna Phased Array.

PubMed

Lin, Dianmin; Holsteen, Aaron L; Maguid, Elhanan; Wetzstein, Gordon; Kik, Pieter G; Hasman, Erez; Brongersma, Mark L

2016-12-14

Metasurfaces provide unprecedented control over light propagation by imparting local, space-variant phase changes on an incident electromagnetic wave. They can improve the performance of conventional optical elements and facilitate the creation of optical components with new functionalities and form factors. Here, we build on knowledge from shared aperture phased array antennas and Si-based gradient metasurfaces to realize various multifunctional metasurfaces capable of achieving multiple distinct functions within a single surface region. As a key point, we demonstrate that interleaving multiple optical elements can be accomplished without reducing the aperture of each subelement. Multifunctional optical elements constructed from Si-based gradient metasurface are realized, including axial and lateral multifocus geometric phase metasurface lenses. We further demonstrate multiwavelength color imaging with a high spatial resolution. Finally, optical imaging functionality with simultaneous color separation has been obtained by using multifunctional metasurfaces, which opens up new opportunities for the field of advanced imaging and display.

Nanoparticle induced piezoelectric, super toughened, radiation resistant, multi-functional nanohybrids.

PubMed

Tiwari, Vimal K; Shripathi, T; Lalla, N P; Maiti, Pralay

2012-01-07

We have developed multifunctional nanohybrids of poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-chlorotrifluoroethylene) (CTFE) with a small percentage of surface modified inorganic layered silicate showing dramatic improvement in toughness, radiation resistant and piezoelectric properties vis-à-vis pristine polymer. Massive intercalation (d(001) 1.8 → 3.9 nm) of polymer inside the nanoclay galleries and unique crystallization behavior of the fluoropolymer on the surface of individual silicate layer has been reported. Toughness in the nanohybrid increases more than three orders of magnitude as compared to pure CTFE. High energy radiation (80 MeV Si(+7)) causes chain session, amorphization and creates olefinic bonds in the pure polymer while the nanohybrids are radiation resistant at a similar dose. Nanoclay induces the metastable piezoelectric β-phase in CTFE, suitable for sensor and actuator application. Molecular level changes after irradiation and controlled morphology for smart membrane have been confirmed by using spectroscopy, sol-gel technique, surface morphology studies and in situ residual gas analysis.

A highly sensitive nanoscale pH-sensor using Au nanoparticles linked by a multifunctional Raman-active reporter molecule.

PubMed

Lawson, Latevi S; Chan, James W; Huser, Thomas

2014-07-21

Chemical sensing on the nanoscale has been breaking new ground since the discovery of surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). For nanoparticles, controlled particle aggregation is necessary to achieve the largest SERS enhancements. Therefore, aggregating agents such as salts or linker molecules are used in conjunction with chemically sensitive reporters in order to develop robust environmentally sensitive SERS probes. While salt-induced colloidal nanosphere aggregates have produced robust SERS signals, their variability in aggregate size contributes significantly to poor SERS signal reproducibility, which can complicate their use in in vitro cellular studies. Such systems often also lack reproducibility in spectral measurements between different nanoparticle clusters. Preaggregation of colloids via linkers followed by surface functionalization with reporter molecules results in the linker occupying valuable SERS hotspot volume which could otherwise be utilized by additional reporter molecules. Ideally, both functionalities should be obtained from a single molecule. Here, we report the use of 3,5-dimercaptobenzoic acid, a single multifunctional molecule that creates SERS hotspots via the controlled aggregation of nanoparticles, and also reports pH values. We show that 3,5-dimercaptobenzoic acid bound to Au nanospheres results in an excellent pH nanoprobe, producing very robust, and highly reproducible SERS signals that can report pH across the entire physiological range with excellent pH resolution. To demonstrate the efficacy of our novel pH reporters, these probes were also used to image both the particle and pH distribution in the cytoplasm of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs).

Bio-inspired engineering of cell- and virus-like nanoparticles for drug delivery.

PubMed

Parodi, Alessandro; Molinaro, Roberto; Sushnitha, Manuela; Evangelopoulos, Michael; Martinez, Jonathan O; Arrighetti, Noemi; Corbo, Claudia; Tasciotti, Ennio

2017-12-01

The engineering of future generations of nanodelivery systems aims at the creation of multifunctional vectors endowed with improved circulation, enhanced targeting and responsiveness to the biological environment. Moving past purely bio-inert systems, researchers have begun to create nanoparticles capable of proactively interacting with the biology of the body. Nature offers a wide-range of sources of inspiration for the synthesis of more effective drug delivery platforms. Because the nano-bio-interface is the key driver of nanoparticle behavior and function, the modification of nanoparticles' surfaces allows the transfer of biological properties to synthetic carriers by imparting them with a biological identity. Modulation of these surface characteristics governs nanoparticle interactions with the biological barriers they encounter. Building off these observations, we provide here an overview of virus- and cell-derived biomimetic delivery systems that combine the intrinsic hallmarks of biological membranes with the delivery capabilities of synthetic carriers. We describe the features and properties of biomimetic delivery systems, recapitulating the distinctive traits and functions of viruses, exosomes, platelets, red and white blood cells. By mimicking these biological entities, we will learn how to more efficiently interact with the human body and refine our ability to negotiate with the biological barriers that impair the therapeutic efficacy of nanoparticles. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

From BACE1 Inhibitor to Multifunctionality of Tryptoline and Tryptamine Triazole Derivatives for Alzheimer’s Disease

PubMed Central

Jiaranaikulwanitch, Jutamas; Govitrapong, Piyarat; Fokin, Valery V.; Vajragupta, Opa

2013-01-01

Efforts to discover new drugs for Alzheimer’s disease emphasizing multiple targets was conducted seeking to inhibit amyloid oligomer formation and to prevent radical formation. The tryptoline and tryptamine cores of BACE1 inhibitors previously identified by virtual screening were modified in silico for additional modes of action. These core structures were readily linked to different side chains using 1,2,3-triazole rings as bridges by copper catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition reactions. Three compounds among the sixteen designed compounds exerted multifunctional activities including β-secretase inhibitory action, anti-amyloid aggregation, metal chelating and antioxidant effects at micromolar levels. The neuroprotective effects of the multifunctional compounds 6h, 12c and 12h on Aβ1–42 induced neuronal cell death at 1 μM were significantly greater than those of the potent single target compound, BACE1 inhibitor IV and were comparable to curcumin. The observed synergistic effect resulting from the reduction of the Aβ1–42 neurotoxicity cascade substantiates the validity of our multifunctional strategy in drug discovery for Alzheimer’s disease. PMID:22781443

Synthesis and Characterization of Degradable Bioconjugated Hydrogels with Hyperbranched Multifunctional Crosslinkers

PubMed Central

Pedrón, Sara; Peinado, Carmen; Bosch, Paula; S.Anseth, Kristi

2010-01-01

Hyperbranched poly(ester amide) polymer (Hybrane™ S1200; Mn 1200 g/mol) was functionalized with maleic anhydride (MA) and propylene sulfide, to obtain multifunctional crosslinkers with fumaric and thiol-end groups, S1200MA and S1200SH, respectively. The degree of substitution of maleic acid groups (DS) was controlled by varying the molar ratio of MA to S1200 in the reaction mixture. Hydrogels were obtained by UV crosslinking of functionalized S1200 and poly(ethyleneglycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) in aqueous solutions. Compressive modulus increased with decreasing the S1200/PEG ratio and also depended on the DS of the multifunctional crosslinker (S1200). Also, heparin-based macromonomers together with functionalized hyperbranched polymers were used to construct novel functional hydrogels. The multivalent hyperbranched polymers allowed high crosslinking densities in heparin modified gels while introducing biodegradation sites. Both heparin presence and acrylate/thiol ratio have an impact on degradation profiles and morphologies. Hyperbranched crosslinked hydrogels showed no evidence of cell toxicity. Overall, the multifunctional crosslinkers afford hydrogels with promising properties that suggest that these may be suitable for tissue engineering applications. PMID:20561601

Gold nanoparticles enlighten the future of cancer theranostics

PubMed Central

Guo, Jianfeng; Rahme, Kamil; He, Yan; Li, Lin-Lin; Holmes, Justin D; O’Driscoll, Caitriona M

2017-01-01

Development of multifunctional nanomaterials, one of the most interesting and advanced research areas in the field of nanotechnology, is anticipated to revolutionize cancer diagnosis and treatment. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are now being widely utilized in bio-imaging and phototherapy due to their tunable and highly sensitive optical and electronic properties (the surface plasmon resonance). As a new concept, termed “theranostics,” multifunctional AuNPs may contain diagnostic and therapeutic functions that can be integrated into one system, thereby simultaneously facilitating diagnosis and therapy and monitoring therapeutic responses. In this review, the important properties of AuNPs relevant to diagnostic and phototherapeutic applications such as structure, shape, optics, and surface chemistry are described. Barriers for translational development of theranostic AuNPs and recent advances in the application of AuNPs for cancer diagnosis, photothermal, and photodynamic therapy are discussed. PMID:28883725

Loading of chitosan - Nano metal oxide hybrids onto cotton/polyester fabrics to impart permanent and effective multifunctions.

PubMed

Ibrahim, Nabil A; Eid, Basma M; El-Aziz, Eman Abd; Elmaaty, Tarek M Abou; Ramadan, Shaimaa M

2017-12-01

New and durable multifunctional properties of cotton/polyester blended fabrics were developed through loading of chitosan (Cs) and various metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs) namely ZnO, TiO 2 , and SiO 2 onto fabric surface using citric acid/Sodium hypophosphite for ester-crosslinking and creating new anchoring and binding sites, COOH groups, onto the ester-crosslinked fabrics surface. The surface morphology and the presence of active ingredients (Cs & MONPs) onto selected - coated fabric samples were analyzed by SEM images and confirmed by EDS spectrums. The influence of various finishing formulations on some performance and functional properties such as wettability, antibacterial activity, UV-protection, self-cleaning, resiliency and durability to wash were studied. The obtained results revealed that the extent of improvement in the imparted functional properties is governed by type of loaded-hybrid and follows the decreasing order: Cs-TiO 2 NPs>Cs-ZnONPs>SiO 2 NP s >Cs alone, as well as kind of substrate cotton/polyester (65/35)>cotton/polyester (50/50). Moreover, after 15 washing cycles, the durability of the imparted functional properties of Cs/TiO 2 NP s - loaded substrates marginally decreased indicating the strong fixation of the hybrid components onto the ester-crosslinked substrates. The obtained bioactive multifunctional textiles can be used for producing eco-friendly protective textile materials for numerous applications. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Active Cells for Multifunctional Structures

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-09-24

techniques to explore a variety of cell designs.  Designed a simplified active cell using Nitinol as the actuation method and relying on Joule heating...for contraction of the cell.  Developed manufacturing techniques for reliably creating Nitinol spring coils in a variety of diameters and gauges...design of the active cells to maximum the stroked length of the active cells by tuning the stiffness of a passive spring in parallel with the Nitinol

Development of chitosan graft pluronic®F127 copolymer nanoparticles containing DNA aptamer for paclitaxel delivery to treat breast cancer cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thach Nguyen, Kim; Le, Duc Vinh; Do, Dinh Ho; Huan Le, Quang

2016-06-01

HER-2/ErbB2/Neu(HER-2), a member of the epidermal growth factor receptor family, is specifically overexpressed on the surface of breast cancer cells and serves a therapeutic target for breast cancer. In this study, we aimed to isolate DNA aptamer (Ap) that specifically bind to a HER-2 overexpressing SK-BR-3 human breast cancer cell line, using SELEX strategy. We developed a novel multifunctional composite micelle with surface modification of Ap for targeted delivery of paclitaxel. This binary mixed system consisting of Ap modified pluronic®F127 and chitosan could enhance PTX loading capacity and increase micelle stability. Polymeric micelles had a spherical shape and were self-assemblies of block copolymers of approximately 86.22 ± 1.45 nm diameter. PTX could be loaded with high encapsulation efficiency (83.28 ± 0.13%) and loading capacity (9.12 ± 0.34%). The release profile were 29%-35% in the first 12 h and 85%-93% after 12 d at pH 7.5 of receiving media. The IC50 doses by MTT assay showed the greater activity of nanoparticles loaded paclitaxel over free paclitaxel and killed cells up to 95% after 6 h. These results demonstrated unique assembly with the capacity to function as an efficient detection and delivery vehicle in the biological living system.

ZnO Nanostructure Templates as a Cost-Efficient Mass-Producible Route for the Development of Cellular Networks

PubMed Central

Makarona, Eleni; Peter, Beatrix; Szekacs, Inna; Tsamis, Christos; Horvath, Robert

2016-01-01

The development of artificial surfaces which can regulate or trigger specific functions of living cells, and which are capable of inducing in vivo-like cell behaviors under in vitro conditions has been a long-sought goal over the past twenty years. In this work, an alternative, facile and cost-efficient method for mass-producible cellular templates is presented. The proposed methodology consists of a cost-efficient, two-step, all-wet technique capable of producing ZnO-based nanostructures on predefined patterns on a variety of substrates. ZnO—apart from the fact that it is a biocompatible material—was chosen because of its multifunctional nature which has rendered it a versatile material employed in a wide range of applications. Si, Si3N4, emulated microelectrode arrays and conventional glass cover slips were patterned at the micrometer scale and the patterns were filled with ZnO nanostructures. Using HeLa cells, we demonstrated that the fabricated nanotopographical features could promote guided cellular adhesion on the pre-defined micron-scale patterns only through nanomechanical cues without the need for further surface activation or modification. The basic steps of the micro/nanofabrication are presented and the results from the cell adhesion experiments are discussed, showing the potential of the suggested methodology for creating low-cost templates for engineered cellular networks. PMID:28773382

Synthesis of a multi-functional DNA nanosphere barcode system for direct cell detection.

PubMed

Han, Sangwoo; Lee, Jae Sung; Lee, Jong Bum

2017-09-28

Nucleic acid-based technologies have been applied to numerous biomedical applications. As a novel material for target detection, DNA has been used to construct a barcode system with a range of structures. This paper reports multi-functionalized DNA nanospheres (DNANSs) by rolling circle amplification (RCA) with several functionalized nucleotides. DNANSs with a barcode system were designed to exhibit fluorescence for coding enhanced signals and contain biotin for more functionalities, including targeting through the biotin-streptavidin (biotin-STA) interaction. Functionalized deoxynucleotide triphosphates (dNTPs) were mixed in the RCA process and functional moieties can be expressed on the DNANSs. The anti-epidermal growth factor receptor antibodies (anti-EGFR Abs) can be conjugated on DNANSs for targeting cancer cells specifically. As a proof of concept, the potential of the multi-functional DNANS barcode was demonstrated by direct cell detection as a simple detection method. The DNANS barcode provides a new route for the simple and rapid selective recognition of cancer cells.

Eosinophils in mucosal immune responses

PubMed Central

Travers, J; Rothenberg, M E

2015-01-01

Eosinophils, multifunctional cells that contribute to both innate and adaptive immunity, are involved in the initiation, propagation and resolution of immune responses, including tissue repair. They achieve this multifunctionality by expression of a diverse set of activation receptors, including those that directly recognize pathogens and opsonized targets, and by their ability to store and release preformed cytotoxic mediators that participate in host defense, to produce a variety of de novo pleotropic mediators and cytokines and to interact directly and indirectly with diverse cell types, including adaptive and innate immunocytes and structural cells. Herein, we review the basic biology of eosinophils and then focus on new emerging concepts about their role in mucosal immune homeostasis, particularly maintenance of intestinal IgA. We review emerging data about their development and regulation and describe new concepts concerning mucosal eosinophilic diseases. We describe recently developed therapeutic strategies to modify eosinophil levels and function and provide collective insight about the beneficial and detrimental functions of these enigmatic cells. PMID:25807184

Ebolavirus VP35 is a multifunctional virulence factor.

PubMed

Leung, Daisy W; Prins, Kathleen C; Basler, Christopher F; Amarasinghe, Gaya K

2010-01-01

Ebola virus (EBOV) is a member of the filoviridae family that causes severe hemorrhagic fever during sporadic outbreaks, and no approved treatments are currently available. The multifunctional EBOV VP35 protein facilitates immune evasion by antagonizing antiviral signaling pathways and is important for viral RNA synthesis. In order to elucidate regulatory mechanisms and to develop countermeasures, we recently solved the structures of the Zaire and Reston EBOV VP35 interferon inhibitory domain (IID) in the free form and of the Zaire EBOV VP35 IID bound to dsRNA. Together with biochemical, cell biological, and virological studies, our structural work revealed that distinct regions within EBOV VP35 IID contribute to virulence through host immune evasion and viral RNA synthesis. Here we summarize our recent structural and functional studies and discuss the potential of multifunctional Ebola VP35 as a therapeutic target.

Synthesis and Cell Imaging of a Near-Infrared Fluorescent Magnetic "CdHgTe-Dextran-Magnetic Layered Double Hydroxide-Fluorouracil" Composite.

PubMed

Jin, XueQin; Zhang, Min; Gou, GuoJing; Ren, Jie

2016-05-01

In this article, a water-soluble near-infrared quantum dots of CdHgTe were prepared and subsequently combined with the drug delivery system "dextran-magnetic layered double hydroxide-fluorouracil" (DMF) to build a new nanostructure platform in form of CdHgTe@DMF, in which the fluorescent probe function of quantum dots and the magnetic targeting transport and slow-release curative effect of DMF were blended availably together. The luminescent property particle size, and internal structure of the composite were characterized using fluorescence spectrophotometer, ultraviolet spectrophotometer, laser particle size distribution, TEM, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared. The experimental study on fluorescent tags effect and magnetic targeting performance of the multifunctional platform were performed by fluorescent confocal imaging. The results showed that the CdHgTe could be grafted successfully onto the surface of DMF by electrostatic coupling. The CdHgTe@DMF composite showed super-paramagnetic and photoluminescence property in the near-infrared wavelength range of 575-780 nm. Compared with CdHgTe, the CdHgTe@DMF composite could significantly improve the cell imaging effect, the label intensity increased with the magnetic field intensity, and obeyed the linear relationship Dmean = 1.758 + 0.0075M under the conditions of magnetic field interference. It can be implied that the CdHgTe@DMF may be an effective multifunction tool applying to optical bioimaging and magnetic targeted therapy. Copyright © 2016 American Pharmacists Association®. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Novel Multifunctional Theranostic Liposome Drug Delivery System: Construction, Characterization, and Multimodality MR, Near-infrared Fluorescent and Nuclear Imaging

PubMed Central

Li, Shihong; Goins, Beth; Zhang, Lujun; Bao, Ande

2012-01-01

Liposomes are effective lipid nanoparticle drug delivery systems, which can also be functionalized with non-invasive multimodality imaging agents with each modality providing distinct information and having synergistic advantages in diagnosis, monitoring of disease treatment, and evaluation of liposomal drug pharmacokinetics. We designed and constructed a multifunctional theranostic liposomal drug delivery system, which integrated multimodality magnetic resonance (MR), near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent and nuclear imaging of liposomal drug delivery, and therapy monitoring and prediction. The pre-manufactured liposomes were composed of DSPC/cholesterol/Gd-DOTADSPE/DOTA-DSPE with the molar ratio of 39:35:25:1 and having ammonium sulfate/pH gradient. A lipidized NIR fluorescent tracer, IRDye-DSPE, was effectively post-inserted into the pre-manufactured liposomes. Doxorubicin could be effectively post-loaded into the multifunctional liposomes. The multifunctional doxorubicin-liposomes could also be stably radiolabeled with 99mTc or 64Cu for single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) or positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, respectively. MR images displayed the high resolution micro-intratumoral distribution of the liposomes in squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (SCCHN) tumor xenografts in nude rats after intratumoral injection. NIR fluorescent, SPECT and PET images also clearly showed either the high intratumoral retention or distribution of the multifunctional liposomes. This multifunctional drug carrying liposome system is promising for disease theranostics allowing non-invasive multimodality NIR fluorescent, MR, SPECT and PET imaging of their in vivo behavior and capitalizing on the inherent advantages of each modality. PMID:22577859

Design, synthesis and applications of core-shell, hollow core, and nanorattle multifunctional nanostructures.

PubMed

El-Toni, Ahmed Mohamed; Habila, Mohamed A; Labis, Joselito Puzon; ALOthman, Zeid A; Alhoshan, Mansour; Elzatahry, Ahmed A; Zhang, Fan

2016-02-07

With the evolution of nanoscience and nanotechnology, studies have been focused on manipulating nanoparticle properties through the control of their size, composition, and morphology. As nanomaterial research has progressed, the foremost focus has gradually shifted from synthesis, morphology control, and characterization of properties to the investigation of function and the utility of integrating these materials and chemical sciences with the physical, biological, and medical fields, which therefore necessitates the development of novel materials that are capable of performing multiple tasks and functions. The construction of multifunctional nanomaterials that integrate two or more functions into a single geometry has been achieved through the surface-coating technique, which created a new class of substances designated as core-shell nanoparticles. Core-shell materials have growing and expanding applications due to the multifunctionality that is achieved through the formation of multiple shells as well as the manipulation of core/shell materials. Moreover, core removal from core-shell-based structures offers excellent opportunities to construct multifunctional hollow core architectures that possess huge storage capacities, low densities, and tunable optical properties. Furthermore, the fabrication of nanomaterials that have the combined properties of a core-shell structure with that of a hollow one has resulted in the creation of a new and important class of substances, known as the rattle core-shell nanoparticles, or nanorattles. The design strategies of these new multifunctional nanostructures (core-shell, hollow core, and nanorattle) are discussed in the first part of this review. In the second part, different synthesis and fabrication approaches for multifunctional core-shell, hollow core-shell and rattle core-shell architectures are highlighted. Finally, in the last part of the article, the versatile and diverse applications of these nanoarchitectures in catalysis, energy storage, sensing, and biomedicine are presented.

A review: flexible, stretchable multifunctional sensors and actuators for heart arrhythmia therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, Seung-Jo; Pak, James Jungho

2017-12-01

Cardiovascular disease is a very serious disease which results in about 30% of all global mortality. Atrial fibrillation (AF) causes rapid and irregular contractions resulting in stroke and cardiac arrest. AF is caused by abnormality of the heartbeat controlling electrical signal. Catheter ablation (CA) is often used to treat and remove the abnormal electrical source from the heart but it has limitations in sensing capability and spatial coverage. To overcome the limitations of the CA, new devices for improving the spatial capability have been reported. One of the most impressive methods is wrapping the heart surface with a flexible/stretchable film with an array of high-density multifunctional micro-sensors and actuators. With this technique, the overall heart surface may be diagnosed in real time and the AF may be treated much more effectively. The data acquisition from the array of multifunctional sensors is also very important for making the new devices useful. To operate the implanted device system, a battery is mostly used and it should be avoided to replace the battery by surgery. Therefore, various energy harvesting techniques or wireless energy transfer techniques to continuously feed the power to the system are under investigation. The development of these technologies was reviewed, and the current level of technology was reviewed and summarized.

Flavonoid-modified surfaces: multifunctional bioactive biomaterials with osteopromotive, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic potential.

PubMed

Córdoba, Alba; Satué, María; Gómez-Florit, Manuel; Hierro-Oliva, Margarita; Petzold, Christiane; Lyngstadaas, Staale P; González-Martín, María Luisa; Monjo, Marta; Ramis, Joana M

2015-03-11

Flavonoids are small polyphenolic molecules of natural origin with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. Here, a bioactive surface based on the covalent immobilization of flavonoids taxifolin and quercitrin on titanium substrates is presented, using (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) as coupling agent. FTIR and XPS measurements confirm the grafting of the flavonoids to the surfaces. Using 2-aminoethyl diphenylborinate (DPBA, a flavonoid-specific dye), the modified surfaces are imaged by fluorescence microscopy. The bioactivity of the flavonoid-modified surfaces is evaluated in vitro with human umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) and human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and compared to that of simple flavonoid coatings prepared by drop casting. Flavonoid-modified surfaces show anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic potential on HGF. In addition, Ti surfaces covalently functionalized with flavonoids promote the differentiation of hUC-MSCs to osteoblasts--enhancing the expression of osteogenic markers, increasing alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium deposition; while drop-casted surfaces do not. These findings could have a high impact in the development of advanced implantable medical devices like bone implants. Given the broad range of bioactivities of flavonoid compounds, these surfaces are ready to be explored for other biomedical applications, e.g., as stent surface or tumor-targeted functionalized nanoparticles for cardiovascular or cancer therapies. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Synthesis, photophysical analysis, and in vitro cytotoxicity assessment of the multifunctional (magnetic and luminescent) core@shell nanomaterial based on lanthanide-doped orthovanadates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szczeszak, Agata; Ekner-Grzyb, Anna; Runowski, Marcin; Mrówczyńska, Lucyna; Grzyb, Tomasz; Lis, Stefan

2015-03-01

Rare earths orthovanadates (REVO4) doped with luminescent lanthanide ions (Ln3+) play an important role as promising light-emitting materials. Gadolinium orthovanadate exhibits strong absorption of ultraviolet radiation and as a matrix doped with Eu3+ ions is well known for its efficient and intense red emission, induced by energy transfer from the VO4 3- groups to Eu3+ ions. In the presented study, Fe3O4@SiO2@GdVO4:Eu3+ 5 % nanomaterial was investigated. The core@shell structures demonstrate attractive properties, such as higher thermal stability, enhanced water solubility, increased optical response, higher luminescence, longer decay times, and magnetic properties. Silica coating may protect nanocrystals from the surrounding environment. Therefore, such silica-covered nanoparticles (NPs) are successfully utilized in biomedical research. Multifunctional magnetic nanophosphors are very interesting due to their potential biomedical applications such as magnetic resonance imaging, hyperthermic treatment, and drug delivery. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate photophysical, chemical, and biological properties of multifunctional REVO4 doped with Ln3+. Moreover, the studied NPs did not affect erythrocyte sedimentation rate, cell membrane permeability, and morphology of human red blood cells.

Nanoscale biophysical properties of the cell surface galactosaminogalactan from the fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beaussart, Audrey; El-Kirat-Chatel, Sofiane; Fontaine, Thierry; Latgé, Jean-Paul; Dufrêne, Yves F.

2015-09-01

Many fungal pathogens produce cell surface polysaccharides that play essential roles in host-pathogen interactions. In Aspergillus fumigatus, the newly discovered polysaccharide galactosaminogalactan (GAG) mediates adherence to a variety of substrates through molecular mechanisms that are poorly understood. Here we use atomic force microscopy to unravel the localization and adhesion of GAG on living fungal cells. Using single-molecule imaging with tips bearing anti-GAG antibodies, we found that GAG is massively exposed on wild-type (WT) germ tubes, consistent with the notion that this glycopolymer is secreted by the mycelium of A. fumigatus, while it is lacking on WT resting conidia and on germ tubes from a mutant (Δuge3) deficient in GAG. Imaging germ tubes with tips bearing anti-β-glucan antibodies shows that exposure of β-glucan is strongly increased in the Δuge3 mutant, indicating that this polysaccharide is masked by GAG during hyphal growth. Single-cell force measurements show that expression of GAG on germ tubes promotes specific adhesion to pneumocytes and non-specific adhesion to hydrophobic substrates. These results provide a molecular foundation for the multifunctional adhesion properties of GAG, thus suggesting it could be used as a potential target in anti-adhesion therapy and immunotherapy. Our methodology represents a powerful approach for characterizing the nanoscale organization and adhesion of cell wall polysaccharides during fungal morphogenesis, thereby contributing to increase our understanding of their role in biofilm formation and immune responses.

Activation of chloride channels in normal and cystic fibrosis airway epithelial cells by multifunctional calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wagner, John A.; Cozens, Alison L.; Schulman, Howard; Gruenert, Dieter C.; Stryer, Lubert; Gardner, Phyllis

1991-02-01

CYSTIC fibrosis is associated with defective regulation of apical membrane chloride channels in airway epithelial cells. These channels in normal cells are activated by cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase1,2 and protein kinase C3,4. In cystic fibrosis these kinases fail to activate otherwise normal Cl- channels1-4. But Cl- flux in cystic fibrosis cells, as in normal cells, can be activated by raising intracellular Ca2+ (refs 5-10). We report here whole-cell patch clamp studies of normal and cystic fibrosis-derived airway epithelial cells showing that Cl- channel activation by Ca2+ is mediated by multifunctional Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase. We find that intracellular application of activated kinase and ATP activates a Cl- current similar to that activated by a Ca2+ ionophore, that peptide inhibitors of either the kinase or calmodulin block Ca2+-dependent activation of Cl- channels, and that a peptide inhibitor of protein kinase C does not block Ca2+-dependent activation. Ca2+/calmodulin activation of Cl- channels presents a pathway with therapeutic potential for circumventing defective regulation of Cl- channels in cystic fibrosis.

Development of a Recombinant Multifunctional Biomacromolecule for Targeted Gene Transfer to Prostate Cancer Cells.

PubMed

Hatefi, Arash; Karjoo, Zahra; Nomani, Alireza

2017-09-11

The objective of this study was to genetically engineer a fully functional single chain fusion peptide composed of motifs from diverse biological and synthetic origins that can perform multiple tasks including DNA condensation, cell targeting, cell transfection, particle shielding from immune system and effective gene transfer to prostate tumors. To achieve the objective, a single chain biomacromolecule (vector) consisted of four repeatative units of histone H2A peptide, fusogenic peptide GALA, short elastin-like peptide, and PC-3 cell targeting peptide was designed. To examine the functionality of each motif in the vector sequence, it was characterized in terms of size and zeta potential by Zetasizer, PC-3 cell targeting and transfection by flowcytometry, IgG induction by immunogenicity assay, and PC-3 tumor transfection by quantitative live animal imaging. Overall, the results of this study showed the possibility of using genetic engineering techniques to program various functionalities into one single chain vector and create a multifunctional nonimmunogenic biomacromolecule for targeted gene transfer to prostate cancer cells. This proof-of-concept study is a significant step forward toward creating a library of vectors for targeted gene transfer to any cancer cell type at both in vitro and in vivo levels.

Optimized Assembly of a Multifunctional RNA-Protein Nanostructure in a Cell-Free Gene Expression System.

PubMed

Schwarz-Schilling, Matthaeus; Dupin, Aurore; Chizzolini, Fabio; Krishnan, Swati; Mansy, Sheref S; Simmel, Friedrich C

2018-04-11

Molecular complexes composed of RNA molecules and proteins are promising multifunctional nanostructures for a wide variety of applications in biological cells or in artificial cellular systems. In this study, we systematically address some of the challenges associated with the expression and assembly of such hybrid structures using cell-free gene expression systems. As a model structure, we investigated a pRNA-derived RNA scaffold functionalized with four distinct aptamers, three of which bind to proteins, streptavidin and two fluorescent proteins, while one binds the small molecule dye malachite green (MG). Using MG fluorescence and Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) between the RNA-scaffolded proteins, we assess critical assembly parameters such as chemical stability, binding efficiency, and also resource sharing effects within the reaction compartment. We then optimize simultaneous expression and coassembly of the RNA-protein nanostructure within a single-compartment cell-free gene expression system. We demonstrate expression and assembly of the multicomponent nanostructures inside of emulsion droplets and their aptamer-mediated localization onto streptavidin-coated substrates, plus the successful assembly of the hybrid structures inside of bacterial cells.

A highly sensitive nanoscale pH-sensor using Au nanoparticles linked by a multifunctional Raman-active reporter molecule

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lawson, Latevi S.; Chan, James W.; Huser, Thomas

2014-06-01

Chemical sensing on the nanoscale has been breaking new ground since the discovery of surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). For nanoparticles, controlled particle aggregation is necessary to achieve the largest SERS enhancements. Therefore, aggregating agents such as salts or linker molecules are used in conjunction with chemically sensitive reporters in order to develop robust environmentally sensitive SERS probes. While salt-induced colloidal nanosphere aggregates have produced robust SERS signals, their variability in aggregate size contributes significantly to poor SERS signal reproducibility, which can complicate their use in in vitro cellular studies. Such systems often also lack reproducibility in spectral measurements between different nanoparticle clusters. Preaggregation of colloids via linkers followed by surface functionalization with reporter molecules results in the linker occupying valuable SERS hotspot volume which could otherwise be utilized by additional reporter molecules. Ideally, both functionalities should be obtained from a single molecule. Here, we report the use of 3,5-dimercaptobenzoic acid, a single multifunctional molecule that creates SERS hotspots via the controlled aggregation of nanoparticles, and also reports pH values. We show that 3,5-dimercaptobenzoic acid bound to Au nanospheres results in an excellent pH nanoprobe, producing very robust, and highly reproducible SERS signals that can report pH across the entire physiological range with excellent pH resolution. To demonstrate the efficacy of our novel pH reporters, these probes were also used to image both the particle and pH distribution in the cytoplasm of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs).Chemical sensing on the nanoscale has been breaking new ground since the discovery of surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). For nanoparticles, controlled particle aggregation is necessary to achieve the largest SERS enhancements. Therefore, aggregating agents such as salts or linker molecules are used in conjunction with chemically sensitive reporters in order to develop robust environmentally sensitive SERS probes. While salt-induced colloidal nanosphere aggregates have produced robust SERS signals, their variability in aggregate size contributes significantly to poor SERS signal reproducibility, which can complicate their use in in vitro cellular studies. Such systems often also lack reproducibility in spectral measurements between different nanoparticle clusters. Preaggregation of colloids via linkers followed by surface functionalization with reporter molecules results in the linker occupying valuable SERS hotspot volume which could otherwise be utilized by additional reporter molecules. Ideally, both functionalities should be obtained from a single molecule. Here, we report the use of 3,5-dimercaptobenzoic acid, a single multifunctional molecule that creates SERS hotspots via the controlled aggregation of nanoparticles, and also reports pH values. We show that 3,5-dimercaptobenzoic acid bound to Au nanospheres results in an excellent pH nanoprobe, producing very robust, and highly reproducible SERS signals that can report pH across the entire physiological range with excellent pH resolution. To demonstrate the efficacy of our novel pH reporters, these probes were also used to image both the particle and pH distribution in the cytoplasm of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr06277e

Multifunctional ferromagnetic disks for modulating cell function

PubMed Central

Vitol, Elina A.; Novosad, Valentyn; Rozhkova, Elena A.

2013-01-01

In this work, we focus on the methods for controlling cell function with ferromagnetic disk-shaped particles. We will first review the history of magnetically assisted modulation of cell behavior and applications of magnetic particles for studying physical properties of a cell. Then, we consider the biological applications of the microdisks such as the method for induction of cancer cell apoptosis, controlled drug release, hyperthermia and MRI imaging. PMID:23766544

A multifunctional energy-storage system with high-power lead-acid batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wagner, R.; Schroeder, M.; Stephanblome, T.; Handschin, E.

A multifunctional energy storage system is presented which is used to improve the utilization of renewable energy supplies. This system includes three different functions: (i) uninterruptible power supply (UPS); (ii) improvement of power quality; (iii) peak-load shaving. The UPS application has a long tradition and is used whenever a reliable power supply is needed. Additionally, nowadays, there is a growing demand for high quality power arising from an increase of system perturbation of electric grids. Peak-load shaving means in this case the use of renewable energy stored in a battery for high peak-load periods. For such a multifunctional application large lead-acid batteries with high power and good charge acceptance, as well as good cycle life are needed. OCSM batteries as with positive tubular plates and negative copper grids have been used successfully for a multitude of utility applications. This paper gives two examples where multifunctional energy storage systems have started operation recently in Germany. One system was installed in combination with a 1 MW solar plant in Herne and another one was installed in combination with a 2 MW wind farm in Bocholt. At each place, a 1.2 MW h (1 h-rate) lead-acid battery has been installed. The batteries consist of OCSM cells with the standard design but modified according to the special demand of a multifunctional application.

Micro-arc oxidation as a tool to develop multifunctional calcium-rich surfaces for dental implant applications.

PubMed

Ribeiro, A R; Oliveira, F; Boldrini, L C; Leite, P E; Falagan-Lotsch, P; Linhares, A B R; Zambuzzi, W F; Fragneaud, B; Campos, A P C; Gouvêa, C P; Archanjo, B S; Achete, C A; Marcantonio, E; Rocha, L A; Granjeiro, J M

2015-09-01

Titanium (Ti) is commonly used in dental implant applications. Surface modification strategies are being followed in last years in order to build Ti oxide-based surfaces that can fulfill, simultaneously, the following requirements: induced cell attachment and adhesion, while providing a superior corrosion and tribocorrosion performance. In this work micro-arc oxidation (MAO) was used as a tool for the growth of a nanostructured bioactive titanium oxide layer aimed to enhance cell attachment and adhesion for dental implant applications. Characterization of the surfaces was performed, in terms of morphology, topography, chemical composition and crystalline structure. Primary human osteoblast adhesion on the developed surfaces was investigated in detail by electronic and atomic force microscopy as well as immunocytochemistry. Also an investigation on the early cytokine production was performed. Results show that a relatively thick hybrid and graded oxide layer was produced on the Ti surface, being constituted by a mixture of anatase, rutile and amorphous phases where calcium (Ca) and phosphorous (P) were incorporated. An outermost nanometric-thick amorphous oxide layer rich in Ca was present in the film. This amorphous layer, rich in Ca, improved fibroblast viability and metabolic activity as well as osteoblast adhesion. High-resolution techniques allowed to understand that osteoblasts adhered less in the crystalline-rich regions while they preferentially adhere and spread over in the Ca-rich amorphous oxide layer. Also, these surfaces induce higher amounts of IFN-γ cytokine secretion, which is known to regulate inflammatory responses, bone microarchitecture as well as cytoskeleton reorganization and cellular spreading. These surfaces are promising in the context of dental implants, since they might lead to faster osseointegration. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Concise review: Pax6 transcription factor contributes to both embryonic and adult neurogenesis as a multifunctional regulator.

PubMed

Osumi, Noriko; Shinohara, Hiroshi; Numayama-Tsuruta, Keiko; Maekawa, Motoko

2008-07-01

Pax6 is a highly conserved transcription factor among vertebrates and is important in various developmental processes in the central nervous system (CNS), including patterning of the neural tube, migration of neurons, and formation of neural circuits. In this review, we focus on the role of Pax6 in embryonic and postnatal neurogenesis, namely, production of new neurons from neural stem/progenitor cells, because Pax6 is intensely expressed in these cells from the initial stage of CNS development and in neurogenic niches (the subgranular zone of the hippocampal dentate gyrus and the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricle) throughout life. Pax6 is a multifunctional player regulating proliferation and differentiation through the control of expression of different downstream molecules in a highly context-dependent manner.

Atomic layer deposition on polymer fibers and fabrics for multifunctional and electronic textiles

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Brozena, Alexandra H.; Oldham, Christopher J.; Parsons, Gregory N., E-mail: gnp@ncsu.edu

Textile materials, including woven cotton, polymer knit fabrics, and synthetic nonwoven fiber mats, are being explored as low-cost, flexible, and light-weight platforms for wearable electronic sensing, communication, energy generation, and storage. The natural porosity and high surface area in textiles is also useful for new applications in environmental protection, chemical decontamination, pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing, catalytic support, tissue regeneration, and others. These applications raise opportunities for new chemistries, chemical processes, biological coupling, and nanodevice systems that can readily combine with textile manufacturing to create new “multifunctional” fabrics. Atomic layer deposition (ALD) has a unique ability to form highly uniform andmore » conformal thin films at low processing temperature on nonuniform high aspect ratio surfaces. Recent research shows how ALD can coat, modify, and otherwise improve polymer fibers and textiles by incorporating new materials for viable electronic and other multifunctional capabilities. This article provides a current overview of the understanding of ALD coating and modification of textiles, including current capabilities and outstanding problems, with the goal of providing a starting point for further research and advances in this field. After a brief introduction to textile materials and current textile treatment methods, the authors discuss unique properties of ALD-coated textiles, followed by a review of recent electronic and multifunctional textiles that use ALD coatings either as direct functional components or as critical nucleation layers for active materials integration. The article concludes with possible future directions for ALD on textiles, including the challenges in materials, manufacturing, and manufacturing integration that must be overcome for ALD to reach its full potential in electronic and other emerging multifunctional textile systems.« less

Functionalized magnetic-fluorescent hybrid nanoparticles for cell labelling.

PubMed

Lou, Lei; Yu, Ke; Zhang, Zhengli; Li, Bo; Zhu, Jianzhong; Wang, Yiting; Huang, Rong; Zhu, Ziqiang

2011-05-01

A facile method of synthesizing 60 nm magnetic-fluorescent core-shell bifunctional nanocomposites with the ability to label cells is presented. Hydrophobic trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO)-capped CdSe@ZnS quantum dots (QDs) were assembled on polyethyleneimine (PEI)-coated Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles (MNP). Polyethyleneimine was utilized for the realization of multifunction, including attaching 4 nm TOPO capped CdSe@ZnS quantum dots onto magnetite particles, altering the surface properties of quantum dots from hydrophobic to hydrophilic as well as preventing the formation of large aggregates. Results show that these water-soluble hybrid nanocomposites exhibit good colloidal stability and retain good magnetic and fluorescent properties. Because TOPO-capped QDs are assembled instead of their water-soluble equivalents, the nanocomposites are still highly luminescent with no shift in the PL peak position and present long-term fluorescence stability. Moreover, TAT peptide (GRKKRRQRRRPQ) functionalized hybrid nanoparticles were also studied due to their combined magnetic enrichment and optical detection for cell separation and rapid cell labelling. A cell viability assay revealed good biocompatibility of these hybrid nanoparticles. The potential application of the new magnetic-fluorescent nanocomposites in biological and medicine is demonstrated. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2011

Biocrust-forming mosses mitigate the negative impacts of increasing aridity on ecosystem multifunctionality in drylands.

PubMed

Delgado-Baquerizo, Manuel; Maestre, Fernando T; Eldridge, David J; Bowker, Matthew A; Ochoa, Victoria; Gozalo, Beatriz; Berdugo, Miguel; Val, James; Singh, Brajesh K

2016-03-01

The increase in aridity predicted with climate change will have a negative impact on the multiple functions and services (multifunctionality) provided by dryland ecosystems worldwide. In these ecosystems, soil communities dominated by mosses, lichens and cyanobacteria (biocrusts) play a key role in supporting multifunctionality. However, whether biocrusts can buffer the negative impacts of aridity on important biogeochemical processes controlling carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) pools and fluxes remains largely unknown. Here, we conducted an empirical study, using samples from three continents (North America, Europe and Australia), to evaluate how the increase in aridity predicted by climate change will alter the capacity of biocrust-forming mosses to modulate multiple ecosystem processes related to C, N and P cycles. Compared with soil surfaces lacking biocrusts, biocrust-forming mosses enhanced multiple functions related to C, N and P cycling and storage in semiarid and arid, but not in humid and dry-subhumid, environments. Most importantly, we found that the relative positive effects of biocrust-forming mosses on multifunctionality compared with bare soil increased with increasing aridity. These results were mediated by plant cover and the positive effects exerted by biocrust-forming mosses on the abundance of soil bacteria and fungi. Our findings provide strong evidence that the maintenance of biocrusts is crucial to buffer negative effects of climate change on multifunctionality in global drylands. © 2015 The Authors. New Phytologist © 2015 New Phytologist Trust.

Multifunctional targeted liposomal drug delivery for efficient glioblastoma treatment

PubMed Central

Belhadj, Zakia; Zhan, Changyou; Ying, Man; Wei, Xiaoli; Xie, Cao; Yan, Zhiqiang; Lu, Weiyue

2017-01-01

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) has been considered to be the most malignant brain tumors. Due to the existence of various barriers including the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and blood–brain tumor barrier (BBTB) greatly hinder the accumulation and deep penetration of chemotherapeutics, the treatment of glioma remains to be the most challenging task in clinic. In order to circumvent these hurdles, we developed a multifunctional liposomal glioma-targeted drug delivery system (c(RGDyK)/pHA-LS) modified with cyclic RGD (c(RGDyK)) and p-hydroxybenzoic acid (pHA) in which c(RGDyK) could target integrin αvβ3 overexpressed on the BBTB and glioma cells and pHA could target dopamine receptors on the BBB. In vitro, c(RGDyK)/pHA-LS could target glioblastoma cells (U87), brain capillary endothelial cells (bEnd.3) and umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) through a comprehensive pathway. Besides, c(RGDyK)/pHA-LS could also increase the cytotoxicity of doxorubicin encapsulated in liposomes on glioblastoma cells, and was able to penetrate inside the glioma spheroids after traversing the in vitro BBB and BBTB. In vivo, we demonstrated the targeting ability of c(RGDyK)/pHA-LS to intracranial glioma. As expected, c(RGDyK)/pHA-LS/DOX showed a median survival time of 35 days, which was 2.31-, 1.76- and 1.5-fold higher than that of LS/DOX, c(RGDyK)-LS/DOX, and pHA-LS/DOX, respectively. The findings here suggested that the multifunctional glioma-targeted drug delivery system modified with both c(RGDyK) and pHA displayed strong antiglioma efficiency in vitro and in vivo, representing a promising platform for glioma therapy. PMID:28978003

Establishing Antibacterial Multilayer Films on the Surface of Direct Metal Laser Sintered Titanium Primed with Phase-Transited Lysozyme

PubMed Central

Guan, Binbin; Wang, Haorong; Xu, Ruiqing; Zheng, Guoying; Yang, Jie; Liu, Zihao; Cao, Man; Wu, Mingyao; Song, Jinhua; Li, Neng; Li, Ting; Cai, Qing; Yang, Xiaoping; Li, Yanqiu; Zhang, Xu

2016-01-01

Direct metal laser sintering is a technology that allows the fabrication of titanium (Ti) implants with a functional gradation of porosity and surface roughness according to three-dimensional (3D) computer data. The surface roughness of direct metal laser sintered titanium (DMLS-Ti) implants may provide abundant binding sites for bacteria. Bacterial colonization and subsequent biofilm formation can cause unsatisfactory cell adhesion and implant-related infections. To prevent such infections, a novel phase-transited lysozyme (PTL) was utilized as an initial functional layer to simply and effectively prime DMLS-Ti surfaces for subsequent coating with antibacterial multilayers. The purpose of the present study was to establish a surface with dual biological functionality. The minocycline-loaded polyelectrolyte multilayers of hyaluronic acid (HA) and chitosan (CS) formed via a layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly technique on PTL-functionalized DMLS-Ti were designed to inhibit pathogenic microbial infections while allowing the DMLS-Ti itself and the modified coatings to retain acceptable biocompatibility. The experimental results indicate that the DMLS-Ti and the hydrogel treated surfaces can inhibit early bacterial adhesion while completely preserving osteoblast functions. This design is expected to gain considerable interest in the medical field and to have good potential for applications in multifunctional DMLS-Ti implants. PMID:27821857

Establishing Antibacterial Multilayer Films on the Surface of Direct Metal Laser Sintered Titanium Primed with Phase-Transited Lysozyme.

PubMed

Guan, Binbin; Wang, Haorong; Xu, Ruiqing; Zheng, Guoying; Yang, Jie; Liu, Zihao; Cao, Man; Wu, Mingyao; Song, Jinhua; Li, Neng; Li, Ting; Cai, Qing; Yang, Xiaoping; Li, Yanqiu; Zhang, Xu

2016-11-08

Direct metal laser sintering is a technology that allows the fabrication of titanium (Ti) implants with a functional gradation of porosity and surface roughness according to three-dimensional (3D) computer data. The surface roughness of direct metal laser sintered titanium (DMLS-Ti) implants may provide abundant binding sites for bacteria. Bacterial colonization and subsequent biofilm formation can cause unsatisfactory cell adhesion and implant-related infections. To prevent such infections, a novel phase-transited lysozyme (PTL) was utilized as an initial functional layer to simply and effectively prime DMLS-Ti surfaces for subsequent coating with antibacterial multilayers. The purpose of the present study was to establish a surface with dual biological functionality. The minocycline-loaded polyelectrolyte multilayers of hyaluronic acid (HA) and chitosan (CS) formed via a layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly technique on PTL-functionalized DMLS-Ti were designed to inhibit pathogenic microbial infections while allowing the DMLS-Ti itself and the modified coatings to retain acceptable biocompatibility. The experimental results indicate that the DMLS-Ti and the hydrogel treated surfaces can inhibit early bacterial adhesion while completely preserving osteoblast functions. This design is expected to gain considerable interest in the medical field and to have good potential for applications in multifunctional DMLS-Ti implants.

Mixed ion/electron-conductive protective soft nanomatter-based conformal surface modification of lithium-ion battery cathode materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Jang-Hoon; Kim, Ju-Myung; Lee, Chang Kee; Lee, Sang-Young

2014-10-01

Understanding and control of interfacial phenomena between electrode material and liquid electrolytes are of major scientific importance for boosting development of high-performance lithium ion batteries with reliable electrochemical/safety attributes. Here, as an innovative surface engineering approach to address the interfacial issues, a new concept of mixed ion/electron-conductive soft nanomatter-based conformal surface modification of the cathode material is presented. The soft nanomatter is comprised of an electron conductive carbonaceous (C) substance embedded in an ion conductive polyimide (PI) nanothin compliant film. In addition to its structural uniqueness, the newly proposed surface modification benefits from a simple fabrication process. The PI/carbon soft nanomatter is directly synthesized on LiCoO2 surface via one-pot thermal treatment of polyamic acid (=PI precursor) and sucrose (=carbon source) mixture, where the LiCoO2 powders are chosen as a model system to explore the feasibility of this surface engineering strategy. The resulting PI/carbon coating layer facilitates electronic conduction and also suppresses unwanted side reactions arising from the cathode material-liquid electrolyte interface. These synergistic coating effects of the multifunctional PI/carbon soft nanomatter significantly improve high-voltage cell performance and also mitigate interfacial exothermic reaction between cathode material and liquid electrolyte.

Establishing Antibacterial Multilayer Films on the Surface of Direct Metal Laser Sintered Titanium Primed with Phase-Transited Lysozyme

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guan, Binbin; Wang, Haorong; Xu, Ruiqing; Zheng, Guoying; Yang, Jie; Liu, Zihao; Cao, Man; Wu, Mingyao; Song, Jinhua; Li, Neng; Li, Ting; Cai, Qing; Yang, Xiaoping; Li, Yanqiu; Zhang, Xu

2016-11-01

Direct metal laser sintering is a technology that allows the fabrication of titanium (Ti) implants with a functional gradation of porosity and surface roughness according to three-dimensional (3D) computer data. The surface roughness of direct metal laser sintered titanium (DMLS-Ti) implants may provide abundant binding sites for bacteria. Bacterial colonization and subsequent biofilm formation can cause unsatisfactory cell adhesion and implant-related infections. To prevent such infections, a novel phase-transited lysozyme (PTL) was utilized as an initial functional layer to simply and effectively prime DMLS-Ti surfaces for subsequent coating with antibacterial multilayers. The purpose of the present study was to establish a surface with dual biological functionality. The minocycline-loaded polyelectrolyte multilayers of hyaluronic acid (HA) and chitosan (CS) formed via a layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly technique on PTL-functionalized DMLS-Ti were designed to inhibit pathogenic microbial infections while allowing the DMLS-Ti itself and the modified coatings to retain acceptable biocompatibility. The experimental results indicate that the DMLS-Ti and the hydrogel treated surfaces can inhibit early bacterial adhesion while completely preserving osteoblast functions. This design is expected to gain considerable interest in the medical field and to have good potential for applications in multifunctional DMLS-Ti implants.

A polymeric fastener can easily functionalize liposome surfaces with gadolinium for enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.

PubMed

Smith, Cartney E; Shkumatov, Artem; Withers, Sarah G; Yang, Binxia; Glockner, James F; Misra, Sanjay; Roy, Edward J; Wong, Chun-Ho; Zimmerman, Steven C; Kong, Hyunjoon

2013-11-26

Common methods of loading magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents into nanoparticles often suffer from challenges related to particle formation, complex chemical modification/purification steps, and reduced contrast efficiency. This study presents a simple, yet advanced process to address these issues by loading gadolinium, an MRI contrast agent, exclusively on a liposome surface using a polymeric fastener. The fastener, so named for its ability to physically link the two functional components together, consisted of chitosan substituted with diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) to chelate gadolinium, as well as octadecyl chains to stabilize the modified chitosan on the liposome surface. The assembly strategy, mimicking the mechanisms by which viruses and proteins naturally anchor to a cell, provided greater T1 relaxivity than liposomes loaded with gadolinium in both the interior and outer leaflet. Gadolinium-coated liposomes were ultimately evaluated in vivo using murine ischemia models to highlight the diagnostic capability of the system. Taken together, this process decouples particle assembly and functionalization and, therefore, has considerable potential to enhance imaging quality while alleviating many of the difficulties associated with multifunctional particle fabrication.

Structural basis of Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm formation: mechanisms and molecular interactions

PubMed Central

Büttner, Henning; Mack, Dietrich; Rohde, Holger

2015-01-01

Staphylococcus epidermidis is a usually harmless commensal bacterium highly abundant on the human skin. Under defined predisposing conditions, most importantly implantation of a medical device, S. epidermidis, however, can switch from a colonizing to an invasive life style. The emergence of S. epidermidis as an opportunistic pathogen is closely linked to the biofilm forming capability of the species. During the past decades, tremendous advance regarding our understanding of molecular mechanisms contributing to surface colonization has been made, and detailed information is available for several factors active during the primary attachment, accumulative or dispersal phase of biofilm formation. A picture evolved in which distinct factors, though appearing to be redundantly organized, take over specific and exclusive functions during biofilm development. In this review, these mechanisms are described in molecular detail, with a highlight on recent insights into multi-functional S. epidermidis cell surface proteins contributing to surface adherence and intercellular adhesion. The integration of distinct biofilm-promoting factors into regulatory networks is summarized, with an emphasis on mechanism that could allow S. epidermidis to flexibly adapt to changing environmental conditions present during colonizing or invasive life-styles. PMID:25741476

Molecular Understanding and Structural-Based Design of Polyacrylamides and Polyacrylates as Antifouling Materials.

PubMed

Chen, Hong; Zhao, Chao; Zhang, Mingzhen; Chen, Qiang; Ma, Jie; Zheng, Jie

2016-04-12

Design and synthesis of highly bioinert and biocompatible antifouling materials are crucial for a broad range of biomedical and engineering applications. Among antifouling materials, polyacrylamides and polyacrylates have proved so promising because of cheap raw materials, ease of synthesis and applicability, and abundant functional groups. The strong surface hydration and the high surface packing density of polyacrylamides and polyacrylates are considered to be the key contributors to their antifouling property. In this article, we review our studies on the design and synthesis of a series of polyacrylamides and polyacrylates with different molecular structures. These polymers can be fabricated into different architectural forms (brushes, nanoparticles, nanogels, and hydrogels), all of which are highly resistant to the attachment of proteins, cells, and bacteria. We find that small structural changes in the polymers can lead to large enhancement in surface hydration and antifouling performance, both showing a positive correlation. This reveals a general design rule for effective antifouling materials. Furthermore, polyacrylamides and polyacrylates are readily functionalized with other bioactive compounds to achieve different new multifunctionalities.

A Polymeric Fastener can Easily Functionalize Liposome Surfaces with Gadolinium for Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging

PubMed Central

Smith, Cartney E.; Shkumatov, Artem; Withers, Sarah G.; Glockner, James F.; Misra, Sanjay; Roy, Edward J.; Wong, Chun-Ho; Zimmerman, Steven C.; Kong, Hyunjoon

2013-01-01

Common methods of loading magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents into nanoparticles often suffer from challenges related to particle formation, complex chemical modification/purification steps, and reduced contrast efficiency. This study presents a simple, yet advanced process to address these issues by loading gadolinium, an MRI contrast agent, exclusively on a liposome surface using a polymeric fastener. The fastener, so named for its ability to physically link the two functional components together, consisted of chitosan substituted with diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) to chelate gadolinium, as well as octadecyl chains to stabilize the modified chitosan on the liposome surface. The assembly strategy, mimicking the mechanisms by which viruses and proteins naturally anchor to a cell, provided greater T1 relaxivity than liposomes loaded with gadolinium in both the interior and outer leaflet. Gadolinium-coated liposomes were ultimately evaluated in vivo using murine ischemia models to highlight the diagnostic capability of the system. Taken together, this process decouples particle assembly and functionalization, and therefore has considerable potential to enhance imaging quality while alleviating many of the difficulties associated with multifunctional particle fabrication. PMID:24083377

Potent inhibition of OKT3-induced T cell proliferation and suppression of CD147 cell surface expression in HeLa cells by scFv-M6-1B9.

PubMed

Intasai, Nutjeera; Tragoolpua, Khajornsak; Pingmuang, Prakitnavin; Khunkaewla, Panida; Moonsom, Seangdeun; Kasinrerk, Watchara; Lieber, André; Tayapiwatana, Chatchai

2008-01-01

CD147, a multifunctional type I transmembrane glycoprotein, has been implicated in various physiological and pathological processes. It is involved in signal transduction pathways and also plays a crucial role in the invasive and metastatic activity of malignant tumor cells. Diminished expression of this molecule has been shown to be beneficial in suppression of tumor progression. In a previous study, we generated and characterized a recombinant antibody fragment, scFv, which reacted specifically to CD147. In the present study, we further investigated the biological properties, function and the effect of generated scFv on CD147 expression. The in vitro study showed that soluble scFv-M6-1B9 produced from E. coli HB2151 bound to CD147 surface molecule and inhibited OKT3-induced T cell proliferation. Furthermore, soluble lysate of scFv-M6-1B9 from 293A cells, transduced with a scFv-M6-1B9 expressing adenovirus vector, recognized both recombinant and native CD147. These results indicate that scFv-M6-1B9 binds with high efficiency and specificity. Importantly, scFv-M6-1B9 intrabody reduced the expression of CD147 on the cell surface of HeLa cells suggesting that scFv-M6-1B9 is biologically active. In conclusion, our present study demonstrated that scFv-M6-1B9 has a great potential to target both the intracellular and the extracellular CD147. The generated scFv-M6-1B9 may be an effective agent to clarify the cellular function of CD147 and may aid in efforts to develop a novel treatment in various human carcinomas.

Self-assembled Multifunctional DNA Nanoflowers for the Circumvention of Multidrug Resistance in Targeted Anticancer Drug Delivery.

PubMed

Mei, Lei; Zhu, Guizhi; Qiu, Liping; Wu, Cuichen; Chen, Huapei; Liang, Hao; Cansiz, Sena; Lv, Yifan; Zhang, Xiaobing; Tan, Weihong

2015-11-01

Cancer chemotherapy has been impeded by side effects and multidrug resistance (MDR) partially caused by drug efflux from cancer cells, which call for targeted drug delivery systems additionally able to circumvent MDR. Here we report multifunctional DNA nanoflowers (NFs) for targeted drug delivery to both chemosensitive and MDR cancer cells and circumvent MDR in both leukemia and breast cancer cell models. NFs are self-assembled via liquid crystallization of DNA generated by Rolling Circle Replication, during which NFs are incorporated with aptamers for specific cancer cell recognition, fluorophores for bioimaging, and Doxorubicin (Dox)-binding DNA for drug delivery. NF sizes are tunable (down to ~200 nm in diameter), and the densely packed drug-binding motifs and porous intrastructures endow NFs with high drug loading capacity (71.4%, wt/wt). The Dox-loaded NFs (NF-Dox) are stable at physiological pH, yet drug release is facilitated in acidic or basic conditions. NFs deliver Dox into target chemosensitive and MDR cancer cells, preventing drug efflux and enhancing drug retention in MDR cells. Consequently, NF-Dox induces potent cytotoxicity in both target chemosensitive cells and MDR cells, but not nontarget cells, thus concurrently circumventing MDR and reducing side effects. Overall, these NFs are promising to circumvent MDR in targeted cancer therapy.

Surface and microstructural properties of photocatalytic cements for pavement applications.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-10-01

Thin concrete inlays incorporating flowable fibrous concrete (FFC) mix designs as well as titanium dioxide (TiO2)- containing photocatalytic cements are a promising pavement preservation solution. These multi-functional inlays offer enhanced construc...

Synthesis of surface bound silver nanoparticles on cellulose fibers using lignin as multi-functional agent.

PubMed

Hu, Sixiao; Hsieh, You-Lo

2015-10-20

Lignin has proven to be highly effective "green" multi-functional binding, complexing and reducing agents for silver cations as well as capping agents for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles on ultra-fine cellulose fibrous membranes. Silver nanoparticles could be synthesized in 10min to be densely distributed and stably bound on the cellulose fiber surfaces at up to 2.9% in mass. Silver nanoparticle increased in sizes from 5 to 100nm and became more polydispersed in size distribution on larger fibers and with longer synthesis time. These cellulose fiber bound silver nanoparticles did not agglomerate under elevated temperatures and showed improved thermal stability. The presence of alkali lignin conferred moderate UV absorbing ability in both UV-B and UV-C regions whereas the bound silver nanoparticles exhibited excellent antibacterial activities toward Escherichia coli. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Multifunctional-layered materials for creating membrane-restricted nanodomains and nanoscale imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Srinivasan, P.

2016-01-01

Experimental platform that allows precise spatial positioning of biomolecules with an exquisite control at nanometer length scales is a valuable tool to study the molecular mechanisms of membrane bound signaling. Using micromachined thin film gold (Au) in layered architecture, it is possible to add both optical and biochemical functionalities in in vitro. Towards this goal, here, I show that docking of complementary DNA tethered giant phospholiposomes on Au surface can create membrane-restricted nanodomains. These nanodomains are critical features to dissect molecular choreography of membrane signaling complexes. The excited surface plasmon resonance modes of Au allow label-free imaging at diffraction-limited resolution of stably docked DNA tethered phospholiposomes, and lipid-detergent bicelle structures. Such multifunctional building block enables realizing rigorously controlled in vitro set-up to model membrane anchored biological signaling, besides serving as an optical tool for nanoscale imaging.

Iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles with versatile surface functions based on dopamine anchors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mazur, Mykola; Barras, Alexandre; Kuncser, Victor; Galatanu, Andrei; Zaitzev, Vladimir; Turcheniuk, Kostiantyn V.; Woisel, Patrice; Lyskawa, Joel; Laure, William; Siriwardena, Aloysius; Boukherroub, Rabah; Szunerits, Sabine

2013-03-01

The synthesis of multifunctional magnetic nanoparticles (MF-MPs) is one of the most active research areas in advanced materials as their multifunctional surfaces allow conjugation of biological and chemical molecules, thus making it possible to achieve target-specific diagnostic in parallel to therapeutics. We report here a simple strategy to integrate in a one-step reaction several reactive sites onto the particles. The preparation of MF-MPs is based on their simultaneous modification with differently functionalized dopamine derivatives using simple solution chemistry. The formed MF-MPs show comparable magnetic properties to those of naked nanoparticles with almost unaltered particle size of around 25 nm. The different termini, amine, azide and maleimide functions, enable further functionalization of MF-MPs by the grafting-on approach. Michael addition, Cu(i) catalyzed « click » chemistry and amidation reactions are performed on the MF-MPs integrating subsequently 6-(ferrocenyl)-hexanethiol, horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and mannose.

A multi-structural and multi-functional integrated fog collection system in cactus

PubMed Central

Ju, Jie; Bai, Hao; Zheng, Yongmei; Zhao, Tianyi; Fang, Ruochen; Jiang, Lei

2012-01-01

Multiple biological structures have demonstrated fog collection abilities, such as beetle backs with bumps and spider silks with periodic spindle-knots and joints. Many Cactaceae species live in arid environments and are extremely drought-tolerant. Here we report that one of the survival systems of the cactus Opuntia microdasys lies in its efficient fog collection system. This unique system is composed of well-distributed clusters of conical spines and trichomes on the cactus stem; each spine contains three integrated parts that have different roles in the fog collection process according to their surface structural features. The gradient of the Laplace pressure, the gradient of the surface-free energy and multi-function integration endow the cactus with an efficient fog collection system. Investigations of the structure–function relationship in this system may help us to design novel materials and devices to collect water from fog with high efficiencies. PMID:23212376

A multi-structural and multi-functional integrated fog collection system in cactus.

PubMed

Ju, Jie; Bai, Hao; Zheng, Yongmei; Zhao, Tianyi; Fang, Ruochen; Jiang, Lei

2012-01-01

Multiple biological structures have demonstrated fog collection abilities, such as beetle backs with bumps and spider silks with periodic spindle-knots and joints. Many Cactaceae species live in arid environments and are extremely drought-tolerant. Here we report that one of the survival systems of the cactus Opuntia microdasys lies in its efficient fog collection system. This unique system is composed of well-distributed clusters of conical spines and trichomes on the cactus stem; each spine contains three integrated parts that have different roles in the fog collection process according to their surface structural features. The gradient of the Laplace pressure, the gradient of the surface-free energy and multi-function integration endow the cactus with an efficient fog collection system. Investigations of the structure-function relationship in this system may help us to design novel materials and devices to collect water from fog with high efficiencies.

Surface-modified multifunctional MIP nanoparticles.

PubMed

Moczko, Ewa; Poma, Alessandro; Guerreiro, Antonio; Perez de Vargas Sansalvador, Isabel; Caygill, Sarah; Canfarotta, Francesco; Whitcombe, Michael J; Piletsky, Sergey

2013-05-07

The synthesis of core-shell molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles (MIP NPs) has been performed using a novel solid-phase approach on immobilised templates. The same solid phase also acts as a protective functionality for high affinity binding sites during subsequent derivatisation/shell formation. This procedure allows for the rapid synthesis, controlled separation and purification of high-affinity materials, with each production cycle taking just 2 hours. The aim of this approach is to synthesise uniformly sized imprinted materials at the nanoscale which can be readily grafted with various polymers without affecting their affinity and specificity. For demonstration purposes we grafted anti-melamine MIP NPs with coatings which introduce the following surface characteristics: high polarity (PEG methacrylate); electro-activity (vinylferrocene); fluorescence (eosin acrylate); thiol groups (pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-mercaptopropionate)). The method has broad applicability and can be used to produce multifunctional imprinted nanoparticles with potential for further application in the biosensors, diagnostics and biomedical fields and as an alternative to natural receptors.

Th17 cells and CD4(+) multifunctional T cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

PubMed

Araújo, Júlio Antônio Pereira; Mesquita, Danilo; de Melo Cruvinel, Wilson; Salmazi, Karina Inácio; Kallás, Esper Georges; Andrade, Luis Eduardo Coelho

2016-01-01

Recent evidence suggests that abnormalities involving Th17 lymphocytes are associated with the pathophysiology of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In addition, multifunctional T cells (MFT), i.e., those producing multiple cytokines simultaneously, are present in the inflammatory milieu and may be implicated in the autoimmune process observed in SLE. In the present study, we aimed to characterize the functional status of CD4(+) T cells in SLE by simultaneously determining the concentration of IL-2, IFN-γ and IL-17 in lymphocyte cultures under exogenous and self-antigenic stimuli. Eighteen patients with active disease, 18 with inactive disease, and 14 healthy controls had functional status of CD4(+) T cells analyzed. We found that SLE patients presented a decreased number of total CD4(+) cells, an increased number of activated T cells, and an increased frequency of Th17 cells compared to healthy controls (HC). MFT cells had increased frequency in SLE patients and there was an increased frequency of tri-functional MFT in patients with active SLE compared with those with inactive SLE. Interestingly, MTF cells produced larger amounts of IFNγ than mono-functional T cells in patients and controls. Taken together these data indicate the participation of recently activated Th17 cells and MTF cells in the SLE pathophysiology. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Ebolavirus VP35 is a multifunctional virulence factor

PubMed Central

Leung, Daisy W; Prins, Kathleen C; Basler, Christopher F

2010-01-01

Ebola virus (EBOV) is a member of the filoviridae family that causes severe hemorrhagic fever during sporadic outbreaks, and no approved treatments are currently available. The multifunctional EBOV VP35 protein facilitates immune evasion by antagonizing antiviral signaling pathways and is important for viral RNA synthesis. In order to elucidate regulatory mechanisms and to develop countermeasures, we recently solved the structures of the Zaire and Reston EBOV VP35 interferon inhibitory domain (IID) in the free form and of the Zaire EBOV VP35 IID bound to dsRNA. Together with biochemical, cell biological and virological studies, our structural work revealed that distinct regions within EBOV VP35 IID contribute to virulence through host immune evasion and viral RNA synthesis. Here we summarize our recent structural and functional studies and discuss the potential of multifunctional Ebola VP35 as a therapeutic target. PMID:21178490

Preparation and biomedical applications of programmable and multifunctional DNA nanoflowers

PubMed Central

Lv, Yifan; Hu, Rong; Zhu, Guizhi; Zhang, Xiaobing; Mei, Lei; Liu, Qiaoling; Qiu, Liping; Wu, Cuichen; Tan, Weihong

2016-01-01

We describe a comprehensive protocol for the preparation of multifunctional DNA nanostructures termed nanoflowers (NFs), which are self-assembled from long DNA building blocks generated via rolling-circle replication (RCR) of a designed template. NF assembly is driven by liquid crystallization and dense packaging of building blocks, which eliminates the need for conventional Watson-Crick base pairing. As a result of dense DNA packaging, NFs are resistant to nuclease degradation, denaturation or dissociation at extremely low concentrations. By manually changing the template sequence, many different functional moieties including aptamers, bioimaging agents and drug-loading sites could be easily integrated into NF particles, making NFs ideal candidates for a variety of applications in biomedicine. In this protocol, the preparation of multifunctional DNA NFs with highly tunable sizes is described for applications in cell targeting, intracellular imaging and drug delivery. Preparation and characterization of functional DNA NFs takes ~5 d; the following biomedical applications take ~10 d. PMID:26357007

Design, synthesis and evaluation of 4-dimethylamine flavonoid derivatives as potential multifunctional anti-Alzheimer agents.

PubMed

Luo, Wen; Wang, Ting; Hong, Chen; Yang, Ya-Chen; Chen, Ying; Cen, Juan; Xie, Song-Qiang; Wang, Chao-Jie

2016-10-21

A new series of 4-dimethylamine flavonoid derivatives were designed and synthesized as potential multifunctional anti-Alzheimer agents. The inhibition of cholinesterase activity, self-induced β-amyloid (Aβ) aggregation, and antioxidant activity by these derivatives was investigated. Most of the compounds exhibited potent acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activity. A Lineweaver-Burk plot and molecular modeling study showed that these compounds targeted both the catalytic active site (CAS) and peripheral anionic site (PAS) of AChE. The derivatives showed potent self-induced Aβ aggregation inhibition and peroxyl radical absorbance activity. Moreover, compound 6d significantly protected PC12 neurons against H2O2-induced cell death at low concentrations. Thus, these compounds could become multifunctional agents for further development for the treatment of AD. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Adaptive Highly Flexible Multifunctional Wings for Active and Passive Control and Energy Harvesting with Piezoelectric Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsushima, Natsuki

The purpose of this dissertation is to develop an analytical framework to analyze highly flexible multifunctional wings with integral active and passive control and energy harvesting using piezoelectric transduction. Such multifunctional wings can be designed to enhance aircraft flight performance, especially to support long-endurance flights and to be adaptive to various flight conditions. This work also demonstrates the feasibility of the concept of piezoelectric multifunctional wings for the concurrent active control and energy harvesting to improve the aeroelastic performance of high-altitude long-endurance unmanned air vehicles. Functions of flutter suppression, gust alleviation, energy generation, and energy storage are realized for the performance improvement. The multifunctional wings utilize active and passive piezoelectric effects for the efficient adaptive control and energy harvesting. An energy storage with thin-film lithium-ion battery cells is designed for harvested energy accumulation. Piezoelectric effects are included in a strain-based geometrically nonlinear beam formulation for the numerical studies. The resulting structural dynamic equations are coupled with a finite-state unsteady aerodynamic formulation, allowing for piezoelectric energy harvesting and active actuation with the nonlinear aeroelastic system. This development helps to provide an integral electro-aeroelastic solution of concurrent active piezoelectric control and energy harvesting for wing vibrations, with the consideration of the geometrical nonlinear effects of slender multifunctional wings. A multifunctional structure for active actuation is designed by introducing anisotropic piezoelectric laminates. Linear quadratic regulator and linear quadratic Gaussian controllers are implemented for the active control of wing vibrations including post-flutter limit-cycle oscillations and gust perturbation. An adaptive control algorithm for gust perturbation is then developed. In this research, the active piezoelectric actuation is applied as the primary approach for flutter suppression, with energy harvesting, as a secondary passive approach, concurrently working to provide an additional damping effect on the wing vibration. The multifunctional wing also generates extra energy from residual wing vibration. This research presents a comprehensive approach for an effective flutter suppression and gust alleviation of highly flexible piezoelectric wings, while allowing to harvest the residual vibration energy. Numerical results with the multifunctional wing concept show the potential to improve the aircraft performance from both aeroelastic stability and energy consumption aspects.

Tailoring of the titanium surface by preparing cardiovascular endothelial extracellular matrix layer on the hyaluronic acid micro-pattern for improving biocompatibility.

PubMed

Li, Jingan; Zhang, Kun; Wu, Juejue; Zhang, Lijuan; Yang, Ping; Tu, Qiufen; Huang, Nan

2015-04-01

It has been proved that high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HMW-HA, 1×10(6) Da) micro-strips on titanium (Ti) surface can elongate the human vascular endothelial cell (EC) morphology, subsequently enhance endothelial extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition in our previous work. The HMW-HA micro-strips were anticipated to possess good hemocompatibility and EC compatibility simultaneously. However, the single HMW-HA micro-strips on Ti substrate showed bad hemocompatibility. To solve this problem, a method combining HA micro-pattern and EC decellularization was developed, and the endothelial extracellular matrix layer on the HA micro-pattern (ECM/HAP) showed excellent hemocompatibility and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) compatibility (cell number: 14.3±0.5×10(5) cells/cm2>2.2±0.7×10(5) cells/cm2 on ECM/TiOH, 7.5±1.3×10(5) cells/cm2 on TiOH, 3.4±0.9×10(5) cells/cm2 on TiOH/HAP and 3.6±1.2×10(5) cells/cm2 on Ti). We also found that the ECM/HAP coating could significantly inhibit the excessive proliferation of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) (cck-8 absorption: 0.25±0.06<1.18±0.09 A.U. on ECM/TiOH, 0.87±0.15 A.U. on TiOH and 1.55±0.11 A.U. on Ti) and the attachment of macrophages (cell number: 1.3±0.1×10(3)<9.2±1.5×10(3) cells/cm2 on ECM/TiOH, 8.8±0.3×10(3) cells/cm2 on TiOH, 7.3±0.7×10(3) cells/cm2 on TiOH/HAP and 9.6±0.9×10(3) cells/cm2 on Ti in 12 h). These data suggest that the multifunctional ECM/HAP coating can be used to build the bionic human endothelial ECM on the biomaterials surface, which might provide a potential and effective method for surface modification of cardiovascular devices. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Mobile interfaces: Liquids as a perfect structural material for multifunctional, antifouling surfaces

DOE PAGES

Grinthal, Alison; Aizenberg, Joanna

2013-10-14

Life creates some of its most robust, extreme surface materials not from solids but from liquids: a purely liquid interface, stabilized by underlying nanotexture, makes carnivorous plant leaves ultraslippery, the eye optically perfect and dirt-resistant, our knees lubricated and pressure-tolerant, and insect feet reversibly adhesive and shape-adaptive. Novel liquid surfaces based on this idea have recently been shown to display unprecedented omniphobic, self-healing, anti-ice, antifouling, optical, and adaptive properties. In this Perspective, we present a framework and a path forward for developing and designing such liquid surfaces into sophisticated, versatile multifunctional materials. Drawing on concepts from solid materials design andmore » fluid dynamics, we outline how the continuous dynamics, responsiveness, and multiscale patternability of a liquid surface layer can be harnessed to create a wide range of unique, active interfacial functions-able to operate in harsh, changing environments-not achievable with static solids. We discuss how, in partnership with the underlying substrate, the liquid surface can be programmed to adaptively and reversibly reconfigure from a defect-free, molecularly smooth, transparent interface through a range of finely tuned liquid topographies in response to environmental stimuli. In conclusion, with nearly unlimited design possibilities and unmatched interfacial properties, liquid materials-as long-term stable interfaces yet in their fully liquid state-may potentially transform surface design everywhere from medicine to architecture to energy infrastructure.« less

Vitronectin as a Micromanager of Cell Response in Material-Driven Fibronectin Nanonetworks.

PubMed

Cantini, Marco; Gomide, Karina; Moulisova, Vladimira; González-García, Cristina; Salmerón-Sánchez, Manuel

2017-09-01

Surface functionalization strategies of synthetic materials for regenerative medicine applications comprise the development of microenvironments that recapitulate the physical and biochemical cues of physiological extracellular matrices. In this context, material-driven fibronectin (FN) nanonetworks obtained from the adsorption of the protein on poly(ethyl acrylate) provide a robust system to control cell behavior, particularly to enhance differentiation. This study aims at augmenting the complexity of these fibrillar matrices by introducing vitronectin, a lower-molecular-weight multifunctional glycoprotein and main adhesive component of serum. A cooperative effect during co-adsorption of the proteins is observed, as the addition of vitronectin leads to increased fibronectin adsorption, improved fibril formation, and enhanced vitronectin exposure. The mobility of the protein at the material interface increases, and this, in turn, facilitates the reorganization of the adsorbed FN by cells. Furthermore, the interplay between interface mobility and engagement of vitronectin receptors controls the level of cell fusion and the degree of cell differentiation. Ultimately, this work reveals that substrate-induced protein interfaces resulting from the cooperative adsorption of fibronectin and vitronectin fine-tune cell behavior, as vitronectin micromanages the local properties of the microenvironment and consequently short-term cell response to the protein interface and higher order cellular functions such as differentiation.

Multifunctional Carbon Nanotube-Based Sensors for Damage Detection and Self Healing in Structural Composites

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-10-29

established based on the concept of equipotential surface . The effect of nanotube length on the critical charge level is plotted in Fig. 17. Fig...walled carbon nanotubes was used to develop composites with agglomerated regions of nanotubes at the fiber surface [3]. An image of the nanotube...coating on the surface of two E-glass fibers is shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 5. (a) Carbon nanotube agglomerates on the surface of glass fibers in the

Multifunctional Yarns and Fabrics for Energy Applications (NBIT Phase 2)

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-05-29

project focus on developing biscrolled carbon nanotube yarns and textiles for supercapacitor /battery and fuel cell electrode applications was chosen...redox supercapacitors resulted from program work. While project focus was on fuel cell and energy storage electrodes based on biscrolled yarns...project focus on developing biscrolled carbon nanotube yarns and textiles for supercapacitor /battery and fuel cell electrode applications was chosen

Investigation of colloidal PbS quantum dot-based solar cells with near infrared emission.

PubMed

Lim, Sungoh; Kim, Yohan; Lee, Jeongno; Han, Chul Jong; Kang, Jungwon; Kim, Jiwan

2014-12-01

Colloidal quantum dots (QD)-based solar cells with near infrared (NIR) emission have been investigated. Lead sulfide (PbS) QDs, which have narrow band-gap and maximize the absorption of NIR spectrum, were chosen as active materials for efficient solar cells. The inverted structure of indium tin oxide/titanium dioxide/PbS QDs/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate)/silver (ITO/TiO2/PbS QDs/ PSS/Ag) was applied for favorable electron and hole seperation from the PbS QD. Through the ligand exchange by 1,2-Ethanedithiol (EDT), the interparticle distance of the PbS QDs in thin film became closer and the performance of the PbS QD-based solar cells was improved. Our PbS QD-based inverted solar cells showed open circuit voltages (V(oc)) of 0.33 V, short circuit current density (J(sc)) of 10.89 mA/cm2, fill factor (FF) of 30%, and power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 1.11%. In our PbS QD-based multifunctional solar cell, the NIR light emission intensity was simply detected with photodiode system, which implies the potential of multi-functional diode device for various applications.

Multifunctional gold nanorods for selective plasmonic photothermal therapy in pancreatic cancer cells using ultra-short pulse near-infrared laser irradiation.

PubMed

Patino, Tania; Mahajan, Ujjwal; Palankar, Raghavendra; Medvedev, Nikolay; Walowski, Jakob; Münzenberg, Markus; Mayerle, Julia; Delcea, Mihaela

2015-03-12

Gold nanorods (AuNRs) have attracted considerable attention in plasmonic photothermal therapy for cancer treatment by exploiting their selective and localized heating effect due to their unique photophysical properties. Here we describe a strategy to design a novel multifunctional platform based on AuNRs to: (i) specifically target the adenocarcinoma MUC-1 marker through the use of the EPPT-1 peptide, (ii) enhance cellular uptake through a myristoylated polyarginine peptide (MPAP) and (iii) selectively induce cell death by ultra-short near infrared laser pulses. We used a biotin-avidin based approach to conjugate EPPT-1 and MPAP to AuNRs. Dual-peptide (EPPT-1+MPAP) labelled AuNRs showed a significantly higher uptake by pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells when compared to their single peptide or avidin conjugated counterparts. In addition, we selectively induced cell death by ultra-short near infrared laser pulses in small target volumes (∼1 μm3), through the creation of plasmonic nanobubbles that lead to the destruction of a local cell environment. Our approach opens new avenues for conjugation of multiple ligands on AuNRs targeting cancer cells and tumors and it is relevant for plasmonic photothermal therapy.

Multifunctional Ultra-high Vacuum Apparatus for Studies of the Interactions of Chemical Warfare Agents on Complex Surfaces

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-01-02

of the formation of a hydrogen-bonded hydroxyl. Characteristic modes of the sarin molecule itself are also ob- served. These experimental results show...chemical warfare agent, surface science, uptake, decontamination, filtration , UHV, XPS, FTIR, TPD REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE 11. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S...challenges that accompany the research of these toxic, often very low vapor pressure, compounds. While results of vacuum-based surface science

Fabrication of nonfouling, bactericidal, and bacteria corpse release multifunctional surface through surface-initiated RAFT polymerization.

PubMed

Wang, Bailiang; Ye, Zi; Tang, Yihong; Han, Yuemei; Lin, Quankui; Liu, Huihua; Chen, Hao; Nan, Kaihui

Infections after surgery or endophthalmitis are potentially blinding complications caused by bacterial adhesion and subsequent biofilm formation on the intraocular lens. Neither single-function anti-adhesion surface nor contacting killing surface can exhibit ideal antibacterial function. In this work, a novel (2-(dimethylamino)-ethyl methacrylate- co -2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (p (DMAEMA- co -MPC)) brush was synthesized by "grafting from" method through reversible-addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. 1-Bromoheptane was used to quaternize the p (DMAEMA- co -MPC) brush coating and to endow the surface with bactericidal function. The success of the surface functionalization was confirmed by atomic force microscopy, water contact angle, and spectroscopic ellipsometry. The quaternary ammonium salt units were employed as efficient disinfection that can eliminate bacteria through contact killing, whereas the 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine units were introduced to suppress unwanted nonspecific adsorption. The functionalized poly(dimethyl siloxane) surfaces showed efficiency in reducing bovine serum albumin adsorption and in inhibiting bacteria adhesion and biofilm formation. The copolymer brushes also demonstrated excellent bactericidal function against gram-positive ( Staphylococcus aureus ) bacteria measured by bacteria live/dead staining and shake-flask culture methods. The surface biocompatibility was evaluated by morphology and activity measurement with human lens epithelial cells in vitro. The achievement of the p (DMAEMA + - co -MPC) copolymer brush coating with nonfouling, bactericidal, and bacteria corpse release properties can be used to modify intraocular lenses.

Fabrication of nonfouling, bactericidal, and bacteria corpse release multifunctional surface through surface-initiated RAFT polymerization

PubMed Central

Wang, Bailiang; Ye, Zi; Tang, Yihong; Han, Yuemei; Lin, Quankui; Liu, Huihua; Chen, Hao; Nan, Kaihui

2017-01-01

Infections after surgery or endophthalmitis are potentially blinding complications caused by bacterial adhesion and subsequent biofilm formation on the intraocular lens. Neither single-function anti-adhesion surface nor contacting killing surface can exhibit ideal antibacterial function. In this work, a novel (2-(dimethylamino)-ethyl methacrylate-co-2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (p (DMAEMA-co-MPC)) brush was synthesized by “grafting from” method through reversible–addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. 1-Bromoheptane was used to quaternize the p (DMAEMA-co-MPC) brush coating and to endow the surface with bactericidal function. The success of the surface functionalization was confirmed by atomic force microscopy, water contact angle, and spectroscopic ellipsometry. The quaternary ammonium salt units were employed as efficient disinfection that can eliminate bacteria through contact killing, whereas the 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine units were introduced to suppress unwanted nonspecific adsorption. The functionalized poly(dimethyl siloxane) surfaces showed efficiency in reducing bovine serum albumin adsorption and in inhibiting bacteria adhesion and biofilm formation. The copolymer brushes also demonstrated excellent bactericidal function against gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria measured by bacteria live/dead staining and shake-flask culture methods. The surface biocompatibility was evaluated by morphology and activity measurement with human lens epithelial cells in vitro. The achievement of the p (DMAEMA+-co-MPC) copolymer brush coating with nonfouling, bactericidal, and bacteria corpse release properties can be used to modify intraocular lenses. PMID:28053527

New flavone-cyanoacetamide hybrids with combination of cholinergic, antioxidant, modulation β-amyloid aggregation and neuroprotection properties as innovative multifunctional therapeutic candidates for Alzheimer's disease and unraveling their mechanism of action with acetylcholinesterase.

PubMed

Jeelan Basha, Shaik; Mohan, Penumala; Yeggoni, Daniel Pushparaju; Babu, Zinka Raveendra; Kumar, Palaka Bhagath; Dinakara Rao, Ampasala; Subramanyam, Rajagopal; Damu, Amooru Gangaiah

2018-05-10

In line with the modern multi target-directed ligand paradigm of Alzheimer's disease (AD), a series of nineteen compounds composed of flavone and cyanoacetamide groups have been synthesized and evaluated as multifunctional agents against AD. Biological evaluation demonstrated that compounds 7j, 7n, 7o, 7r and 7s exhibited excellent inhibitory potency (AChE, IC50 0.271 ± 0.012 to ± 0.075 M) and good selectivity toward acetylcholinesterase, significant antioxidant activity, good modulation effects on self-induced A aggregation, low cytotoxicity and neuroprotection in human neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells. Further, an inclusive study on the interaction of 7j, 7n, 7o, 7r and 7s with AChE at physiological pH 7.2 using fluorescence, circular dichroism and molecular docking methods suggesting that these derivatives bind strongly to peripheral anionic site of AChE mostly through hydrophobic interactions. Overall, the multifunctional profiles and strong AChE binding affinity highlight these compounds as promising prototypes for further pursuit of innovative multifunctional drugs for AD.

Adult Stem Cell Based Enhancement of Nerve Conduit for Peripheral Nerve Repair

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-10-01

isolated stem cells from the injured tissue site that have wound healing promoting activities. In this application, we propose to use these cells, which may...Regeneration, Nanofiber, Neurotrophic Factor, Tissue Engineering, Multifunctional 3. ACCOMPLISHMENTS:  The major goals of this project are...have been stored in cell bank . Objective 9: Purchase reagents and materials for methacrylation of ECM hydrogel  All necessary reagents and

Controllable Broadband Optical Transparency and Wettability Switching of Temperature-Activated Solid/Liquid-Infused Nanofibrous Membranes.

PubMed

Manabe, Kengo; Matsubayashi, Takeshi; Tenjimbayashi, Mizuki; Moriya, Takeo; Tsuge, Yosuke; Kyung, Kyu-Hong; Shiratori, Seimei

2016-09-29

Inspired by biointerfaces, such as the surfaces of lotus leaves and pitcher plants, researchers have developed innovative strategies for controlling surface wettability and transparency. In particular, great success has been achieved in obtaining low adhesion and high transmittance via the introduction of a liquid layer to form liquid-infused surfaces. Furthermore, smart surfaces that can change their surface properties according to external stimuli have recently attracted substantial interest. As some of the best-performing smart surface materials, slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPSs), which are super-repellent, demonstrate the successful achievement of switchable adhesion and tunable transparency that can be controlled by a graded mechanical stimulus. However, despite considerable efforts, producing temperature-responsive, super-repellent surfaces at ambient temperature and pressure remains difficult because of the use of nonreactive lubricant oil as a building block in previously investigated repellent surfaces. Therefore, the present study focused on developing multifunctional materials that dynamically adapt to temperature changes. Here, we demonstrate temperature-activated solidifiable/liquid paraffin-infused porous surfaces (TA-SLIPSs) whose transparency and control of water droplet movement at room temperature can be simultaneously controlled. The solidification of the paraffin changes the surface morphology and the size of the light-transmission inhibitor in the lubricant layer; as a result, the control over the droplet movement and the light transmittance at different temperatures is dependent on the solidifiable/liquid paraffin mixing ratio. Further study of such temperature-responsive, multifunctional systems would be valuable for antifouling applications and the development of surfaces with tunable optical transparency for innovative medical applications, intelligent windows, and other devices.

RGD/TAT-functionalized chitosan-graft-PEI-PEG gene nanovector for sustained delivery of NT-3 for potential application in neural regeneration.

PubMed

Wu, Dongni; Zhang, Yongnu; Xu, Xiaoting; Guo, Ting; Xie, Deming; Zhu, Rong; Chen, Shengfeng; Ramakrishna, Seeram; He, Liumin

2018-05-01

In this study, we prepared a multifunctional gene delivery nanovector containing a chitosan (CS) backbone and polyethylenimine (PEI) arms with arginine-glycine-aspartate (RGD)/twin-arginine translocation (TAT) conjugated via polyethylene glycol (PEG). Branched PEI, with a molecular weight of 2000 Da, was used to achieve a balance between biocompatibility and transfection efficiency, whereas RGD/TAT peptides were conjugated for enhanced targeting ability and cellular uptake. Synthesis of the copolymers was confirmed by characterizing the chemical structure with 1 H nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The nanovector was biocompatible with cells and showed excellent capability for DNA condensation; the resulting complexes with DNA were well-formed, and possessed small particle size and reasonable positive charge. Higher gene transfection efficiency, compared to that achieved with PEI (25 kDa), was confirmed in tumor (HeLa cells) and normal cells (293T and NIH 3T3 cells). More importantly, the cells transfected with the chitosan-graft-PEI-PEG/pCMV-EGFP-Ntf3 complex produced sustained neurotrophin-3 with a linear increase in cumulative concentration, which induced neuronal differentiation of neural stem cell and promoted neurite outgrowth. These findings suggested that our multifunctional copolymers might be ideal nanovectors for engineering cells via gene transfection, and could potentially be applied in tumor therapy and regenerative medicine. We successfully prepared a multifunctional gene delivery nanovector containing branched PEI with a molecular weight of 2000 Da to balance between biocompatibility and transfection efficiency, and RGD/TAT peptides for enhanced targeting ability and cellular uptake. The well-formed CPPP/DNA complexes of small particle size and reasonable positive charges potentially enhanced gene transfection in both tumor and normal cells. More importantly, the CPPP/pCMV-EGFP-Ntf3 complex-transfected 293T cells could produce sustained NT-3 with a constant ratio, which induced neuron differentiation of NSC and promoted neurite outgrowth. Therefore, our study provided an effective strategy for producing neurotrophins by engineering cells with gene delivery, which deserved wide investigation and potential application in regenerative medicine. Copyright © 2018 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Assembly and intracellular delivery of quantum dot-fluorescent protein bioconjugates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Medintz, Igor L.; Pons, Thomas; Delehanty, James B.; Susumu, Kimihiro; Dawson, Philip E.; Mattoussi, Hedi

2008-02-01

We have previously assembled semiconductor quantum dot (QD)-based fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) sensors that can specifically detect nutrients, explosives or enzymatic activity. These sensors utilized the inherent benefits of QDs as FRET donors to optimize signal transduction. In this report we functionalize QDs with the multi-subunit multi-chromophore b-phycoerythrin (b-PE) light harvesting complex using biotin-Streptavidin binding. FRET and gel electrophoretic analyses were used to characterize and confirm the QD-b-PE self-assembly. We found that immobilizing additional cell-penetrating peptides on the nanocrystal surface along with the b-PE was the key factor allowing the mixed surface QD-cargos to undergo endocytosis and intracellular delivery. Our findings on the intracellular uptake promoted by CPP were compared to those collected using microinjection technique, where QD-assemblies were delivered directly into the cytoplasm; this strategy allows bypassing of the endocytic uptake pathway. Intracellular delivery of multifunctional QD-fluorescent protein assemblies has potential applications for use in protein tracking, sensing and diagnostics.

Preparation of multifunctional Al-Mg alloy surface with hierarchical micro/nanostructures by selective chemical etching processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Tian; Kong, Jianyi; Wang, Xingdong; Li, Xuewu

2016-12-01

A superamphiphobic aluminum magnesium alloy surface with enhanced anticorrosion behavior has been prepared in this work via a simple and low-cost method. By successively polishing, etching and boiling treatments, the multifunctional hierarchical binary structures composed of the labyrinth-like concave-convex microstructures and twisty nanoflakes have been prepared. Results indicate that a superhydrophobic contact angle of 160.5° and superoleophobic contact angle larger than 150° as well as low adhesive property to liquids are achieved after such structures being modified with fluoroalkyl-silane. Furthermore, the anticorrosion behaviors in seawater of as-prepared samples are characterized by electrochemical tests including the impedance spectroscopies, equivalent circuits fittings and polarization curves. It is found that the hierarchical micro/nanostructures accompanying with the modified coating are proved to possess the maximal coating coverage rate of 90.0% larger than microstructures of 85.9%, nanostructures of 83.8% and bare polished surface of 67.1% suggesting the optimal anticorrosion. Finally, a great potential application in concentrators for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) analysis of toxic and pollutive ions on the superamphiphobic surface is also confirmed. This work has wider significance in extending further applications of alloys in engineering and environmental detecting fields.

Transparent, biocompatible nanostructured surfaces for cancer cell capture and culture

PubMed Central

Cheng, Boran; He, Zhaobo; Zhao, Libo; Fang, Yuan; Chen, Yuanyuan; He, Rongxiang; Chen, Fangfang; Song, Haibin; Deng, Yuliang; Zhao, Xingzhong; Xiong, Bin

2014-01-01

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the blood which have detached from both the primary tumor and any metastases may be considered as a “liquid biopsy” and are expected to replace tumor biopsies in the monitoring of treatment response and determining patient prognosis. Here, we introduce a facile and efficient CTC detection material made of hydroxyapatite/chitosan (HA/CTS), which is beneficial because of its transparency and excellent biological compatibility. Atomic force microscopy images show that the roughness of the HA/CTS nanofilm (HA/CTSNF) substrates can be controlled by changing the HA:CTS ratio. Enhanced local topographic interactions between nano-components on cancer cell membranes, and the antibody coated nanostructured substrate lead to improved CTC capture and separation. This remarkable nanostructured substrate has the potential for CTC culture in situ and merits further analysis. CTCs captured from artificial blood samples were observed in culture on HA/CTSNF substrates over a period of 14 days by using conventional staining methods (hematoxylin eosin and Wright’s stain). We conclude that these substrates are multifunctional materials capable of isolating and culturing CTCs for subsequent studies. PMID:24904216

Multi-functionality Redefined with Colloidal Carotene Carbon Nanoparticles for Synchronized Chemical Imaging, Enriched Cellular Uptake and Therapy.

PubMed

Misra, Santosh K; Mukherjee, Prabuddha; Chang, Huei-Huei; Tiwari, Saumya; Gryka, Mark; Bhargava, Rohit; Pan, Dipanjan

2016-07-11

Typically, multiplexing high nanoparticle uptake, imaging, and therapy requires careful integration of three different functions of a multiscale molecular-particle assembly. Here, we present a simpler approach to multiplexing by utilizing one component of the system for multiple functions. Specifically, we successfully synthesized and characterized colloidal carotene carbon nanoparticle (C(3)-NP), in which a single functional molecule served a threefold purpose. First, the presence of carotene moieties promoted the passage of the particle through the cell membrane and into the cells. Second, the ligand acted as a potent detrimental moiety for cancer cells and, finally, the ligands produced optical contrast for robust microscopic detection in complex cellular environments. In comparative tests, C(3)-NP were found to provide effective intracellular delivery that enables both robust detection at cellular and tissue level and presents significant therapeutic potential without altering the mechanism of intracellular action of β-carotene. Surface coating of C(3) with phospholipid was used to generate C(3)-Lipocoat nanoparticles with further improved function and biocompatibility, paving the path to eventual in vivo studies.

Multi-functionality Redefined with Colloidal Carotene Carbon Nanoparticles for Synchronized Chemical Imaging, Enriched Cellular Uptake and Therapy

PubMed Central

Misra, Santosh K.; Mukherjee, Prabuddha; Chang, Huei-Huei; Tiwari, Saumya; Gryka, Mark; Bhargava, Rohit; Pan, Dipanjan

2016-01-01

Typically, multiplexing high nanoparticle uptake, imaging, and therapy requires careful integration of three different functions of a multiscale molecular-particle assembly. Here, we present a simpler approach to multiplexing by utilizing one component of the system for multiple functions. Specifically, we successfully synthesized and characterized colloidal carotene carbon nanoparticle (C3-NP), in which a single functional molecule served a threefold purpose. First, the presence of carotene moieties promoted the passage of the particle through the cell membrane and into the cells. Second, the ligand acted as a potent detrimental moiety for cancer cells and, finally, the ligands produced optical contrast for robust microscopic detection in complex cellular environments. In comparative tests, C3-NP were found to provide effective intracellular delivery that enables both robust detection at cellular and tissue level and presents significant therapeutic potential without altering the mechanism of intracellular action of β-carotene. Surface coating of C3 with phospholipid was used to generate C3-Lipocoat nanoparticles with further improved function and biocompatibility, paving the path to eventual in vivo studies. PMID:27405011

Multi-functionality Redefined with Colloidal Carotene Carbon Nanoparticles for Synchronized Chemical Imaging, Enriched Cellular Uptake and Therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Misra, Santosh K.; Mukherjee, Prabuddha; Chang, Huei-Huei; Tiwari, Saumya; Gryka, Mark; Bhargava, Rohit; Pan, Dipanjan

2016-07-01

Typically, multiplexing high nanoparticle uptake, imaging, and therapy requires careful integration of three different functions of a multiscale molecular-particle assembly. Here, we present a simpler approach to multiplexing by utilizing one component of the system for multiple functions. Specifically, we successfully synthesized and characterized colloidal carotene carbon nanoparticle (C3-NP), in which a single functional molecule served a threefold purpose. First, the presence of carotene moieties promoted the passage of the particle through the cell membrane and into the cells. Second, the ligand acted as a potent detrimental moiety for cancer cells and, finally, the ligands produced optical contrast for robust microscopic detection in complex cellular environments. In comparative tests, C3-NP were found to provide effective intracellular delivery that enables both robust detection at cellular and tissue level and presents significant therapeutic potential without altering the mechanism of intracellular action of β-carotene. Surface coating of C3 with phospholipid was used to generate C3-Lipocoat nanoparticles with further improved function and biocompatibility, paving the path to eventual in vivo studies.

Design and synthesis of a novel multifunctional stabilizer for highly stable uc(dl)-tetrahydropalmatine nanosuspensions and in vitro study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Beibei; Wang, Yancai; Wang, Lulu; Zhou, Yuqi; Shang, Xueyun; Zhao, Juan; Liu, Yangyang; Du, Juan

2018-05-01

The present study aimed to prepare stable uc(dl)-tetrahydropalmatine (uc(dl)-THP) nanosuspensions of optimized formulation with PEGylated chitosan as a multifunctional stabilizer using the antisolvent precipitation method. A central composite design project of three factors and five-level full factorial (53) was applied to design the experimental program, and response surface methodology analysis was used to optimize the experimental conditions. The effects of critical influencing factors such as PEGylated chitosan concentration, operational temperature, and ultrasonic energy on particle size and zeta potential were investigated. Under the optimization nanosuspension formulation, the particle size was 269 nm and zeta potential was at 37.4 mV. Also, the uc(dl)-THP nanosuspensions maintained good physical stability after 2 months, indicating the potential ability of the multifunctional stabilizer for stable nanosuspension formulation. Hence, the present findings indicated that PEGylated chitosan could be used as the ideal stabilizer to form a physically stable nanosuspension formulation.

A core/satellite multifunctional nanotheranostic for in vivo imaging and tumor eradication by radiation/photothermal synergistic therapy.

PubMed

Xiao, Qingfeng; Zheng, Xiangpeng; Bu, Wenbo; Ge, Weiqiang; Zhang, Shengjian; Chen, Feng; Xing, Huaiyong; Ren, Qingguo; Fan, Wenpei; Zhao, Kuaile; Hua, Yanqing; Shi, Jianlin

2013-09-04

To integrate photothermal ablation (PTA) with radiotherapy (RT) for improved cancer therapy, we constructed a novel multifunctional core/satellite nanotheranostic (CSNT) by decorating ultrasmall CuS nanoparticles onto the surface of a silica-coated rare earth upconversion nanoparticle. These CSNTs could not only convert near-infrared light into heat for effective thermal ablation but also induce a highly localized radiation dose boost to trigger substantially enhanced radiation damage both in vitro and in vivo. With the synergistic interaction between PTA and the enhanced RT, the tumor could be eradicated without visible recurrence in 120 days. Notably, hematological analysis and histological examination unambiguously revealed their negligible toxicity to the mice within a month. Moreover, the novel CSNTs facilitate excellent upconversion luminescence/magnetic resonance/computer tomography trimodal imagings. This multifunctional nanocomposite is believed to be capable of playing a vital role in future oncotherapy by the synergistic effects between enhanced RT and PTA under the potential trimodal imaging guidance.

Design of a homogeneous multifunctional supported lipid membrane on layer-by-layer coated microcarriers.

PubMed

Göse, Martin; Pescador, Paula; Reibetanz, Uta

2015-03-09

Key challenges in the development of drug delivery systems are the prevention of serum compartment interaction and the targeted delivery of the cargo. Layer-by-Layer microcarriers offer many advantages due to various options in drug assembly and multifunctional design. Surface modification with a supported lipid membrane enhances biocompatibility, drug protection ability, and specific functionality. However, the integration of functionalized lipids strongly influences the membrane formation and is often accompanied by submicrometer irregularities: The accessibility of underlying polymers to serum components may change the carrier's properties and enhances the susceptibility to opsonization. Therefore, the formation of a tightly assembled multifunctional lipid membrane has been emphasized. A phosphatidylserine/phosphatidylcholine (POPS/POPC) bilayer equipped with phosphatidylethanolamine-polyethylene glycol-biotin (PE-PEG-Biotin) was used to facilitate a biotin/streptavidin binding site for a variable attachment of an additional function, such as antibodies for specific targeting. Thus, a prefunctionalized carrier where only the outer functionality needs to be replaced without disturbing the underlying structure could be created.

Multifunctional quantum dots and liposome complexes in drug delivery

PubMed Central

Wang, Qi; Chao, Yimin

2018-01-01

Incorporating both diagnostic and therapeutic functions into a single nanoscale system is an effective modern drug delivery strategy. Combining liposomes with semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) has great potential to achieve such dual functions, referred to in this review as a liposomal QD hybrid system (L-QD). Here we review the recent literature dealing with the design and application of L-QD for advances in bio-imaging and drug delivery. After a summary of L-QD synthesis processes and evaluation of their properties, we will focus on their multifunctional applications, ranging from in vitro cell imaging to theranostic drug delivery approaches. PMID:28866655

Multifunctional quantum dots and liposome complexes in drug delivery.

PubMed

Wang, Qi; Chao, Yi-Min

2017-09-03

Incorporating both diagnostic and therapeutic functions into a single nanoscale system is an effective modern drug delivery strategy. Combining liposomes with semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) has great potential to achieve such dual functions, referred to in this review as a liposomal QD hybrid system (L-QD). Here we review the recent literature dealing with the design and application of L-QD for advances in bio-imaging and drug delivery. After a summary of L-QD synthesis processes and evaluation of their properties, we will focus on their multifunctional applications, ranging from in vitro cell imaging to theranostic drug delivery approaches.

Parallel nano-assembling of a multifunctional GO/HapNP coating on ultrahigh-purity magnesium for biodegradable implants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santos, C.; Piedade, C.; Uggowitzer, P. J.; Montemor, M. F.; Carmezim, M. J.

2015-08-01

This work reports the one-step fabrication of a novel coating on ultra high purity magnesium using a parallel nano assembling process. The multifunctional biodegradable surface was obtained by adding hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HapNP) plus graphene oxide (GO). The coating was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), micro-Raman spectroscopy. The thin phosphate coating (thickness of 1 μm) reveals a uniform coverage with cypress like structures. The incorporation of HapNP and GO promotes the hydrophilic behavior of the coating surface. The results revealed that the proposed coating can be used to tailor the surface properties such as wettability by adjusting the contents of HapNP and GO. The in vitro degradation rate of the coated magnesium suggests that the presence of HapNP and GO/HapNP in the phosphate coating decreased the current density compared to the single phosphate coating and uncoated magnesium. This study also reveals the HapNP/GO/phosphate coating induces apatite formation, showing suitable degradability that makes it a promising coating candidate for enhanced bone regeneration.

Multifunctional mesoporous silica nanoparticles for combined therapeutic, diagnostic and targeted action in cancer treatment.

PubMed

Rosenholm, Jessica M; Sahlgren, Cecilia; Lindén, Mika

2011-07-01

The main objective in the development of nanomedicine is to obtain delivery platforms for targeted delivery of drugs or imaging agents for improved therapeutic efficacy, reduced side effects and increased diagnostic sensitivity. A (nano)material class that has been recognized for its controllable properties on many levels is ordered mesoporous inorganic materials, typically in the form of amorphous silica (SiO2). Characteristics for this class of materials include mesoscopic order, tunable pore dimensions in the (macro)molecular size range, a high pore volume and surface area, the possibility for selective surface functionality as well as morphology control. The robust but biodegradable ceramic matrix moreover provides shelter for incorporated agents (drugs, proteins, imaging agents, photosensitizers) leaving the outer particle surface free for further modification. The unique features make these materials particularly amenable to modular design, whereby functional moieties and features may be interchanged or combined to produce multifunctional nanodelivery systems combining targeting, diagnostic, and therapeutic actions. This review covers the latest developments related to the use of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) as nanocarriers in biomedical applications, with special focus on cancer therapy and diagnostics.

Rational design of anatase TiO2 architecture with hierarchical nanotubes and hollow microspheres for high-performance dye-sensitized solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gu, Jiuwang; Khan, Javid; Chai, Zhisheng; Yuan, Yufei; Yu, Xiang; Liu, Pengyi; Wu, Mingmei; Mai, Wenjie

2016-01-01

Large surface area, sufficient light-harvesting and superior electron transport property are the major factors for an ideal photoanode of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), which requires rational design of the nanoarchitectures and smart integration of state-of-the-art technologies. In this work, a 3D anatase TiO2 architecture consisting of vertically aligned 1D hierarchical TiO2 nanotubes (NTs) with ultra-dense branches (HTNTs, bottom layer) and 0D hollow TiO2 microspheres with rough surface (HTS, top layer) is first successfully constructed on transparent conductive fluorine-doped tin oxide glass through a series of facile processes. When used as photoanodes, the DSSCs achieve a very large short-current density of 19.46 mA cm-2 and a high overall power conversion efficiency of 8.38%. The remarkable photovoltaic performance is predominantly ascribed to the enhanced charge transport capacity of the NTs (function as the electron highway), the large surface area of the branches (act as the electron branch lines), the pronounced light harvesting efficiency of the HTS (serve as the light scattering centers), and the engineered intimate interfaces between all of them (minimize the recombination effect). Our work demonstrates a possibility of fabricating superior photoanodes for high-performance DSSCs by rational design of nanoarchitectures and smart integration of multi-functional components.

In vivo electroporation enhances vaccine-mediated therapeutic control of human papilloma virus-associated tumors by the activation of multifunctional and effector memory CD8+ T cells.

PubMed

Sales, Natiely S; Silva, Jamile R; Aps, Luana R M M; Silva, Mariângela O; Porchia, Bruna F M M; Ferreira, Luís Carlos S; Diniz, Mariana O

2017-12-19

In vivo electroporation (EP) has reignited the clinical interest on DNA vaccines as immunotherapeutic approaches to control different types of cancer. EP has been associated with increased immune response potency, but its capacity in influencing immunomodulation remains unclear. Here we evaluated the impact of in vivo EP on the induction of cellular immune responses and therapeutic effects of a DNA vaccine targeting human papillomavirus-induced tumors. Our results demonstrate that association of EP with the conventional intramuscular administration route promoted a more efficient activation of multifunctional and effector memory CD8 + T cells with enhanced cytotoxic activity. Furthermore, EP increased tumor infiltration of CD8 + T cells and avoided tumor recurrences. Finally, our results demonstrated that EP promotes local migration of antigen presenting cells that enhances with vaccine co-delivery. Altogether the present evidences shed further light on the in vivo electroporation action and its impact on the immunogenicity of DNA vaccines. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Tunable Multifunctional Thermal Metamaterials: Manipulation of Local Heat Flux via Assembly of Unit-Cell Thermal Shifters

PubMed Central

Park, Gwanwoo; Kang, Sunggu; Lee, Howon; Choi, Wonjoon

2017-01-01

Thermal metamaterials, designed by transformation thermodynamics are artificial structures that can actively control heat flux at a continuum scale. However, fabrication of them is very challenging because it requires a continuous change of thermal properties in materials, for one specific function. Herein, we introduce tunable thermal metamaterials that use the assembly of unit-cell thermal shifters for a remarkable enhancement in multifunctionality as well as manufacturability. Similar to the digitization of a two-dimensional image, designed thermal metamaterials by transformation thermodynamics are disassembled as unit-cells thermal shifters in tiny areas, representing discretized heat flux lines in local spots. The programmed-reassembly of thermal shifters inspired by LEGO enable the four significant functions of thermal metamaterials—shield, concentrator, diffuser, and rotator—in both simulation and experimental verification using finite element method and fabricated structures made from copper and PDMS. This work paves the way for overcoming the structural and functional limitations of thermal metamaterials. PMID:28106156

Tunable Multifunctional Thermal Metamaterials: Manipulation of Local Heat Flux via Assembly of Unit-Cell Thermal Shifters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Gwanwoo; Kang, Sunggu; Lee, Howon; Choi, Wonjoon

2017-01-01

Thermal metamaterials, designed by transformation thermodynamics are artificial structures that can actively control heat flux at a continuum scale. However, fabrication of them is very challenging because it requires a continuous change of thermal properties in materials, for one specific function. Herein, we introduce tunable thermal metamaterials that use the assembly of unit-cell thermal shifters for a remarkable enhancement in multifunctionality as well as manufacturability. Similar to the digitization of a two-dimensional image, designed thermal metamaterials by transformation thermodynamics are disassembled as unit-cells thermal shifters in tiny areas, representing discretized heat flux lines in local spots. The programmed-reassembly of thermal shifters inspired by LEGO enable the four significant functions of thermal metamaterials—shield, concentrator, diffuser, and rotator—in both simulation and experimental verification using finite element method and fabricated structures made from copper and PDMS. This work paves the way for overcoming the structural and functional limitations of thermal metamaterials.

Multifunctional polymersomes for cytosolic delivery of gemcitabine and doxorubicin to cancer cells.

PubMed

Nahire, Rahul; Haldar, Manas K; Paul, Shirshendu; Ambre, Avinash H; Meghnani, Varsha; Layek, Buddhadev; Katti, Kalpana S; Gange, Kara N; Singh, Jagdish; Sarkar, Kausik; Mallik, Sanku

2014-08-01

Although liposomes are widely used as carriers of drugs and imaging agents, they suffer from a lack of stability and the slow release of the encapsulated contents at the targeted site. Polymersomes (vesicles of amphiphilic polymers) are considerably more stable compared to liposomes; however, they also demonstrate a slow release for the encapsulated contents, limiting their efficacy as a drug-delivery tool. As a solution, we prepared and characterized echogenic polymersomes, which are programmed to release the encapsulated drugs rapidly when incubated with cytosolic concentrations of glutathione. These vesicles encapsulated air bubbles inside and efficiently reflected diagnostic-frequency ultrasound. Folate-targeted polymersomes showed an enhanced uptake by breast and pancreatic-cancer cells in a monolayer as well as in three-dimensional spheroid cultures. Polymersomes encapsulated with the anticancer drugs gemcitabine and doxorubicin showed significant cytotoxicity to these cells. With further improvements, these vesicles hold the promise to serve as multifunctional nanocarriers, offering a triggered release as well as diagnostic ultrasound imaging. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Multifunctional luminescent nanomaterials from NaLa(MoO4)2:Eu3+/Tb3+ with tunable decay lifetimes, emission colors, and enhanced cell viability

PubMed Central

Yang, Mei; Liang, Youlong; Gui, Qingyuan; Zhao, Bingxin; Jin, Dayong; Lin, Mimi; Yan, Lu; You, Hongpeng; Dai, Liming; Liu, Yong

2015-01-01

A facile, but effective, method has been developed for large-scale preparation of NaLa(MoO4)2 nanorods and microflowers co-doped with Eu3+ and Tb3+ ions (abbreviated as: NLM:Ln3+). The as-synthesized nanomaterials possess a pure tetragonal phase with variable morphologies from shuttle-like nanorods to microflowers by controlling the reaction temperature and the amount of ethylene glycol used. Consequently, the resulting nanomaterials exhibit superb luminescent emissions over the visible region from red through yellow to green by simply changing the relative doping ratios of Eu3+ to Tb3+ ions. Biocompatibility study indicates that the addition of NLM:Ln3+ nanomaterials can stimulate the growth of normal human retinal pigment epithelium (ARPE-19) cells. Therefore, the newly-developed NaLa(MoO4)2 nanomaterials hold potentials for a wide range of multifunctional applications, including bioimaging, security protection, optical display, optoelectronics for information storage, and cell stimulation. PMID:26259515

Multifunctional Nature of the Arenavirus RING Finger Protein Z

PubMed Central

Fehling, Sarah Katharina; Lennartz, Frank; Strecker, Thomas

2012-01-01

Arenaviruses are a family of enveloped negative-stranded RNA viruses that can cause severe human disease ranging from encephalitis symptoms to fulminant hemorrhagic fever. The bi‑segmented RNA genome encodes four polypeptides: the nucleoprotein NP, the surface glycoprotein GP, the polymerase L, and the RING finger protein Z. Although it is the smallest arenavirus protein with a length of 90 to 99 amino acids and a molecular weight of approx. 11 kDa, the Z protein has multiple functions in the viral life cycle including (i) regulation of viral RNA synthesis, (ii) orchestration of viral assembly and budding, (iii) interaction with host cell proteins, and (iv) interferon antagonism. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the structural and functional role of the Z protein in the arenavirus replication cycle. PMID:23202512

Plant Surfaces: Structures and Functions for Biomimetic Innovations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barthlott, Wilhelm; Mail, Matthias; Bhushan, Bharat; Koch, Kerstin

2017-04-01

An overview of plant surface structures and their evolution is presented. It combines surface chemistry and architecture with their functions and refers to possible biomimetic applications. Within some 3.5 billion years biological species evolved highly complex multifunctional surfaces for interacting with their environments: some 10 million living prototypes (i.e., estimated number of existing plants and animals) for engineers. The complexity of the hierarchical structures and their functionality in biological organisms surpasses all abiotic natural surfaces: even superhydrophobicity is restricted in nature to living organisms and was probably a key evolutionary step with the invasion of terrestrial habitats some 350-450 million years ago in plants and insects. Special attention should be paid to the fact that global environmental change implies a dramatic loss of species and with it the biological role models. Plants, the dominating group of organisms on our planet, are sessile organisms with large multifunctional surfaces and thus exhibit particular intriguing features. Superhydrophilicity and superhydrophobicity are focal points in this work. We estimate that superhydrophobic plant leaves (e.g., grasses) comprise in total an area of around 250 million km2, which is about 50% of the total surface of our planet. A survey of structures and functions based on own examinations of almost 20,000 species is provided, for further references we refer to Barthlott et al. (Philos. Trans. R. Soc. A 374: 20160191, 1). A basic difference exists between aquatic non-vascular and land-living vascular plants; the latter exhibit a particular intriguing surface chemistry and architecture. The diversity of features is described in detail according to their hierarchical structural order. The first underlying and essential feature is the polymer cuticle superimposed by epicuticular wax and the curvature of single cells up to complex multicellular structures. A descriptive terminology for this diversity is provided. Simplified, the functions of plant surface characteristics may be grouped into six categories: (1) mechanical properties, (2) influence on reflection and absorption of spectral radiation, (3) reduction of water loss or increase of water uptake, moisture harvesting, (4) adhesion and non-adhesion (lotus effect, insect trapping), (5) drag and turbulence increase, or (6) air retention under water for drag reduction or gas exchange (Salvinia effect). This list is far from complete. A short overview of the history of bionics and the impressive spectrum of existing and anticipated biomimetic applications are provided. The major challenge for engineers and materials scientists, the durability of the fragile nanocoatings, is also discussed.

Production of potential probiotic Spanish-style green table olives at pilot plant scale using multifunctional starters.

PubMed

Rodríguez-Gómez, F; Romero-Gil, V; Bautista-Gallego, J; García-García, P; Garrido-Fernández, A; Arroyo-López, F N

2014-12-01

This work evaluates the use of two multifunctional starters of Lactobacillus pentosus species (TOMC LAB2 and TOMC LAB4) during elaboration of Manzanilla olive fruits processed according to the Spanish-style. Data show that the use of inocula at the onset of fermentation led to a proper acidification and sugar consumption of brines compared to the spontaneous process, obtaining in a shorter period of time the maximum population for lactic acid bacteria. Both inoculated L. pentosus strains were recovered at high frequencies at the end of fermentation on the olive surface, which was corroborated by RAPD-PCR analysis. In situ observation of olive epidermis slices by scanning electron microscopy revealed a strong aggregation and adhesion between microorganisms, which reached population levels of approximately 6 and 7 log10 cfu/cm(2) for yeasts and lactic acid bacteria, respectively. Enterobacteriaceae on the olive surface were also found at the onset of fermentation (∼9 log10 cfu/cm(2)), but they declined during the process and were below the detection limit at the end of fermentation. Results obtained in this study show the advantage of using multifunctional starters with the ability to adhere to the olive epidermis because, ultimately, the fruits are the food ingested by consumers. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The construction of the multifunctional targeting ursolic acids liposomes and its apoptosis effects to C6 glioma stem cells

PubMed Central

Ying, Xue; Wang, Yahua; Xu, Haolun; Li, Xia; Yan, Helu; Tang, Hui; Wen, Chen; Li, Yingchun

2017-01-01

Brain gliomas, one of the most fatal tumors to human, severely threat the health and life of human. They are capable of extremely strong invasion ability. And invasive glioma cells could rapidly penetrate into normal brain tissues and break them. We prepared a kind of functional liposomes, which could be transported acrossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and afterwards induce the apoptosis of glioma stem cells. In this research, we chose ursolic acids (UA) as an anti-cancer drug to inhibit the growth of C6 glioma cells, while epigallocatechin 3-gallate(EGCG) as the agent that could induce the apoptosis of C6 glioma stem cells. With the targeting ability of MAN, the liposomes could be delivered through the BBB and finally were concentrated on the brain gliomas. Cell experiments in vitro demonstrated that the functional liposomes were able to significantly enhance the anti-cancer effects of the drugs due to promoting the apoptosis and endocytosis effects of C6 glioma cells and C6 glioma stem cells at the same time. Furthermore, the evaluations through animal models showed that the drugs could obviously prolong the survival period of brain glioma-bearing mice and inhibit the tumor growth. Consequently, multifunctional targeting ursolic acids liposomes could potentially improve the therapeutic effects on C6 glioma cells and C6 glioma stem cells. PMID:28969057

Methotrexate-conjugated magnetic nanoparticles for thermochemotherapy and magnetic resonance imaging of tumor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Fuping; Yan, Zixing; Zhou, Jing; Cai, Yuanyuan; Tang, Jintian

2012-10-01

There is significant interest in recent years in developing magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) having multifunctional characteristics with complimentary roles. In this study, methotrexate (MTX) was conjugated on the iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles surface via a poly(ethyleneimine) self-assembled monolayer (MTX-MNPs). The novel platform combined cancer chemotherapy, hyperthermia and potential monitoring of the progression of disease through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The conjugation of MTX on the magnetite surface was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and change of zeta potential. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) showed that MTX-MNPs were morphologically spherical. The average diameter of MTX-MNPs was 30.1 ± 5.2 nm determined by dynamic light scattering. Magnetic measurements revealed that the saturation magnetization of MTX-MNPs reached 68.8 emu/g and the nanoparticles were superparamagnetic. The MTX-MNPs had good heating properties in an alternating magnetic field. TEM results showed that a larger number of MTX-MNPs were internalized into the MCF-7 cellular cytoplasm compared with the MNPs. The MTX-MNPs demonstrated highly synergistic antiproliferative effects of simultaneous chemotherapy and hyperthermia in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. A significant negative contrast enhancement was observed with magnetic resonance phantom imaging for MCF-7 cells over L929cells, when both were cultured with the nanoconjugate. The MTX-MNPs with combined characteristics of thermochemotherapy and MRI could be of high clinical significance in the treatment of tumor.

When galectins recognize glycans: from biochemistry to physiology and back again.

PubMed

Di Lella, Santiago; Sundblad, Victoria; Cerliani, Juan P; Guardia, Carlos M; Estrin, Dario A; Vasta, Gerardo R; Rabinovich, Gabriel A

2011-09-20

In the past decade, increasing efforts have been devoted to the study of galectins, a family of evolutionarily conserved glycan-binding proteins with multifunctional properties. Galectins function, either intracellularly or extracellularly, as key biological mediators capable of monitoring changes occurring on the cell surface during fundamental biological processes such as cellular communication, inflammation, development, and differentiation. Their highly conserved structures, exquisite carbohydrate specificity, and ability to modulate a broad spectrum of biological processes have captivated a wide range of scientists from a wide spectrum of disciplines, including biochemistry, biophysics, cell biology, and physiology. However, in spite of enormous efforts to dissect the functions and properties of these glycan-binding proteins, limited information about how structural and biochemical aspects of these proteins can influence biological functions is available. In this review, we aim to integrate structural, biochemical, and functional aspects of this bewildering and ancient family of glycan-binding proteins and discuss their implications in physiologic and pathologic settings. © 2011 American Chemical Society

Editorial: Functional nanomaterials for energy applications

DOE PAGES

Devan, Rupesh S.; Ma, Yuan -Ron; Kim, Jin -Hyeok; ...

2015-02-16

In order to leap forward from the energy crisis issues and improve lifestyle, we all are looking positively toward nanomaterials or nanostructures. Thus, the exploration of new features of both typical and novel materials at the nanoscale level is playing important role in the development of innovative and improved energy technologies that have the capability of conserve/convert energy at large extend. By tailoring the surface morphology of materials in its nanoforms, the functional properties can be significantly adapted and specifically combined to produce highly potent multifunctional materials for conversion, storage, and consumption of energy in various forms. The papers selectedmore » for this special issue represent a good panel for addressing various energy applications including solar cell, fuel cells, nanofluid twisters, and gas sensors. Of course, the selected topic and the papers are not an exhaustive representation of the utilization of functional nanomaterials for energy applications. Nevertheless, they represent the rich and many-facet knowledge, which we have the pleasure of sharing with the readers.« less

Graphene Oxide and Gadolinium-Chelate Functionalized Poly(lactic acid) Nanocapsules Encapsulating Perfluorooctylbromide for Ultrasound/Magnetic Resonance Bimodal Imaging Guided Photothermal Ablation of Cancer.

PubMed

Li, Zhenglin; Ke, Hengte; Wang, Jinrui; Miao, Zhaohua; Yue, Xiuli

2016-03-01

This paper successfully fabricated a novel multifunctional theranostic agent (PFOB@PLA/GO/Gd-DTPA NCs) by loading perfluorooctylbromide (PFOB) into poly(lactic acid) (PLA) nanocapsules (NCs) followed by surface functionalization with graphene oxide (GO) and gadolinium-chelate (Gd-DTPA). It was found that the resulting nanoagent could serve as a contrast agent simultaneously to enhance ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Benefiting from the strong absorption in the near infrared (NIR) region, the nanocapsules could efficiently kill cancer cells under NIR laser irradiation. Thus, such a single theranostic agent with the combination of realtime US imaging and high-resolution MR imaging could achieve great therapeutic effectiveness without systemic damage to the body. In addition, the cytotoxicity assay on HUVEC cells revealed a good biocompatibility of PFOB@PLA/GO/Gd-DTPA NCs, showing that the versatile nanocapsule system may hold great potential as an effective nanoplatform for contrast enhanced imaging guided photothermal therapy.

Predictive Model for the Design of Zwitterionic Polymer Brushes: A Statistical Design of Experiments Approach.

PubMed

Kumar, Ramya; Lahann, Joerg

2016-07-06

The performance of polymer interfaces in biology is governed by a wide spectrum of interfacial properties. With the ultimate goal of identifying design parameters for stem cell culture coatings, we developed a statistical model that describes the dependence of brush properties on surface-initiated polymerization (SIP) parameters. Employing a design of experiments (DOE) approach, we identified operating boundaries within which four gel architecture regimes can be realized, including a new regime of associated brushes in thin films. Our statistical model can accurately predict the brush thickness and the degree of intermolecular association of poly[{2-(methacryloyloxy) ethyl} dimethyl-(3-sulfopropyl) ammonium hydroxide] (PMEDSAH), a previously reported synthetic substrate for feeder-free and xeno-free culture of human embryonic stem cells. DOE-based multifunctional predictions offer a powerful quantitative framework for designing polymer interfaces. For example, model predictions can be used to decrease the critical thickness at which the wettability transition occurs by simply increasing the catalyst quantity from 1 to 3 mol %.

Multifunctional polymer-capped mesoporous silica nanoparticles for pH-responsive targeted drug delivery.

PubMed

Niedermayer, Stefan; Weiss, Veronika; Herrmann, Annika; Schmidt, Alexandra; Datz, Stefan; Müller, Katharina; Wagner, Ernst; Bein, Thomas; Bräuchle, Christoph

2015-05-07

A highly stable modular platform, based on the sequential covalent attachment of different functionalities to the surface of core-shell mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) for targeted drug delivery is presented. A reversible pH-responsive cap system based on covalently attached poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PVP) was developed as drug release mechanism. Our platform offers (i) tuneable interactions and release kinetics with the cargo drug in the mesopores based on chemically orthogonal core-shell design, (ii) an extremely robust and reversible closure and release mechanism based on endosomal acidification of the covalently attached PVP polymer block, (iii) high colloidal stability due to a covalently coupled PEG shell, and (iv) the ability to covalently attach a wide variety of dyes, targeting ligands and other functionalities at the outer periphery of the PEG shell. The functionality of the system was demonstrated in several cell studies, showing pH-triggered release in the endosome, light-triggered endosomal escape with an on-board photosensitizer, and efficient folic acid-based cell targeting.

Specific Uptake of Lipid-Antibody-Functionalized LbL Microcarriers by Cells.

PubMed

Göse, Martin; Scheffler, Kira; Reibetanz, Uta

2016-11-14

The modular construction of Layer-by-Layer biopolymer microcarriers facilitates a highly specific design of drug delivery systems. A supported lipid bilayer (SLB) contributes to biocompatibility and protection of sensitive active agents. The addition of a lipid anchor equipped with PEG (shielding from opsonins) and biotin (attachment of exchangeable outer functional molecules) enhances the microcarrier functionality even more. However, a homogeneously assembled supported lipid bilayer is a prerequisite for a specific binding of functional components. Our investigations show that a tightly packed SLB improves the efficiency of functional components attached to the microcarrier's surface, as illustrated with specific antibodies in cellular application. Only a low quantity of antibodies is needed to obtain improved cellular uptake rates independent from cell type as compared to an antibody-functionalized loosely packed lipid bilayer or directly assembled antibody onto the multilayer. A fast disassembly of the lipid bilayer within endolysosomes exposing the underlying drug delivering multilayer structure demonstrates the suitability of LbL-microcarriers as a multifunctional drug delivery system.

Graphene Quantum Dots-Capped Magnetic Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles as a Multifunctional Platform for Controlled Drug Delivery, Magnetic Hyperthermia, and Photothermal Therapy.

PubMed

Yao, Xianxian; Niu, Xingxing; Ma, Kexin; Huang, Ping; Grothe, Julia; Kaskel, Stefan; Zhu, Yufang

2017-01-01

A multifunctional platform is reported for synergistic therapy with controlled drug release, magnetic hyperthermia, and photothermal therapy, which is composed of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) as caps and local photothermal generators and magnetic mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MMSN) as drug carriers and magnetic thermoseeds. The structure, drug release behavior, magnetic hyperthermia capacity, photothermal effect, and synergistic therapeutic efficiency of the MMSN/GQDs nanoparticles are investigated. The results show that monodisperse MMSN/GQDs nanoparticles with the particle size of 100 nm can load doxorubicin (DOX) and trigger DOX release by low pH environment. Furthermore, the MMSN/GQDs nanoparticles can efficiently generate heat to the hyperthermia temperature under an alternating magnetic field or by near infrared irradiation. More importantly, breast cancer 4T1 cells as a model cellular system, the results indicate that compared with chemotherapy, magnetic hyperthermia or photothermal therapy alone, the combined chemo-magnetic hyperthermia therapy or chemo-photothermal therapy with the DOX-loaded MMSN/GQDs nanosystem exhibits a significant synergistic effect, resulting in a higher efficacy to kill cancer cells. Therefore, the MMSN/GQDs multifunctional platform has great potential in cancer therapy for enhancing the therapeutic efficiency. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Three-dimensional images of choanoflagellate loricae

PubMed Central

Leadbeater, Barry S.C; Yu, QiBin; Kent, Joyce; Stekel, Dov J

2008-01-01

Choanoflagellates are unicellular filter-feeding protozoa distributed universally in aquatic habitats. Cells are ovoid in shape with a single anterior flagellum encircled by a funnel-shaped collar of microvilli. Movement of the flagellum creates water currents from which food particles are entrapped on the outer surface of the collar and ingested by pseudopodia. One group of marine choanoflagellates has evolved an elaborate basket-like exoskeleton, the lorica, comprising two layers of siliceous costae made up of costal strips. A computer graphic model has been developed for generating three-dimensional images of choanoflagellate loricae based on a universal set of ‘rules’ derived from electron microscopical observations. This model has proved seminal in understanding how complex costal patterns can be assembled in a single continuous movement. The lorica, which provides a rigid framework around the cell, is multifunctional. It resists the locomotory forces generated by flagellar movement, directs and enhances water flow over the collar and, for planktonic species, contributes towards maintaining cells in suspension. Since the functional morphology of choanoflagellate cells is so effective and has been highly conserved within the group, the ecological and evolutionary radiation of choanoflagellates is almost entirely dependent on the ability of the external coverings, particularly the lorica, to diversify. PMID:18755674

Brain and Retinal Pericytes: Origin, Function and Role

PubMed Central

Trost, Andrea; Lange, Simona; Schroedl, Falk; Bruckner, Daniela; Motloch, Karolina A.; Bogner, Barbara; Kaser-Eichberger, Alexandra; Strohmaier, Clemens; Runge, Christian; Aigner, Ludwig; Rivera, Francisco J.; Reitsamer, Herbert A.

2016-01-01

Pericytes are specialized mural cells located at the abluminal surface of capillary blood vessels, embedded within the basement membrane. In the vascular network these multifunctional cells fulfil diverse functions, which are indispensable for proper homoeostasis. They serve as microvascular stabilizers, are potential regulators of microvascular blood flow and have a central role in angiogenesis, as they for example regulate endothelial cell proliferation. Furthermore, pericytes, as part of the neurovascular unit, are a major component of the blood-retina/brain barrier. CNS pericytes are a heterogenic cell population derived from mesodermal and neuro-ectodermal germ layers acting as modulators of stromal and niche environmental properties. In addition, they display multipotent differentiation potential making them an intriguing target for regenerative therapies. Pericyte-deficiencies can be cause or consequence of many kinds of diseases. In diabetes, for instance, pericyte-loss is a severe pathological process in diabetic retinopathy (DR) with detrimental consequences for eye sight in millions of patients. In this review, we provide an overview of our current understanding of CNS pericyte origin and function, with a special focus on the retina in the healthy and diseased. Finally, we highlight the role of pericytes in de- and regenerative processes. PMID:26869887

Bioinspired surface functionalization of metallic biomaterials.

PubMed

Su, Yingchao; Luo, Cheng; Zhang, Zhihui; Hermawan, Hendra; Zhu, Donghui; Huang, Jubin; Liang, Yunhong; Li, Guangyu; Ren, Luquan

2018-01-01

Metallic biomaterials are widely used for clinical applications because of their excellent mechanical properties and good durability. In order to provide essential biofunctionalities, surface functionalization is of particular interest and requirement in the development of high-performance metallic implants. Inspired by the functional surface of natural biological systems, many new designs and conceptions have recently emerged to create multifunctional surfaces with great potential for biomedical applications. This review firstly introduces the metallic biomaterials, important surface properties, and then elaborates some strategies on achieving the bioinspired surface functionalization for metallic biomaterials. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A smart multifunctional drug delivery nanoplatform for targeting cancer cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoop, M.; Mushtaq, F.; Hurter, C.; Chen, X.-Z.; Nelson, B. J.; Pané, S.

2016-06-01

Wirelessly guided magnetic nanomachines are promising vectors for targeted drug delivery, which have the potential to minimize the interaction between anticancer agents and healthy tissues. In this work, we propose a smart multifunctional drug delivery nanomachine for targeted drug delivery that incorporates a stimuli-responsive building block. The nanomachine consists of a magnetic nickel (Ni) nanotube that contains a pH-responsive chitosan hydrogel in its inner cavity. The chitosan inside the nanotube serves as a matrix that can selectively release drugs in acidic environments, such as the extracellular space of most tumors. Approximately a 2.5 times higher drug release from Ni nanotubes at pH = 6 is achieved compared to that at pH = 7.4. The outside of the Ni tube is coated with gold. A fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) labeled thiol-ssDNA, a biological marker, was conjugated on its surface by thiol-gold click chemistry, which enables traceability. The Ni nanotube allows the propulsion of the device by means of external magnetic fields. As the proposed nanoarchitecture integrates different functional building blocks, our drug delivery nanoplatform can be employed for carrying molecular drug conjugates and for performing targeted combinatorial therapies, which can provide an alternative and supplementary solution to current drug delivery technologies.Wirelessly guided magnetic nanomachines are promising vectors for targeted drug delivery, which have the potential to minimize the interaction between anticancer agents and healthy tissues. In this work, we propose a smart multifunctional drug delivery nanomachine for targeted drug delivery that incorporates a stimuli-responsive building block. The nanomachine consists of a magnetic nickel (Ni) nanotube that contains a pH-responsive chitosan hydrogel in its inner cavity. The chitosan inside the nanotube serves as a matrix that can selectively release drugs in acidic environments, such as the extracellular space of most tumors. Approximately a 2.5 times higher drug release from Ni nanotubes at pH = 6 is achieved compared to that at pH = 7.4. The outside of the Ni tube is coated with gold. A fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) labeled thiol-ssDNA, a biological marker, was conjugated on its surface by thiol-gold click chemistry, which enables traceability. The Ni nanotube allows the propulsion of the device by means of external magnetic fields. As the proposed nanoarchitecture integrates different functional building blocks, our drug delivery nanoplatform can be employed for carrying molecular drug conjugates and for performing targeted combinatorial therapies, which can provide an alternative and supplementary solution to current drug delivery technologies. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Fig. S1 drug release control experiment; Fig. S2 cell viability assay; video - magnetic manipulation. See DOI: 10.1039/c6nr02228f

Flexible integrated circuits and multifunctional electronics based on single atomic layers of MoS2 and graphene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amani, Matin; Burke, Robert A.; Proie, Robert M.; Dubey, Madan

2015-03-01

Two-dimensional materials, such as graphene and its analogues, have been investigated by numerous researchers for high performance flexible and conformal electronic systems, because they offer the ultimate level of thickness scaling, atomically smooth surfaces and high crystalline quality. Here, we use layer-by-layer transfer of large area molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) and graphene grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) to demonstrate electronics on flexible polyimide (PI) substrates. On the same PI substrate, we are able to simultaneously fabricate MoS2 based logic, non-volatile memory cells with graphene floating gates, photo-detectors and MoS2 transistors with tunable source and drain contacts. We are also able to demonstrate that these flexible heterostructure devices have very high electronic performance, comparable to four point measurements taken on SiO2 substrates, with on/off ratios >107 and field effect mobilities as high as 16.4 cm2 V-1 s-1. Additionally, the heterojunctions show high optoelectronic sensitivity and were operated as photodetectors with responsivities over 30 A W-1. Through local gating of the individual graphene/MoS2 contacts, we are able to tune the contact resistance over the range of 322-1210 Ω mm for each contact, by modulating the graphene work function. This leads to devices with tunable and multifunctional performance that can be implemented in a conformable platform.

Carbon Nanotube-CoF2 Multifunctional Cathode for Lithium Ion Batteries: Effect of Electrolyte on Cycle Stability.

PubMed

Wang, Xinran; Gu, Wentian; Lee, Jung Tae; Nitta, Naoki; Benson, Jim; Magasinski, Alexandre; Schauer, Mark W; Yushin, Gleb

2015-10-01

Transition metal fluorides (MFx ) offer remarkably high theoretical energy density. However, the low cycling stability, low electrical and ionic conductivity of metal fluorides have severely limited their applications as conversion-type cathode materials for lithium ion batteries. Here, a scalable and low-cost strategy is reported on the fabrication of multifunctional cobalt fluoride/carbon nanotube nonwoven fabric nanocomposite, which demonstrates a combination of high capacity (near-theoretical, 550mAhgCoF2-1) and excellent mechanical properties. Its strength and modulus of toughness exceed that of many aluminum alloys, cast iron, and other structural materials, fulfilling the use of MFx -based materials in batteries with load-bearing capabilities. In the course of this study, cathode dissolution in conventional electrolytes has been discovered as the main reason that leads to the rapid growth of the solid electrolyte interphase layer and attributes to rapid cell degradation. And such largely overlooked degradation mechanism is overcome by utilizing electrolyte comprising a fluorinated solvent, which forms a protective ionically conductive layer on the cathode and anode surfaces. With this approach, 93% capacity retention is achieved after 200 cycles at the current density of 100 mA g(-1) and over 50% after 10 000 cycles at the current density of 1000 mA g(-1) . © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Flexible integrated circuits and multifunctional electronics based on single atomic layers of MoS2 and graphene.

PubMed

Amani, Matin; Burke, Robert A; Proie, Robert M; Dubey, Madan

2015-03-20

Two-dimensional materials, such as graphene and its analogues, have been investigated by numerous researchers for high performance flexible and conformal electronic systems, because they offer the ultimate level of thickness scaling, atomically smooth surfaces and high crystalline quality. Here, we use layer-by-layer transfer of large area molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) and graphene grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) to demonstrate electronics on flexible polyimide (PI) substrates. On the same PI substrate, we are able to simultaneously fabricate MoS2 based logic, non-volatile memory cells with graphene floating gates, photo-detectors and MoS2 transistors with tunable source and drain contacts. We are also able to demonstrate that these flexible heterostructure devices have very high electronic performance, comparable to four point measurements taken on SiO2 substrates, with on/off ratios >10(7) and field effect mobilities as high as 16.4 cm(2) V(-1) s(-1). Additionally, the heterojunctions show high optoelectronic sensitivity and were operated as photodetectors with responsivities over 30 A W(-1). Through local gating of the individual graphene/MoS2 contacts, we are able to tune the contact resistance over the range of 322-1210 Ω mm for each contact, by modulating the graphene work function. This leads to devices with tunable and multifunctional performance that can be implemented in a conformable platform.

Quantitative blood group typing using surface plasmon resonance.

PubMed

Then, Whui Lyn; Aguilar, Marie-Isabel; Garnier, Gil

2015-11-15

The accurate and reliable typing of blood groups is essential prior to blood transfusion. While current blood typing methods are well established, results are subjective and heavily reliant on analysis by trained personnel. Techniques for quantifying blood group antibody-antigen interactions are also very limited. Many biosensing systems rely on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) detection to quantify biomolecular interactions. While SPR has been widely used for characterizing antibody-antigen interactions, measuring antibody interactions with whole cells is significantly less common. Previous studies utilized SPR for blood group antigen detection, however, showed poor regeneration causing loss of functionality after a single use. In this study, a fully regenerable, multi-functional platform for quantitative blood group typing via SPR detection is achieved by immobilizing anti-human IgG antibody to the sensor surface, which binds to the Fc region of human IgG antibodies. The surface becomes an interchangeable platform capable of quantifying the blood group interactions between red blood cells (RBCs) and IgG antibodies. As with indirect antiglobulin tests (IAT), which use IgG antibodies for detection, IgG antibodies are initially incubated with RBCs. This facilitates binding to the immobilized monolayer and allows for quantitative blood group detection. Using the D-antigen as an example, a clear distinction between positive (>500 RU) and negative (<100 RU) RBCs is achieved using anti-D IgG. Complete regeneration of the anti-human IgG surface is also successful, showing negligible degradation of the surface after more than 100 regenerations. This novel approach is validated with human-sourced whole blood samples to demonstrate an interesting alternative for quantitative blood grouping using SPR analysis. Crown Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Heparin-mimicking multilayer coating on polymeric membrane via LbL assembly of cyclodextrin-based supramolecules.

PubMed

Deng, Jie; Liu, Xinyue; Ma, Lang; Cheng, Chong; Shi, Wenbin; Nie, Chuanxiong; Zhao, Changsheng

2014-12-10

In this study, multifunctional and heparin-mimicking star-shaped supramolecules-deposited 3D porous multilayer films with improved biocompatibility were fabricated via a layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly method on polymeric membrane substrates. Star-shaped heparin-mimicking polyanions (including poly(styrenesulfonate-co-sodium acrylate; Star-PSS-AANa) and poly(styrenesulfonate-co-poly(ethylene glycol)methyl ether methacrylate; Star-PSS-EGMA)) and polycations (poly(methyl chloride-quaternized 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate; Star-PMeDMA) were first synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) from β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) based cores. Then assembly of 3D porous multilayers onto polymeric membrane surfaces was carried out by alternating deposition of the polyanions and polycations via electrostatic interaction. The surface morphology and composition, water contact angle, blood activation, and thrombotic potential as well as cell viability for the coated heparin-mimicking films were systematically investigated. The results of surface ATR-FTIR spectra and XPS spectra verified successful deposition of the star-shaped supramolecules onto the biomedical membrane surfaces; scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) observations revealed that the modified substrate had 3D porous surface morphology, which might have a great biological influence on the biointerface. Furthermore, systematic in vitro investigation of protein adsorption, platelet adhesion, human platelet factor 4 (PF4, indicates platelet activation), activate partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT), coagulation activation (thrombin-antithrombin III complex (TAT, indicates blood coagulant)), and blood-related complement activation (C3a and C5a, indicates inflammation potential) confirmed that the heparin-mimicking multilayer coated membranes exhibited ultralow blood component activations and excellent hemocompatibility. Meanwhile, after surface coating, endothelial cell viability was also promoted, which indicated that the heparin-mimicking multilayer coating might extend the application fields of polymeric membranes in biomedical fields.

Multifunctional organically modified silica nanoparticles for chemotherapy, adjuvant hyperthermia and near infrared imaging.

PubMed

Nagesetti, Abhignyan; McGoron, Anthony J

2016-11-01

We report a novel system of organically modified silica nanoparticles (Ormosil) capable of near infrared fluorescence and chemotherapy with adjuvant hyperthermia for image guided cancer therapy. Ormosil nanoparticles were loaded with a chemotherapeutic, Doxorubicin (DOX) and cyanine dye, IR820. Ormosil particles had a mean diameter of 51.2±2.4 nanometers and surface charge of -40.5±0.8mV. DOX was loaded onto Ormosil particles via physical adsorption (FDSIR820) or covalent linkage (CDSIR820) to the silanol groups on the Ormosil surface. Both formulations retained DOX and IR820 over a period of 2 days in aqueous buffer, though CDSIR820 retained more DOX (93.2%) compared to FDSIR820 (77.0%) nanoparticles. Exposure to near infrared laser triggered DOX release from CDSIR820. Uptake of nanoparticles was determined by deconvolution microscopy in ovarian carcinoma cells (Skov-3). CDSIR820 localized in the cell lysosomes whereas cells incubated with FDSIR820 showed DOX fluorescence from the nucleus indicating leakage of DOX from the nanoparticle matrix. FDSIR820 nanoparticles showed severe toxicity in Skov-3 cells whereas CDSIR820 particles had the same cytotoxicity profile as bare (No DOX and IR820) Ormosil particles. Furthermore, exposure of CDSIR820 nanoparticles to Near Infrared laser at 808 nanometers resulted in generation of heat (to 43°C from 37°C) and resulted in enhanced cell killing compared to Free DOX treatment. Bio-distribution studies showed that CDSIR820 nanoparticles were primarily present in the organs of Reticuloendothelial (RES) system. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The structure of human 4F2hc ectodomain provides a model for homodimerization and electrostatic interaction with plasma membrane.

PubMed

Fort, Joana; de la Ballina, Laura R; Burghardt, Hans E; Ferrer-Costa, Carles; Turnay, Javier; Ferrer-Orta, Cristina; Usón, Isabel; Zorzano, Antonio; Fernández-Recio, Juan; Orozco, Modesto; Lizarbe, María Antonia; Fita, Ignacio; Palacín, Manuel

2007-10-26

4F2hc (CD98hc) is a multifunctional type II membrane glycoprotein involved in amino acid transport and cell fusion, adhesion, and transformation. The structure of the ectodomain of human 4F2hc has been solved using monoclinic (Protein Data Bank code 2DH2) and orthorhombic (Protein Data Bank code 2DH3) crystal forms at 2.1 and 2.8 A, respectively. It is composed of a (betaalpha)(8) barrel and an antiparallel beta(8) sandwich related to bacterial alpha-glycosidases, although lacking key catalytic residues and consequently catalytic activity. 2DH3 is a dimer with Zn(2+) coordination at the interface. Human 4F2hc expressed in several cell types resulted in cell surface and Cys(109) disulfide bridge-linked homodimers with major architectural features of the crystal dimer, as demonstrated by cross-linking experiments. 4F2hc has no significant hydrophobic patches at the surface. Monomer and homodimer have a polarized charged surface. The N terminus of the solved structure, including the position of Cys(109) residue located four residues apart from the transmembrane domain, is adjacent to the positive face of the ectodomain. This location of the N terminus and the Cys(109)-intervening disulfide bridge imposes space restrictions sufficient to support a model for electrostatic interaction of the 4F2hc ectodomain with membrane phospholipids. These results provide the first crystal structure of heteromeric amino acid transporters and suggest a dynamic interaction of the 4F2hc ectodomain with the plasma membrane.

LRP1 influences trafficking of N-type calcium channels via interaction with the auxiliary α2δ-1 subunit

PubMed Central

Kadurin, Ivan; Rothwell, Simon W.; Lana, Beatrice; Nieto-Rostro, Manuela; Dolphin, Annette C.

2017-01-01

Voltage-gated Ca2+ (CaV) channels consist of a pore-forming α1 subunit, which determines the main functional and pharmacological attributes of the channel. The CaV1 and CaV2 channels are associated with auxiliary β- and α2δ-subunits. The molecular mechanisms involved in α2δ subunit trafficking, and the effect of α2δ subunits on trafficking calcium channel complexes remain poorly understood. Here we show that α2δ-1 is a ligand for the Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Receptor-related Protein-1 (LRP1), a multifunctional receptor which mediates trafficking of cargoes. This interaction with LRP1 is direct, and is modulated by the LRP chaperone, Receptor-Associated Protein (RAP). LRP1 regulates α2δ binding to gabapentin, and influences calcium channel trafficking and function. Whereas LRP1 alone reduces α2δ-1 trafficking to the cell-surface, the LRP1/RAP combination enhances mature glycosylation, proteolytic processing and cell-surface expression of α2δ-1, and also increase plasma-membrane expression and function of CaV2.2 when co-expressed with α2δ-1. Furthermore RAP alone produced a small increase in cell-surface expression of CaV2.2, α2δ-1 and the associated calcium currents. It is likely to be interacting with an endogenous member of the LDL receptor family to have these effects. Our findings now provide a key insight and new tools to investigate the trafficking of calcium channel α2δ subunits. PMID:28256585

Fluorescent-Magnetic-Biotargeting Multifunctional Nanobioprobes for Detecting and Isolating Multiple Types of Tumor Cells

PubMed Central

Song, Er-Qun; Hu, Jun; Wen, Cong-Ying; Tian, Zhi-Quan; Yu, Xu; Zhang, Zhi-Ling; Shi, Yun-Bo; Pang, Dai-Wen

2011-01-01

Fluorescent-magnetic-biotargeting multifunctional nanobioprobes (FMBMNs) have attracted great attention in recent years due to their increasing, important applications in biomedical research, clinical diagnosis, and biomedicine. We have previously developed such nanobioprobes for the detection and isolation of a single kind of tumor cells. Detection and isolation of multiple tumor markers or tumor cells from complex samples sensitively and with high efficiency is critical for the early diagnosis of tumors, especially malignant tumors or cancers, which will improve clinical diagnosis outcomes and help to select effective treatment approaches. Here, we expanded the application of the monoclonal antibody (mAb)-coupled FMBMNs for multiplexed assays. Multiple types of cancer cells, such as leukemia cells and prostate cancer cells, were detected and collected from mixed samples within 25 minutes by using a magnet and an ordinary fluorescence microscope. The capture efficiencies of mAb-coupled FMBMNs for the above mentioned two types of cells were 96% and 97% respectively. Furthermore, by using the mAb-coupled FMBMNs, specific and sensitive detection and rapid separation of a small number of spiked leukemia cells and prostate cancer cells in a large population of cultured normal cells (about 0.01% were tumor cells) were achieved simply and inexpensively without any sample pretreatment before cell analysis. Therefore, mAb-coupled multicolour FMBMNs may be used for very sensitive detection and rapid isolation of multiple cancer cells in biomedical research and medical diagnostics. PMID:21250650

Molecular Design of Low-Density Multifunctional Hybrid Materials

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-01-01

properties, but also the synergistic interactions of reactive chemical and simulated solar UV environments with the hybrid film which leads to...applications possible including microelectronic interlayer dielectrics, antireflective coatings for solar cells , optical waveguides, size-selective...membranes, biosensors, micro-fluidic structures, and membranes in fuel cells . A critical aspect for all of these applications is that the hybrids

Simultaneous tracking of drug molecules and carriers using aptamer-functionalized fluorescent superstable gold nanorod-carbon nanocapsules during thermo-chemotherapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xue-Wei; Gao, Wei; Fan, Huanhuan; Ding, Ding; Lai, Xiao-Fang; Zou, Yu-Xiu; Chen, Long; Chen, Zhuo; Tan, Weihong

2016-04-01

Controlling and monitoring the drug delivery process is critical to its intended therapeutic function. Many nanocarrier systems for drug delivery have been successfully developed. However, biocompatibility, stability, and simultaneously tracing drugs and nanocarriers present significant limitations. Herein, we have fabricated a multifunctional nanocomposite by coating the gold nanorod (AuNR) with a biocompatible, superstable and fluorescent carbon layer, obtaining the AuNR@carbon core-shell nanocapsule. In this system, the carbon shell, originally obtained in aqueous glucose solutions and, therefore, biocompatible in physiological environments, could be simply loaded with cell-specific aptamers and therapeutic molecules through π-π interactions, a useful tool for cancer-targeted cellular imaging and therapy. Moreover, such a stable and intrinsic fluorescence effect of the AuNR@carbon enabled simultaneous tracking of released therapeutic molecules and nanocarriers under thermo-chemotherapy. The AuNR@carbons had high surface areas and stable shells, as well as unique optical and photothermal properties, making them promising nanostructures for biomedical applications.Controlling and monitoring the drug delivery process is critical to its intended therapeutic function. Many nanocarrier systems for drug delivery have been successfully developed. However, biocompatibility, stability, and simultaneously tracing drugs and nanocarriers present significant limitations. Herein, we have fabricated a multifunctional nanocomposite by coating the gold nanorod (AuNR) with a biocompatible, superstable and fluorescent carbon layer, obtaining the AuNR@carbon core-shell nanocapsule. In this system, the carbon shell, originally obtained in aqueous glucose solutions and, therefore, biocompatible in physiological environments, could be simply loaded with cell-specific aptamers and therapeutic molecules through π-π interactions, a useful tool for cancer-targeted cellular imaging and therapy. Moreover, such a stable and intrinsic fluorescence effect of the AuNR@carbon enabled simultaneous tracking of released therapeutic molecules and nanocarriers under thermo-chemotherapy. The AuNR@carbons had high surface areas and stable shells, as well as unique optical and photothermal properties, making them promising nanostructures for biomedical applications. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Experimental details and characterization data for all new compounds. See DOI: 10.1039/c6nr00369a

Aptamer loaded MoS2 nanoplates as nanoprobes for detection of intracellular ATP and controllable photodynamic therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jia, Li; Ding, Lin; Tian, Jiangwei; Bao, Lei; Hu, Yaoping; Ju, Huangxian; Yu, Jun-Sheng

2015-09-01

In this work we designed a MoS2 nanoplate-based nanoprobe for fluorescence imaging of intracellular ATP and photodynamic therapy (PDT) via ATP-mediated controllable release of 1O2. The nanoprobe was prepared by simply assembling a chlorine e6 (Ce6) labelled ATP aptamer on MoS2 nanoplates, which have favorable biocompatibility, unusual surface-area-to-mass ratio, strong affinity to single-stranded DNA, and can quench the fluorescence of Ce6. After the nanoprobe was internalized into the cells and entered ATP-abundant lysosomes, its recognition to ATP led to the release of the single-stranded aptamer from MoS2 nanoplates and thus recovered the fluorescence of Ce6 at an excitation wavelength of 633 nm, which produced a highly sensitive and selective method for imaging of intracellular ATP. Meanwhile, the ATP-mediated release led to the generation of 1O2 under 660 nm laser irradiation, which could induce tumor cell death with a lysosomal pathway. The controllable PDT provided a model approach for design of multifunctional theranostic nanoprobes. These results also promoted the development and application of MoS2 nanoplate-based platforms in biomedicine.In this work we designed a MoS2 nanoplate-based nanoprobe for fluorescence imaging of intracellular ATP and photodynamic therapy (PDT) via ATP-mediated controllable release of 1O2. The nanoprobe was prepared by simply assembling a chlorine e6 (Ce6) labelled ATP aptamer on MoS2 nanoplates, which have favorable biocompatibility, unusual surface-area-to-mass ratio, strong affinity to single-stranded DNA, and can quench the fluorescence of Ce6. After the nanoprobe was internalized into the cells and entered ATP-abundant lysosomes, its recognition to ATP led to the release of the single-stranded aptamer from MoS2 nanoplates and thus recovered the fluorescence of Ce6 at an excitation wavelength of 633 nm, which produced a highly sensitive and selective method for imaging of intracellular ATP. Meanwhile, the ATP-mediated release led to the generation of 1O2 under 660 nm laser irradiation, which could induce tumor cell death with a lysosomal pathway. The controllable PDT provided a model approach for design of multifunctional theranostic nanoprobes. These results also promoted the development and application of MoS2 nanoplate-based platforms in biomedicine. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Supplementary figures. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr02224j

The multifunctional RNA-binding protein hnRNPK is critical for the proliferation and differentiation of myoblasts.

PubMed

Xu, Yongjie; Li, Rui; Zhang, Kaili; Wu, Wei; Wang, Suying; Zhang, Pengpeng; Xu, Haixia

2018-06-14

HnRNPK is a multifunctional protein that participates in chromatin remodeling, transcrip-tion, RNA splicing, mRNA stability and translation. Here, we uncovered the function of hnRNPK in regulating the proliferation and differentiation of myoblasts. hnRNPK was mutated in the C2C12 myoblast cell line using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. A decreased proliferation rate was observed in hnRNPK-mutated cells, suggesting an impaired prolif-eration phenotype. Furthermore, increased G2/M phase, decreased S phase and increased sub-G1 phase cells were detected in the hnRNPK-mutated cell lines. The expression analysis of key cell cycle regulators indicated mRNA of Cyclin A2 was significantly in-creased in the mutant myoblasts compared to the control cells, while Cyclin B1, Cdc25b and Cdc25c were decreased sharply. In addition to the myoblast proliferation defect, the mutant cells exhibited defect in myotube formation. The myotube formation marker, my-osin heavy chain (MHC), was decreased sharply in hnRNPK-mutated cells compared to control myoblasts during differentiation. The deficiency in hnRNPK also resulted in the repression of Myog expression, a key myogenic regulator during differentiation. Together, our data demonstrate that hnRNPK is required for myoblast proliferation and differentia-tion and may be an essential regulator of myoblast function.

Preparation of multifunctional glyconanoparticles as a platform for potential carbohydrate-based anticancer vaccines.

PubMed

Ojeda, Rafael; de Paz, Jose Luis; Barrientos, Africa G; Martín-Lomas, Manuel; Penadés, Soledad

2007-02-26

A novel platform for anticancer vaccines has been prepared using glyconanotechnology recently developed in our laboratory. Ten different multifunctional gold glyconanoparticles incorporating sialylTn and Lewis(y) antigens, T-cell helper peptides (TT) and glucose in well defined average proportions and with differing density have been synthesised in one step and characterised using NMR and TEM. Size and nature of the linker were crucial to control kinetics of S-Au bond formation and to achieve the desired ligand ratio on the gold clusters. The technology presented here opens the way for tailoring polyvalent anticancer vaccines candidates and drug delivery carriers with defined average chemical composition.

Multifunctional combinatorial-designed nanoparticles for nucleic acid therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amiji, Mansoor M.

2016-05-01

Recent advances in biomedical sciences, especially in the field of human genetics, is increasingly considered to facilitate a new frontier in development of novel disease-modifying therapeutics. One of major challenges in the development of nucleic acid therapeutics is efficient and specific delivery of the molecules to the target tissue and cell upon systemic administration. In this report, I discuss our strategy to develop combinatorial-designed multifunctional nanoparticle assemblies based on natural biocompatible and biodegradable polymers for nucleic acid delivery in: (1) overcoming tumor drug resistance and (2) genetic modulation of macrophage functional phenotype from M1 to M2 in treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Synthesis, Characterization and Cytotoxicity of Novel Multifunctional Fe3O4@SiO2@GdVO4:Dy3+ Core-Shell Nanocomposite as a Drug Carrier

PubMed Central

Li, Bo; Fan, Huitao; Zhao, Qiang; Wang, Congcong

2016-01-01

In this study, multifunctional Fe3O4@SiO2@GdVO4:Dy3+ nanocomposites were successfully synthesized via a two-step method. Their structure, luminescence and magnetic properties were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electronic microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), photoluminescence (PL) spectra and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The results indicated that the as-prepared multifunctional composites displayed a well-defined core-shell structure. The composites show spherical morphology with a size distribution of around 360 nm. Additionally, the composites exhibit high saturation magnetization (20.40 emu/g) and excellent luminescence properties. The inner Fe3O4 cores and the outer GdVO4:Dy3+ layers endow the composites with good responsive magnetic properties and strong fluorescent properties, which endow the nanoparticles with great potential applications in drug delivery, magnetic resonance imaging, and marking and separating of cells in vitro. PMID:28773275

Multifunctional Nanocarpets for Cancer Theranostics: Remotely Controlled Graphene Nanoheaters for Thermo-Chemosensitisation and Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

PubMed

Ramachandra Kurup Sasikala, Arathyram; Thomas, Reju George; Unnithan, Afeesh Rajan; Saravanakumar, Balasubramaniam; Jeong, Yong Yeon; Park, Chan Hee; Kim, Cheol Sang

2016-02-04

A new paradigm in cancer theranostics is enabled by safe multifunctional nanoplatform that can be applied for therapeutic functions together with imaging capabilities. Herein, we develop a multifunctional nanocomposite consisting of Graphene Oxide-Iron Oxide -Doxorubicin (GO-IO-DOX) as a theranostic cancer platform. The smart magnetic nanoplatform acts both as a hyperthermic agent that delivers heat when an alternating magnetic field is applied and a chemotherapeutic agent in a cancer environment by providing a pH-dependent drug release to administer a synergistic anticancer treatment with an enhanced T2 contrast for MRI. The novel GO-IO-DOX nanocomposites were tested in vitro and were observed to exhibit an enhanced tumoricidal effect through both hyperthermia and cancer cell-specific DOX release along with an excellent MRI performance, enabling a versatile theranostic platform for cancer. Moreover the localized antitumor effects of GO-IO-DOX increased substantially as a result of the drug sensitization through repeated application of hyperthermia.

Multifunctional Nanocarpets for Cancer Theranostics: Remotely Controlled Graphene Nanoheaters for Thermo-Chemosensitisation and Magnetic Resonance Imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramachandra Kurup Sasikala, Arathyram; Thomas, Reju George; Unnithan, Afeesh Rajan; Saravanakumar, Balasubramaniam; Jeong, Yong Yeon; Park, Chan Hee; Kim, Cheol Sang

2016-02-01

A new paradigm in cancer theranostics is enabled by safe multifunctional nanoplatform that can be applied for therapeutic functions together with imaging capabilities. Herein, we develop a multifunctional nanocomposite consisting of Graphene Oxide-Iron Oxide -Doxorubicin (GO-IO-DOX) as a theranostic cancer platform. The smart magnetic nanoplatform acts both as a hyperthermic agent that delivers heat when an alternating magnetic field is applied and a chemotherapeutic agent in a cancer environment by providing a pH-dependent drug release to administer a synergistic anticancer treatment with an enhanced T2 contrast for MRI. The novel GO-IO-DOX nanocomposites were tested in vitro and were observed to exhibit an enhanced tumoricidal effect through both hyperthermia and cancer cell-specific DOX release along with an excellent MRI performance, enabling a versatile theranostic platform for cancer. Moreover the localized antitumor effects of GO-IO-DOX increased substantially as a result of the drug sensitization through repeated application of hyperthermia.

Multifunction Sr, Co and F co-doped microporous coating on titanium of antibacterial, angiogenic and osteogenic activities

PubMed Central

Zhou, Jianhong; Zhao, Lingzhou

2016-01-01

Advanced multifunction titanium (Ti) based bone implant with antibacterial, angiogenic and osteogenic activities is stringently needed in clinic, which may be accomplished via incorporation of proper inorganic bioactive elements. In this work, microporous TiO2/calcium-phosphate coating on Ti doped with strontium, cobalt and fluorine (SCF-TiCP) was developed, which had a hierarchical micro/nano-structure with a microporous structure evenly covered with nano-grains. SCF-TiCP greatly inhibited the colonization and growth of both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. No cytotoxicity appeared for SCF-TiCP. Furthermore, SCF-TiCP stimulated the expression of key angiogenic factors in rat bone marrow stem cells (MSCs) and dramatically enhanced MSC osteogenic differentiation. The in vivo animal test displayed that SCF-TiCP induced more new bone and tighter implant/bone bonding. In conclusion, multifunction SCF-TiCP of antibacterial, angiogenic and osteogenic activities is a promising orthopedic and dental Ti implant coating for improved clinical performance. PMID:27353337

Orthogonal use of a human tRNA synthetase active site to achieve multifunctionality.

PubMed

Zhou, Quansheng; Kapoor, Mili; Guo, Min; Belani, Rajesh; Xu, Xiaoling; Kiosses, William B; Hanan, Melanie; Park, Chulho; Armour, Eva; Do, Minh-Ha; Nangle, Leslie A; Schimmel, Paul; Yang, Xiang-Lei

2010-01-01

Protein multifunctionality is an emerging explanation for the complexity of higher organisms. In this regard, aminoacyl tRNA synthetases catalyze amino acid activation for protein synthesis, but some also act in pathways for inflammation, angiogenesis and apoptosis. It is unclear how these multiple functions evolved and how they relate to the active site. Here structural modeling analysis, mutagenesis and cell-based functional studies show that the potent angiostatic, natural fragment of human tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase (TrpRS) associates via tryptophan side chains that protrude from its cognate cellular receptor vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin). VE-cadherin's tryptophan side chains fit into the tryptophan-specific active site of the synthetase. Thus, specific side chains of the receptor mimic amino acid substrates and expand the functionality of the active site of the synthetase. We propose that orthogonal use of the same active site may be a general way to develop multifunctionality of human tRNA synthetases and other proteins.

A multifunctional magneto-fluorescent nanocomposite for visual recognition of targeted cancer cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Acharya, Amitabha; Rawat, Kiran; Bhat, Kaisar Ahmad; Patial, Vikram; Padwad, Yogendra S.

2015-11-01

A multifunctional hybrid nanocomposite material of iron oxide nanoparticles and CdS quantum dots was synthesized by a direct amide coupling reaction. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential studies. The TEM studies suggested that the sizes of the particles were in the range of 13.5 ± 1 nm. The energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) analysis confirmed the presence of Fe, Cd and S in the nanocomposites. To check the utility of this nanocomposite as a molecular imaging probe, these nanoparticles were further conjugated with folic acid. The folic acid conjugated nanocomposites were treated with rat glioma cells (C6, folic acid receptor over-expressing cell lines), human lung adenocarcinoma epithelial cells (A549, folic acid receptor negative cell lines) and normal mouse splenocytes for cell uptake and cytotoxicity studies. The nanoparticle internalization to C6 cells was confirmed by green fluorescence emission from these cells. Prussian blue staining studies suggested the intracellular presence of iron oxide. Further it was found that folic acid conjugated nanocomposites were significantly toxic to C6 cells only after 48 h but not to A549 cells or splenocytes. These studies indicated that the prepared nanocomposites have the potential to be used as delivery agent for magnetic and fluorescent materials towards folic acid receptor over-expressing cells and thus can find their application in the field of in vitro imaging diagnosis.

Single-unit-cell layer established Bi 2 WO 6 3D hierarchical architectures: Efficient adsorption, photocatalysis and dye-sensitized photoelectrochemical performance

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Huang, Hongwei; Cao, Ranran; Yu, Shixin

Single-layer catalysis sparks huge interests and gains widespread attention owing to its high activity. Simultaneously, three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical structure can afford large surface area and abundant reactive sites, contributing to high efficiency. Herein, we report an absorbing single-unit-cell layer established Bi2WO6 3D hierarchical architecture fabricated by a sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS)-assisted assembled strategy. The DBS- long chains can adsorb on the (Bi2O2)2+ layers and hence impede stacking of the layers, resulting in the single-unit-cell layer. We also uncovered that SDS with a shorter chain is less effective than SDBS. Due to the sufficient exposure of surface O atoms, single-unit-cellmore » layer 3D Bi2WO6 shows strong selectivity for adsorption on multiform organic dyes with different charges. Remarkably, the single-unit-cell layer 3D Bi2WO6 casts profoundly enhanced photodegradation activity and especially a superior photocatalytic H2 evolution rate, which is 14-fold increase in contrast to the bulk Bi2WO6. Systematic photoelectrochemical characterizations disclose that the substantially elevated carrier density and charge separation efficiency take responsibility for the strengthened photocatalytic performance. Additionally, the possibility of single-unit-cell layer 3D Bi2WO6 as dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) has also been attempted and it was manifested to be a promising dye-sensitized photoanode for oxygen evolution reaction (ORR). Our work not only furnish an insight into designing single-layer assembled 3D hierarchical architecture, but also offer a multi-functional material for environmental and energy applications.« less

Gold nanorod embedded reduction responsive block copolymer micelle-triggered drug delivery combined with photothermal ablation for targeted cancer therapy.

PubMed

Parida, Sheetal; Maiti, Chiranjit; Rajesh, Y; Dey, Kaushik K; Pal, Ipsita; Parekh, Aditya; Patra, Rusha; Dhara, Dibakar; Dutta, Pranab Kumar; Mandal, Mahitosh

2017-01-01

Gold nanorods, by virtue of surface plasmon resonance, convert incident light energy (NIR) into heat energy which induces hyperthermia. We designed unique, multifunctional, gold nanorod embedded block copolymer micelle loaded with GW627368X for targeted drug delivery and photothermal therapy. Glutathione responsive diblock co-polymer was synthesized by RAFT process forming self-assembled micelle on gold nanorods prepared by seed mediated method and GW627368X was loaded on to the reduction responsive gold nanorod embedded micelle. Photothermal therapy was administered using cwNIR laser (808nm; 4W/cm 2 ). Efficacy of nanoformulated GW627368X, photothermal therapy and combination of both were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. In response to photothermal treatment, cells undergo regulated, patterned cell death by necroptosis. Combining GW627368X with photothermal treatment using single nanoparticle enhanced therapeutic outcome. In addition, these nanoparticles are effective X-ray CT contrast agents, thus, can help in monitoring treatment. Reduction responsive nanorod embedded micelle containing folic acid and lipoic acid when treated on cervical cancer cells or tumour bearing mice, aggregate in and around cancer cells. Due to high glutathione concentration, micelles degrade releasing drug which binds surface receptors inducing apoptosis. When incident with 808nm cwNIR lasers, gold nanorods bring about photothermal effect leading to hyperthermic cell death by necroptosis. Combination of the two modalities enhances therapeutic efficacy by inducing both forms of cell death. Our proposed treatment strategy achieves photothermal therapy and targeted drug delivery simultaneously. It can prove useful in overcoming general toxicities associated with chemotherapeutics and intrinsic/acquired resistance to chemo and radiotherapy. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Multifunctional Composite Nanofibers for Smart Structures

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-10-13

low cost. It is coated onto the surface of CNF to use as a supercapacitor cathode. The high porosity and surface area of nanofiber composite...SiNP fusion, pulverization, and capacity loss can be minimized during electrochemical cycling. Carbon is also ductile in absorbing the mechanical...b) Figure 2 Core-shell CNF/Si composite with a thin layer of carbon shell coating on SiNP (a) and the capacity of both

Multifunctional nanoparticulate polyelectrolyte complexes.

PubMed

Hartig, Sean M; Greene, Rachel R; DasGupta, Jayasri; Carlesso, Gianluca; Dikov, Mikhail M; Prokop, Ales; Davidson, Jeffrey M

2007-12-01

Water-soluble, biodegradable, polymeric, polyelectrolyte complex dispersions (PECs) have evolved because of the limitations, in terms of toxicity, of the currently available systems. These aqueous nanoparticulate architectures offer a significant advantage for products that may be used as drug delivery systems in humans. PECs are created by mixing oppositely charged polyions. Their hydrodynamic diameter, surface charge, and polydispersity are highly dependent on concentration, ionic strength, pH, and molecular parameters of the polymers that are used. In particular, the complexation between polyelectrolytes with significantly different molecular weights leads to the formation of water-insoluble aggregates. Several PEC characteristics are favorable for cellular uptake and colloidal stability, including hydrodynamic diameter less than 200 nm, surface charge of >30 mV or <-30 mV, spherical morphology, and polydispersity index (PDI) indicative of a homogeneous distribution. Maintenance of these properties is critical for a successful delivery vehicle. This review focuses on the development and potential applications of PECs as multi-functional, site-specific nanoparticulate drug/gene delivery and imaging devices.

Surface-modified multifunctional MIP nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Moczko, Ewa; Poma, Alessandro; Guerreiro, Antonio; de Vargas Sansalvador, Isabel Perez; Caygill, Sarah; Canfarotta, Francesco; Whitcombe, Michael J.; Piletsky, Sergey

2015-01-01

The synthesis of core-shell molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles (MIP NPs) has been performed using a novel solid-phase approach on immobilised templates. The same solid phase also acts as protective functionality for high affinity binding sites during subsequent derivatisation/shell formation. This procedure allows for the rapid synthesis, controlled separation and purification of high-affinity materials, with each production cycle taking just 2 hours. The aim of this approach is to synthesise uniformly-sized imprinted materials at the nanoscale which can be readily grafted with various polymers without affecting their affinity and specificity. For demonstration purposes we grafted anti-melamine MIP NPs with coatings which introduce the following surface characteristics: high polarity (PEG methacrylate); electro-activity (vinyl ferrocene); fluorescence (eosin acrylate); thiol groups (pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-mercaptopropionate)). The method has broad applicability and can be used to produce multifunctional imprinted nanoparticles with potential for further application in the biosensors, diagnostics and biomedical fields and as an alternative to natural receptors. PMID:23503559

Phosphate modified ceria as a Brønsted acidic/redox multifunctional catalyst

DOE PAGES

Nelson, Nicholas C.; Wang, Zhuoran; Naik, Pranjali; ...

2017-01-06

Deposition of trimethylphosphate onto ceria followed by thermal treatment resulted in the formation of surface phosphates with retention of the ceria fluorite structure. The structural and chemical properties of the phosphate-functionalized ceria were studied using 31P solid-state NMR, XPS, zeta titration, ammonia thermal desorption, pyridine adsorption, and model reactions. The introduction of phosphates generated Brønsted acid sites and decreased the number of Lewis acid sites on the surface. The relative amount of Lewis and Brønsted acids can be controlled by the amount of trimethylphosphate used in the synthesis. Upon deposition of Pd, the multifunctional material showed enhanced activity for themore » hydrogenolysis of eugenol and guaiacol compared to Pd on the unmodified ceria support. As a result, this was attributed to the cooperativity between the Lewis acid sites, which activate the substrate for dearomatization, and the redox/Brønsted acid properties, which catalyze hydrogenolysis.« less

New multifunctional materials obtained by the intercalation of anionic dyes into layered zinc hydroxide nitrate followed by dispersion into poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA).

PubMed

Marangoni, Rafael; Ramos, Luiz Pereira; Wypych, Fernando

2009-02-15

Different anionic blue and orange dyes have been immobilized on a zinc hydroxide nitrate (Zn(5)(OH)(8)(NO(3))(2)nH(2)O--Zn-OH-NO(3)) by anion exchange with interlayer and/or outer surface nitrate ions of the layered matrix. Orange G (OG) was totally intercalated, orange II (OII) was partially intercalated, while Niagara blue 3B (NB) and Evans blue (EV) were only adsorbed at the outer surface. Several composite films of poly(vinyl alcohol)--PVA were prepared by casting through the dispersion of the hybrid material (Zn-OH-OG) into a PVA aqueous solution and evaporation of water in a vacuum oven. The obtained composite films were transparent, colored, and capable of absorbing UV radiation. Improved mechanical properties were also obtained in relation to the nonfilled PVA films. These results demonstrate the onset of a new range of potential applications for layered hydroxide salts in the preparation of polymer composite multifunctional materials.

Biomimicry of multifunctional nanostructures in the neck feathers of mallard (Anas platyrhynchos L.) drakes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khudiyev, Tural; Dogan, Tamer; Bayindir, Mehmet

2014-04-01

Biological systems serve as fundamental sources of inspiration for the development of artificially colored devices, and their investigation provides a great number of photonic design opportunities. While several successful biomimetic designs have been detailed in the literature, conventional fabrication techniques nonetheless remain inferior to their natural counterparts in complexity, ease of production and material economy. Here, we investigate the iridescent neck feathers of Anas platyrhynchos drakes, show that they feature an unusual arrangement of two-dimensional (2D) photonic crystals and further exhibit a superhydrophobic surface, and mimic this multifunctional structure using a nanostructure composite fabricated by a recently developed top-down iterative size reduction method, which avoids the above-mentioned fabrication challenges, provides macroscale control and enhances hydrophobicity through the surface structure. Our 2D solid core photonic crystal fibres strongly resemble drake neck plumage in structure and fully polymeric material composition, and can be produced in wide array of colors by minor alterations during the size reduction process.

Biomimicry of multifunctional nanostructures in the neck feathers of mallard (Anas platyrhynchos L.) drakes

PubMed Central

Khudiyev, Tural; Dogan, Tamer; Bayindir, Mehmet

2014-01-01

Biological systems serve as fundamental sources of inspiration for the development of artificially colored devices, and their investigation provides a great number of photonic design opportunities. While several successful biomimetic designs have been detailed in the literature, conventional fabrication techniques nonetheless remain inferior to their natural counterparts in complexity, ease of production and material economy. Here, we investigate the iridescent neck feathers of Anas platyrhynchos drakes, show that they feature an unusual arrangement of two-dimensional (2D) photonic crystals and further exhibit a superhydrophobic surface, and mimic this multifunctional structure using a nanostructure composite fabricated by a recently developed top-down iterative size reduction method, which avoids the above-mentioned fabrication challenges, provides macroscale control and enhances hydrophobicity through the surface structure. Our 2D solid core photonic crystal fibres strongly resemble drake neck plumage in structure and fully polymeric material composition, and can be produced in wide array of colors by minor alterations during the size reduction process. PMID:24751587

Biomimicry of multifunctional nanostructures in the neck feathers of mallard (Anas platyrhynchos L.) drakes.

PubMed

Khudiyev, Tural; Dogan, Tamer; Bayindir, Mehmet

2014-04-22

Biological systems serve as fundamental sources of inspiration for the development of artificially colored devices, and their investigation provides a great number of photonic design opportunities. While several successful biomimetic designs have been detailed in the literature, conventional fabrication techniques nonetheless remain inferior to their natural counterparts in complexity, ease of production and material economy. Here, we investigate the iridescent neck feathers of Anas platyrhynchos drakes, show that they feature an unusual arrangement of two-dimensional (2D) photonic crystals and further exhibit a superhydrophobic surface, and mimic this multifunctional structure using a nanostructure composite fabricated by a recently developed top-down iterative size reduction method, which avoids the above-mentioned fabrication challenges, provides macroscale control and enhances hydrophobicity through the surface structure. Our 2D solid core photonic crystal fibres strongly resemble drake neck plumage in structure and fully polymeric material composition, and can be produced in wide array of colors by minor alterations during the size reduction process.

A biodegradable, immunoprotective, dual nanoporous capsule for cell-based therapies.

PubMed

Zhang, Xulang; He, Hongyan; Yen, Chi; Ho, Wiston; Lee, L James

2008-11-01

To demonstrate the transplantation of drug-secreting cells with immunoprotection, a biodegradable delivery device combining two nanoporous capsules is developed using secretory alkaline phosphatase gene (SEAP) transfected mouse embryonic stem (mES) cells as a model system. The outer capsule is a poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG)-coated poly (epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) chamber covered with a PEG grafted PCL nanoporous membrane made by phase inversion technique. SEAP gene transfected mES cells encapsulated in alginate-poly-L-lysine (AP) microcapsules are placed in the PCL capsule. Both nanoporous capsules showed good immunoprotection in the IgG solution. In microcapsules, mES cells could form a spheroid embryonic body (EB) and grow close to the microcapsule size. The secreted SEAP from encapsulated mES cells increased gradually to a maximum value before reaching a steady level, following the cell growth pattern in the microcapsule. Without microcapsules, mES cells only formed a monolayer in the large PCL capsule. The secreted SEAP release was very low. The integrated device showed a similar cell growth pattern to that in microcapsules alone, while the SEAP release rate could be regulated by the pore size of the large capsule. This integrated device can achieve multi-functionalities for cell-based therapy, i.e. a 3-D microenvironment provided by microcapsules for cell growth, superior immunoprotection and controllable release performance provided by the two nanoporous membranes, and good fibrosis prevention by PEG surface modification of the large capsule.

Multifunctional carbon-coated magnetic sensing graphene oxide-cyclodextrin nanohybrid for potential cancer theranosis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsu, Yu-Hsuan; Hsieh, Hui-Ling; Viswanathan, Geetha; Voon, Siew Hui; Kue, Chin Siang; Saw, Wen Shang; Yeong, Chai Hong; Azlan, Che Ahmad; Imae, Toyoko; Kiew, Lik Voon; Lee, Hong Boon; Chung, Lip Yong

2017-11-01

We functionalized graphene oxide (GO) with cyclodextrin (CD) to increase the drug loading and cellular uptake of GO, and bound the GO-CD to carbon-coated iron nanoparticles (Fe@C) with superparamagnetic properties for potential magnetic-directed drug delivery and as a diagnostic agent. The GO-CD/Fe@C was loaded with an anticancer drug, doxorubicin (DOX), to form a multifunctional GO-CD/Fe@C/DOX nanohybrid. A cumulative increase in DOX loading was observed probably due to DOX adsorption to the graphitic domains in Fe@C and also to the GO-CD. In acidic pH that resembles the pH of the tumor environment, a higher amount of DOX was released from the GO-CD/Fe@C/DOX nanohybrid when compared to the amount released at physiological pH. The signal intensity and the contrast enhancement in magnetic resonance imaging of Fe@C decreased with its concentration. Besides, the cellular uptake of GO-CD/Fe@C/DOX nanohybrid was significantly higher by 2.5-fold than that of Fe@C/DOX in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer model. The nanohybrids were internalized into the tumor cells via an energy-dependent process and localized mainly in the nuclei, where it exerts its cytotoxic effect, and some in the lysosomes and mitochondria. This has resulted in significant cytotoxicity in tumor cells treated with GO-CD/Fe@C/DOX. These findings highlight the potential use of multifunctional GO-CD/Fe@C nanohybrid for magnetic sensing anticancer drug delivery to tumor cells. [Figure not available: see fulltext.