Article
Spectroscopy
Adity Chopra, Anuradha Swami, Rohit Sharma, Neha Devi, Sherry Mittal, Rohit K. Sharma, Nishima Wangoo
Summary: This study presents a fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based assay for the detection of Staphylococcal enterotoxin. The developed method showed high sensitivity and specificity, and was successfully applied for quantification in apple juice.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART A-MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Annamaria Panniello, Mariachiara Trapani, Massimiliano Cordaro, Carlo Nazareno Dibenedetto, Raffaele Tommasi, Chiara Ingrosso, Elisabetta Fanizza, Roberto Grisorio, Elisabetta Collini, Angela Agostiano, Maria Lucia Curri, Maria Angela Castriciano, Marinella Striccoli
Summary: Efficient FRET systems were developed by combining colloidal CdSe quantum dots (QDs) donors and BODIPY acceptors. The optimization of the distance between the organic fluorophore and the QDs through careful system engineering led to effective energy transfer in solution and solid state, with efficiencies reaching 76%. Deposition of QDs and dye as single coordinated units in solid state further increased efficiency by reducing the distance between the fluorophores to 2.2 nm, demonstrating the effectiveness of the coupling strategy.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jaco J. Geuchies, Baldur Brynjarsson, Gianluca Grimaldi, Solrun Gudjonsdottir, Ward van der Stam, Wiel H. Evers, Arjan J. Houtepen
Summary: Research demonstrates that by electrochemically doping films of CdSe/CdS/ZnS QDs, quantitative control over the gain threshold can be achieved, opening up a new route for the creation of cheap, solution-processable, low-threshold QD lasers.
Article
Biophysics
Ganapathi Bharathi, Fangrui Lin, Liwei Liu, Tymish Y. Ohulchanskyy, Rui Hu, Junle Qu
Summary: Ovarian cancer is a deadly disease threatening women's health, and late diagnosis is a major reason for related deaths. Using HE4 as a biomarker can improve the accuracy of ovarian cancer diagnosis. Developing an all-graphene quantum dot FRET probe allows for ratiometric detection of the HE4 ovarian cancer biomarker.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jakub Slawski, Katarzyna Walczewska-Szewc, Joanna Grzyb
Summary: Controlled junctions of proteins and nanomaterials have potential applications in nanobiodevice construction. Crosstalk between sequential monolayers was studied using confocal microscopy and FLIM imaging, revealing the importance of coverage and distance between monolayers. Monte Carlo computation was used to estimate coverage in sequential monolayers. Quantum dots/protein-composed systems showed higher yield than predicted due to protein reorientation on nanoparticle surface. External application of poly-L-lysines modulated resonance energy transfer yield.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaoqi Tao, Ziyi Liao, Yaqing Zhang, Fei Fu, Mengqi Hao, Yang Song, Erqun Song
Summary: A one-step FRET sensor was developed for specific and sensitive detection of Staphylococcus aureus in food and serum samples. The sensor exhibited a good detection range and low detection limit, as well as good recovery rates and low relative standard derivations in real samples.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Monika Conrad, Peter Fechner, Guenther Proll, Guenter Gauglitz
Summary: This study compares different approaches and algorithms for determining kinetic rate constants in biomolecular interaction analysis. It evaluates five mathematical methods for binding curve evaluation and analyzes reflectometric interference spectroscopy measurements to determine antibody binding kinetics. The advantages and disadvantages of each approach are discussed in detail, emphasizing the importance of using different methods for evaluating BIA results.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Muhammad Saqib Khan, Nadia Riaz, Ahson Jabbar Shaikh, Jehanzeb Ali Shah, Jamshaid Hussain, Muhammad Irshad, M. Saifullah Awan, Asad Syed, Jean Kallerhoff, Muhammad Arshad, Muhammad Bilal
Summary: This study reported the synthesis of graphene quantum dots and iron co-doped TiO2 photocatalysts via modified sol gel method, and investigated their photocatalytic properties. The results showed that GQD-0.1Fe-TiO2-300 exhibited enhanced physicochemical properties and efficient decolorization of RB5 dye. Additionally, GQD-0.1Fe-TiO2-300 maintained stable photocatalytic activity for up to four cycles.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ajmeeta Sangtani, Okhil K. Nag, Eunkeu Oh, Michael H. Stewart, James B. Delehanty
Summary: In this study, a quantum dot-chlorin e6 nanobioconjugate system was developed for membrane-localized ROS generation, leading to lipid peroxidation, increased membrane permeability, and inhibition of cellular proliferation. This system represents a promising approach for the further evolution of QD-based PDT systems.
JOURNAL OF NANOPARTICLE RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Marketa Prochazkova, Eliska Kuchovska, Michael Killinger, Karel Kleparnik
Summary: In this study, a molecular probe based on Fo center dot rster resonance energy transfer (FRET) was designed and synthesized for investigating biological phenomena at a single-cell level. The probe utilizes a highly luminescent quantum dot (QD) as a donor and a specific peptide as a linker to a fluorophore or fluorescence quencher as an acceptor. The synthesized probe showed high reaction yield and specificity, and provided longer imaging times of caspases compared to commercial products.
ANALYTICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yan Liu, Fan Zhang, Ling Jiang, J. Jefferson P. Perry, Zhihe Zhao, Jiayu Liao
Summary: This study introduces a novel method to determine kinetics parameters of product inhibition using quantitative FRET(qFRET) assay, providing a convenient way to determine all kinetics parameters and a new approach to combine different measurements with mutually compatible results and errors for the first time.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ganapathi Bharathi, Devaraj Nataraj, Oleg Yu Khyzhun, Daniel T. Thangadurai, Kittusamy Senthilkumar, Murugaiyan Sowmiya, Ramasamy Kathiresan, Ponmalai Kolandaivel, Mukul Gupta, Deodatta Phase, Nirmalendu Patra, Shambhu Nath Jha, Dibyendu Bhattacharyya
Summary: A graphene system with opened energy bandgap and weak ferromagnetic behavior was prepared through a hydrothermal process, where graphene quantum dots (GQDs) were interconnected by iron (Fe) metal atoms. The interconnected solid sheets exhibited intrinsic optical absorption and photoluminescence properties, while retaining quantum behavior of the GQDs despite their micron size. The structural discontinuity around the metal atoms helped maintain the GQD behavior and the Fe atoms provided weak ferromagnetic behavior at room temperature.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Manuel Bojer, Zixin Huang, Sebastian Karl, Stefan Richter, Pieter Kok, Joachim von Zanthier
Summary: This article provides a comparative analysis of the performance of amplitude and intensity interferometry, and discusses the fundamental resolution limit that can be achieved in any physical measurement. By studying the separation between two distant thermal point sources, the article explores optimal estimation theory in stellar interferometry and finds that in certain conditions, the large baseline achievable in intensity interferometry can compensate for the reduced signal strength.
NEW JOURNAL OF PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
James Hooper, Yuanyuan Liu, Darshita Budhadev, Dario Fernandez Ainaga, Nicole Hondow, Dejian Zhou, Yuan Guo
Summary: For multivalent lectin-glycan interactions, the binding affinity differences between different lectins are mainly determined by their binding modes, with DC-SIGN having a higher affinity than DC-SIGNR. The study also reveals that DC-SIGN has a lower binding entropy penalty and DC-SIGNR has slower secondary interactions. In addition, a structural element in DC-SIGN plays an important role in maintaining its multivalent lectin-glycan interaction character.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Tong Chen, Siwei Yang, Jing Wang, Wei Chen, Lifu Liu, Yuan Wang, Shijie Cheng, Xu Zhao
Summary: Inspired by the biological neuromorphic system, a brain-inspired artificial synapse based on solution-processed MgO-GOQD memristor was developed, demonstrating essential biosynaptic functions and stable behavior in flexible artificial neural networks.
ADVANCED ELECTRONIC MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Yawen Ma, Huimin Lin, Peng Wang, Haocheng Yang, Jie Yu, Hao Tian, Tianyu Li, Shengfang Ge, Yilong Wang, Renbing Jia, Kam W. Leong, Jing Ruan
Summary: MicroRNA-based gene therapy using biocompatible nanocarriers shows promise in treating ocular melanoma by up-regulating tumor suppressor miR-30a-5p and inhibiting malignant phenotypes. The nanocarrier with high miRNA loading and redox-responsive release capabilities enhances the therapeutic effect. Furthermore, it promotes M1 macrophage polarization and activates Fenton reaction, synergistically enhancing anti-tumor immunity. The study demonstrates the potential of this nanocarrier for targeted gene therapy in melanoma and other cancers.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jiaqi Xu, Junchao Xu, Tongfei Shi, Yinlong Zhang, Fangman Chen, Chao Yang, Xinjing Guo, Guangna Liu, Dan Shao, Kam W. Leong, Guangjun Nie
Summary: Microbiota-based therapeutics offer innovative strategies to treat inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), but the clinical outcome and bacterial approach need improvement. Inspired by the benefits of probiotics, bioartificial probiotics are designed to restore intestinal microenvironment and shift the gut microbiome to an anti-inflammatory state. The bioartificial probiotic consists of E. coli Nissle 1917-derived membrane (EM) as the surface and biodegradable diselenide-bridged mesoporous silica nanoparticles (SeM) as the core. This work suggests a safe and effective nanomedicine for IBDs therapy.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Baoding Huang, Qianfen Wan, Tianyu Li, Lexiang Yu, Wen Du, Carmen Calhoun, Kam W. Leong, Li Qiang
Summary: As a solution to the chronic inflammation and local adiposity caused by obesity, cationic polyamidoamine (PAMAM) treatment has shown promising results in improving metabolic functions and reducing body weight in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice. The treatment involves the use of PAMAM generation 3 (P-G3) scavenger and complexing P-G3 with human serum albumin (HSA) to achieve sustained release. Local injection of HSA-PG3 successfully restricts the distribution of the complex within the targeted adipose tissue and reduces focal adiposity.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Xing-Xing Yang, Chi-Hung Yip, Shirui Zhao, Yi-Ping Ho, Barbara Pui Chan
Summary: By chemically modifying collagen and hyaluronic acid and co-precipitating with glycosaminoglycans, a biomimetic nano-material that mimics the composition, ultra-structure, and function of the glycosaminoglycans-rich extracellular matrix in the nucleus pulposus has been fabricated. This nano-material shows superior composition, ultra-structure, and function compared to the native nucleus pulposus. This work is of great importance for the development of intervertebral disc tissue engineering.
Article
Plant Sciences
Wan-Ting Sun, Sy-Chyi Cheng, Ya-Ting Chao, Shu-Yao Lin, Ting-Ting Yang, Yi-Ping Ho, Ming-Che Shih, Swee-Suak Ko
Summary: This study investigated the morphology, cytology, biochemistry, and sucrose transporters in the pollinia of Phalaenopsis orchids. Results showed that the mature pollinia accumulated high levels of sugars, including sucrose, galactinol, myo-inositol, and glucose, which provided nutrients and enhanced pollinia germination and tube growth. The expression of sucrose transporters in the pollinia was associated with pollinia maturation and germination.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pengchao Zhao, Fuyang Qu, Hao Fu, Jianyang Zhao, Jiaxin Guo, Jiankun Xu, Yi-Ping Ho, Michael K. Chan, Liming Bian
Summary: Developing magnetic ultrasoft robots requires materials with excessive deformability, responsive actuation, and rapid adaptability, which are difficult to achieve with current soft polymeric materials. We have developed a magnetically actuatable and water immiscible coacervate liquid robot based on magnetic core-shell nanoparticles. This millimeter-sized liquid robot can remain stable under changing conditions, release loaded cargoes on demand, squeeze through capillary networks within seconds, and achieve intravascular targeting guided by a magnetic field. This coacervate-based liquid robot represents a distinct design strategy for high-performance ultrasoft robots in biomedicine.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Naoto Yoshinaga, Joyce K. Zhou, Cong Xu, Chai Hoon Quek, Yuefei Zhu, Ding Tang, Lin Yung Hung, Sarah A. Najjar, Chin Ying Angela Shiu, Kara Gross Margolis, Yeh-Hsing Lao, Kam W. Leong
Summary: Effective delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 components is crucial and oral delivery has not been explored due to the degradative nature of the gastrointestinal tract. In this study, we developed novel PBA-functionalized CS-PEI polymers for oral CRISPR delivery, which showed effective penetration in the intestinal mucosa and achieved downregulation of the target protein and reduction in cholesterol. This study demonstrates the potential of addressing the needs of gene editing in a patient-compliant manner.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Shuai Deng, Xiaoyu Zhao, Yanlun Zhu, Ning Tang, Rongliang Wang, Xuerao Zhang, Fuyang Qu, Yi-Ping Ho, Wayne Yuk-Wai Lee, Jiansu Chen, Mingqiang Li, Yu Tao, Hon Fai Chan
Summary: Liver tissue engineering is advanced through the fabrication of collagen type I microspheres, enabling efficient hepatic differentiation of stem cells and assembly of prevascularized liver tissue. The microspheres exhibit high uniformity and can self-assemble with endothelial cells to form high cell-packing density liver tissue. This technology has potential applications in regenerative medicine, drug screening, and in vitro liver modeling.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Ganchimeg Davaa, Jin Young Hong, Jung-Hwan Lee, Min Soo Kim, Jennifer O. Buitrago, Yu-Meng Li, Hae-Hyoung Lee, Dong Wook Han, Kam W. Leong, Jung Keun Hyun, Hae-Won Kim
Summary: Neural stem cells (NSC) have the potential to regenerate injured neural tissues, but suffer from low survival and uncontrolled differentiation. This study demonstrates that mechanically-tuned protein hydrogels can protect and enhance the long-term survival of reprogrammed NSC, alleviate neural inflammation, promote differentiation, and improve locomotor functions in treating injured spinal cord.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Yunfei Li, Zhixiong Sun, Huixiang Zhu, Yan Sun, David B. Shteyman, Sander Markx, Kam W. Leong, Bin Xu, Bingmei M. Fu
Summary: The integrity of the blood-brain barrier formed by brain microvascular endothelial cells derived from 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome patients is compromised. The haploinsufficiency of CRKL, a gene within the 22q11.2 DS deletion region, contributes to this deficit. Treatment with imatinib, an FDA-approved drug, restores the compromised blood-brain barrier by increasing the level of active forms of the CRKL protein.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yuanyuan Wei, Tianle Wang, Yuye Wang, Shuwen Zeng, Yi-Ping Ho, Ho-Pui Ho
Summary: In this paper, a simple, rapid, low-cost, biocompatible, and detachable microfluidic chip fabrication method based on Parafilm(R) is reported. The Parafilm(R) acts as both a bonding agent and a functional membrane, allowing the fabrication of 3D structured microfluidic chips within 2 hours with high ultimate tensile stress and high shear stress. The fabricated chips demonstrate better stability, reliability, and high performance for practical actuation devices. Moreover, the Parafilm(R)-based microfluidic devices show excellent biocompatibility and can be used for biochemical applications and point-of-care diagnostics.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Hye Sung Kim, Tzu-Chieh Ho, Moshe J. Willner, Michael W. Becker, Hae-Won Kim, Kam W. Leong
Summary: In this study, we propose an ex vivo T cell expansion system that mimics natural antigen-presenting cells for adoptive cell therapy. The system utilizes microfiber scaffolds coated with dendritic cell membrane to replicate the physicochemical properties of dendritic cells, leading to greater expansion and functionality of T cells. This scalable and customizable platform holds promise for future research and application in cell therapy.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Ho-Ying Wan, Jack Chun Hin Chen, Qinru Xiao, Christy Wingtung Wong, Boguang Yang, Benjamin Cao, Rocky S. S. Tuan, Susan K. K. Nilsson, Yi-Ping Ho, Michael Raghunath, Roger D. D. Kamm, Anna Blocki
Summary: This study introduces a strategy for stabilizing microvascular networks (MVNs) through macromolecular crowding (MMC), which enhances their stability and functionality by promoting the accumulation of cellular junctions and basement membrane components. Applying MMC to MVNs in microfluidic devices provides a reliable and versatile approach to stabilize engineered microvessels under simulated physiological conditions.
BIOMATERIALS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Qinru Xiao, Yanping He, Md Habibur Rahman, Guangyao Cheng, Renjie Zhou, Yi-Ping Ho
Summary: Quantitative phase deformability cytometry (QPDC), constructed from a quantitative phase imaging system, improves the analysis of cellular contours and provides accurate characterization of cellular mechanical properties, especially for cells subjected to actin depolymerization. The platform enhances the capabilities of label-free cell characterization for biological and clinical applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yongqiang Xiao, He Fang, Yuefei Zhu, Jie Zhou, Zhanzhan Dai, Hongxia Wang, Zhaofan Xia, Zhaoxu Tu, Kam W. Leong
Summary: This study investigates the effectiveness of cationic hyperbranched polyaminoglycosides derived from tobramycin (HPT) and disulfide-included HPT (ss-HPT) in scavenging cell-free nucleic acids (cfNAs) to mitigate posttrauma inflammation and hypercoagulation. Both polymers demonstrate the ability to suppress inflammation and hypercoagulation by efficiently scavenging cfNAs, and exhibit potent antibacterial effects. Additionally, these polymers exhibit favorable modulatory effects on inflammation and therapeutic outcomes in a mouse model. Notably, ss-HPT shows high accumulation and retention in injured organs of traumatized mice, with a higher biodegradation rate in healthy mice compared to HPT.
