Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Cong Quang Vu, Satoshi Arai
Summary: Genetically encoded fluorescence lifetime biosensors provide a powerful tool for quantitative imaging, enabling precise measurement of cellular metabolites, molecular interactions, and dynamic cellular processes. This review gives an overview of the principles, applications, and advancements in quantitative imaging with genetically encoded fluorescence lifetime biosensors using fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (go-FLIM), highlighting the distinct advantages of fluorescence lifetime-based measurements.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
G. Prabakaran, K. Velmurugan, C. Immanuel David, R. Nandhakumar
Summary: Fluorescence sensing based on Forster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) using graphene-based nanomaterials has gained significant interest in various fields. Graphene quantum dots (GQDs), graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and graphdiyne (GD) can be used as donors/acceptors in FRET-based sensing due to their unique properties. This review discusses the basics of FRET and the role of graphene-based nanomaterials in sensing various analytes, as well as explaining the lower detection ranges. Challenges and future directions for designing nanomaterials with improved sensing performance are also highlighted.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Martin Priessner, Peter A. Summers, Benjamin W. Lewis, Magdalena Sastre, Liming Ying, Marina K. Kuimova, Ramon Vilar
Summary: A new optical probe based on BODIPY has been developed, which exhibits fluorescence intensity switch-on upon binding to copper(I) and can be used to visualize copper(I) pools in lysosomes of live cells.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kristyna Pavelicova, Lucie Vanickova, Yazan Haddad, Lukas Nejdl, Jan Zitka, Silvia Kociova, Filip Mravec, Tomas Vaculovic, Mirek Macka, Marketa Vaculovicova, Vojtech Adam
Summary: A new method for characterizing protein oligomerization based on FRET and capillary electrophoresis was reported, utilizing QDs and Cy3 as the donor-acceptor pair to study metallothionein dimer formation in the presence of Cd2+ ions. The successful monitoring and confirmation of MT dimer formation were achieved under aerobic conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Elena Kristin Petutschnig, Leon Pierdzig, Josephine Mittendorf, Jule Meret Niebisch, Volker Lipka
Summary: Elucidating protein-protein interactions is crucial for understanding molecular processes. A novel combination of fluorescence proteins, mCitrine and mScarlet-I, is suitable for FLIM-FRET studies in stably transformed plants, allowing detection of low abundance proteins and facilitating co-localization and co-immunoprecipitation experiments.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Spectroscopy
Luo Lin-lin, Niu Jing-jing, Mo Bei-xin, Lin Dan-ying, Liu Lin
Summary: Cell is the basic unit of structure and biological activities, and cellular processes involve spatiotemporally interactions of biochemical components. Traditional biochemical methods face challenges in evaluating molecular interactions in living cells, while the advancement in optical technology, such as FRET-FLIM, offers new genetic research tools for real-time exploration. FRET-FLIM technology provides unique advantages in detecting and analyzing dynamic interactions of biomolecules in living cells, achieving high resolution visualization, sensitivity, and fast analysis.
SPECTROSCOPY AND SPECTRAL ANALYSIS
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Nina Gloeckner, Sven zur Oven-Krockhaus, Leander Rohr, Frank Wackenhut, Moritz Burmeister, Friederike Wanke, Eleonore Holzwart, Alfred J. Meixner, Sebastian Wolf, Klaus Harter
Summary: Protein-protein interaction studies are crucial for understanding cellular signaling. This study used three-fluorophore FRET and FRET-fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy techniques to demonstrate the formation of a ternary complex involving Receptor-Like Protein 44, Brassinosteroid Insensitive 1, and Brassinosteroid Insensitive 1 Associated Kinase 1 in living plant cells. The researchers also found that this complex is localized in a distinct plasma membrane nanodomain.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Adrian Monteleone, Folker Wenzel, Heinz Langhals, Daniel Dietrich
Summary: The FLIM method was tested for identification and characterization of six types of plastics, showing significant differentiation in 94.55% of the comparisons. Results suggest that FLIM has the potential for sub-micrometer plastic characterization and allows for visual 3D-sectioning of samples, which could be important for identifying and characterizing plastics in tissue and environmental samples.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Spectroscopy
Yanzhao Fu, Li Huang, Shaojing Zhao, Xuejian Xing, Minhuan Lan, Xiangzhi Song
Summary: A carbon dot-based fluorometric probe utilizing a FRET mechanism was developed for oxytetracycline detection. The probe showed high sensitivity and selectivity, and was successfully applied for detection in water, milk, and pork samples.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART A-MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Abdullah O. Hamza, Ali Al-Dulaimi, Jean-Sebastien G. Bouillard, Ali M. Adawi
Summary: The development of a long-range and efficient FRET process is crucial for optoelectronic and sensing technologies. Researchers experimentally demonstrate long-range and high-efficiency FRET using a plasmonic nanogap. This study provides a strategy to develop novel optoelectronic devices and long-range FRET imaging and sensing systems.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Antonella Battisti, Paola Morici, Antonella Sgarbossa
Summary: Bacterial biofilms create a strong barrier against drugs and the host immune system; Helicobacter pylori's biofilm makes it resistant to antibiotics; Antimicrobial PhotoDynamic Therapy could be an effective strategy against bacterial infections.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xavier Michalet
Summary: This study revisited the time-resolved analysis of periodically excited luminescence decays by the phasor method in the presence of time-gating or binning. Analytical expressions for discrete configurations of square gates were derived, and the effects of instrument response function offset, decay truncation, and gate shape were discussed. Modified expressions for the phase and modulus lifetimes were provided for some simple cases, along with a discussion of a modified phasor calibration approach.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Jieqiong Lou, Ashleigh Solano, Zhen Liang, Elizabeth Hinde
Summary: The study introduces a phasor approach to fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) that can directly measure chromatin network architecture and detect changes in this structural framework upon induction of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) within an intact nucleus. By combining FRET with immunofluorescence, this technology allows for exploration of any heterogeneity that exists in chromatin structure at spatially distinct and genetically induced DSBs.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Helio M. Gil, Zoe Booth, Thomas W. Price, Jessica Lee, Leigh Naylor-Adamson, Michelle Avery, Alina Muravitskaya, Nicole Hondow, David Allsup, Jurgen E. Schneider, Khalid Naseem, Ali M. Adawi, Jean-Sebastien G. Bouillard, Thomas W. Chamberlain, Simon D. J. Calaminus, Graeme J. Stasiuk
Summary: InP/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) have potential for in vivo platelet imaging. Careful selection of phase transfer agent is critical for maintaining platelet function. Platelet-QD interaction can occur across a wide range of concentrations. The interaction between platelets and QDs can be imaged using FLIM, and platelet functional assays can monitor platelet activation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andrew H. A. Clayton
Summary: The dynamics of condensed matter can be studied using the time-dependent Stokes shift of a fluorescent probe. The time-dependent spectral correlation function is described by spectral relaxation correlation times that characterize the relaxation processes around the excited-state probe. Phasor plot is a powerful tool to analyze time and frequency-domain data, providing spatial maps of spectral dynamics in complex structures like living cells. The analysis workflow also addresses the extraction of initial and relaxed generalized polarization and improved methods for model discrimination and parameter extraction in complex spectral relaxation phenomena.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shima Tavakol, Alexander M. Seifalian
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND APPLIED BIOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Hazha Mohammed, Francesca Giuntini, Monower Sadique, Andy Shaw, Ana Bras
Summary: This research analyzes the influence of polymers on the mechanical and durability properties of concrete. The results show that polymer modified concrete is suitable for heavily reinforced sections with vibration. Adding polymer granules and powder can increase the strength of the concrete, and the effect of preventing water migration generally occurs 2-3 days after the concrete is exposed to water.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nishanthan Srikantha, Yurema Teijeiro-Gonzalez, Andrew Simpson, Naba Elsaid, Satyanarayana Somavarapu, Klaus Suhling, Timothy L. Jackson
Summary: This study investigated the viscosity of porcine vitreous and the diffusion of macromolecules using the fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) method. The results showed that FRAP is a feasible and practical optical method to quantify macromolecular diffusion through the vitreous.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Jose Eduardo Ulloa Rojas, Vivian Leite de Oliveira, Daniele Ribeiro de Araujo, Giovana Radomille Tofoli, Matheus Mendes de Oliveira, Danilo Justino Carastan, Moises Palaci, Francesca Giuntini, Wendel Andrade Alves
Summary: This study proposes the use of polymeric microneedles to improve the skin penetration of photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy. The microneedle arrays made of silk fibroin and poly(vinyl alcohol) showed good mechanical strength and depth of insertion in both synthetic and animal skins. The results demonstrate increased permeation of porphyrin through porcine skin treated with the polymer microneedles.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Arthur T. Molines, Joel Lemiere, Morgan Gazzola, Ida Emilie Steinmark, Claire H. Edrington, Chieh-Ting Hsu, Paula Real-Calderon, Klaus Suhling, Gohta Goshima, Liam J. Holt, Manuel Thery, Gary J. Brouhard, Fred Chang
Summary: The concentration of the cytoplasm has a linear and inverse relationship with the rates of microtubule polymerization and depolymerization, indicating that changes in cytoplasmic viscosity play a key role in modulating these reactions.
DEVELOPMENTAL CELL
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yasamin Davatgaran Taghipour, Amir Zarebkohan, Roya Salehi, Fariborz Rahimi, Vladimir P. Torchilin, Michael R. Hamblin, Alexander Seifalian
Summary: The lack of efficient strategies for targeted delivery and accumulation of therapeutic cargoes in the tumor microenvironment (TME) is a key issue in the treatment of solid tumors. This review focuses on dual targeting approaches, which combine biological strategies and physicochemical responsive smart delivery strategies, to increase the accumulation of nanoparticles within the TME and improve targeting efficiency towards cancer cells. The efficiency and rationale behind the choice of ligands for dual targeting strategies are critically reviewed. New approaches for smart drug delivery, including TME-specific responsive linkers and camouflaged nanoparticles, are also discussed.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mercedeh Babaluei, Fatemeh Mottaghitalab, Alexander Seifalian, Mehdi Farokhi
Summary: This study developed an injectable hydrogel for wound dressings, containing sodium carboxymethylcellulose/polyacrylamide/polydopamine with vitamin C (CMC/PAAm/PDA VitC) and silk fibroin/alginate nanoparticles loaded with curcumin (SF/SANPs CUR). The hydrogels demonstrated stable properties, biocompatibility, and antibacterial activity against MRSA. In preclinical rat models, the hydrogels showed significant support for full-thickness burn regeneration, wound closure, and anti-inflammatory effects.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Elham Hasanzadeh, Alexander Seifalian, Amir Mellati, Jamileh Saremi, Shiva Asadpour, Seyed Ehsan Enderami, Houra Nekounam, Narges Mahmoodi
Summary: Repairing CNS is challenging due to the inability of neurons to recover. Injectable hydrogels have desirable attributes as biodegradable scaffolds for CNS tissue engineering and regeneration. They can imitate several aspects of CNS and are considered an effective therapeutic agent.
MATERIALS TODAY BIO
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Paolo Dognini, Talhat Chaudhry, Giulia Scagnetti, Michele Assante, George S. M. Hanson, Kehinde Ross, Francesca Giuntini, Christopher R. Coxon
Summary: This study presents a method for peptide cyclisation using polyfluorinated aromatic reagents and thiolates through nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SNAr). The resulting peptide scaffolds offer new possibilities for 3D peptide architectures. The method demonstrates chemoselectivity and wide applicability, allowing for stapling and multicyclisation of non-protected peptides. Additionally, a porphyrin-templated stapled peptide with skin cell penetrating ability and intrinsic fluorescence was developed.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mahsa Tashakori-Miyanroudi, Atousa Janzadeh, Alexander Seifalian, Nahid Aboutaleb, Yaser Azizi, Fatemeh Ramezani
Summary: Despite scientific advances, the number of cardiovascular patients is increasing worldwide. To protect damaged cardiomyocytes from further harm, novel and safer approaches are needed to help regeneration and prevent fibrosis. In this study, a systematic review of in vitro and preclinical studies of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and carbon nanofibers (CNFs) for help to treat heart damage was conducted. The results showed that CNTs/CNFs in hydrogels increase conductivity, promote cardiac cell proliferation, and enhance expression of genes associated with stem cell differentiation into cardiac cells.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marjan Mirhaj, Jaleh Varshosaz, Sheyda Labbaf, Rahmatollah Emadi, Alexander Marcus Seifalian, Fariborz Sharifianjazi, Mohamadreza Tavakoli
Summary: A core-shell nanofibrous wound dressing based on F127 containing mupirocin core and pectin-keratin shell was fabricated, which showed controlled release of mupirocin and improved wound healing compared to blended nanofibers.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Neda Keyhanvar, Nosratollah Zarghami, Alexander Seifalian, Peyman Keyhanvar, Rana Sarvari, Roya Salehi, Reza Rahbarghazi, Mohammadreza Ranjkesh, Molood Akbarzadeh, Mahdi Mahdipour, Mohamamd Nouri
Summary: This study aimed to direct mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) towards keratinocyte-like cells (KLCs) using cell imprinting and sheet technology. Culturing AT-MSCs on a PDMS substrate with keratinocyte cell-imprinted topography induced differentiation towards keratinocyte-like cells. The data suggests that the keratinocyte cell-imprinted substrate can provide a specific niche and topographical cues to orient AT-MSCs towards KLCs.
ADVANCED PHARMACEUTICAL BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Farshid Bastami, Mohammad-Hadi Noori-Kooshki, Hassan Semyari, Reza Tabrizi, Alireza Abrishamchian, Fatemeh Mashhadi-Abbas, Shahriar Shahab, Alexander Seifalian
Summary: The study evaluated the effects of MWCNT/HA granules with or without L-PRF on bone regeneration in a sheep model. Results showed that there was no significant inflammation around the granules, and new lamellar bone was regenerated. The addition of L-PRF to MWCNT/HA significantly improved new bone formation, while the use of MWCNT/HA granules alone also significantly increased new bone formation compared to control.
ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY-HEIDELBERG
(2022)