Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaojun Song, Yueliang Wang, Yan Hao, Qingqing Zhu, Yanjuan Li, Lei Song, Zhaoxiang Deng
Summary: This study successfully built a series of homo/heterodimeric plasmonic nanomolecules with prescribed compositions using DNA-guided, solvo-driven Ag ion soldering method. Strong in-solution electric-dipole coupling was achieved for materials with strong (Au, Ag) or damped (Pt, Pd) plasmonic responses.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jiahao Pan, Xiaoyao Wang, Jinjin Zhang, Qin Zhang, Qiangbin Wang, Chao Zhou
Summary: By assembling helical plasmonic nanorods with intrinsic chirality, we have created plasmonic metamolecules with both chiral coupling and intrinsic chiroptical responses. These metamolecules offer more dimensions for tailoring chiroptical responses and make it more flexible to design plasmonic nanodevices with custom PCD.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Andreas Peil, Pengfei Zhan, Xiaoyang Duan, Roman Krahne, Denis Garoli, Luis M. Liz-Marzan, Na Liu
Summary: In this study, a transformable plasmonic helix system is demonstrated, where multiple gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) can be directly transported to target positions using DNA swingarms, resulting in tailored optical responses.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Gaye Ezgi Yilmaz, Yeseren Saylan, Ilgim Gokturk, Fatma Yilmaz, Adil Denizli
Summary: In this study, a gold nanoparticle-modified cortisol-imprinted plasmonic sensor was developed for amplifying signals and real-time determination of cortisol in various solutions. The sensor exhibited high selectivity and sensitivity, making it a promising tool for cortisol detection in medical and environmental applications.
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Anindita De, Dristie Kalita
Summary: The water resources of our planet are under significant pressure due to human activities such as industry, agriculture, urbanization, and deforestation. Detecting pollutants in water is the first step in their removal, and this requires the use of various instrumentation techniques or sensors. Among the different types of sensors, gold and silver nanoparticle-based colorimetric/plasmonic nano-sensors are particularly significant due to their simplicity and low cost. These sensors are based on the principle of surface plasmon resonance (SPR), which is an optical phenomenon dependent on the characteristics of nanoparticles. Noble metal nanoparticles, such as gold and silver, are widely used in colorimetric sensing applications because their SPR absorbance lies in the visible spectrum, resulting in unique colors. They are also easy to synthesize, functionalize, biocompatible, and stable. In this detection technique, the presence of a pollutant is revealed by a distinct visual color change and can be quantified using a UV-Visible Spectrophotometer. The review aims to address the gap in scientific literature by exploring the application of green-synthesized silver and gold nanoparticles in colorimetric nano-sensors, thereby assisting researchers in this field.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sara Rocchetti, Alexander Ohmann, Rohit Chikkaraddy, Gyeongwon Kang, Ulrich F. Keyser, Jeremy J. Baumberg
Summary: Developing highly enhanced plasmonic nanocavities allows direct observation of light-matter interactions at the nanoscale. With DNA origami, precise nanopositioning of single-quantum emitters in ultranarrow plasmonic gaps enables detailed study of their modified light emission. By developing nanoparticle-on-mirror constructs with DNA nanostructures as reliable and customizable spacers for nanoparticle binding, it is revealed that the traditional understanding of Purcell-enhanced molecular dye emission is misleading, and the enhanced dipolar dye polarizability greatly amplifies optical forces acting on the facet Au atoms, causing their rapid destabilization. Different dyes exhibit emission spectra dominated by inelastic (Raman) scattering rather than fluorescence, challenging the conventional theories in the field of quantum optics using plasmonics.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qin Zhang, Xiaoyao Wang, Huiying Wu, Jinjin Zhang, Xingyue Lin, Jiaoyang Sa, Hao Li, Chao Zhou, Weihai Ni
Summary: This paper demonstrates the individual switching of chiral plasmonic metamolecules assembled with DNA origami through microscopic observation. The plasmonic metamolecules can maintain their activities upon certain local stimuli and display opposite spectral signals in circular differential scattering, representing successful enantiomeric switching of chirality.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jiahao Pan, Xiaoyao Wang, Jinjin Zhang, Qin Zhang, Qiangbin Wang, Chao Zhou
Summary: Significant chiroptical responses can be achieved by chiral coupling of achiral plasmonic nanoparticles or from intrinsic chirality of plasmonic nanoparticles. This study demonstrates the creation of dimeric plasmonic metamolecules with both chiral coupling and intrinsic chiroptical responses. These metamolecules provide more versatility in tailoring chiroptical responses and designing plasmonic nanodevices with custom plasmonic circular dichroism (PCD).
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Michael Erkelenz, Richard Kosinski, Oliver Sritharan, Helene Giesler, Barbara Sacca, Sebastian Schlucker
Summary: In this study, bare gold nanocubes and nanospheres of different sizes were incorporated into a rationally designed 3D DNA origami box. The encapsulated particles exhibit a gold surface that can be functionalized for specific applications in molecular plasmonics such as SERS or SEF.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chaolumen Wu, Qingsong Fan, Zhiwei Li, Zuyang Ye, Yadong Yin
Summary: This study demonstrates reversible assembly and active tuning of plasmonic chiral superstructures by introducing a chiral magnetic field. Manipulating the magnetic field controls both the chiral arrangement and spectral properties of the superstructures, enabling fast and reversible tunability.
MATERIALS HORIZONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Giulia Santopolo, Antonio Clemente, Maria Aranda, Antonia Socias, Alberto Del Castillo, Aniceta Chica, Marcio Borges, Roberto de la Rica
Summary: The proposed plasmonic assay utilizes the aggregation of gold nanoparticles with cationic granule proteins to detect the degranulation status of septic cells colorimetrically, enabling easy detection of sepsis cells with fewer granules. This method shows high specificity and diagnostic performance, making it a promising alternative for diagnosing sepsis in decentralized healthcare schemes.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qiang Dong, Kaixuan Zhou, Ning Deng, Xiaojing Wu, Chengde Mao, Yulin Li
Summary: This study introduces a facile strategy to regulate the kinetics of DNA attachment by adjusting the DNA concentration or solution pH, effectively fabricating strongly coupled clusters with dense DNA grafting. Gold nanoparticle/nanorod dimers and trimers with dense DNA coverage were successfully obtained, showing excellent performance and promising applications in various fields.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yong Wang, Xuehui Yan, Zhaoyu Zhou, Ningning Ma, Ye Tian
Summary: DNA nanotechnology allows for the assembly of 3D lattices with complex patterns, but altering their symmetries through non-thermal treatments is challenging. This study demonstrates the synthesis of DNA lattices with switchable shapes upon pH change, using octahedral DNA origami frames. The results show the feasibility of obtaining 3D lattices that respond to external stimuli.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Jeong Ah Park, Chaima Amri, Yein Kwon, Jin-Ho Lee, Taek Lee
Summary: Since 2010, DNA nanotechnology has made rapid advancements, providing new methods for constructing biosensors and overcoming the limitations of DNA solely as genetic material. The use of nucleic acids in biosensors has shown several advantages, and nanomaterials have also played a crucial role in advancing plasmonic biosensor technologies.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lizhi Dai, Xiaoxue Hu, Min Ji, Ningning Ma, Hang Xing, Jun- Jie Zhu, Qianhao Min, Ye Tian
Summary: Harnessing the programmable nature of DNA origami, researchers have demonstrated the ability to control structural features in crystalline materials and achieve different equilibrium phases and shapes using a single DNA origami morphology. By modulating the binding coordination with an allosteric factor, the DNA origami crystals undergo phase transitions and yield diverse crystal systems. This approach opens up new possibilities for developing crystalline materials with tunable properties and accessing a rich phase space.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Laura Andolfi, Alice Battistella, Michele Zanetti, Marco Lazzarino, Lorella Pascolo, Federico Romano, Giuseppe Ricci
Summary: The use of scanning probe microscopies in reproductive medicine research offers new insights into cellular structures and functions, allowing for in-depth studies on gamete morphology, mechanical properties, and molecular interactions. These techniques have the potential to provide valuable information for understanding reproductive disorders and improving assisted reproductive technologies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Aleksandra Makowiecka, Ewa Mazurkiewicz, Ewa Mrowczynska, Natalia Malek, Alice Battistella, Marco Lazzarino, Dorota Nowak, Antonina Joanna Mazur
Summary: Silencing TMSB4X expression alters actin cytoskeleton organization and subcellular relocalization of intermediate filament proteins in A375 melanoma cells, leading to changes in cell topology and biomechanical properties. Despite the decrease in T beta 4 levels, not all A375 clones show reduced colony formation ability in soft agar or changes in stemness marker Nanog's expression level, indicating phenotypic heterogeneity in this cell line.
Article
Biophysics
Michele Zanetti, Suet Nee Chen, Martina Conti, Matthew R. G. Taylor, Orfeo Sbaizero, Luisa Mestroni, Marco Lazzarino
Summary: The study introduces a novel approach to improve single-cell adhesion measurement by fabricating large cantilevers and directly culturing cells on them. This method can significantly enhance cell adhesion statistics, reduce experiment time, and investigate the adhesion properties of cells that do not grow well in solution or on low adherent substrates.
EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL WITH BIOPHYSICS LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Elias Diesen, Hsin-Yi Wang, Simon Schreck, Matthew Weston, Hirohito Ogasawara, Jerry LaRue, Fivos Perakis, Martina Dell'Angela, Flavio Capotondi, Luca Giannessi, Emanuele Pedersoli, Denys Naumenko, Ivaylo Nikolov, Lorenzo Raimondi, Carlo Spezzani, Martin Beye, Filippo Cavalca, Boyang Liu, Jorgen Gladh, Sergey Koroidov, Piter S. Miedema, Roberto Costantini, Tony F. Heinz, Frank Abild-Pedersen, Johannes Voss, Alan C. Luntz, Anders Nilsson
Summary: Using a pump-probe scheme, the study investigated the time evolution of the C K-edge x-ray absorption spectrum from CO/Ru(0001) after excitation by an ultrashort high-intensity optical laser pulse. By comparing with density functional theory spectrum calculations, they found high excitation of internal modes occurring within 200 fs, as well as thermalization of the system in the picosecond regime. The ultrafast initial excitation of vibrational modes may be attributed to the coupling of the adsorbate to nonthermalized electron-hole pairs.
PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shih-Ting Wang, Brian Minevich, Jianfang Liu, Honghu Zhang, Dmytro Nykypanchuk, James Byrnes, Wu Liu, Lev Bershadsky, Qun Liu, Tong Wang, Gang Ren, Oleg Gang
Summary: The study demonstrates the creation of bio-active protein-containing ordered nanomaterials with desired 2D and 3D organizations through the encapsulation of proteins in DNA-based voxels and programmable assembly. This platform approach allows for the retention of protein function in the assembled protein arrays.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mladenka Malenica, Marija Vukomanovic, Mario Kurtjak, Valentina Masciotti, Simone dal Zilio, Silvio Greco, Marco Lazzarino, Vedrana Krusic, Marko Percic, Ivana Jelovica Badovinac, Karmen Wechtersbach, Ivona Vidovic, Vanja Baricevic, Srecko Valic, Pero Lucin, Nika Kojc, Kristina Grabusic
Summary: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanometric membranous structures secreted by cells and found in biofluids, with potential for diagnostic and prognostic purposes related to tissue states. Detailed characterisation through imaging techniques like atomic force microscopy (AFM) and electron microscopy (EM) is essential for EV usage. This study examines EV preparation protocols for AFM and EM, highlighting challenges in imaging EVs in different environments and discussing approaches for imaging with potential benefits and drawbacks. Examples using cerebrospinal fluid illustrate the complexities of EV morphology research, aiming to improve standardisation in sample preparation and microscopy methods.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jiaan Yang, Peng Zhang, Wen Xiang Cheng, Youyong Lu, Wu Gang, Gang Ren
Summary: The mutation of SARS-CoV-2 affects viral function and folding conformations, impacting the affinity between spike protein and ACE2. These structural variations not only impact vaccine effectiveness and drug function, but also reveal how the virus has evolved in both structure and function, leading to more severe acute diseases worldwide.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Alessandra Milloch, Riccardo Mincigrucci, Flavio Capotondi, Dario De Angelis, Laura Foglia, Gabor Kurdi, Denys Naumenko, Emanuele Pedersoli, Jacopo S. Pelli-Cresi, Alberto Simoncig, Bjorn Wehinger, Claudio Masciovecchio, Filippo Bencivenga
Summary: This study demonstrates high-precision measurement of nanoscale elasticity in thin suspended silicon nitride membranes using extreme ultraviolet ultrashort pulse technology, providing important information on nanoscale thermal transport and behavior compatible with the diffusive regime.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nicoletta Braidotti, Maria Augusta do R. B. F. Lima, Michele Zanetti, Alessandro Rubert, Catalin Ciubotaru, Marco Lazzarino, Orfeo Sbaizero, Dan Cojoc
Summary: This study investigates the relationship between cytoskeleton alterations and diseases through examining primary rat cardiac fibroblasts. The results show that changes in the cytoskeleton can affect cell adhesion, rheological behavior, and morphology.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Martina Conti, Ilaria Bolzan, Simone Dal Zilio, Pietro Parisse, Laura Andolfi, Marco Lazzarino
Summary: Cell migration plays a crucial role in physiological and pathological contexts, but its mechanisms are still not fully understood due to the complex interaction between cells and their surroundings. Traditional assays lack the ability to capture this complexity, while a novel approach using 2D micro-patterned substrates provides a promising tool to investigate cell migration in complex environments. The developed method was tested with breast cancer cell lines and revealed that invasive cells are more responsive to the size of the water meniscus and exhibit significative matrix deposition process connected to cell migration.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Zhixiong Zhang, Guan Wang, Yuyan Li, Dongsheng Lei, Jin Xiang, Liang Ouyang, Yanyan Wang, Jinliang Yang
Summary: DNA methylation is an important epigenetic process that regulates gene expression and has become a promising target for cancer treatment.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Han Xue, Meng Zhang, Jianfang Liu, Jianjun Wang, Gang Ren
Summary: This article reviews recent research on the structure, lipid transfer mechanism, and inhibition of cholesteryl ester transfer proteins (CETP). Genetic deficiency in CETP is associated with low levels of LDL-C and high levels of HDL-C, which is correlated with a lower risk of ASCVD. CETP inhibitors have been developed and evaluated in clinical trials, but their poor efficacy against ASCVD has decreased interest in CETP as a therapeutic target.
CURRENT ATHEROSCLEROSIS REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Domenico Tierno, Eros Azzalini, Rossella Farra, Sara Drioli, Fulvia Felluga, Marco Lazzarino, Gabriele Grassi, Barbara Dapas, Serena Bonin
Summary: Epithelial ovarian cancers (EOCs) are a heterogeneous group of tumors with different molecular and clinical features. Few improvements have been achieved in terms of EOC management and treatment efficacy, and the 5-year survival rate of patients remained almost unchanged. A better characterization of EOCs' heterogeneity is needed to identify vulnerabilities, stratify patients, and adopt proper therapies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Ewan K. S. McRae, Helena Ostergaard Rasmussen, Jianfang Liu, Andreas Boggild, Michael T. A. Nguyen, Nestor Sampedro Vallina, Thomas Boesen, Jan Skov Pedersen, Gang Ren, Cody Geary, Ebbe Sloth Andersen
Summary: RNA origami is a method for designing RNA nanostructures that can self-assemble through co-transcriptional folding. This study uses cryogenic electron microscopy to determine the structure of RNA origami sheets and bundles, revealing structural parameters and folding principles. The study also combines sheets and bundles to construct a multidomain satellite shape and characterizes its flexibility using cryo-electron tomography.
NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yidong Xia, Jianfang Liu, Rahul Kancharla, Jiaoyan Li, Seyed M. Hatamlee, Gang Ren, Viktoriya Semeykina, Ahmed Hamed, Joshua J. Kane
Summary: To study the flow and transport properties of fluids for environmental research, such as geological subsurface energy storage or carbon capture, the detailed 3D morphology of monodispersed synthetic mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) with diameters below 50 nm was obtained using Individual Particle cryogenic transmission Electron Tomography (IPET) technique. The 3D reconstructed density-maps showed that the diameters of these MSNs varied from 35-46 nm, containing connected intraparticle pores with diameters of 2-20 nm and a mean diameter of 9.2 +/- 3 nm, which is comparable to the mean interparticle pore diameters in sintered agglomerate. The characterization of the pore shape and dimensions provides important information for estimating the flow and transport properties of fluids within the sintered agglomerate of MSNs and for modeling the atomic MSN structures needed for pore-fluid simulations.
NANOSCALE ADVANCES
(2023)