Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yujing Kong, Fang Yuan, Fei Yang, Cuiling Zhang, Yuezhong Xian
Summary: Controllable cell assembly and disassembly using reversible near-infrared light-induced interactions have significant implications. In this study, a NIR-controlled system based on S-cyclodextrin modified upconversion nanoparticles was developed for reversible manipulation of cell assembly, realized by host-guest interactions between arylazopyrazole and S-CD under NIR irradiation.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Baode Chen, Liuhui Liu, Renye Yue, Zhe Dong, Chang Lu, Cheng Zhang, Guoqiang Guan, Huiyi Liu, Qingpeng Zhang, Guosheng Song
Summary: With the advancement in MRI technology, traditional contrast agents struggle to meet accuracy imaging demands, but novel dual-mode contrast agents with T1-T2 ability provide better imaging applications and improved accuracy. Responsive MRI probes, unlike traditional agents, change signals in response to stimuli, leading to highly selective and excellent contrast effects. This review focuses on responsive and switchable MRI probe types, highlighting their mechanism, application in tumor imaging, and future development trends and challenges.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
E. Chen, Ke Cai, Xin Liu, Shuai Wu, Zhan Wu, Ming Ma, Bo Chen, Zilong Zhao
Summary: The research team has successfully developed a pH sensor formed by self-assembly of a phospholipid monolayer on the surface of upconversion nanoparticles, which can rapidly and accurately sense and image the changes in intracellular pH levels. The sensor exhibits excellent reversibility and response speed, can measure pH fluctuations within cells, and map spatial and temporal pH changes inside cells.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yan Yang, Rui Li, Sichun Zhang, Xinrong Zhang
Summary: A lysosome-targeting ratiometric fluorescent nanoprobe based on CPPs and QDs has been developed for monitoring pH fluctuation in living cells. The nanoprobe efficiently stains lysosomes in cells and enables ratiometric pH measurement. This method is expected to have wider applications in detecting subcellular active substances by combining different small molecular probes and functional peptides.
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Lei Zhang, Qianqian Zhao, Zhitao Jiang, Jingjing Shen, Weibing Wu, Xingfen Liu, Quli Fan, Wei Huang
Summary: The article discusses the working mechanism and design of pH SERS sensors, as well as the importance and influencing factors of related applications; it also describes the applications of pH probes in intracellular and extracellular pH imaging and in combination with other techniques, and presents the outlook for future development.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Wen-Juan Fu, Jian Ting Li, Wen Hui Qian, Xiang Ying Zhang, Dan Dan Ma, Yu Ting Wang, Qi Jia Zhang, Dong Zhu
Summary: A universal probe, CBT-Q, was designed for non-invasive cancer diagnosis by exploiting viscosity in the cancer microenvironment. The probe's near-infrared fluorescence was triggered by a change in structure due to increased viscosity, enabling low-background cancer diagnosis. This work increases understanding of tumor-related viscosity and facilitates a new universal strategy for cancer diagnostics.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Xin Zhang, Anna du Rietz, Jiwen Hu, Caroline Brommesson, Xiongyu Wu, Kajsa Uvdal, Zhangjun Hu
Summary: Monitoring lysosomal pH is crucial for understanding cellular dysfunction, but current lysosome-specific probes lack high signal fidelity. This study introduces a lysosomal fluorogenic nanoprobe for reliable pH measurement and real-time monitoring of pH fluctuations in cells.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Weitao Yang, Cuijun Deng, Xiudong Shi, Yan Xu, Chenyu Dai, Hui Wang, Kexin Bian, Tianming Cui, Bingbo Zhang
Summary: This study presents a structural and molecular fusion MRI nanoprobe for differential diagnosis of benign and malignant tumors. The nanoprobe enables both structural and molecular imaging of tumors, and can catalyze chemodynamic therapy within the tumor. This innovative nanoprobe strategy allows for the diagnosis of tumors from both spatial and molecular perspectives in a single-step MRI imaging, with potential applications in precision intervention.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qingyu Zong, Rui Zheng, Xuan Xiao, Maolin Jiang, Jisi Li, Youyong Yuan
Summary: This study presents a novel dual-locking theranostic nanoprobe (DL-P) that can be triggered by two orthogonal stimuli to improve cancer imaging and therapy specificity. The nanoprobe exhibits increased selectivity and specificity compared to single stimulus-responsive probes, offering a prospective strategy for precise cancer imaging and therapy.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2021)
Article
Spectroscopy
Yutao Jia, Yanting Shen, Yanyan Zhu, Jing Wang
Summary: This study reports a novel covalent organic framework as a pH-responsive fluorescent probe for lysosomal pH imaging in cells. The probe exhibits good pH-responsive properties and can effectively monitor pH fluctuations and changes in lysosomes.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART A-MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nanako Suto, Shione Kamoshita, Shoichi Hosoya, Kaori Sakurai
Summary: This study explored the reactivity of multivalent electrophiles cofunctionalized with a carbohydrate ligand on gold nanoparticles for efficient affinity labeling of target proteins. Evaluation revealed arylsulfonyl fluoride as the most efficient protein-reactive group. The study demonstrated the selective affinity labeling and enrichment of a model protein using multivalent arylsulfonyl fluoride probe, highlighting its utility as a highly effective affinity label.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Hengzhi Zhao, Yazhou Liu, Jie Cui, Chunlei Yang, Na Gao, Jing Jing, Xiaoling Zhang
Summary: A DNA tetrahedron-based nanoprobe called DNA nanomimosa was designed for sensing RNase H activity with a low detection limit, good specificity, and advantages such as self-delivery ability and good biocompatibility. This design has potential applications in ribonuclease research and could be expanded to other biomedical research and clinical diagnostics.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lijun Deng, Cefei Zhang, Baolin Li, Jielin Fu, Zhong Zhang, Sitong Li, Xiaohu Zhao, Zhishan Su, Changwei Hu, Zhipeng Yu
Summary: Photo-click chemistry is a powerful tool for advancing bioconjugation technologies. In this study, researchers developed a novel photo-induced defluorination acyl fluoride exchange (photo-DAFEx) reaction that allows covalent conjugation in an aqueous environment. This strategy enables spatiotemporal control and has potential applications in small molecule decoration, peptide cyclization, protein functionalization, and designing photo-affinity probes for living cells.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Alexandra G. Pershina, Olga Ya Brikunova, Alexander M. Demin, Maxim A. Abakumov, Alexander N. Vaneev, Victor A. Naumenko, Alexander S. Erofeev, Peter Gorelkin, Timur R. Nizamov, Albert R. Muslimov, Alexander S. Timin, Dina Malkeyeva, Elena Kiseleva, Sergey V. Vtorushin, Irina Larionova, Elena A. Gereng, Artem S. Minin, Aidar M. Murzakaev, Victor P. Krasnov, Alexander G. Majouga, Ludmila M. Ogorodova
Summary: The study demonstrates that pH variation in the tumor microenvironment affects the delivery efficiency of pHLIP-conjugated MNPs in tumors, with better delivery effectiveness at lower pH levels. In vivo observations show variability in the accumulation efficiency of pHLIP-conjugated MNPs in tumors, with a clear correlation between the measured pH in the tumor and the amount of accumulated MNPs.
NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Zongsheng Wu, Yuting Tang, Lanlan Chen, Luntao Liu, Hongqi Huo, Jiamin Ye, Lichao Su, Xiaoguang Ge, Zhongxiang Chen, Jibin Song
Summary: Inorganic nanoprobes with versatile functionalities and excellent optical properties have gained increasing attention in the biomedical field. However, their limited retention time in tumors and application in the first near-infrared window (NIR-I) have hindered accurate and deep tissue imaging. To address this, researchers developed a Janus nanoprobe that can aggregate in the tumor microenvironment, prolonging retention time and enabling photoacoustic imaging in the second near-infrared window (NIR-II) as well as enhancing photodynamic therapy effects.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Carina Esteves, Susana I. C. J. Palma, Henrique M. A. Costa, Claudia Alves, Goncalo M. C. Santos, Efthymia Ramou, Ana Luisa Carvalho, Vitor Alves, Ana C. A. Roque
Summary: This study successfully developed humidity sensors or humidity-tolerant VOC sensors by controlling the effects of humidity on electrical and optical sensors through the design of gelatin formulations. The combination of new materials formulations and sensing mechanisms improved the accuracy and reliability of VOC sensing under different humidity conditions.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Correction
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Efthymia Ramou, Susana I. . C. J. Palma, Ana Cecilia A. . Roque
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Diana Araujo, Thomas Rodrigues, Catarina Roma-Rodrigues, Vitor D. Alves, Alexandra R. R. Fernandes, Filomena Freitas
Summary: Chitin-glucan complex hydrogels were prepared from aqueous alkaline solutions and studied for their morphology, swelling behavior, mechanical properties, drug loading/release ability, and permeation through artificial membranes. The hydrogels displayed a highly porous microstructure and had a spontaneous and immediate swelling in aqueous media. In addition, they showed no significant effects on cell viability, migration ability, and morphology. These hydrogels have potential as novel transdermal drug delivery platforms.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana F. Amendoeira, Andre Luz, Ruben Valente, Catarina Roma-Rodrigues, Hasrat Ali, Johan E. van Lier, Fernanda Marques, Pedro V. Baptista, Alexandra R. Fernandes
Summary: This study evaluated the cell uptake of Estradiol-BODIPY, 19-nortestosterone-BODIPY, and testosterone-BODIPY in breast cancer and prostate cancer cells, as well as in normal dermal fibroblasts. The results showed that the highest internalization occurred in cells expressing specific receptors for the compounds. Blocking experiments also revealed differences in non-specific cell uptake between cancer and normal cells, possibly due to differences in lipophilicity. The internalization process was energy-dependent and mediated by clathrin- and caveolae-endocytosis. Co-culture studies demonstrated that the compounds exhibited selectivity towards cancer cells. Furthermore, the compounds showed non-toxicity towards cancer and/or normal cells, and visible light irradiation induced cell death, indicating their potential use as PDT agents.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Katarzyna Choroba, Beatriz Filipe, Anna Switlicka, Mateusz Penkala, Barbara Machura, Alina Bienko, Sandra Cordeiro, Pedro V. Baptista, Alexandra R. Fernandes
Summary: The study focused on the anticancer properties of dipicolinate-basedvanadium(IV) complexes with different diimines. These complexes showed high cytotoxic effect against HCT116-DoxR cells and induced cell death through apoptosis and autophagy pathways. They also interacted with BSA protein and did not promote tumor cell migration or angiogenesis.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ana Rita Oliveira, Henrique M. A. Costa, Efthymia Ramou, Susana I. C. J. Palma, Ana Cecilia A. Roque
Summary: The study assessed the effect of matrix hydrophobic properties on the performance of hybrid gel materials for VOC sensing in humid conditions. The results showed that hybrid gels composed of a hydrophobic PDMS matrix and [BMIM][Cl] ionic liquid have better accuracy in VOC prediction and reduced sensitivity to humidity compared to gelatin-based gels. Therefore, the tunable formulation of hybrid gels offers the potential for designing complementary sensors for e-nose systems operable under different RH conditions.
Article
Physics, Applied
Efthymia Ramou, Ana Cecilia A. Roque
Summary: Liquid crystal-based materials with confined and ordered liquid crystal molecules can be tuned to exhibit various optical textures in response to physical and chemical stimuli. In this study, chiral liquid crystal formulations were constrained at an interface formed by ionic liquids, leading to the formation of immobilized ionic liquid/liquid crystal droplets on a gelatin matrix. These droplets display a rich variety of unique topological states, and their optical textures were categorized based on their relative chirality. Furthermore, their optical response in the presence of gas analytes was investigated, highlighting their potential as dynamic liquid crystal-based optical volatile organic compound sensors. The soft materials generated with semi-selective VOC sensing capabilities can be further employed in liquid crystal-based gas sensor arrays for complex gas sample analysis using artificial olfaction approaches.
APPLIED PHYSICS REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Catarina Roma-Rodrigues, Alexandra R. Fernandes, Pedro V. Baptista
Summary: Neoangiogenesis is associated with poor prognosis in cancer, including chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The small GTP-binding protein Rab11a plays a crucial role in the neoangiogenic process in CML patients, by controlling exosome secretion and regulating vascular endothelial factor receptors. By downregulating Rab11a mRNA in CML cells, the angiogenic potential of exosomes can be reduced, offering a potential therapeutic approach for inhibiting tumor angiogenesis.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sofia Friaes, Candida Trigueiros, Clara S. B. Gomes, Alexandra R. Fernandes, Oscar A. Lenis-Rojas, Marta Martins, Beatriz Royo
Summary: Antimicrobial resistance is a serious health issue and lack of new antibacterial drugs is a concern. This study evaluated the antimicrobial activities of four manganese complexes and found that three of them showed good antimicrobial activities with minimal toxicity. These results are important for addressing antibiotic resistance and developing new antibacterial drugs.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Bilal Abdulmawjood, Catarina Roma-Rodrigues, Pedro V. Baptista, Alexandra R. Fernandes
Summary: Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a rare malignant blood disorder caused by overexpression of a specific tyrosine kinase. Imatinib is the first-line treatment for CML patients, but resistance often occurs. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have shown promise in gene silencing therapy. This study evaluated the potential of AuNPs functionalized with antisense oligonucleotides to target the resistance mechanisms in CML cells. The results demonstrated efficient gene silencing and downregulation of proteins, leading to increased cell death. These Au-nanoconjugates could be a valuable tool in overcoming imatinib resistance in CML treatment.
PARTICLE & PARTICLE SYSTEMS CHARACTERIZATION
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Patricia Branco, Elisabete Muchagato Mauricio, Ana Costa, Diogo Ventura, Catarina Roma-Rodrigues, Maria Paula Duarte, Alexandra R. Fernandes, Catarina Prista, Jean-Marc Sabatier
Summary: This study focuses on the functional properties of a peptide fraction derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolism, including its antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic activity. The results show that the peptide fraction exhibits antibacterial effects against all tested microorganisms, except for Candida krusei. In addition, it displays antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic activity. This study contributes to the evaluation of the functional biological properties of S. cerevisiae bioactive peptides.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Diana Araujo, Matilde Martins, Patricia Concordio-Reis, Catarina Roma-Rodrigues, Maria Morais, Vitor D. Alves, Alexandra R. Fernandes, Filomena Freitas
Summary: In this study, FucoPol, a fucose-rich polyanionic polysaccharide, was used for the preparation of hydrogel membranes (HMs) with Fe3+ as a crosslinking agent. The influence of Fe3+ and FucoPol concentrations on the strength of HMs was evaluated. The results showed that the FucoPol concentration had a more significant effect on the HMs' strength than the Fe3+ concentration. HMs with different FucoPol concentrations exhibited different microstructures and mechanical properties.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ana Rita Oliveira, Efthymia Ramou, Susana I. C. J. Palma, Carina Esteves, Armenio Barbosa, Ana Cecilia Afonso Roque
Summary: In this work, the effect of the ionic liquid moiety on generating ionogels and hybrid gels as gas sensors was assessed. Six ionic liquids with a constant anion (chloride) and different cationic head groups were used to generate ionogels and hybrid gels, which were further tested as gas sensors in customized electronic nose devices. Overall, ionogel-based sensors showed higher classification accuracies for standard volatile organic compounds compared to hybrid material-based sensors. Additionally, the high chemical diversity of ionic liquids translated into a high functional diversity in analyte molecular recognition and sensing.