Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bruna Lallo da Silva, Laurent Lemaire, Jean-Pierre Benoit, Fernanda Hediger Borges, Rogeria Rocha Goncalves, Camila Fernanda Amantino, Fernando Lucas Primo, Leila Aparecida Chiavacci
Summary: The study focuses on the conjugation of Gd3+/ZnO with GCIS/ZnS Qdots to create a novel ZnOGd-GCIS/ZnS nanomaterial with excellent luminescence and MRI properties, showcasing potential as contrast agents. Structural and spectral analyses confirm the efficacy of the new quantum dots in MRI applications.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Le Wang, Wenjie Zhou, Dan Yang, Hu Zhe, Shiliang Mei, Jun Yuan, Wanlu Zhang, Hui Li, Hong Fan, Fengxian Xie, Ruiqian Guo
Summary: This study utilizes Gd-doped CDs synthesized with a material of low biotoxicity to achieve a high PL QY of 78.05%, demonstrating excellent performance in MR/FL imaging. The FL intensity of Gd-CDs remains stable in the presence of multiple amino acids, indicating potential for efficient dual-modal molecular imaging in detecting diseases such as tumors.
ANALYTICAL METHODS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Maha K. Rahim, Jinghui Zhao, Hinesh V. Patel, Hauna A. Lagouros, Rajesh Kota, Irma Fernandez, Enrico Gratton, Jered B. Haun
Summary: Fluorescence lifetime-based multiplexing allows simultaneous detection of multiple probes, and the phasor approach provides a simple solution for lifetime analysis. This study demonstrates the ability of phasor analysis to resolve and quantify exogenous fluorescent probes based on lifetime information alone. It also shows that lifetime-based quantitation accuracy can be improved through intensity matching. The results highlight the potential of fluorescence lifetime imaging and phasor analysis as a powerful tool for simultaneous detection of multiple biomarkers.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Kheibar Dashtian, Fatemeh Binabaji, Rouholah Zare-Dorabei
Summary: Wearable sweat sensors offer exciting opportunities for personal health monitoring and noninvasive biomarker measurements. This study presents a portable microfluidic device capable of simultaneous sweat sampling and fluorometric sensing of potential biomarkers for kidney disease monitoring. The device integrates seamlessly with smartphones for easy data retrieval and analysis. The sensors show exceptional performance, with low detection limits and remarkable selectivity. The evaluation extends to monitoring kidney diseases in real-world scenarios, showing the potential of low-cost, multidiagnostic microfluidic sensor arrays for enhanced disease detection and healthcare outcomes.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhongtao Li, Guiqiang Qi, Guangyue Shi, Meng Zhang, Haifeng Hu, Liguo Hao
Summary: The application of MRI nano-contrast agents has gained increasing interest due to their size, surface chemistry, and stability. In this study, a novel T1 nano-contrast agent, Gd(DTPA)-GQDs, was successfully prepared by functionalizing graphene quantum dots with poly(ethylene glycol) bis(amine) and incorporating them into Gd-DTPA. The resultant nano-contrast agent exhibited a significantly higher longitudinal proton relaxivity compared to commercial Gd-DTPA, proving its exceptional performance in T1-MRI.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hongxing Su, Lingzhou Zhao, Buhui Yu, Huahui Zeng, Jiqin Yang, Meilin Zhu, Jinhua Zhao
Summary: Novel heptapeptides, [Tc-99m]Tc-HYNIC-A7R and [Tc-99m]Tc-HYNIC-(D)A7R, show great potential as probes for targeted SPECT imaging of TNBC, with the latter demonstrating superior tumor imaging performance compared to the former.
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuqi Yang, Baolong Wang, Xu Zhang, Hongchuang Li, Sen Yue, Yifan Zhang, Yunhuang Yang, Maili Liu, Chaohui Ye, Peng Huang, Xin Zhou
Summary: In this study, acidity-activated graphene quantum dots-based nanotransformers (GQD NT) were developed as photosensitizer vehicles for long-period tumor imaging and repeated PDT. The GQD NT actively targeted tumor tissues and underwent loosening and enlargement in tumor acidity, enabling longer tumor retention. The GQD NT also generated mild hyperthermia upon laser irradiation, enhancing cell membrane permeability and promoting photosensitizer uptake. This study overcame the overdose obstacle in repeated PDT by using programmed deformation to enhance accumulation, retention, and release of photosensitizers in tumors.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Louise Kiru, Aimen Zlitni, Aidan Michael Tousley, Guillermo Nicolas Dalton, Wei Wu, Famyrah Lafortune, Anna Liu, Kristen May Cunanan, Hossein Nejadnik, Todd Sulchek, Michael Eugene Moseley, Robbie G. Majzner, Heike Elisabeth Daldrup-Link
Summary: The study introduces a new approach to label CAR T cells with iron oxide nanoparticles, enabling noninvasive detection of the CAR T cells in solid tumors. The results show that labeled CAR T cells could locate to osteosarcomas and off-target sites, while unlabeled cells were not visible. This study provides a new method for monitoring the location of CAR T cells in solid tumors.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jeff W. M. Bulte, Chao Wang, Ali Shakeri-Zadeh
Summary: Superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO)-labeling of cells for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) cell tracking has a long history, but studies have shown that the labeled cells may have different behaviors compared to unlabeled cells. With the emergence of magnetic particle imaging (MPI) cell tracking, there has been a renaissance in the formulation of SPIO nanoparticles optimized for MPI. Lessons learned from past experiences with SPIO-labeling for MRI could potentially facilitate the clinical translation of (combined) MRI/MPI cell tracking.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zefan Zhang, Christian Hilty
Summary: The reversible adsorption of CO2-derived species to graphene quantum dots in CO2 electroreduction reaction was characterized using nuclear spin hyperpolarized NMR. The study found a significant difference in the relaxation rates of bound and free species, indicating reversible binding. pH-dependent adsorption and desorption rate constants were measured, along with the average binding distance.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yibing Liu, Xue Jiang, Wei Wang, Wei Zhang, Xinghua Wang, Ying Sun, Yibing Huang, Pinyi Ma, Daqian Song
Summary: In this study, a multifunctional probe was developed for bimodal imaging of glutathione (GSH) by improving stability and targeted recognition capability. The probe showed good magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent and near-infrared emission properties, making it a promising tool in biological detection.
ANALYTICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Bong Han Lee, Md Tanvir Hasan, Denise Lichthardt, Roberto Gonzalez-Rodriguez, Anton Naumov
Summary: Novel Mn2+ or Gd3+ doped nitrogen-containing graphene quantum dots (NGQDs) have been developed to provide deep tissue MRI capabilities to graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and render contrast agents biocompatible. These dual-modal contrast agents exhibit high in vitro biocompatibility and effective internalization in cells, showing potential for both T1 and T2 contrast imaging.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yibing Liu, Xue Jiang, Wei Wang, Wei Zhang, Pinyi Ma, Yibing Huang, Daqian Song
Summary: Tumor markers in situ switch on nanoplatform is of great significance for disease early diagnosis and accurate treatment. It has significant advantages to realize simultaneous detection of multiple signals through single signal triggering. However, traditional nanoplatform often needs complex modification and integration of multiple materials. Herein, a dual-modal system was developed for glutathione (GSH)-triggered in situ switch on imaging of cancer, which simplified the nanoplatform structure.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Shima Gharghani, Yousef Fazaeli, Hakimeh Zare, Shahzad Feizi, Parviz Ashtari, Zahra Shahedi
Summary: The study focused on investigating the biodistribution of [Ga-68] Ga@Gd-CdTe QDs nanoparticles with gadolinium ions incorporated in the CdTe quantum dots lattice. Results showed high tumor uptake (8.8%) and rapid accumulation (after 24 min) of the nanoparticles, indicating their potential for targeted tumor imaging.
JOURNAL OF RADIOANALYTICAL AND NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Kelly A. Clark, Abby R. Manning, Luyun Chen, Fang Liu, Quy Cao, Amit Bar-Or, Russell T. Shinohara, Elizabeth Sweeney, Matthew K. Schindler
Summary: This study aimed to identify early MRI features of new multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions that would develop into paramagnetic rim lesions (PRLs) associated with progressive tissue injury in MS. Contrast-enhancing lesions in MS patients were imaged at 7 T within 4 weeks of observation and 3 and 6 months later. The study found that certain characteristics of early lesions were predictive of subsequent PRL status.
ANNALS OF NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Johana Hrdinova, Delia I. Fernandez, Bogac Ercig, Bibian M. E. Tullemans, Dennis P. L. Suylen, Stijn M. Agten, Kerstin Jurk, Tilman M. Hackeng, Karen Vanhoorelbeke, Jan Voorberg, Chris P. M. Reutelingsperger, Kanin Wichapong, Johan W. M. Heemskerk, Gerry A. F. Nicolaes
Summary: This study designed and synthesized stable cyclic peptides to interfere with the interaction between VWF A1 domain and GPIb alpha. The selected peptides showed low binding free energy and retained their interference in the binding of VWF to GPIb-V-IX, as confirmed by flow cytometry. These peptides phenotypically mimicked the changes seen with the anti-VWF A1 domain antibody CLB-RAg35, although they were less potent. The improved peptide opt-mono-ORbIT demonstrated increased inhibitory activity under flow.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dawid M. Kaczor, Rafael Kramann, Tilman M. Hackeng, Leon J. Schurgers, Rory R. Koenen
Summary: Platelet factor 4 (CXCL4) is a chemokine stored in platelets that modulates the function of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Variant CXCL4L1, despite minor differences, has distinct effects on VSMCs compared to CXCL4. Both CXCL4 and CXCL4L1 regulate gene expression, but only CXCL4 increases VSMC proliferation and calcification.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shahzad Hafeez, Huey Wen Ooi, Dennis Suylen, Hans Duimel, Tilman M. Hackeng, Clemens van Blitterswijk, Matthew B. Baker
Summary: Supramolecular materials based on BTA offer a way to mimic fibrous proteins found in nature, but current methods face limitations in BTA structure diversity and purification. We developed a desymmetrization method using activated ester coupling to rapidly synthesize multifunctional BTAs. These BTAs can self-assemble into hydrogels that display fiber-like structures and high cytocompatibility, making them suitable for tissue engineering applications.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Judy R. van Beijnum, Elisabeth J. M. Huijbers, Karlijn van Loon, Athanasios Blanas, Parvin Akbari, Arno Roos, Tse J. Wong, Stepan S. Denisov, Tilman M. Hackeng, Connie R. Jimenez, Patrycja Nowak-Sliwinska, Arjan W. Griffioen
Summary: Anti-angiogenic cancer therapies have immune-stimulatory properties. This study found that tumor endothelial cells overexpress and secrete the protein vimentin, which promotes angiogenesis and inhibits leukocyte-endothelial interactions. Targeting extracellular vimentin shows inhibition of angiogenesis and tumor growth, and induces a pro-inflammatory condition in the tumor.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Annemiek Dickhout, Pieter van de Vijver, Nicole Bitsch, Stefan J. van Hoof, Stella L. G. D. Thomassen, Steffen Massberg, Peter Timmerman, Frank Verhaegen, Rory R. Koenen, Ingrid Dijkgraaf, Tilman M. Hackeng
Summary: This study improved and validated an imaging probe based on α2-AP in a mouse thrombosis model. The results showed that in the stenosis model, the A16 imaging probe could serve as a molecular tracer corresponding to clot formation in the vena cava.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Athanasios Blanas, Haiko Karsjens, Aafke de Ligt, Elisabeth J. M. Huijbers, Karlijn van Loon, Stepan S. Denisov, Canan Durukan, Diederik J. M. Engbersen, Jan Groen, Sven Hennig, Tilman M. Hackeng, Judy R. van Beijnum, Arjan W. Griffioen
Summary: The conjugation of a target protein to a chimeric designer peptide (CDP) can enhance the immune response against the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein. In mouse and hamster studies, the CDP-RBD vaccine induced potent immune responses and cross-reactive antibody reactions against the Delta and Omicron variants. This study demonstrates that the iBoost conjugate vaccine technology can quantitatively and qualitatively enhance anti-viral immunity.
Article
Hematology
Danique L. van den Kerkhof, Magdolna Nagy, Kanin Wichapong, Sanne L. N. Brouns, Dennis P. L. Suylen, Tilman M. Hackeng, I. Dijkgraaf
Summary: The study aimed to unravel the importance of the homoarginine residue in eptifibatide in platelet activation and aggregation. The results showed that eptifibatide inhibited collagen-and ADP-induced platelet aggregation, while substitution of the homoarginine residue resulted in loss of inhibitory activity.
THROMBOSIS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Tom W. van de Berg, Mark M. G. Mulder, Teba Alnima, Magdolna Nagy, Rene van Oerle, Erik A. M. Beckers, Tilman M. Hackeng, Anne-Marije Hulshof, Jan-Willem E. M. Sels, Yvonne M. C. Henskens, Iwan C. C. van der Horst, Hugo ten Cate, Henri M. H. Spronk, Bas C. T. van Bussel
Summary: The use of prophylactic heparins in the management of COVID-19 associated coagulopathy (CAC) in intensive care patients is still uncertain. This study measured thrombin generation (TG) in ICU patients receiving thromboprophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) or unfractionated heparin (UFH), and analyzed the correlation between TG parameters, patient characteristics, and clinical parameters. The results suggest that direct thrombin inhibitors may be a more effective alternative to LMWH in anticoagulation therapy for COVID-19.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Robert Dzhanaev, Christian Hasberg, Andrea Gorgels, Carlo Schmitz, Camilla Franziska Winkler, Hanna Malyaran, Steffen Graeber, Anouk Gentier, Armand Jaminon, Stijn Agten, Tilman Hackeng, Asim Cengiz Akbulut, Leon Schurgers, Felix Manuel Mottaghy, Claudia Goettsch, Willi Jahnen-Dechent
Summary: This study developed a novel highly sensitive fluorescent probe based on fetuin-A for imaging microcalcifications. The probe showed non-toxicity and the ability to detect microcalcifications beyond the detection limit of conventional staining techniques. This fetuin-A-based probe has the potential for clinical applications.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Tianyu Yao, Honglin Chen, Rong Wang, Rebeca Rivero, Fengyu Wang, Lilian Kessels, Stijn M. Agten, Tilman M. Hackeng, Tim G. A. M. Wolfs, Daidi Fan, Matthew B. Baker, Lorenzo Moroni
Summary: This study focuses on the functionalization of scaffolds using a polymer mixing approach to immobilize VEGF-mimetic peptides. The functionalized scaffolds were validated and tested, showing potential for promoting angiogenesis and vascular tissue regeneration.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Hematology
Tom W. Van de Berg, Erik A. M. Beckers, Floor C. J. I. Heubel-Moenen, Yvonne M. C. Henskens, M. Christella L. G. D. Thomassen, Tilman M. Hackeng
Summary: This study aims to optimize thrombin generation assays (TGAs) for better measurement of low factor VIII (FVIII) levels in severe hemophilia A (HA) patients. The use of low concentrations of tissue factor (TF) and FXIa appears to increase the sensitivity of TG to detect changes in low FVIII ranges.
THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS
(2023)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Lu Dai, Denise Mafra, Paul G. Shiels, Tilman M. Hackeng, Peter Stenvinkel, Leon J. Schurgers
Summary: Vitamin K and vitamin K-dependent proteins are associated with age-related diseases. The direct impact of vitamin K on cellular senescence is yet to be proven, but its status reflects the complex interactions between dietary intake, gut microbiome activity, and health. It is proposed to emphasize food quality and explore healthy eating patterns containing vitamin K rather than focusing on a single nutrient for dietary recommendations.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Jinwei Chai, Jiena Wu, Jinqiao Li, Hang Liao, Wancheng Lu, Ruiyin Guo, Zuoyan Shao, Mohamed Amine Jmel, Larissa Almeida Martins, Tilman Hackeng, Hans Ippel, Ingrid Dijkgraaf, Michail Kotsyfakis, Xueqing Xu
Summary: A novel Ranacyclin peptide called Ranacin was identified from the skin of Pelophylax nigromaculatus frog. Ranacin effectively inhibited trypsin and exhibited anticoagulant and antioxidant activities in vitro. Treatment with Ranacin significantly alleviated the severity of pancreatitis in L-Arg-induced AP mice. Structure-activity studies suggested that sequences outside the trypsin inhibitory loop (TIL) of Ranacin may play an important role in its efficacy.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Hematology
M. Christella L. G. D. Thomassen, Bryan R. C. Bouwens, Kanin Wichapong, Dennis P. Suylen, Freek G. Bouwman, Tilman M. Hackeng, Rory R. Koenen
Summary: This study found that PAD4 inactivates TFPI by citrullination of its arginines, and this process is time- and concentration-dependent. Furthermore, inducers of PAD4 blocked the citrullination of TFPI. This process may play a crucial role in the increased thrombosis risk associated with inflammation.
JOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Julie Ann Kemp, Livia Alvarenga, Ludmila F. M. F. Cardozo, Lu Dai, Peter Stenvinkel, Paul G. Shiels, Tilman M. Hackeng, Leon J. Schurgers, Denise Mafra
Summary: This narrative review summarizes the current evidence on the connection between dysbiosis and vitamin K deficiency in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Recent studies in animals have shown that dysbiosis is associated with low production of vitamin K by the gut microbiota. Vitamin K plays vital roles in blood coagulation, cardiovascular and bone health, as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions. The main source of vitamin K is dietary intake, but it can also be produced by gut microbiota. Understanding the relationship between gut dysbiosis and vitamin K deficiency in CKD patients can lead to future clinical studies.
CURRENT NUTRITION REPORTS
(2022)