scholarly journals Application of Quantum Dots in Biological Imaging

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shan Jin ◽  
Yanxi Hu ◽  
Zhanjun Gu ◽  
Lei Liu ◽  
Hai-Chen Wu
Keyword(s):  
Quantum Dots ◽  
Organic Dyes ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Emission Spectra ◽  
Major Type ◽  
Biological Applications ◽  
Biological Studies ◽  
Polymer Dots

Quantum dots (QDs) are a group of semiconducting nanomaterials with unique optical and electronic properties. They have distinct advantages over traditional fluorescent organic dyes in chemical and biological studies in terms of tunable emission spectra, signal brightness, photostability, and so forth. Currently, the major type of QDs is the heavy metal-containing II-IV, IV-VI, or III-V QDs. Silicon QDs and conjugated polymer dots have also been developed in order to lower the potential toxicity of the fluorescent probes for biological applications. Aqueous solubility is the common problem for all types of QDs when they are employed in the biological researches, such asin vitroandin vivoimaging. To circumvent this problem, ligand exchange and polymer coating are proven to be effective, besides synthesizing QDs in aqueous solutions directly. However, toxicity is another big concern especially forin vivostudies. Ligand protection and core/shell structure can partly solve this problem. With the rapid development of QDs research, new elements and new morphologies have been introduced to this area to fabricate more safe and efficient QDs for biological applications.

scholarly journals Intracellular Delivery of Nanoparticles via Microelectrophoresis Technique: Feasibility demonstration

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mengke Han ◽  
Jiangbo Zhao ◽  
Joseph Mahandas Fabian ◽  
Sanam Mustafa ◽  
Yinlan Ruan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quantum Dots ◽  
Membrane Damage ◽  
Hydrodynamic Diameter ◽  
Target Cells ◽  
General Strategy ◽  
Human Embryonic Kidney Cells ◽  
Cell Membrane Damage ◽  
Biological Studies

ABSTRACTNanoparticles with desirable properties and functions have been actively developed for various bio-medical research, such as in vivo and in vitro sensors, imaging agents and delivery vehicles of therapeutics. However, an effective method to deliver nanoparticles into the intracellular environment is a major challenge and critical to many biological studies. Current techniques, such as intracellular uptake, electroporation and microinjection, each have their own set of benefits and associated limitations (e.g., aggregation and endosomal degradation of nanoparticles, high cell mortality and low throughput). Here, the well-established microelectrophoresis technique is applied for the first time to deliver nanoparticles into target cells, which overcomes some of these delivery difficulties. Semiconductive quantum dots, with average hydrodynamic diameter of 24.4 nm, have been successfully ejected via small electrical currents (−0.2 nA) through fine-tipped glass micropipettes as an example, into living human embryonic kidney cells (roughly 20 - 30μm in length). As proposed by previous studies, micropipettes were fabricated to have an average tip inner diameter of 206 nm for ejection but less than 500 nm to minimize the cell membrane damage and cell distortion. In addition, delivered quantum dots were found to stay monodispersed within the cells for approximately one hour. We believe that microelectrophoresis technique may serve as a simple and general strategy for delivering a variety of nanoparticles intracellularly in various biological systems.

Non-Cd Based Quantum Dots for Molecular Imaging

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinhao Gao ◽  
Kai Chen ◽  
Renguo Xie ◽  
Xiaogang Peng ◽  
Xiaoyuan Chen
Keyword(s):  
Quantum Dots ◽  
Organic Dyes ◽  
Fluorescent Proteins ◽  
Emission Spectra ◽  
Biological Imaging ◽  
Quantum Yields ◽  
Extreme Conditions ◽  
Simultaneous Excitation ◽  
Tunable Emission

Compared with the organic dyes and fluorescent proteins, quantum dots (QDs) show many unique optical properties, such as narrow and tunable emission spectra, superior photostability, high quantum yields, and the capacity of simultaneous excitation of multiple fluorescence colors. The QDs emitting at above 700 nm in the NIR region minimize the problems of indigenous fluorescence of tissues and meet the requirements of in vivo biological imaging applications. However, most of QDs containing cadmium showed potential cytotoxicity under extreme conditions limiting their further applications and clinical translations.

scholarly journals Characterization of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus X4-like accessory protein

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Olanrewaju Ayodeji Durojaye ◽  
Nkwachukwu Oziamara Okoro ◽  
Arome Solomon Odiba
Keyword(s):  
Rapid Development ◽  
Protein A ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Quality Model ◽  
A Value ◽  
Model Protein ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Global Threat

Abstract Background The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is currently a global threat to health and economies. Therapeutics and vaccines are in rapid development; however, none of these therapeutics are considered as absolute cure, and the potential to mutate makes it necessary to find therapeutics that target a highly conserved regions of the viral structure. Results In this study, we characterized an essential but poorly understood coronavirus accessory X4 protein, a core and stable component of the SARS-CoV family. Sequence analysis shows a conserved ~ 90% identity between the SARS-CoV-2 and previously characterized X4 protein in the database. QMEAN Z score of the model protein shows a value of around 0.5, within the acceptable range 0–1. A MolProbity score of 2.96 was obtained for the model protein and indicates a good quality model. The model has Ramachandran values of φ = − 57o and ψ = − 47o for α-helices and values of φ = − 130o and ψ = + 140o for twisted sheets. Conclusions The protein data obtained from this study provides robust information for further in vitro and in vivo experiment, targeted at devising therapeutics against the virus. Phylogenetic analysis further supports previous evidence that the SARS-CoV-2 is positioned with the SL-CoVZC45, BtRs-BetaCoV/YN2018B and the RS4231 Bat SARS-like corona viruses.

scholarly journals Advanced Functional Materials Based on Nanocellulose for Pharmaceutical/Medical Applications

Pharmaceutics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 1125
Author(s):  
Raluca Nicu ◽  
Florin Ciolacu ◽  
Diana E. Ciolacu
Keyword(s):  
Rapid Development ◽  
Cellulose Nanofibrils ◽  
Functional Materials ◽  
Medical Applications ◽  
Bacterial Nanocellulose ◽  
Green Materials ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
In Vivo Cytotoxicity

Nanocelluloses (NCs), with their remarkable characteristics, have proven to be one of the most promising “green” materials of our times and have received special attention from researchers in nanomaterials. A diversity of new functional materials with a wide range of biomedical applications has been designed based on the most desirable properties of NCs, such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and their special physicochemical properties. In this context and under the pressure of rapid development of this field, it is imperative to synthesize the successes and the new requirements in a comprehensive review. The first part of this work provides a brief review of the characteristics of the NCs (cellulose nanocrystals—CNC, cellulose nanofibrils—CNF, and bacterial nanocellulose—BNC), as well as of the main functional materials based on NCs (hydrogels, nanogels, and nanocomposites). The second part presents an extensive review of research over the past five years on promising pharmaceutical and medical applications of nanocellulose-based materials, which have been discussed in three important areas: drug-delivery systems, materials for wound-healing applications, as well as tissue engineering. Finally, an in-depth assessment of the in vitro and in vivo cytotoxicity of NCs-based materials, as well as the challenges related to their biodegradability, is performed.

scholarly journals Synthesis and Characterization of Polyvinylpyrrolidone-Modified ZnO Quantum Dots and Their In Vitro Photodynamic Tumor Suppressive Action

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (15) ◽  
pp. 8106
Author(s):  
Tianming Song ◽  
Yawei Qu ◽  
Zhe Ren ◽  
Shuang Yu ◽  
Mingjian Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quantum Dots ◽  
Photodynamic Therapy ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
In Vivo Experiments ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Zno Quantum Dots ◽  
Zno Qds

Despite the numerous available treatments for cancer, many patients succumb to side effects and reoccurrence. Zinc oxide (ZnO) quantum dots (QDs) are inexpensive inorganic nanomaterials with potential applications in photodynamic therapy. To verify the photoluminescence of ZnO QDs and determine their inhibitory effect on tumors, we synthesized and characterized ZnO QDs modified with polyvinylpyrrolidone. The photoluminescent properties and reactive oxygen species levels of these ZnO/PVP QDs were also measured. Finally, in vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to test their photodynamic therapeutic effects in SW480 cancer cells and female nude mice. Our results indicate that the ZnO QDs had good photoluminescence and exerted an obvious inhibitory effect on SW480 tumor cells. These findings illustrate the potential applications of ZnO QDs in the fields of photoluminescence and photodynamic therapy.

scholarly journals Biological nanoscale fluorescent probes: From structure and performance to bioimaging

2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 209-221
Author(s):  
Jiafeng Wan ◽  
Xiaoyuan Zhang ◽  
Kai Zhang ◽  
Zhiqiang Su
Keyword(s):  
Fluorescent Probes ◽  
Organic Dyes ◽  
Resonance Energy Transfer ◽  
Resonance Energy ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Biological Imaging ◽  
Fluorescent Materials ◽  
And Performance

Abstract In recent years, nanomaterials have attracted lots of attention from researchers due to their unique properties. Nanometer fluorescent materials, such as organic dyes, semiconductor quantum dots (QDs), metal nano-clusters (MNCs), carbon dots (CDs), etc., are widely used in biological imaging due to their high sensitivity, short response time, and excellent accuracy. Nanometer fluorescent probes can not only perform in vitro imaging of organisms but also achieve in vivo imaging. This provides medical staff with great convenience in cancer treatment. Combined with contemporary medical methods, faster and more effective treatment of cancer is achievable. This article explains the response mechanism of three-nanometer fluorescent probes: the principle of induced electron transfer (PET), the principle of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), and the principle of intramolecular charge transfer (ICT), showing the semiconductor QDs, precious MNCs, and CDs. The excellent performance of the three kinds of nano fluorescent materials in biological imaging is highlighted, and the application of these three kinds of nano fluorescent probes in targeted biological imaging is also introduced. Nanometer fluorescent materials will show their significance in the field of biomedicine.

scholarly journals Distribution of the Transcription Factors Sox9, AP-2, and [Delta]EF1 in Adult Murine Articular and Meniscal Cartilage and Growth Plate

2002 ◽  
Vol 50 (8) ◽  
pp. 1059-1065 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sherri R. Davies ◽  
Shinji Sakano ◽  
Yong Zhu ◽  
Linda J. Sandell
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Growth Plate ◽  
Type Ii Collagen ◽  
Nuclear Staining ◽  
Lower Growth ◽  
Biological Studies ◽  
Transcription In Vitro ◽  
Sox9 Protein

The control of extracellular matrix (ECM) production is important for the development, maintenance, and repair of cartilage tissues. Matrix molecule synthesis is generally regulated by the rate of gene transcription determined by DNA transcription factors. We have shown that transcription factors Sox9, AP-2, and [delta]EF1 are able to alter the rate of CD-RAP transcription in vitro: Sox9 upregulates, AP-2 exhibits biphasic effects, and [delta]EF1 represses expression of the CD-RAP gene. To correlate these in vitro activities in vivo, transcription factors were co-immunolocalized with ECM proteins in three different cartilage tissues in which the rates of biosynthesis are quite different: articular, meniscal, and growth plate. Immunoreactivities of type II collagen and CD-RAP were higher in growth plate than in either the articular or meniscal cartilages and correlated positively with Sox9 protein. Sox9 staining decreased with hypertrophy and was low in articular and meniscal cartilages. In contrast, AP-2 and [delta]EF1 were low in proliferating chondrocytes but high in lower growth plate, articular, and meniscal cartilages. This increase was also accompanied by intense nuclear staining. These immunohistochemical results are the first to localize both [delta]EF1 and AP-2 to adult articular, meniscal, and growth plate cartilages and provide in vivo correlation of previous molecular biological studies.

scholarly journals A Gemini Cationic Lipid with Histidine Residues as a Novel Lipid-Based Gene Nanocarrier: A Biophysical and Biochemical Study

Nanomaterials ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 1061 ◽  
Author(s):  
María Martínez-Negro ◽  
Laura Blanco-Fernández ◽  
Paolo Tentori ◽  
Lourdes Pérez ◽  
Aurora Pinazo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biochemical Study ◽  
Cationic Lipid ◽  
Green Fluorescence Protein ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Interleukin 12 ◽  
Specific Gene ◽  
Gene Therapies ◽  
Biological Studies

This work reports the synthesis of a novel gemini cationic lipid that incorporates two histidine-type head groups (C3(C16His)2). Mixed with a helper lipid 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidyl ethanol amine (DOPE), it was used to transfect three different types of plasmid DNA: one encoding the green fluorescence protein (pEGFP-C3), one encoding a luciferase (pCMV-Luc), and a therapeutic anti-tumoral agent encoding interleukin-12 (pCMV-IL12). Complementary biophysical experiments (zeta potential, gel electrophoresis, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and fluorescence anisotropy) and biological studies (FACS, luminometry, and cytotoxicity) of these C3(C16His)2/DOPE-pDNA lipoplexes provided vast insight into their outcomes as gene carriers. They were found to efficiently compact and protect pDNA against DNase I degradation by forming nanoaggregates of 120–290 nm in size, which were further characterized as very fluidic lamellar structures based in a sandwich-type phase, with alternating layers of mixed lipids and an aqueous monolayer where the pDNA and counterions are located. The optimum formulations of these nanoaggregates were able to transfect the pDNAs into COS-7 and HeLa cells with high cell viability, comparable or superior to that of the standard Lipo2000*. The vast amount of information collected from the in vitro studies points to this histidine-based lipid nanocarrier as a potentially interesting candidate for future in vivo studies investigating specific gene therapies.

scholarly journals PEGylated Phospholipid Micelle-Encapsulated Near-Infrared PbS Quantum Dots for in vitro and in vivo Bioimaging

Theranostics ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (7) ◽  
pp. 723-733 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rui Hu ◽  
Wing-Cheung Law ◽  
Guimiao Lin ◽  
Ling Ye ◽  
Jianwei Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quantum Dots ◽  
Near Infrared ◽  
Pbs Quantum Dots
Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document