Nanoparticle Fluorescence Based Technology for Biological Applications

2008 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 1019-1051 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Chen

Fluorescence is widely used in biological detection and imaging. The emerging luminescent nanoparticles or quantum dots provide a new type of biological agents that can improve these applications. The advantages of luminescent nanoparticles for biological applications include their high quantum yield, color availability, good photo-stability, large surface-to-volume ratio, surface functionality, and small size. In this review article, we first introduce quantum size confinement, photoluminescence and upconversion luminescence of nanoparticles, then describe the preparation and conjugation of water soluble nanoparticles and introduce the applications of luminescence nanoparticles for in vitro and in vivo imaging, fluorescence resonance energy based detection, and the applications of luminescence nanoparticles for photodynamic activation.

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valérie A. Gérard ◽  
Mark Freeley ◽  
Eric Defrancq ◽  
Anatoly V. Fedorov ◽  
Yurii K. Gun’ko

Water-soluble semiconducting nanocrystals or quantum dots (QDs) have attracted much interest in recent years due to their tuneable emission and potential applications in photonics and biological imaging. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) processes are very important for elucidating biochemical mechanismsin vitro, and QDs constitute an excellent substrate for this purpose. In this work, new oligonucleotide-functionalised CdTe-based QDs were prepared, characterised and biologically tested. These QDs demonstrated interesting optical properties as well as remarkablein vitrobehaviour and potential for a range of biological applications.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Huanzhi Hou ◽  
Pengfei Sun ◽  
Quli Fan ◽  
Xiaomei Lu ◽  
Cheng Xue ◽  
...  

Water-soluble nanoparticles (Ir/PGlc-NP, Ir/β-1,3-glucan-NP) based on water-soluble glycopolymers (PGlc),β-1,3-glucan polysaccharide, and conjugated phosphorescent Ir (III) complexes were successfully synthesized by self-assembly. The obtained nanoparticles have good spherical morphological characterization with a mean diameter of 50 nm measured by TEM. Ir/PGlc-NP and Ir/β-1,3-glucan-NP showed the same emission maxima at 565 nm in aqueous solution and both caused effective apoptosis and death of HepG2 and Hela cells after being irradiated at 445 nm for 30 min in vitro. Fluorescence cellular imaging was conducted by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) using HepG2 cells as the model cell in which the nanoparticles had successfully entered into the cytoplasm with high brightness. Furthermore, after injecting the nanoparticles into live mice in vivo, the real-time fluorescence imaging as well as the nanoparticles distribution in organs at 24 hours after administration indicated that these nanoparticles can serve as fluorescent imaging contrast for further biological applications.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noor H. Dashti ◽  
Rufika S. Abidin ◽  
Frank Sainsbury

Bioinspired self-sorting and self-assembling systems using engineered versions of natural protein cages have been developed for biocatalysis and therapeutic delivery. The packaging and intracellular delivery of guest proteins is of particular interest for both <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> cell engineering. However, there is a lack of platforms in bionanotechnology that combine programmable guest protein encapsidation with efficient intracellular uptake. We report a minimal peptide anchor for <i>in vivo</i> self-sorting of cargo-linked capsomeres of the Murine polyomavirus (MPyV) major coat protein that enables controlled encapsidation of guest proteins by <i>in vitro</i> self-assembly. Using Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) we demonstrate the flexibility in this system to support co-encapsidation of multiple proteins. Complementing these ensemble measurements with single particle analysis by super-resolution microscopy shows that the stochastic nature of co-encapsidation is an overriding principle. This has implications for the design and deployment of both native and engineered self-sorting encapsulation systems and for the assembly of infectious virions. Taking advantage of the encoded affinity for sialic acids ubiquitously displayed on the surface of mammalian cells, we demonstrate the ability of self-assembled MPyV virus-like particles to mediate efficient delivery of guest proteins to the cytosol of primary human cells. This platform for programmable co-encapsidation and efficient cytosolic delivery of complementary biomolecules therefore has enormous potential in cell engineering.


Author(s):  
Venu Madhav K ◽  
Somnath De ◽  
Chandra Shekar Bonagiri ◽  
Sridhar Babu Gummadi

Fenofibrate (FN) is used in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. It shows poor dissolution and poor oral bioavailability after oral administration due to high liphophilicity and low aqueous solubility. Hence, solid dispersions (SDs) of FN (FN-SDs) were develop that might enhance the dissolution and subsequently oral bioavailability. FN-SDs were prepared by solvent casting method using different carriers (PEG 4000, PEG 6000, β cyclodextrin and HP β cyclodextrin) in different proportions (0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75% and 1% w/v). FN-SDs were evaluated solubility, assay and in vitro release studies for the optimization of SD formulation. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis was performed for crystalline and morphology analysis, respectively. Further, optimized FN-SD formulation evaluated for pharmacokinetic performance in Wistar rats, in vivo in comparison with FN suspension.  From the results, FN-SD3 and FN-SD6 have showed 102.9 ±1.3% and 105.5±3.1% drug release, respectively in 2 h. DSC and PXRD studies revealed that conversion of crystalline to amorphous nature of FN from FT-SD formulation. SEM studies revealed the change in the orientation of FN when incorporated in SDs. The oral bioavailability FN-SD3 and FN-SD6 formulations exhibited 2.5-folds and 3.1-folds improvement when compared to FN suspension as control. Overall, SD of FN could be considered as an alternative dosage form for the enhancement of oral delivery of poorly water-soluble FN.


2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 365-371 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denis V. Mishchenko ◽  
Margarita E. Neganova ◽  
Elena N. Klimanova ◽  
Tatyana E. Sashenkova ◽  
Sergey G. Klochkov ◽  
...  

Background: Anti-tumor effect of hydroxamic acid derivatives is largely connected with its properties as efficient inhibitors of histone deacetylases, and other metalloenzymes involved in carcinogenesis. Objective: The work was aimed to (i) determine the anti-tumor and chemosensitizing activity of the novel racemic spirocyclic hydroxamic acids using experimental drug sensitive leukemia P388 of mice, and (ii) determine the structure-activity relationships as metal chelating and HDAC inhibitory agents. Method: Outbreed male rat of 200-220 g weights were used in biochemical experiments. In vivo experiments were performed using the BDF1 hybrid male mice of 22-24 g weight. Lipid peroxidation, Fe (II) -chelating activity, HDAC fluorescent activity, anti-tumor and anti-metastatic activity, acute toxicity techniques were used in this study. Results: Chemosensitizing properties of water soluble cyclic hydroxamic acids (CHA) are evaluated using in vitro activities and in vivo methods and found significant results. These compounds possess iron (II) chelating properties, and slightly inhibit lipid peroxidation. CHA prepared from triacetonamine (1a-e) are more effective Fe (II) ions cheaters, as compared to CHA prepared from 1- methylpiperidone (2a-e). The histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitory activity, lipophilicity and acute toxicity were influenced by the length amino acids (size) (Glycine < Alanine < Valine < Leucine < Phenylalanine). All compounds bearing spiro-N-methylpiperidine ring (2a-e) are non-toxic up to 1250 mg/kg dose, while compounds bearing spiro-tetramethylpiperidine ring (1a-e) exhibit moderate toxicity which increases with increasing lipophility, but not excite at 400 mg/kg. Conclusion: It was shown that the use of combination of non-toxic doses of cisplatin (cPt) or cyclophosphamide with CHA in most cases result in the appearance of a considerable anti-tumor effect of cytostatics. The highest chemosensitizing activity with respect to leukemia Р388 is demonstrated by the CHA derivatives of Valine 1c or 2c.


Pharmaceutics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 1110
Author(s):  
Kunal Jhunjhunwala ◽  
Charles W. Dobard ◽  
Sunita Sharma ◽  
Natalia Makarova ◽  
Angela Holder ◽  
...  

Receptive anal intercourse (RAI) contributes significantly to HIV acquisition underscoring the need to develop HIV prevention options for populations engaging in RAI practices. We explored the feasibility of formulating rectal suppositories with potent antiviral drugs for on-demand use. A fixed-dose combination of tenofovir (TFV) and elvitegravir (EVG) (40 mg each) was co-formulated in six different suppository bases (three fat- and three water-soluble). Fat-soluble witepsol H15 and water-soluble polyethylene glycol (PEG) based suppositories demonstrated favorable in vitro release and were advanced to assess in vivo pharmacokinetics following rectal administration in macaques. In vivo drug release profiles were similar for both suppository bases. Median concentrations of TFV and EVG detected in rectal fluids at 2 h were 1- and 2-logs higher than the in vitro IC50, respectively; TFV-diphosphate levels in rectal tissues met or exceeded those associated with high efficacy against rectal simian HIV (SHIV) exposure in macaques. Leveraging on these findings, a PEG-based suppository with a lower dose combination of tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) and EVG (8 mg each) was developed and found to achieve similar rectal drug exposures in macaques. This study establishes the utility of rectal suppositories as a promising on-demand strategy for HIV PrEP and supports their clinical development.


Foods ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1503
Author(s):  
Carla Guijarro-Real ◽  
Mariola Plazas ◽  
Adrián Rodríguez-Burruezo ◽  
Jaime Prohens ◽  
Ana Fita

Antiviral treatments inhibiting Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) replication may represent a strategy complementary to vaccination to fight the ongoing Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic. Molecules or extracts inhibiting the SARS-CoV-2 chymotripsin-like protease (3CLPro) could contribute to reducing or suppressing SARS-CoV-2 replication. Using a targeted approach, we identified 17 plant products that are included in current and traditional cuisines as promising inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 3CLPro activity. Methanolic extracts were evaluated in vitro for inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 3CLPro activity using a quenched fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) assay. Extracts from turmeric (Curcuma longa) rhizomes, mustard (Brassica nigra) seeds, and wall rocket (Diplotaxis erucoides subsp. erucoides) at 500 µg mL−1 displayed significant inhibition of the 3CLPro activity, resulting in residual protease activities of 0.0%, 9.4%, and 14.9%, respectively. Using different extract concentrations, an IC50 value of 15.74 µg mL−1 was calculated for turmeric extract. Commercial curcumin inhibited the 3CLPro activity, but did not fully account for the inhibitory effect of turmeric rhizomes extracts, suggesting that other components of the turmeric extract must also play a main role in inhibiting the 3CLPro activity. Sinigrin, a major glucosinolate present in mustard seeds and wall rocket, did not have relevant 3CLPro inhibitory activity; however, its hydrolysis product allyl isothiocyanate had an IC50 value of 41.43 µg mL−1. The current study identifies plant extracts and molecules that can be of interest in the search for treatments against COVID-19, acting as a basis for future chemical, in vivo, and clinical trials.


2020 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yeh-Lin Lu ◽  
Chia-Jung Lee ◽  
Shyr-Yi Lin ◽  
Wen-Chi Hou

Abstract Background The root major proteins of sweet potato trypsin inhibitors (SPTIs) or named sporamin, estimated for 60 to 80% water-soluble proteins, exhibited many biological activities. The human low-density lipoprotein (LDL) showed to form in vivo complex with endogenous oxidized alpha-1-antitrypsin. Little is known concerning the interactions between SPTIs and LDL in vitro. Results The thiobarbituric-acid-reactive-substance (TBARS) assays were used to monitor 0.1 mM Cu2+-mediated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidations during 24-h reactions with or without SPTIs additions. The protein stains in native PAGE gels were used to identify the bindings between native or reduced forms of SPTIs or soybean TIs and LDL, or oxidized LDL (oxLDL). It was found that the SPTIs additions showed to reduce LDL oxidations in the first 6-h and then gradually decreased the capacities of anti-LDL oxidations. The protein stains in native PAGE gels showed more intense LDL bands in the presence of SPTIs, and 0.5-h and 1-h reached the highest one. The SPTIs also bound to the oxLDL, and low pH condition (pH 2.0) might break the interactions revealed by HPLC. The LDL or oxLDL adsorbed onto self-prepared SPTIs-affinity column and some components were eluted by 0.2 M KCl (pH 2.0). The native or reduced SPTIs or soybean TIs showed different binding capacities toward LDL and oxLDL in vitro. Conclusion The SPTIs might be useful in developing functional foods as antioxidant and nutrient supplements, and the physiological roles of SPTIs-LDL and SPTIs-oxLDL complex in vivo will investigate further using animal models.


2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 209-221
Author(s):  
Jiafeng Wan ◽  
Xiaoyuan Zhang ◽  
Kai Zhang ◽  
Zhiqiang Su

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.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document