Light-Responsive Pt(IV) Prodrugs with Controlled Photoactivation and Low Dark Toxicity.

Light-induced release of cisplatin from Pt(IV) prodrugs represents a promising approach for precise control over the antiproliferative activity of Pt-based chemotherapeutic drugs. This method has the potential to overcome crucial drawbacks of conventional cisplatin therapy, such as high general toxicity toward healthy organs and tissues. Herein, we report two Pt(IV) prodrugs with BODIPY-based photoactive ligands Pt-1 and Pt-2, which were designed using carbamate and triazole linkers, respectively. Both prodrugs demonstrated the ability to release cisplatin under blue light irradiation without the requirement of an external reducing agent. Dicarboxylated Pt-2 prodrug turned out to be more stable in the dark and more sensitive to light than its monocarbamate Pt-1 counterpart; these observations were explained using DFT calculations. The investigation of the photoreduction mechanism of Pt-1 and Pt-2 prodrugs using DFT modeling and ΔG0 PET estimation suggests that the photoinduced electron transfer from the singlet excited state of the BODIPY axial ligand to the Pt(IV) center is the key step in the light-induced release of cisplatin from the complexes. Cytotoxicity studies demonstrated that both prodrugs were nontoxic in the dark and toxic to MCF-7 cells under low-dose irradiation with blue light, and the observed effect was solely due to the cisplatin release from the Pt(IV) prodrugs. Our research presents an elegant synthetic approach to light-activated Pt(IV) prodrugs and presents findings that may contribute to the future rational design of photoactivatable Pt(IV) prodrugs.

Effect of LDL Extracted from Human Plasma on Membrane Stiffness in Living Endothelial Cells and Macrophages via Scanning Ion Conductance Microscopy.

Mechanical properties of living cells play a crucial role in a wide range of biological functions and pathologies, including atherosclerosis. We used low-stress Scanning Ion-Conductance Microscopy (SICM) correlated with confocal imaging and demonstrated the topographical changes and mechanical properties alterations in EA.hy926 and THP-1 exposed to LDL extracted from CVD patients' blood samples. We show that the cells stiffened in the presence of LDL, which also triggered caveolae formation. Endothelial cells accumulated less cholesterol in the form of lipid droplets in comparison to THP-1 cells based on fluorescence intensity data and biochemical analysis; however, the effect on Young's modulus is higher. The cell stiffness is closely connected to the distribution of lipid droplets along the z-axis. In conclusion, we show that the sensitivity of endothelial cells to LDL is higher compared to that of THP-1, triggering changes in the cytoskeleton and membrane stiffness which may result in the increased permeability of the intima layer due to loss of intercellular connections and adhesion.

Electrochemical Nanopipette Sensor for In Vitro/In Vivo Detection of Cu2+ Ions.

In vitro/in vivo detection of copper ions is a challenging task but one which is important in the development of new approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and hereditary diseases such as Alzheimer's, Wilson's, etc. In this paper, we present a nanopipette sensor capable of measuring Cu2+ ions with a linear range from 0.1 to 10 µM in vitro and in vivo. Using the gold-modified nanopipette sensor with a copper chelating ligand, we evaluated the accumulation ability of the liposomal form of an anticancer Cu-containing complex at three levels of biological organization. First, we detected Cu2+ ions in a single cell model of human breast adenocarcinoma MCF-7 and in murine melanoma B16 cells. The insertion of the nanoelectrode did not result in leakage of the cell membrane. We then evaluated the distribution of the Cu-complex in MCF-7 tumor spheroids and found that the diffusion-limited accumulation was a function of the depth, typical for 3D culture. Finally, we demonstrated the use of the sensor for Cu2+ ion detection in the brain of an APP/PS1 transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease and tumor-bearing mice in response to injection (2 mg kg-1) of the liposomal form of the anticancer Cu-containing complex. Enhanced stability and selectivity, as well as distinct copper oxidation peaks, confirmed that the developed sensor is a promising tool for testing various types of biological systems. In summary, this research has demonstrated a minimally invasive electrochemical technique with high temporal resolution that can be used for the study of metabolism of copper or copper-based drugs in vitro and in vivo.

Liposomal form of 2-alkylthioimidazolone-based copper complexes for combined cancer therapy.

Aim: To develop an optimized approach for encapsulating a 2-alkylthioimidazolone-based copper coordination compound within liposomes, which could offer treatment of cancer and bacterial infections by reactive oxygen species generation toxicity mechanisms. Materials & methods: For drug-loaded liposome preparation, lipids and drug mixture in organic solvents was injected into copper salt solution, forming a coordination compound simultaneously embedded in the lipid bilayer. In vitro tests were performed on MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Results: Liposomes had a loading capacity of up to 1.75% (molar drug-to-lipid ratio). In vitro tests showed increased viability and accumulation of the liposomal formulation compared with free drug as well as lack of cytotoxicity in hepatocytes. Conclusion: This optimized technique for encapsulating large copper complexes in liposomes could be used to improve their delivery and better treat cancer and bacterial infections.

This work introduces a new technique for copper-containing drugs encapsulation in a drug-delivery system. The drug, a promising copper compound, is embedded in lipid nanovesicles ­ tiny fat particles ­ for intravenous injection. In addition to chemical characterization of the obtained drug form, tests on cancer cells showed a noticeable effect, whereas healthy cell types were not harmed. Copper possesses not only anticancer effects but also antimicrobial properties, which are also shown by the drug form, and a test of combined suppression of cancer cell lines and bacteria was successful. Hence, the obtained drug form has the potential for dual treatment of cancer and bacterial infections.

An Open-Source Wireless Electrophysiology System for In Vivo Neuronal Activity Recording in the Rodent Brain: 2.0.

Current trends in neurobiological research focus on analyzing complex interactions within brain structures. To conduct relevant experiments, it is often essential to employ animals with unhampered mobility and utilize electrophysiological equipment capable of wirelessly transmitting data. In prior research, we introduced an open-source wireless electrophysiology system to surmount these challenges. Nonetheless, this prototype exhibited several limitations, such as a hefty weight for the wireless module, redundant system components, a diminished sampling rate, and limited battery longevity. In this study, we unveil an enhanced version of the open-source wireless electrophysiology system, tailored for in vivo monitoring of neural activity in rodent brains. This new system has been successfully tested in real-time recordings of in vivo neural activity. Consequently, our development offers researchers a cost-effective and proficient tool for studying complex brain functions.

Multiplexed detection of viral antigen and RNA using nanopore sensing and encoded molecular probes.

We report on single-molecule nanopore sensing combined with position-encoded DNA molecular probes, with chemistry tuned to simultaneously identify various antigen proteins and multiple RNA gene fragments of SARS-CoV-2 with high sensitivity and selectivity. We show that this sensing strategy can directly detect spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) proteins in unprocessed human saliva. Moreover, our approach enables the identification of RNA fragments from patient samples using nasal/throat swabs, enabling the identification of critical mutations such as D614G, G446S, or Y144del among viral variants. In particular, it can detect and discriminate between SARS-CoV-2 lineages of wild-type B.1.1.7 (Alpha), B.1.617.2 (Delta), and B.1.1.539 (Omicron) within a single measurement without the need for nucleic acid sequencing. The sensing strategy of the molecular probes is easily adaptable to other viral targets and diseases and can be expanded depending on the application required.

Single-Cell Analysis with Silver-Coated Pipette by Combined SERS and SICM.

The study of individual cell processes that occur both on their surface and inside is highly interesting for the development of new medical drugs, cytology and cell technologies. This work presents an original technique for fabricating the silver-coated pipette and its use for the cell analysis by combination with surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and scanning ion-conducting microscopy (SICM). Unlike the majority of other designs, the pipette opening in our case remains uncovered, which is important for SICM. SERS-active Ag nanoparticles on the pipette surface are formed by vacuum-thermal evaporation followed by annealing. An array of nanoparticles had a diameter on the order of 36 nm and spacing of 12 nm. A two-particle model based on Laplace equations is used to calculate a theoretical enhancement factor (EF). The surface morphology of the samples is investigated by scanning electron microscopy while SICM is used to reveal the surface topography, to evaluate Young's modulus of living cells and to control an injection of the SERS-active pipettes into them. A Raman microscope-spectrometer was used to collect characteristic SERS spectra of cells and cell components. Local Raman spectra were obtained from the cytoplasm and nucleus of the same HEK-293 cancer cell. The EF of the SERS-active pipette was 7 × 105. As a result, we demonstrate utilizing the silver-coated pipette for both the SICM study and the molecular composition analysis of cytoplasm and the nucleus of living cells by SERS. The probe localization in cells is successfully achieved.

Scanning Ion-Conductance Microscopy for Studying ß-Amyloid Aggregate Formation on Living Cell Surfaces.

ß-Amyloid aggregation on living cell surfaces is described as responsible for the neurotoxicity associated with different neurodegenerative diseases. It is suggested that the aggregation of ß-amyloid (Aß) peptide on neuronal cell surface leads to various deviations of its vital function due to myriad pathways defined by internalization of calcium ions, apoptosis promotion, reduction of membrane potential, synaptic activity loss, etc. These are associated with structural reorganizations and pathologies of the cell cytoskeleton mainly involving actin filaments and microtubules and consequently alterations of cell mechanical properties. The effect of amyloid oligomers on cells' Young's modulus has been observed in a variety of studies. However, the precise connection between the formation of amyloid aggregates on cell membranes and their effects on the local mechanical properties of living cells is still unresolved. In this work, we have used correlative scanning ion-conductance microscopy (SICM) to study cell topography, Young's modulus mapping, and confocal imaging of Aß aggregate formation on living cell surfaces. However, it is well-known that the cytoskeleton state is highly connected to the intracellular level of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The effect of Aß leads to the induction of oxidative stress, actin polymerization, and stress fiber formation. We measured the reactive oxygen species levels inside single cells using platinum nanoelectrodes to demonstrate the connection of ROS and Young's modulus of cells. SICM can be successfully applied to studying the cytotoxicity mechanisms of Aß aggregates on living cell surfaces.

Scanning Ion-Conductance Microscopy for Studying Mechanical Properties of Neuronal Cells during Local Delivery of Glutamate.

Mechanical properties of neuronal cells have a key role for growth, generation of traction forces, adhesion, migration, etc. Mechanical properties are regulated by chemical signaling, neurotransmitters, and neuronal ion exchange. Disturbance of chemical signaling is accompanied by several diseases such as ischemia, trauma, and neurodegenerative diseases. It is known that the disturbance of chemical signaling, like that caused by glutamate excitotoxicity, leads to the structural reorganization of the cytoskeleton of neuronal cells and the deviation of native mechanical properties. Thus, to investigate the mechanical properties of living neuronal cells in the presence of glutamate, it is crucial to use noncontact and low-stress methods, which are the advantages of scanning ion-conductance microscopy (SICM). Moreover, a nanopipette may be used for the local delivery of small molecules as well as for a probe. In this work, SICM was used as an advanced technique for the simultaneous local delivery of glutamate and investigation of living neuronal cell morphology and mechanical behavior caused by an excitotoxic effect of glutamate.

X-ray and UV Irradiation-Induced Reactive Oxygen Species Mediated Antibacterial Activity in Fe and Pt Nanoparticle-Decorated Si-Doped TiCaCON Films.

Bone implants with biocompatibility and the ability to biomineralize and suppress infection are in high demand. The occurrence of early infections after implant placement often leads to repeated surgical treatment due to the ineffectiveness of antibiotic therapy. Therefore, an extremely attractive solution to this problem would be the ability to initiate bacterial protection of the implant by an external influence. Here, we present a proof-of-concept study based on the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by the implant surface in response to X-ray irradiation, including through a layer of 3 mm adipose tissue, providing bactericidal protection. The effect of UV and X-ray irradiation of the implant surface on the ROS formation and the associated bactericidal activity was compared. The focus of our study was light-sensitive Si-doped TiCaCON films decorated with Fe and Pt nanoparticles (NPs) with photoinduced antibacterial activity mediated by ROS. In the visible and infrared range of 300-1600 nm, the films absorb more than 60% of the incident light. The high light absorption capacity of TiO2/TiC and TiO2/TiN heterostructures was demonstrated by density functional theory calculations. After short-term (5-10 s) low-dose X-ray irradiation, the films generated significantly more ROS than after UV illumination for 1 h. The Fe/TiCaCON-Si films showed enhanced biomineralization capacity, superior cytocompatibility, and excellent antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant hospital Escherichia coli U20 and K261 strains and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus MW2 strain. Our study clearly demonstrates that oxidized Fe NPs are a promising alternative to the widely used Ag NPs in antibacterial coatings, and X-rays can potentially be used in ROS-regulating therapy to suppress inflammation in case of postimplant complications.

Positive Allosteric Modulators of SERCA Pump Restore Dendritic Spines and Rescue Long-Term Potentiation Defects in Alzheimer's Disease Mouse Model.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects memory formation and storage processes. Dysregulated neuronal calcium (Ca2+) has been identified as one of the key pathogenic events in AD, and it has been suggested that pharmacological agents that stabilize Ca2+ neuronal signaling can act as disease-modifying agents in AD. In previous studies, we demonstrated that positive allosteric regulators (PAMs) of the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA) pump might act as such Ca2+-stabilizing agents and exhibit neuroprotective properties. In the present study, we evaluated effects of a set of novel SERCA PAM agents on the rate of Ca2+ extraction from the cytoplasm of the HEK293T cell line, on morphometric parameters of dendritic spines of primary hippocampal neurons in normal conditions and in conditions of amyloid toxicity, and on long-term potentiation in slices derived from 5xFAD transgenic mice modeling AD. Several SERCA PAM compounds demonstrated neuroprotective properties, and the compound NDC-9009 showed the best results. The findings in this study support the hypothesis that the SERCA pump is a potential therapeutic target for AD treatment and that NDC-9009 is a promising lead molecule to be used in the development of disease-modifying agents for AD.

Analytical Models for Measuring the Mechanical Properties of Yeast.

The mechanical properties of yeast play an important role in many biological processes, such as cell division and growth, maintenance of internal pressure, and biofilm formation. In addition, the mechanical properties of cells can indicate the degree of damage caused by antifungal drugs, as the mechanical parameters of healthy and damaged cells are different. Over the past decades, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and micromanipulation have become the most widely used methods for evaluating the mechanical characteristics of microorganisms. In this case, the reliability of such an estimate depends on the choice of mathematical model. This review presents various analytical models developed in recent years for studying the mechanical properties of both cells and their individual structures. The main provisions of the applied approaches are described along with their limitations and advantages. Attention is paid to the innovative method of low-invasive nanomechanical mapping with scanning ion-conductance microscopy (SICM), which is currently starting to be successfully used in the discovery of novel drugs acting on the yeast cell wall and plasma membrane.

Osteoconductive, Osteogenic, and Antipathogenic Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation Coatings on Titanium Implants with BMP-2.

We report a one-pot plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) strategy for forming a multi-element oxide layer on the titanium surface using complex electrolytes containing Na2HPO4, Ca(OH)2, (NH2)2CO, Na2SiO3, CuSO4, and KOH compounds. For even better bone implant ingrowth, PEO coatings were additionally loaded with bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2). The samples were tested in vivo in a mouse craniotomy model. Tests for bactericidal and fungicidal activity were carried out using clinically isolated multi-drug-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli) K261, E. coli U20, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) CSA154 bacterial strains, and Neurospora crassa (N. crassa) and Candida albicans (C. albicans) D2528/20 fungi. The PEO-Cu coating effectively inactivated both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria at low concentrations of Cu2+ ions: minimal bactericidal concentration for E. coli and N. crassa (99.9999%) and minimal inhibitory concentration (99.0%) for S. aureus were 5 ppm. For all studied bacterial and fungal strains, PEO-Cu coating completely prevented the formation of bacterial and fungal biofilms. PEO and PEO-Cu coatings demonstrated bone remodeling and moderate osteoconductivity in vivo, while BMP-2 significantly enhanced osteoconduction and osteogenesis. The obtained results are encouraging and indicate that Ti-based materials with PEO coatings loaded with BMP-2 can be widely used in customized medicine as implants for orthopedics and cranio-maxillofacial surgery.

Pitstop-2 and its novel derivative RVD-127 disrupt global cell dynamics and nuclear pores integrity by direct interaction with small GTPases.

Clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) is an essential cell physiological process of broad biomedical relevance. Since the recent introduction of Pitstop-2 as a potent CME inhibitor, we and others have reported on substantial clathrin-independent inhibitory effects. Herein, we developed and experimentally validated a novel fluorescent derivative of Pitstop-2, termed RVD-127, to clarify Pitstop-2 diverse effects. Using RVD-127, we were able to trace additional protein targets of Pitstop-2. Besides inhibiting CME, Pitstop-2 and RVD-127 proved to directly and reversibly bind to at least two members of the small GTPase superfamily Ran and Rac1 with particularly high efficacy. Binding locks the GTPases in a guanosine diphosphate (GDP)-like conformation disabling their interaction with their downstream effectors. Consequently, overall cell motility, mechanics and nucleocytoplasmic transport integrity are rapidly disrupted at inhibitor concentrations well below those required to significantly reduce CME. We conclude that Pitstop-2 is a highly potent, reversible inhibitor of small GTPases. The inhibition of these molecular switches of diverse crucial signaling pathways, including nucleocytoplasmic transport and overall cell dynamics and motility, clarifies the diversity of Pitstop-2 activities. Moreover, considering the fundamental importance and broad implications of small GTPases in physiology, pathophysiology and drug development, Pitstop-2 and RVD-127 open up novel avenues.

Recent Advances in 64Cu/67Cu-Based Radiopharmaceuticals.

Copper-64 (T1/2 = 12.7 h) is a positron and beta-emitting isotope, with decay characteristics suitable for both positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and radiotherapy of cancer. Copper-67 (T1/2 = 61.8 h) is a beta and gamma emitter, appropriate for radiotherapy ß-energy and with a half-life suitable for single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging. The chemical identities of 64Cu and 67Cu isotopes allow for convenient use of the same chelating molecules for sequential PET imaging and radiotherapy. A recent breakthrough in 67Cu production opened previously unavailable opportunities for a reliable source of 67Cu with high specific activity and purity. These new opportunities have reignited interest in the use of copper-containing radiopharmaceuticals for the therapy, diagnosis, and theranostics of various diseases. Herein, we summarize recent (2018-2023) advances in the use of copper-based radiopharmaceuticals for PET, SPECT imaging, radiotherapy, and radioimmunotherapy.

Investigation of the Antifungal and Anticancer Effects of the Novel Synthesized Thiazolidinedione by Ion-Conductance Microscopy.

In connection with the emergence of new pathogenic strains of Candida, the search for more effective antifungal drugs becomes a challenge. Part of the preclinical trials of such drugs can be carried out using the innovative ion-conductance microscopy (ICM) method, whose unique characteristics make it possible to study the biophysical characteristics of biological objects with high accuracy and low invasiveness. We conducted a study of a novel synthesized thiazolidinedione's antimicrobial (for Candida spp.) and anticancer properties (on samples of the human prostate cell line PC3), and its drug toxicity (on a sample of the human kidney cell line HEK293). We used a scanning ion-conductance microscope (SICM) to obtain the topography and mechanical properties of cells and an amperometric method using Pt-nanoelectrodes to register reactive oxygen species (ROS) expression. All data and results are obtained and presented for the first time.

ROS Production by a Single Neutrophil Cell and Neutrophil Population upon Bacterial Stimulation.

The reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by a single neutrophil after stimulation with S. aureus and E. coli was estimated by an electrochemical amperometric method with a high time resolution. This showed significant variability in the response of a single neutrophil to bacterial stimulation, from a "silent cell" to a pronounced response manifested by a series of chronoamperometric spikes. The amount of ROS produced by a single neutrophil under the influence of S. aureus was 5.5-fold greater than that produced under the influence of E. coli. The response of a neutrophil granulocyte population to bacterial stimulation was analyzed using luminol-dependent biochemiluminescence (BCL). The stimulation of neutrophils with S. aureus, as compared to stimulation with E. coli, caused a total response in terms of ROS production that was seven-fold greater in terms of the integral value of the light sum and 13-fold greater in terms of the maximum peak value. The method of ROS detection at the level of a single cell indicated the functional heterogeneity of the neutrophil population, but the specificity of the cellular response to different pathogens was the same at the cellular and population levels.

Recent Advances in Nanopore Technology for Copper Detection and Their Potential Applications.

Recently, nanopore technology has emerged as a promising technique for the rapid, sensitive, and selective detection of various analytes. In particular, the use of nanopores for the detection of copper ions has attracted considerable attention due to their high sensitivity and selectivity. This review discusses the principles of nanopore technology and its advantages over conventional techniques for copper detection. It covers the different types of nanopores used for copper detection, including biological and synthetic nanopores, and the various mechanisms used to detect copper ions. Furthermore, this review provides an overview of the recent advancements in nanopore technology for copper detection, including the development of new nanopore materials, improvements in signal amplification, and the integration of nanopore technology with other analytical methods for enhanced detection sensitivity and accuracy. Finally, we summarize the extensive applications, current challenges, and future perspectives of using nanopore technology for copper detection, highlighting the need for further research in the field to optimize the performance and applicability of the technique.

Photoinduced Reduction of Novel Dual-Action Riboplatin Pt(IV) Prodrug.

Controlled photoreduction of Pt(IV) prodrugs is a challenging task due to the possibility of targeted light-controlled activation of anticancer agents without affecting healthy tissues. Also, a conjugation of photosensitizers and clinically used platinum drugs into one Pt(IV) prodrug allows combining photodynamic therapy and chemotherapy approaches into one molecule. Herein, we designed the cisplatin-based Pt(IV) prodrug Riboplatin with tetraacetylriboflavin in the axial position. A novel Pt(IV) prodrug is able to act both as a photodynamic therapy (PDT) agent through the conversion of ground-state 3O2 to excited-state 1O2 and as an agent of photoactivated chemotherapy (PACT) through releasing of cisplatin under gentle blue light irradiation, without the requirement of a reducing agent. The light-induced behavior of Riboplatin was investigated using an electrochemical sensor in MCF-7 tumor spheroids. Photocontrolled cisplatin release and ROS generation were detected electrochemically in real time. This appears to be the first confirmation of simultaneous photoactivated release of anticancer drug cisplatin and ROS from a dual-action Pt(IV) prodrug observed from the inside of living tumor spheroids.

Biotinylated Pt(IV) prodrugs with elevated lipophilicity and cytotoxicity.

A design of Pt(IV) prodrugs with tumor cell targeting moieties leading to increased selectivity is of interest. Herein, we designed a novel Pt(IV) prodrugs with COX-inhibitor naproxen, long-chain hydrophobic stearic acid moiety and biotin as axial ligands. We have established that for Pt(IV) prodrugs with biotin and naproxen or stearate in axial position, the lipophilicity rather than biotin receptors expression is the main factor of cytotoxicity. We also monitored the reduction speed of Pt(IV) prodrug 3 with naproxen and biotin in axial positions in A549 cells using XANES and demonstrated that the prodrug gradually releases cisplatin within 20 hours of incubation.