Fe3O4/Au/porous Au nanohybrid for efficient delivery of doxorubicin as a model drug.

Fe3O4/Au/porous Au nanohybrids being bi-functional nanoparticles with magnetic properties and high porosity, were synthesized and used for drug delivery. To achieve this purpose, after Fe3O4 nanoparticles synthesis, a gold layer coats them to increase their stability. Then, to improve the loading capacity of Fe3O4/Au nanoparticles, a shell of porous gold was synthesized on the Fe3O4/Au surface by creating an Ag-Au nanohybrid layer on Fe3O4/Au and dissolving the metallic silver atoms in HNO3 (0.01 M). The DLS results show that the synthesized nanohybrid has an average size of 68.0 ± 7.7 nm and a zeta potential of - 28.1 ± 0.2 mV. Finally, doxorubicin (DOX), as a pharmaceutical agent, was loaded onto the Fe3O4/Au/porous Au nanohybrids. The prepared nano-drug enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of DOX on MCF-7 cancer cells compared to the free DOX. These results confirmed a 1.5 times improvement in the antitumor activity of DOX-loaded Fe3O4/Au/porous Au nanohybrids.

MIL-88B(Fe)-reduced graphene oxide as an artificial enzyme for gold nanorod etching and its application to develop the prostate-specific antigen immunosensor.

An immunosensor based on gold nanorods (AuNRs) etchant activity of a metal-organic framework (MOF): MIL-88B(Fe)-reduced graphene oxide (rGMOF) was developed for the determination of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Several techniques, including FTIR, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, XRD, and electron microscopy, were employed to characterize the MOFs containing iron-oxygen clusters on the surface of reduced graphene oxide. Enzyme mimetic activity of rGMOF before and after bioconjugation with antibodies was calculated as 8.4 and 2.5 U mg-1, respectively. The primary anti-PSA was conjugated to a magnetic bead and used as PSA-specific capturing. Then, the secondary anti-PSA was grafted to the rGMOF. In the presence of antigen, an immuno-sandwich was formed between the conjugations mentioned above. Afterward, AuNRs were etched by rGMOF, and the related spectrum was recorded in the wavelength range 350 to 900 nm. By progressing the etching procedure, the longitudinal LSPR peak of AuNRs was gradually blue-shifted with a linear correlation with the PSA concentration from 0.1 pg mL-1 to 100 ng mL-1. The detection limit was 0.09 pg mL-1. The proposed immunosensor was successfully employed to determine PSA levels in real samples. Since the obtained results showed an excellent correlation with those acquired by the chemiluminescence gold standard method, it has the potential for PSA determination in clinical assays.

Designing a magnetic inductive micro-electrode for virus monitoring: modelling and feasibility for hepatitis B virus.

A simple model is designed for an inductive immunosensor in which the magnetic particles are attached to the bioreceptors to form a sandwich on the surface of an inductor. The inductor consists of a coil covered on a silicon oxide wafer. The coil comprises 250 turns of a planar gold wire, which is approximately 200 nm thick and 392 mm long, placed in a circle with a diameter of 2 mm. The model is well characterised by controlling the geometrical and electrical parameters and also the permeability of the magnetic material. To evaluate the feasibility of the model for virus monitoring, a novel inductive immunosensor is designed and for the first time applied for the detection of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). At first, Fab' segment of primary anti-HBsAg is immobilised on the coil. Then, the coil is exposed to HBsAg and the complex is introduced to a secondary antibody conjugated with magnetic particles to form an immune-sandwich. Finally, the influence of magnetic particles on the coil inductance is recorded and used as a signal for HBsAg detection. The magnetic inductive immunosensor showed specific responses toward HBsAg with the detection limit of 1 ng mL-1, linear range of 1 to 200 ng mL-1, and a sensitivity of 6 × 10-4 mL ng-1. The experimental results showed a very good agreement with simulation data indicating the compatibility of sensor sensitivity to the expected theoretical values. Graphical abstract.

Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1) pathogenesis: A systems virology study.

The main mechanisms of interaction between Human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) and its hosts in the manifestation of the related disease including HTLV-1 associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) and Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) are yet to be determined. It is pivotal to find out the changes in the genes expression toward an asymptomatic or symptomatic states. To this end, the systems virology analysis was performed. Firstly, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were taken pairwise among the four sample sets of Normal, Asymptomatic Carriers (ACs), ATLL, and HAM/TSP. Afterwards, the protein-protein interaction networks were reconstructed utilizing the hub genes. In conclusion, the pathways of cells proliferation and transformation were identified in the ACs state. In addition to immune pathways in ATLL, the inflammation and cancer pathways were discened in both diseases of ATLL and HAM/TSP. The outcomes can specify the genes involved in the pathogenesis and help to design the drugs in the future.

Ultrasensitive interdigitated capacitance immunosensor using gold nanoparticles.

Immunosensors based on interdigitated electrodes (IDEs), have recently demonstrated significant improvements in the sensitivity of capacitance detection. Herein, a novel type of highly sensitive, compact and portable immunosensor based on a gold interdigital capacitor has been designed and developed for the rapid detection of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). To improve the efficiency of antibody immobilization and time-saving, a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of 2-mercaptoethylamine film was coated on IDEs. Afterwards, carboxyl groups on primary antibodies were activated through 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide and were immobilized on amino-terminated SAM for better control of the oriented immobilization of antibodies on gold IDEs. In addition, gold nanoparticles conjugated with a secondary antibody were used to enhance the sensitivity. Under optimal conditions, the immunosensor exhibited the sensitivity of 0.22 nF.pg ml-1, the linear range from 5 pg ml-1 to 1 ng ml-1 and the detection limit of 1.34 pg ml-1, at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3.

Albumin coated copper-cysteine nanozyme for reducing oxidative stress induced during sperm cryopreservation.

In the present work, SOD mimetic nanozyme (NACu-Cys) consisting of Cu-Cys complex and nano-albumin (NA) were synthesized. After characterizing the nanozyme, its superoxide dismutase (SOD) behavior was evaluated by inhibition of the pyrogallol autoxidation method. The results revealed that NACu-Cys exhibited SOD mimetic activity with a half inhibition concentration (IC50) value of 7.0 × 10-3 µM and a turnover number (kcat) of 5.4 × 107 s-1. In the next step, this nanozyme was applied as a protective agent against oxidative stress induced by sperm cryopreservation. Increasing the motility, raising the viability and reducing the apoptosis occurred as a result of NACu-Cys additions to human sperm freezing medium. Comparison between the natural SOD and SOD mimic behavior of NACu-Cys revealed that this nanoparticle has the ability to be used as oxidative stress decrescent during cryopreservation process.

A silver(I) doped bud-like DNA nanostructure as a dual-functional nanolabel for voltammetric discrimination of methylated from unmethylated genes.

A small DNA structure, referred to as DNA nanobud (NB), was used for the first time to design a dual-functional nanolabel in order to recognize a particular oligonucleotide sequence, generate and amplify the electrochemical analytical signal. NBs containing numerous repetitive desired sequences were prepared through self-assembly of 8-h rolling circle amplification. Then, redox-active silver ions were loaded onto the NBs by over-night incubation with a solution of AgNO3. The incorporation of Ag+ into NBs was confirmed by field emission scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, UV-Vis spectroscopy, zeta potential measurements, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. A DNA sandwich complex was created after hybridization of Ag+-NB with target sequence, which was captured by immobilized probe on a gold electrode. Cyclic voltammetry was applied to measure the redox signal of silver ions produced typically at a potential around 0.02 V vs. Ag/AgCl. The label can specifically discriminate fully methylated BMP3 gene from fully unmethylated bisulfate-converted part of the gene. The electrochemical signal produced by DNA sandwich complex of gold/probe/BMP3/Ag+-NB was linear toward BMP3 concentration from 100 pM to 100 nM. The method has a 100 pM BMP3 detection limit. Conceivably, this nanolabel can be designed and modified such that it may also be used to detect other sequences with lower detection limits. Graphical abstract Ag+-NB as a new nanolabel for genosensing was formed by loading Ag+ on a spherical DNA nanostructure, nanobud (NB), synthesized by rolling circle amplification process. By using a gold electrode (AuE), Ag+-NB with numerous electroactive cations and binding sites can detect targets and generate amplified electrochemical signals.

An investigation on the interaction modes of a single-strand DNA aptamer and RBP4 protein: a molecular dynamic simulations approach.

Type two diabetes is one of the primary health issues threatening public well-being worldwide. One of the pre-diagnosis biomarkers of this disease, retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4), has been demonstrated to be detected with a 76-mer ssDNA aptamer instead of conventional antibodies. However, there is no structural information on the RBP4 binding aptamer (RBA) and the mechanism of its binding to RBP4 still remains unexplored. The objective of the present study is to achieve a better understanding of specific binding interactions of the target protein (RBP4) and RBA, employing Molecular Dynamics simulations (MDs) to provide detailed information on fluctuations, conformational changes, critical bases and effective forces to develop regulated aptamers to be employed in designing new aptamers for many useful recognition applications. RBA was designed according to its reported base pair sequence and secondary structure. The HADDOCK on line docking program was used to predict a suitable RBP4-RBA mode of interaction to start MDs with. MDs methodology was used to analyze the final complex stability and detect interacting residues. Eventually, we conclude that single strand located bases are the key components that conduct the intercalation phenomenon with big targets rather than those involving loops and folded motifs, to encompass targets and probably inhibit their activity. Also, UV-visible, circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy measurements confirmed the interactions between RBA and RBP4 and RBP4-RBA complex formation.

Real-time detection of H5N1 influenza virus through hyperbranched rolling circle amplification.

An isothermal amplification method was developed for the sensitive detection of the H5N1 influenza virus. The padlock probe specifically bound to the H5N1 target and circularized with T4 DNA ligase enzyme. Then this circular probe was amplified by hyperbranched rolling circle amplification (HRCA) using Phi29 DNA polymerase. The fluorescence intensity was recorded at different intervals by intercalation of SYBR green molecules into the double-stranded product of the HRCA reaction. At an optimum time of 88 min, a calibration plot with fine linearity was obtained. Using HRCA based on a padlock probe and Phi29 DNA polymerase, high selectivity and sensitivity were achieved. The biosensor response was linear toward H5N1 in the concentration range from 10 fM to 0.25 pM, with a detection limit of 9 fM at a signal/noise ratio of 3. By replacing the heat shock with pH shock, not only was the procedure for detection of H5N1 influenza simplified, but also the DNA molecules were protected from possible breaking at high temperature.

An ultrasensitive genosensor for detection of toxigenic and non-toxigenic Clostridioides difficile based on a conserved sequence in surface layer protein coding gene.

Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) is the most common agent of antibiotic-associated diarrhea, leading to intestinal infection through the secretion of two major toxins. Not all strains of this bacterium are toxigenic, but some of them cause infection via their accessory virulence factors, such as surface layer protein (SlpA). SlpA is conserved in both toxigenic and non-toxigenic strains of C. difficile. In the present work, an amplification-free electrochemical genosensor was designed for the detection of the slpA gene. A glassy carbon electrode coated with gold nanoparticle-reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite was used as the working electrode, and its surface was modified using a simple thiolated linear oligonucleotide as the bioreceptor. Moreover, the hexaferrocenium tri[hexa(isothiocyanato) iron(III)] trihydroxonium (HxFc) complex was used as an intercalator, and its redox signal was recorded using differential pulse voltammetry. Scan rate studies indicated a quasi-reversible adsorption-controlled process for the HxFc complex. This genosensor showed high sensitivity with a limit of detection of 0.2 fM, a linear response range of 0.46-1900 fM, and a satisfactory specificity toward the synthetic slpA target gene. Also, the genosensor indicated responses in the mentioned linear range toward the genome extracted from either toxigenic or non-toxigenic strains of C. difficile.

C. difficile biomarkers, pathogenicity and detection.

BACKGROUND: Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is the main etiologic agent of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. CDI contributes to gut inflammation and can lead to disruption of the intestinal epithelial barrier. Recently, the rate of CDI cases has been increased. Thus, early diagnosis of C. difficile is critical for controlling the infection and guiding efficacious therapy. APPROACH: A search strategy was set up using the terms C. difficile biomarkers and diagnosis. The found references were classified into two general categories; conventional and advanced methods. RESULTS: The pathogenicity and biomarkers of C. difficile, and the collection manners for CDI-suspected specimens were briefly explained. Then, the conventional CDI diagnostic methods were subtly compared in terms of duration, level of difficulty, sensitivity, advantages, and disadvantages. Thereafter, an extensive review of the various newly proposed techniques available for CDI detection was conducted including nucleic acid isothermal amplification-based methods, biosensors, and gene/single-molecule microarrays. Also, the detection mechanisms, pros and cons of these methods were highlighted and compared with each other. In addition, approximately complete information on FDA-approved platforms for CDI diagnosis was collected. CONCLUSION: To overcome the deficiencies of conventional methods, the potential of advanced methods for C. difficile diagnosis, their direction, perspective, and challenges ahead were discussed.

Magnetic nanoparticle-based immunosensor for electrochemical detection of hepatitis B surface antigen.

An electrochemical immunosensor was developed for the detection of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). The biotinylated hepatitis B surface antibody was immobilized on streptavidin magnetic nanoparticles and used for targeting the HBsAg. By the addition of horseradish peroxidase conjugated with secondary antibody (HRP-HBsAb), a sandwich-type immunoassay format was formed. Aminophenol as substrate for conjugated HRP was enzymatically changed into 3-aminophenoxazone (3-APZ). This electroactive enzymatic production (3-APZ) was transferred into an electrochemical cell and monitored by cyclic voltammetry. Under optimal conditions, the cathodic current response of 3-APZ, which was proportional to the HBsAg concentration, was measured by a glassy carbon electrode. The immunosensor response was linear toward HBsAg in the concentration range from 0.001 to 0.015 ng/ml with a detection limit of 0.9 pg/ml at a signal/noise ratio of 3.

Direct electrochemistry of hemoglobin immobilized on a functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes and gold nanoparticles nanocomplex-modified glassy carbon electrode.

Direct electron transfer of hemoglobin (Hb) was realized by immobilizing Hb on a carboxyl functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (FMWCNTs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) nanocomplex-modified glassy carbon electrode. The ultraviolet-visible absorption spectrometry (UV-Vis), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) methods were utilized for additional characterization of the AuNPs and FMWCNTs. The cyclic voltammogram of the modified electrode has a pair of well-defined quasi-reversible redox peaks with a formal potential of -0.270 ± 0.002 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) at a scan rate of 0.05 V/s. The heterogeneous electron transfer constant (ks) was evaluated to be 4.0 ± 0.2 s(-1). The average surface concentration of electro-active Hb on the surface of the modified glassy carbon electrode was calculated to be 6.8 ± 0.3 × 10(-10) mol cm(-2). The cathodic peak current of the modified electrode increased linearly with increasing concentration of hydrogen peroxide (from 0.05 nM to 1 nM) with a detection limit of 0.05 ± 0.01 nM. The apparent Michaelis-Menten constant (K(m)(app)) was calculated to be 0.85 ± 0.1 nM. Thus, the modified electrode could be applied as a third generation biosensor with high sensitivity, long-term stability and low detection limit.

Structural and functional alterations of polydopamine-coated hemoglobin: New insights for the development of successful oxygen carriers.

One of the major factors that is currently hindering the development of hemoglobin (Hb)-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) is the autoxidation of Hb into nonfunctional methemoglobin. Modification with polydopamine (PDA), which is a biocompatible free radical scavenger has shown the ability to protect Hb against oxidation. Due to its tremendous potential in the development of successful HBOCs, herein, we conduct a thorough evaluation of the effect of PDA on the stability, aggregation, structure and function of the underlying Hb. By UV-vis spectrometry we show that PDA can prevent Hb's aggregation while thermal denaturation studies indicate that, although PDA coating resulted in a lower midpoint transition temperature, it was also able to protect the protein from full denaturation. These results are further corroborated by differential scanning calorimetry. Circular dichroism reveals that PDA can promote changes in Hb's secondary structure while, by UV-vis spectroscopy, we show that PDA also interacts with the porphyrin complex located in Hb's hydrophobic pocket. Last but not least, affinity studies show that PDA-coated Hb has a higher capability for oxygen release. Such an effect is further enhanced at lower pH. Importantly, through molecular docking simulations we provide a plausible explanation for the observed experimental results.

Magnetic nanocomposite of anti-human IgG/COOH-multiwalled carbon nanotubes/Fe3O4 as a platform for electrochemical immunoassay.

An electrochemical immunosensing method was developed based on a magnetic nanocomposite. The multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were treated with nitric acid to produce carboxyl groups at the open ends. Then, Fe3O4 nanoparticles were deposited on COOH-MWCNTs by chemical coprecipitation of Fe²âº and Fe³âº salts in an alkaline solution. Goat anti-human IgG (anti-hIgG) was covalently attached to magnetic nanocomposite through amide bond formation between the carboxylic groups of MWCNTs and the amine groups of anti-hIgG. The prepared bio-nanocomposite was used for electrochemical sensing of human tetanus IgG (hIgG) as a model antigen. The anti-hIgG magnetic nanocomposite was fixed on the surface of a gold plate electrode using a permanent magnet. The hIgG was detected using horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-conjugated anti-hIgG in a sandwich model. Electrochemical detection of hIgG was carried out in the presence of H2O2 and KI as substrates of HRP. Using this method, hIgG was detected in a concentration range from 30 to 1000 ng ml⁻¹ with a correlation coefficient of 0.998 and a detection limit of 25 ng ml⁻¹ (signal/noise=3). The designed immunosensor was stable for 1 month.

Effect of hydrophilicity of room temperature ionic liquids on the electrochemical and electrocatalytic behaviour of choline oxidase.

In the present report, six different nano-composites contaning the same amine functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (NH(2)-MWCNTs) but different room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) were prepared. Then, the efficiency of these nano-composites as supporting materials for studying the electrochemistry and electrocatalysis of choline oxidase (ChOx) as a model enzyme were compared. The corresponding cyclic voltammetric and amperometric data showed that the electrocatalytic activity and the electroanalytical performance of immobilized ChOx depends on the degree of hydrophilicity of RTILs used in the applied nano-composite. The higher stability (180 days), higher enzyme loading (6.56 mol cm(-2)), lower detection limit (3.85 µM) and wider linear range (0.005-0.8 mM) was obtained for the most hydrophilic RTIL (1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide).

Design and Optimization of A Magneto-Plasmonic Sandwich Biosensor for Integration within Microfluidic Devices.

We designed a magneto-plasmonic biosensor for the immunodetection of antigens in minute sample volume. Both spherical gold nanoparticles (AuNP) and magnetic beads (MB) were conjugated to goat anti-rabbit IgG antibody (Ab) capable of recognizing a model target, rabbit IgG (rIgG). The AuNP bioconjugate was used as the optical detection probe while the MB one was used as the capture probe. Addition of the target analyte followed by detection probe resulted in the formation of a sandwich immunocomplex which was separated from the unbound AuNP-Ab conjugate by application of an external magnetic field. The readout was executed either in a direct or in indirect way by measuring the UV-Visible spectrum of each fraction in a specially designed microcell. Dose-response curves were established from the optical signal of the immunocomplex and unbound AuNP-Ab conjugate fractions. Finally, the assay was transposed to a microfluidic cell specially designed to enable easy separation of the immunocomplex and AuNP-Ab conjugate fractions and subsequent analysis of the latter fraction and achieve the quantification of the analyte in the ng/mL concentration range.

Superoxide radical biosensor based on a nano-composite containing cytochrome c.

A biosensor for the quantification of superoxide radical (O(2)˙(-)) was developed based on a nano-composite containing cytochrome c (Cyt c), carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes and a room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL). The immobilized Cyt c was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. Using this biosensor a formal potential of -280 mV (vs. Ag/AgCl) and electron transfer rate constant of 1.24 was recorded for the immobilized Cyt c in 0.1 M phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.0). The biosensor showed a relatively high sensitivity (7.455 A M(-1) cm(-2)) and a long term stability (180 days) towards O(2)˙(-) in the concentration range from 0.05 to 8.1 µM with a detection limit of 0.03 µM. The selectivity of the biosensor to O(2)˙(-) was verified when its response was compared with those obtained by four potential interfering substances (ascorbic acid, uric acid, acetaminophen and hydrogen peroxide).

Microfluidic-based synthesized carboxymethyl chitosan nanoparticles containing metformin for diabetes therapy: In vitro and in vivo assessments.

This work was aimed to synthesize novel crosslinked carboxymethyl chitosan nanoparticles (CMCS NPs) containing metformin hydrochloride (MET) using microfluidics (MF) and evaluate their performance for diabetes therapy. The field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) images and dynamic light scattering (DLS) results showed that the NPs average size was 77 ± 19 nm with a narrow size distribution. They exhibited a high encapsulation efficiency (∼90 %) and the controlled drug release while crosslinking using CaCl2. Eventually, the in vivo assessments dedicated an increased body weight up to 7.94 % and a decreased blood glucose level amount of 43.58 % for MF MET-loaded CMCS NPs with respect to the free drug in diabetic rats. Also, the results of histopathological studies revealed the size of the pancreatic islets to be 2.32 µm2 and ß cells intensity to be 64 cells per islet for the diabetic rats after treating with the MF-based sample. These data were close to those obtained for the healthy rats.

High-performance porphyrin-like graphene quantum dots for immuno-sensing of Salmonella typhi.

The extraordinary optical properties of porphyrins have inspired their applications in various fields. Herein, we introduce iron porphyrin bio-mimicked graphene quantum dots (Fe-N-GQDs) as a novel paramagnetic and fluorescent label. The Fe-N-GQD was prepared by the mechanochemical mixing of Fe, N, and C sources followed by pyrolysis at high-temperature and next, the solvothermal treatment was performed. The Fe-N sites in graphene matrix, the structural alterations during the solvothermal treatment, the optical properties, and paramagnetic behaviour were studied using FTIR, Raman and X-ray spectroscopies, and Vibrating sample magnetometer. The structural studies revealed that under solvothermal condition, Fe-N doped graphene sheets cut into ultra-small Fe-N-GQDs containing well-dispersed particles with an average diameter of about 2.5 nm. As a result of Fe-N doping, the photoluminescence quantum yield was enhanced to 86% and strong paramagnetic behaviour was observed. Due to the rich oxygen-containing groups at Fe-N-GQDs surface, it has proper sites for bio-conjugation. The bioconjugated Fe-N-GQDs serve as donors in a prominent fluorescence resonance energy transfer system, while graphene oxide acts as an acceptor. The proposed immunosensor was successfully applied for the detection of Salmonella Typhi Vi antigen in real human serum in the concentration range from 1 pg/mL to 1 µg/mL with the detection limit of 1 pg/mL.