A modern, simple, and economical accessory for continuous L-format measurement of steady-state fluorescence anisotropy.

In this study, the pros and cons of the most relevant L-format devices reported in the literature for measuring steady-state fluorescence polarization/anisotropy are identified. Combining all this information, and with the use of modern elements for the acquisition, treatment, and recording of signals, a modern, simple, and economical L-format accessory is implemented to rapidly and continuously record steady-state fluorescence anisotropy. This device can be adapted to the majority of the commercial spectrofluorometers (or fluorometers). During the measurement, the emission polarizer is in permanent rotation by means of a Gimbal brushless DC motor, and as a result the recorded fluorescence signal is sinusoidal. The maximums and minimums of this signal, which are obtained with the help of LabVIEW tools, allow recording the fluorescence anisotropy. The LabVIEW applications developed for this investigation are freely available, so it is not necessary to have LabVIEW software.

Ensemble and single-molecule biophysical characterization of D17.4 DNA aptamer-IgE interactions.

BACKGROUND: The IgE-binding DNA aptamer 17.4 is known to inhibit the interaction of IgE with the high-affinity IgE Fc receptor FcεRI. While this and other aptamers have been widely used and studied, there has been relatively little investigation of the kinetics and energetics of their interactions with their targets, by either single-molecule or ensemble methods. METHODS: The dissociation kinetics of the D17.4/IgE complex and the effects of temperature and ionic strength were studied using fluorescence anisotropy and single-molecule spectroscopy, and activation parameters calculated. RESULTS: The dissociation of D17.4/IgE complex showed a strong dependence on temperature and salt concentration. The koff of D17.4/IgE complex was calculated to be (2.92±0.18)×10(-3) s(-1) at 50 mM NaCl, and (1.44±0.02)×10(-2) s(-1) at 300 mM NaCl, both in 1 mM MgCl2 and 25°C. The dissociation activation energy for the D17.4/IgE complex, Ea, was 16.0±1.9 kcal mol(-1) at 50 mM NaCl and 1 mM MgCl2. Interestingly, we found that the C19A mutant of D17.4 with stabilized stem structure showed slower dissociation kinetics compared to D17.4. Single-molecule observations of surface-immobilized D17.4/IgE showed much faster dissociation kinetics, and heterogeneity not observable by ensemble techniques. CONCLUSIONS: The increasing koff value with increasing salt concentration is attributed to the electrostatic interactions between D17.4/IgE. We found that both the changes in activation enthalpy and activation entropy are insignificant with increasing NaCl concentration. The slower dissociation of the mutant C19A/IgE complex is likely due to the enhanced stability of the aptamer. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: The activation parameters obtained by applying transition state analysis to kinetic data can provide details on mechanisms of molecular recognition and have applications in drug design. Single-molecule dissociation kinetics showed greater kinetic complexity than was observed in the ensemble in-solution systems, potentially reflecting conformational heterogeneity of the aptamer. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Physiological Enzymology and Protein Functions.

Nanothermometry: From Microscopy to Thermal Treatments.

Measuring temperature in cells and tissues remotely, with sufficient sensitivity, and in real time presents a new paradigm in engineering, chemistry and biology. Traditional sensors, such as contact thermometers, thermocouples, and electrodes, are too large to measure the temperature with subcellular resolution and are too invasive to measure the temperature in deep tissue. The new challenge requires novel approaches in designing biocompatible temperature sensors-nanothermometers-and innovative techniques for their measurements. In the last two decades, a variety of nanothermometers whose response reflected the thermal environment within a physiological temperature range have been identified as potential sensors. This review covers the principles and aspects of nanothermometer design driven by two emerging areas: single-cell thermogenesis and image guided thermal treatments. The review highlights the current trends in nanothermometry illustrated with recent representative examples.

Fluorescence polarization measurement system using a liquid crystal layer and an image sensor.

The detection system which enables simultaneous fluorescence polarization (FP) measurement of multiple samples was proposed and proven by a proof-of-concept experiment on the viscosity dependence of FP of fluorescein sample in water-ethylene glycol solution and another experiment on the FP immunoassay of prostaglandin E2 sample. The measurement principle of FP is based on the synchronization between the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules and the sampling frequency of a CCD. This report is the first description of the simultaneous FP measurement of multiple samples. This system has a great potential for equipment miniaturization and price reduction as well as providing simultaneous FP measurement of multiple samples.

Nanomaterial-based biosensors using dual transducing elements for solution phase detection.

Biosensors incorporating nanomaterials have demonstrated superior performance compared to their conventional counterparts. Most reported sensors use nanomaterials as a single transducer of signals, while biosensor designs using dual transducing elements have emerged as new approaches to further improve overall sensing performance. This review focuses on recent developments in nanomaterial-based biosensors using dual transducing elements for solution phase detection. The review begins with a brief introduction of the commonly used nanomaterial transducers suitable for designing dual element sensors, including quantum dots, metal nanoparticles, upconversion nanoparticles, graphene, graphene oxide, carbon nanotubes, and carbon nanodots. This is followed by the presentation of the four basic design principles, namely Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET), Amplified Fluorescence Polarization (AFP), Bio-barcode Assay (BCA) and Chemiluminescence (CL), involving either two kinds of nanomaterials, or one nanomaterial and an organic luminescent agent (e.g. organic dyes, luminescent polymers) as dual transducers. Biomolecular and chemical analytes or biological interactions are detected by their control of the assembly and disassembly of the two transducing elements that change the distance between them, the size of the fluorophore-containing composite, or the catalytic properties of the nanomaterial transducers, among other property changes. Comparative discussions on their respective design rules and overall performances are presented afterwards. Compared with the single transducer biosensor design, such a dual-transducer configuration exhibits much enhanced flexibility and design versatility, allowing biosensors to be more specifically devised for various purposes. The review ends by highlighting some of the further development opportunities in this field.

Polarization multiplexed fluorescence enhancer using a pixelated one-dimensional photonic band gap structure.

Fluorescence enhancement using photonic crystals can produce a significant improvement in the signal-to-noise ratio for single molecule and low molecule-concentration fluorescence imaging in biological and biochemical studies. In this Letter, a pixelated one-dimensional photonic band gap structure was designed to enhance both transverse electric and transverse magnetic polarizations through a spatially multiplexed photonic crystal resonance. The average enhancement of 15.6 and 17.9 fold were experimentally verified for the transverse and longitudinal fields on the same substrate. This device may be used as an optical platform for molecular orientation determination.

Nucleic acid-based fluorescent probes and their analytical potential.

It is well known that nucleic acids play an essential role in living organisms because they store and transmit genetic information and use that information to direct the synthesis of proteins. However, less is known about the ability of nucleic acids to bind specific ligands and the application of oligonucleotides as molecular probes or biosensors. Oligonucleotide probes are single-stranded nucleic acid fragments that can be tailored to have high specificity and affinity for different targets including nucleic acids, proteins, small molecules, and ions. One can divide oligonucleotide-based probes into two main categories: hybridization probes that are based on the formation of complementary base-pairs, and aptamer probes that exploit selective recognition of nonnucleic acid analytes and may be compared with immunosensors. Design and construction of hybridization and aptamer probes are similar. Typically, oligonucleotide (DNA, RNA) with predefined base sequence and length is modified by covalent attachment of reporter groups (one or more fluorophores in fluorescence-based probes). The fluorescent labels act as transducers that transform biorecognition (hybridization, ligand binding) into a fluorescence signal. Fluorescent labels have several advantages, for example high sensitivity and multiple transduction approaches (fluorescence quenching or enhancement, fluorescence anisotropy, fluorescence lifetime, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), and excimer-monomer light switching). These multiple signaling options combined with the design flexibility of the recognition element (DNA, RNA, PNA, LNA) and various labeling strategies contribute to development of numerous selective and sensitive bioassays. This review covers fundamentals of the design and engineering of oligonucleotide probes, describes typical construction approaches, and discusses examples of probes used both in hybridization studies and in aptamer-based assays.

Fluorescence polarization biosensor based on an aptamer enzymatic cleavage protection strategy.

A novel fluorescence polarization (FP) aptasensing platform based on target-induced aptamer enzymatic cleavage protection is reported. The method relies on the FP analysis of the phosphodiesterase I mediated size variation of a dye-labeled aptamer. The tyrosinamide/antityrosinamide DNA aptamer couple was firstly tested as a model system to establish the proof-of-concept. In the absence of the target, the labeled aptamer was enzymatically cleaved into small DNA fragments, leading to a low FP signal. Upon tyrosinamide binding, the DNA substrate was partially protected against the enzymatic attack, leading to an increase in the fluorescence anisotropy response as a result of the higher average molecular volume of the weakly digested probe. The method was subsequently applied to two other systems, i.e., for the detection of ochratoxin A and adenosine. Such an approach was found to combine simplicity and general applicability features.

Cross-polarisation, making it practical.

The author investigated the use of cross-polarisation for day-to-day practice after a request from a clinician to remove specular highlights from intra-oral photographs. The paper evaluates camera and light source devices for image capture using cross-polarisation. Following this it defines ways to calibrate the camera to the correct white balance. It then develops by carrying out a series of tests to define the point of influence in regard to signal-to-noise ratio. These tests showed that the anti-aliasing filters of some cameras are more prominent than others and therefore can have a significant affect. In conclusion, when the appropriate equipment is employed, cross-polarisation is a viable and practical technique that has application within the medical, scientific, and forensic fields.

Fluorescence polarization system for rapid COVID-19 diagnosis.

Prompt diagnosis, patient isolation, and contact tracing are key measures to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Molecular tests are the current gold standard for COVID-19 detection, but are carried out at central laboratories, delaying treatment and control decisions. Here we describe a portable assay system for rapid, onsite COVID-19 diagnosis. Termed CODA (CRISPR Optical Detection of Anisotropy), the method combined isothermal nucleic acid amplification, activation of CRISPR/Cas12a, and signal generation in a single assay, eliminating extra manual steps. Importantly, signal detection was based on the ratiometric measurement of fluorescent anisotropy, which allowed CODA to achieve a high signal-to-noise ratio. For point-of-care operation, we built a compact, standalone CODA device integrating optoelectronics, an embedded heater, and a microcontroller for data processing. The developed system completed SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection within 20 min of sample loading; the limit of detection reached 3 copy/µL. When applied to clinical samples (10 confirmed COVID-19 patients; 10 controls), the rapid CODA test accurately classified COVID-19 status, in concordance with gold-standard clinical diagnostics.

Time-lapse FRET microscopy using fluorescence anisotropy.

We present recent data on dynamic imaging of Rac1 activity in live T-cells. Förster resonance energy transfer between enhanced green and monomeric red fluorescent protein pairs which form part of a biosensor molecule provides a metric of this activity. Microscopy is performed using a multi-functional high-content screening instrument using fluorescence anisotropy to provide a means of monitoring protein-protein activity with high temporal resolution. Specifically, the response of T-cells upon interaction of a cell surface receptor with an antibody coated multi-well chamber was measured. We observed dynamic changes in the activity of the biosensor molecules with a time resolution that is difficult to achieve with traditional methodologies for observing Förster resonance energy transfer (fluorescence lifetime imaging using single photon counting or frequency domain techniques) and without spectral corrections that are normally required for intensity based methodologies.

Cell investigations simultaneously with exposure to 2.45 GHz microwaves.

The paper presents two microwave (MW) exposure systems (MWESs) that permit observations and measurements on cell cultures during their exposure to MW of 2.45 GHz: MWES-1 and MWES-2. MWES-1 is designed for the measurement of the cell membrane fluorescence anisotropies (MFA) simultaneously with MW exposure. MWES-2 is designed for the cells culture exploration under an inverted microscope before, during and after MW exposure. MWES-1 consists mainly of a 2.45 GHz microwave generator (MWG-2.45 GHz-SAIREM) of 0-25 W, equipped with forward power and reflected power displaying, and an adjustable coaxial antenna immersed directly into the cuvette with the cells-suspension of a Spex type spectrofluorometer. The MW effect on membrane fluidity of B16F10 malignant melanoma (B16F10-MM) cells in suspension were investigated with MWES-1, by MFA measurements. We observed a MW induced transition temperature (ITT) rising strongly during the MW exposure as compared with ITT obtained by classical heating (CH). The MWES-2 consists of the MWG-2.45 GHz-SAIREM generator and a rectangular waveguide applicator with traveling wave placed between the condenser and the objective of a Zeiss Axiovert 200 microscope, equipped with a fluorescence device and image acquisition. The MW effects on shape and apoptosis of the B16F10-MM cells were investigate with MWES-2. The B16F10-MM cells exhibited visible shape changes during MW exposure up to 37 degrees C. The MW exposure induced cells apoptosis/necrosis in several seconds after that MW are applied, beginning with SAR = 1.5 W/sample, compared to CH controls exposed at the same temperature dynamics.

Measuring diffusion with polarization-modulation dual-focus fluorescence correlation spectroscopy.

We present a new technique, polarization-modulation dual-focus fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (pmFCS), based on the recently intro-duced dual-focus fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (2fFCS) to measure the absolute value of diffusion coefficients of fluorescent molecules at pico- to nanomolar concentrations. Analogous to 2fFCS, the new technique is robust against optical saturation in yielding correct values of the diffusion coefficient. This is in stark contrast to conventional FCS where optical saturation leads to an apparent decrease in the determined diffusion coefficient with increasing excitation power. However, compared to 2fFCS, the new technique is simpler to implement into a conventional confocal microscope setup and is compatible with cw-excitation, only needing as add-ons an electro-optical modulator and a differential interference contrast prism. With pmFCS, the measured diffusion coefficient (D) for Atto655 maleimide in water at 25?C is determined to be equal to (4.09 +/- 0.07) x 10(-6)cm(2)/s, in good agreement with the value of 4.04 x 10-6cm2/s as measured by 2fFCS.

Design of a fluorescence polarization assay platform for the study of human Hsp70.

The 70kDa heat shock proteins (Hsp70) are molecular chaperones that assist in folding of newly synthesized polypeptides, refolding or denaturation of misfolded proteins, and translocation of proteins across biological membranes. In addition, Hsp70 play regulatory roles in signal transduction, cell cycle, and apoptosis. Here, we present a novel assay platform based on fluorescence polarization that is suitable for investigating the yet elusive molecular mechanics of human Hsp70 allosteric regulation.

A new optical platform for biosensing based on fluorescence anisotropy.

A novel fluorescence-based optical platform for the interrogation of an optical biochip was designed and developed. The optical biochip was made of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) formed by two pieces of PMMA appropriately shaped in order to obtain four microchannels that are 500-microm wide and 400-microm high. The lower part includes the microchannels and the inlet and outlet for the fluidics, while the sensing biolayer was immobilized on the upper part. The optical signal comprised the fluorescence emitted by the biolayer, which was anisotropically coupled to the PMMA cover and suitably guided by the PMMA chip. The potentiality of the optical chip as a biosensor was investigated by means of a direct IgG/anti-IgG interaction carried out inside the flow channels. The mouse-IgG was covalently immobilized on the internal wall of the PMMA cover, and the Cy5-labelled anti-mouse IgG was used for the specific interaction. Several chemical treatments of the PMMA surface were investigated, poly(L: -lactic acid), Eudragit L100 and NaOH, in order to obtain the most effective distribution of carboxylic groups useful for the covalent immobilisation of the mouse-IgG. The treatment with Eudragit L100 was found to be the most successful. Limits of detection and quantification of 0.05 microg mL(-1) and 0.2 microg mL(-1), respectively, were obtained with the configuration described.

Reversed-phase liquid chromatography coupled on-line to estrogen receptor bioaffinity detection based on fluorescence polarization.

We describe the development and validation of a high-resolution screening (HRS) platform which couples gradient reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) on-line to estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) affinity detection using fluorescence polarization (FP). FP, which allows detection at high wavelengths, limits the occurrence of interference from the autofluorescence of test compounds in the bioassay. A fluorescein-labeled estradiol derivative (E2-F) was synthesized and a binding assay was optimized in platereader format. After subsequent optimization in flow-injection analysis (FIA) mode, the optimized parameters were translated to the on-line HRS bioassay. Proof of principle was demonstrated by separating a mixture of five compounds known to be estrogenic (17beta-estradiol, 17alpha-ethinylestradiol and the phytoestrogens coumestrol, coumarol and zearalenone), followed by post-column bioaffinity screening of the individual affinities for ERalpha. Using the HRS-based FP setup, we were able to screen affinities of off-line-generated metabolites of zearalenone for ERalpha. It is concluded that the on-line FP-based bioassay can be used to screen for the affinity of compounds without the disturbing occurrence of autofluorescence.

Band 3 and glycophorin are progressively aggregated in density-fractionated sickle and normal red blood cells. Evidence from rotational and lateral mobility studies.

Band 3 aggregation in the plane of the red blood cell (RBC) membrane is postulated to be important in the pathophysiology of hemolysis of dense sickle and normal RBCs. We used the fluorescence photobleaching recovery and polarized fluorescence depletion techniques to measure the lateral and rotational mobility of band 3, glycophorins, and phospholipid analogues in membranes of density-separated intact RBCs from seven patients with sickle cell disease and eight normal controls. The fractions of laterally mobile band 3 and glycophorin decreased progressively as sickle RBC density increased. Normal RBCs also showed a progressive decrease in band 3 fractional mobility with increasing buoyant density. Rapidly rotating, slowly rotating, and rotationally immobile forms of band 3 were observed in both sickle and normal RBC membranes. The fraction of rapidly rotating band 3 progressively decreased and the fraction of rotationally immobile band 3 progressively increased with increasing sickle RBC density. Changes in the fraction of rotationally immobile band 3 were not reversible upon hypotonic swelling of dense sickle RBCs, and normal RBCs osmotically shrunken in sucrose buffers failed to manifest band 3 immobilization at median cell hemoglobin concentration values characteristic of dense sickle RBCs. We conclude that dense sickle and normal RBCs acquire irreversible membrane abnormalities that cause transmembrane protein immobilization and band 3 aggregation. Band 3 aggregates could serve as cell surface sites of autologous antibody binding and thereby lead to removal of dense sickle and normal (senescent) RBCs from the circulation.

Monitoring of the sublingual microcirculation in cardiac surgery using orthogonal polarization spectral imaging: preliminary results.

BACKGROUND: The recent introduction of orthogonal polarization spectral imaging enables the direct visualization of the microcirculation of man without imaging enhancing dyes. The authors studied the changes in microvascular perfusion of sublingual mucosa during cardiac surgery with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) using this optical method. METHOD: Orthogonal polarization spectral images were recorded in 47 patients after skin incision (T1), after the start of CPB (T2), in the late phase of CPB (T3), and 1 h after the discontinuation of CPB (T4). The images were analyzed for microvascular diameter, erythrocyte velocity, and functional capillary density using an established analysis routine for intravital microscopy studies. In a subpopulation (n = 8), the expression of the adhesion molecules CD18 on circulation leukocytes was compared with the number of visualized rolling leukocytes. RESULTS: Preoperatively, no significant changes of the microvascular diameter and erythrocyte velocity were seen. The functional capillary density was significantly reduced at T3 to 90% of the values observed before CPB but recovered at T4 and showed a weak but significant correlation with body temperature (r = 0.38, P < 0.01) and hemoglobin concentration (r = 0.20, P < 0.05). Expression of CD18 was significantly increased in the late phase of CPB (T3) only, whereas the numbers of rolling leukocytes increased during CPB and revealed a significant threefold increase 1 h after termination of CPB. CONCLUSIONS: Orthogonal polarization spectral imaging revealed no major changes of microvascular perfusion during uncomplicated hypothermic CPB. The slightly reduced functional capillary density during CPB may be caused by several factors all present during CPB, including hypothermia, the artificial extracorporeal perfusion, surgical trauma, hemodilution, and inflammatory reaction. The current data do not allow differentiation between the effects of those possible causes.

Simultaneous imaging of multiple cellular events using high-accuracy fluorescence polarization microscopy.

Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) has been widely used to design indicators for biomolecules. Conventional FRET-based indicators enable quantitative measurements of analyzes by calculating the ratio between donor and acceptor fluorophores. However, such 'hetero-FRET'-based indicators, which use multiple differently colored fluorophores, restrict the simultaneous use of other colors of fluorescent molecules. To overcome this problem, we developed a 'homo-FRET'-based Ca2+ indicator, W-Cameleon, composed of two identical yellow fluorescent proteins. The binding of Ca2+ to the indicator induces a change in FRET efficiency, which in turn transforms into changes in fluorescence anisotropy. Given that the fluorescence polarization is depolarized by light passing through a high numerical aperture lens and reflecting on a dichroic mirror, we also developed a microscopy technique that reliably detects fluorescence anisotropy with high precision. Our design is aided by photonic-crystal technology, to compensate for the fluorescence depolarization. We thereby succeeded in the simultaneous visualization of three individual intracellular events by using three different fluorescent indicators. Our system may contribute to an expansion of the number of events that can be observed, which will enable a more quantitative understanding of biological phenomena.