Layer-by-layer assembled fluorescent probes in the second near-infrared window for systemic delivery and detection of ovarian cancer.

Fluorescence imaging in the second near-infrared window (NIR-II, 1,000-1,700 nm) features deep tissue penetration, reduced tissue scattering, and diminishing tissue autofluorescence. Here, NIR-II fluorescent probes, including down-conversion nanoparticles, quantum dots, single-walled carbon nanotubes, and organic dyes, are constructed into biocompatible nanoparticles using the layer-by-layer (LbL) platform due to its modular and versatile nature. The LbL platform has previously been demonstrated to enable incorporation of diagnostic agents, drugs, and nucleic acids such as siRNA while providing enhanced blood plasma half-life and tumor targeting. This work carries out head-to-head comparisons of currently available NIR-II probes with identical LbL coatings with regard to their biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, and toxicities. Overall, rare-earth-based down-conversion nanoparticles demonstrate optimal biological and optical performance and are evaluated as a diagnostic probe for high-grade serous ovarian cancer, typically diagnosed at late stage. Successful detection of orthotopic ovarian tumors is achieved by in vivo NIR-II imaging and confirmed by ex vivo microscopic imaging. Collectively, these results indicate that LbL-based NIR-II probes can serve as a promising theranostic platform to effectively and noninvasively monitor the progression and treatment of serous ovarian cancer.

M13 virus-directed synthesis of nanostructured metal oxides for lithium-oxygen batteries.

Transition metal oxides are promising electrocatalysts for both water oxidations and metal-air batteries. Here, we report the virus-mediated synthesis of cobalt manganese oxide nanowires (NWs) to fabricate high capacity Li-O2 battery electrodes. Furthermore, we hybridized Ni nanoparticles (NPs) on bio Co3O4 NWs to improve the round trip efficiency as well as the cycle life of Li-O2 batteries. This biomolecular directed synthesis method is expected to provide a selection platform for future energy storage electrocatalysts.

Impact induced failure of cartilage-on-bone following creep loading: a microstructural and fracture mechanics study.

Cartilage-on-bone samples obtained from healthy bovine patellae, with or without prior static compression (i.e. creep) at 2MPa for 3h, were delivered a single impact via an instrumented pendulum indenter at a velocity of 1.13m/s and an energy of 2.2J. Mechanical data was obtained and microstructural assessment of the region of failure was carried out using differential interference contrast (DIC) optical imaging. In addition, a fibrillar-level structural analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was conducted on a control batch of non-impacted samples that were subjected to either creep or non-creep loading protocols. Arising from the impact event the deepest levels of crack penetration into the articular cartilage occurred in those samples subjected to prior creep loading. Further the crack depth was inversely proportional to the rebound velocity of the indenter. By contrast, those impacted samples not subjected to prior creep loading had only short obliquely patterned microcracks confined to the upper one-third of the full cartilage depth. Ultrastructurally the creep-loaded cartilage matrix exhibited a substantial radial collapse or compaction of the fibrillar network in its primary radial zone. The increase in crack length in the prior creep-loaded cartilage is consistent with a reduction in its dissipative properties as indicated by a reduction in rebound velocity. An interpretation is offered in terms of classical fracture mechanics theory.