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A bilayer MOF reporter (ZIF-67@FAM-mRNA@ZIF-8) was synthesized, and the ZIF-67 was used as a carrier and fluorescent quencher to connect the FAM reporter through electrostatic adsorption and coordination effect. The ZIF-8 covering the outer layer can improve the stability of the probe and cell permeability, which helps the FAM reporter effectively release. After entering the cancer cells, the acidic environment in the cells induced the decomposition of ZIF-8. The excess ATP in the tumor cells competitively binds ZIF-67, causing the FAM reporter to shed and restore fluorescence. The shed FAM reporter was specifically bound to the overexpressed miRNA-21 in breast cancer cells to achieve fluorescence imaging and therapy of breast cancer. The results of specific imaging and apoptosis experiments of breast cancer cells indicate that bilayer MOF nanomachine provides an effective nanotherapy platform for accurate fluorescence imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theranostic nanoplatforms with integrated diagnostic imaging and multiple therapeutic functions play a vital role in precise diagnosis and efficient treatment for breast cancer, but unfortunately, these nanoplatforms are usually stuck in single-site imaging and single mode of treatment, causing unsatisfactory diagnostic and therapeutic efficiency. Herein, a dual biomarkers-activatable facile hollow mesoporous MnO 2 (H–MnO 2)-based theranostic nanoplatform, DNAzyme@H–MnO 2 -MUC1 aptamer (DHMM), was constructed for the simultaneous multi-site diagnosis and multiple treatment of breast cancer. The DHMM acted as an integrated diagnostic and therapeutic nanoplatform that realizes multi-site fluorescence imaging-guided high-efficient photothermal/chemodynamic/gene synergistic therapy (PTT/CDT/GT) for breast cancer. The H–MnO 2 exhibits high loading capacity for Cy5-MUC1 aptamer (3.05 pmoL μg−1) and FAM-DNAzyme (3.37 pmoL μg−1), and excellent quenching for the probes. In the presence of MUC1 on the cell membrane and GSH in the cytoplasm, Cy5-MUC1 aptamer and FAM-DNAzyme was activated triggering dual-channel fluorescence imaging at different sites. Moreover, the self-supplied Mn2+ was further supplied as DNAzyme cofactors to catalytic cleavage intracellular EGR-1 mRNA for high-efficient GT and stimulated the Fenton-like reaction for CDT. The H–MnO 2 also showcases a favorable photothermal performance with a photothermal conversion efficiency of 44.16%, which ultimately contributes to multi-site fluorescence imaging-guided synergistic treatment with an apoptosis rate of 71.82%. This dual biomarker-activatable multiple therapeutic nanoplatform was realized multi-site fluorescence imaging-guided PTT/CDT/GT combination therapy for breast cancer with higher specificity and efficiency, which provides a promising theranostic nanoplatform for the precision and efficiency of breast cancer treatment. [Display omitted] • DHMM realized multi-site imaging and highly efficient PTT/CDT/GT synergistic therapy with a final apoptosis rate of 71.82%. • The H–MnO 2 exhibits large loading capacity for FAM-DNAzyme (3.37 pmoL μg−1) and Cy5-MUC1 aptamer (3.05 pmoL μg−1). • The H–MnO 2 showcases excellent photothermal properties with a photothermal conversion efficiency of 44.16%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders and is characterized by a decrease in learning capacity, memory loss and behavioral changes. In addition to the well-recognized amyloid-β cascade hypothesis and hyperphosphorylated Tau hypothesis, accumulating evidence has led to the proposal of the mitochondrial dysfunction hypothesis as the primary etiology of AD. However, the predominant molecular mechanisms underlying the development and progression of AD have not been fully elucidated. Mitochondrial dysfunction is not only considered an early event in AD pathogenesis but is also involved in the whole course of the disease, with numerous pathophysiological processes, including disordered energy metabolism, Ca2+ homeostasis dysfunction and hyperactive oxidative stress. In the current review, we have integrated emerging evidence to summarize the main mitochondrial alterations— bioenergetic metabolism, mitochondrial inheritance, mitobiogenesis, fission– fusion dynamics, mitochondrial degradation, and mitochondrial movement— underlying AD pathogenesis; precisely identified the mitochondrial regulators; discussed the potential mechanisms and primary processes; highlighted the leading players; and noted additional incidental signaling pathway changes. This review may help to stimulate research exploring mitochondrial metabolically-oriented neuroprotection strategies in AD therapies, leading to a better understanding of the link between the mitochondrial dysfunction hypothesis and AD pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoplastics exposure poses a significant threat to the environment and human health, and accurate measurement of nanoparticles in aqueous solutions remains challenging. In this work, we synthesized the cationic fluorescent probe 4-[1-Cyano- 2-[4-(Diethylamino)−2-hydroxyphenyl]ethenyl]−1-ethylpyridinium (PCP) through a straightforward procedure for the rapid and accurate detection and labeling of nanoplastics in aqueous solutions. PCP binds to nanoplastics through electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions with restricted intramolecular rotation and exhibits enhanced fluorescence emission. Using carboxylation-modified polystyrene nanoplastics as a model, PCP could accurately detect concentrations as low as 0.525 mg∙L−1 in aqueous solution and perform wash-free semi-quantitative direct observation. The method demonstrated good reproducibility and recovery in actual sample spiking experiments. In addition, PCP-labeled nanoplastics were successfully used to visualize the uptake and distribution of cells and Arabidopsis thaliana when exposed to different concentrations of nanoplastics. This work provides a simple and sensitive method for efficiently identify, track, and quantify nanoplastics without requiring additional pretreatment and complex instrumentation, making it an ideal tool for accurately quantifying nanoplastics in aqueous solutions and studying the biological interactions of nanoplastics. [Display omitted] • A simple, rapid and cost-effective fluorescent probe developed for detecting nanoplastics. • The probe achieved high selectivity and sensitivity sensing of PS-COOH nanoplastics with LOD of 0.525 mg/L. • The probe enables lighting up the nanoplastics and wash-free observation of nanoplastics in aqueous solutions. • The probe labels nanoplastics efficiently and tracks them well in a variety of biological systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A NIR dual-function fluorescent probe CMQT was constructed and its sensing performances were studied in detail. • CMQT exhibits high selectivity and sensitivity to H 2 S. • CMQT exhibits excellent biological compatibility and mitochondrial targeting. • CMQT was successfully applied to detect the detection of H 2 S and viscosity in living cells and zebrafish. • CMQT reveals the increases of mitochondrial H 2 S and viscosity generated by inflammatory response through dual-channel fluorescence imaging mode. As an indispensable part of immune response, inflammation plays a critical role in the occurring and advancing of many diseases. It is reported that the emergence of inflammation can be indicated by the change of intracellular viscosity and overexpression of the hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) in mitochondria. So far, elucidating the relationship between inflammation and the above parameters remains a challenge due to the lack of validated analytical tools. Herein, a novel dual-function NIR fluorescent probe CMQT with excellent biological compatibility and mitochondrial targeting ability is designed and synthesized by using 7-diethylaminocoumarin and 4-ethylphenolate quinoline acetate through twistable vinyl bonds. With the functional probe, enhanced fluorescent signals at 570 nm and 721 nm are produced in the presence of H 2 S and changes of viscosity. The CMQT can be applied in living cells and zebrafish, which reveals the increases of mitochondrial H 2 S and viscosity generated by inflammatory response through dual-channel fluorescence imaging mode. The in vivo dual-functional probe serves as an efficient tool for imaging analysis of H 2 S and viscosity, and has profound implications for the early diagnosis of inflammatory diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • One-step preparation of full-color carbon dots by selecting the anticancer drug hydroxyurea as the precursor. • Rapid and targeted endocytosis were achieved by mannose-modified carbon dots. • The hydroxyurea active functional group retained in mp-CDs synergizes with mannose to yield therapeutic effects on liver cancer cells. Using hydroxyurea and o-phenylenediamine as precursors, a series of panchromatic carbon dots were synthesized by varying the kind and amounts of solvents, and the pink carbon dots (p-CDs) with a quantum yield of 46% were chosen for cellular research. After further modifying the p-CDs with mannose, mp-CDs could selectively target liver cancer cells that overexpressed the mannose receptor and easily enter the cells via endocytosis to achieve naked-eye discrimination of liver cancer cells. In addition, the residual hydroxyurea functional group on the surface of mp-CDs is in coordination with mannose, which induces targeted killing effects on liver cancer cells. This work not only suggests a strategy for making panchromatic carbon dots by altering the solvent, but it also offers a way to identify and treat liver cancer through cellular research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing planting density has been adopted as an effective means to increase maize (Zea mays) yield. Competition for light from neighbors can trigger plant shade avoidance syndrome, which includes accelerated flowering. However, the regulatory networks of maize inflorescence development in response to high-density planting remain poorly understood. In this study, we showed that shade-mimicking treatments cause precocious development of the tassels and ears. Comparative transcriptome profiling analyses revealed the enrichment of phytohormone-related genes and transcriptional regulators among the genes co-regulated by developmental progression and simulated shade. Network analysis showed that three homologous Squamosa promoter binding protein (SBP)-like (SPL) transcription factors, Unbranched2 (UB2), Unbranched3 (UB3), and Tasselsheath4 (TSH4), individually exhibited connectivity to over 2,400 genes across the V3-to-V9 stages of tassel development. In addition, we showed that the ub2 ub3 double mutant and tsh4 single mutant were almost insensitive to simulated shade treatments. Moreover, we demonstrated that UB2/UB3/TSH4 could directly regulate the expression of Barren inflorescence2 (BIF2) and Zea mays teosinte branched1/cycloidea/proliferating cell factor30 (ZmTCP30). Furthermore, we functionally verified a role of ZmTCP30 in regulating tassel branching and ear development. Our results reveal a UB2/UB3/TSH4-anchored transcriptional regulatory network of maize inflorescence development and provide valuable targets for breeding shade-tolerant maize cultivars. Three homologous SPL transcription factors, Unbranched2 (UB2), Unbranched3 (UB3), and Tasselsheath4 (TSH4), act as a central hub in regulating maize inflorescence development in response to shade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A novel hepatocellular carcinoma targeted deferasirox derivative ExPh 2 -CNAc 2 with AIE properties was designed. • ExPh 2 -CNAc 2 can achieves iron overload treatment through carboxylesterase activation. • The "hydrolysis-chelation" process of ExPh 2 -CNAc 2 is characterized by multiple fluorescence changes. • ExPh 2 -CNAc 2 may have promising applications in HCC treatment. The association of excess iron in humans with the incidence and proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been confirmed by numerous studies. In this case, developing a fluorescent probe that can both target HCC and eliminates excess iron in HCC is extremely meaningful. To accomplish these goals, a fluorescent probe ExPh 2 -CNAc 2 was designed and synthesized, which can be selectively hydrolyzed by carboxylesterases (CE), one kind of biomarker in HCC. The fluorescent parent ExPh 2 -CN with unique aggregation-induced emission (AIE) and iron-chelating properties of deferasirox derivatives generated by CE hydrolysis of ExPh 2 -CNAc 2 can further chelate with Fe (III) and target HCC for the treatment of iron excess, and the whole process can be effectively monitored by fluorescence changes. Furthermore, the potential for CE imaging and Fe (III) overload resolution of ExPh 2 -CNAc 2 is demonstrated by experiments in cells and zebrafish at different growth stages. The superior in vivo imaging and chelation properties of the probe ExPh 2 -CNAc 2 may provide a new avenue for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC in iron overloaded patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A programmed DNA–Au nanomachine has been constructed to achieve in situ imaging of transmembrane glycoprotein MUC1 and cytoplasmic miRNA-21 and trigger gene silencing therapy. The results of MCF-7 cell-specific imaging and apoptosis experiments demonstrate that the nanomachine provides a valuable nanotheranostic platform for accurate multi-site imaging and intracellular gene silencing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modular assembly of carbon dots with organic luminescent small molecules can be devoted to picking up a predetermined fluorescent probe detection system for specific targets. In this work, the blue fluorescent carbon dots B-CDs were prepared by using sodium citrate and nitrogen-rich branched polyethyleneimine as precursors through a functional preservation strategy. A modularized, difunctional and ratiometric fluorescent probe B-CDs@RBH with dual-emission was dexterously prepared by simply blending B-CDs and rhodamine b-hydrazide for the detection of Hg2+ and Cu2+. B-CDs can be quenched by Hg2+ through static quenching, while Cu2+ can specifically open the lactam of rhodamine b-hydrazide to form rhodamine B through hydrolysis accompanied by a turn-on orange fluorescence. More interestingly, rhodamine B can absorb the fluorescence of B-CDs through fluorescence resonance energy transfer, resulting in a blue to orange fluorescence color change in the presence of Cu2+. B-CDs@RBH has a low detection limit of 17.79 nM and 4.19 nM for Hg2+ and Cu2+ respectively with a detection range of 0.1–5 μM, which was applied for the ratiometric fluorescence detection of Hg2+ and Cu2+ in cells and zebrafish, and achieved smartphone-assisted on-site water samples detection. The facile modular design of B-CDs@RBH fluorescent probe and convenient on-site detection application are of great benefit in further ascertaining the migration and transformation of heavy metals in biological and environmental samples. [Display omitted] • The facile modular fabrication of bifunctional FRET-type fluorescent probe by hybridizing carbon dots and fluorescent dye. • The monitoring of Hg2+ and Cu2+ in water samples, living cells and zebrafish was realized. • Smartphone-assisted on-site quantitative determination of Hg2+ and Cu2+ was realized with no expensive instrument. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The prepared two carbon dots based on wheat straw emerge dual-function luminescence characteristics, fluorescence is used for detection of Cu2+ and RTP for information security. • The blue carbon dots of Cu2+ was prepared by one-step carbonization method, and the detection selectivity and interference performance were satisfactory. • The CDs was successfully applied to image the contents of Cu2+ in living cells and zebrafish. • CDs@IPA shows different solid fluorescent colors under different UV lamps and green visible room temperature phosphorescence to the naked eyes for 5 s. The green synthesis of fluorescent carbon dots from biomass is critical for their sustainable application. Herein, using wheat straw as a single precursor, carbon dots (CDs) were prepared through a one-step carbonization process, and the obtained CDs have intense blue luminescence and excitation-independent photoluminescent behavior. The solution of CDs shows good biocompatibility, and low cytotoxicity successfully used as hopeful bioimaging and biosensing probe for Cu2+ in HepG2 cells and zebrafish. Based on CDs, boron-doped carbon dots with IPA shells (CDs@IPA) can be obtained by doping boron element and isophthalic acid (IPA) coating. CDs@IPA irradiated with different wavelength ultraviolet lamps shows different solid fluorescence, while turning off the ultraviolet lamp can produce green visible room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) to the naked eyes for 5 s. The two kinds of wheat straw-based carbon dots have bifunctional luminescence properties and can be used to detect Cu2+ and serve as RTP anti-counterfeiting signs to ensure information security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an important species of reactive oxygen and a commonly-used water disinfectant, hypochlorite (ClO-) has been reported to be tightly associated with oxidative stress and related diseases. Therefore, developing ClO- sensors, especially the sensors that can detect in a ratiometric fluorescent manner are highly desirable. Herein, a ClO- ratiometric fluorescent sensing platform M-CDs which can respond to ClO- rapidly and precisely was subtly constructed with a detection range of 0.1–50 μM and a low detection limit of 67 nM by simply blending the green fluorescent carbon dots (G-CDs) and red fluorescent carbon dots (R-CDs) with no complicated synthesis and surface modification. Both CDs were legitimately prepared by a functional preservation strategy, and they exhibited different ClO- reactivity due to the inheritance of functional groups and properties of different precursors. The detection mechanism was verified by Mass spectrometry, temperature-dependent fluorescence, fluorescence decay curves and 1H NMR spectra. Besides the excellent performance in water samples, the platform also enables the monitoring of ClO- in living cells and zebrafish, which indicates the sensing system pens up new horizons for the development of ratiometric fluorescent sensing. [Display omitted] • The G-CDs and R-CDs were prepared through a functional preservation strategy. • A ClO- ratiometric fluorescent sensing platform was prepared conveniently. • The detection mechanism was verified by fluorescence decay curves, Mass and 1H NMR spectra. • The monitoring of ClO- in water samples, living cells and zebrafish was realized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]