Search

A series of functional glycopolymer nanoparticles with 1,8‐naphthalimide motif was designed, synthesized and applied for tumor cell imaging. With the pH‐sensitive and aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) effect of the 1,8‐naphthalimide fluorescent probe, the presence of glucose‐based glycopolymers enhanced its water‐solubility and biocompatibility. Owing to the dual tumor‐targeting effects of the dense glucose part and the boronic ester modification, the obtained glycopolymers showed high affinity to tumor cells, with a much faster staining rate than normal cells, indicating a great potential for diagnosis and treatments of cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Diketopyrrolopyrroles (DPPs) have recently attracted much interest as very bright and photostable red‐emitting molecules. However, their tendency to form nonfluorescent aggregates in water through the aggregation‐caused quenching (ACQ) effect is a major issue that limits their application under the microscope. Herein, two DPP molecules have been incorporated into the membrane of highly stable and water‐soluble quatsomes (QS; nanovesicles composed of surfactants and sterols), which allow their nanostructuration in water and, at the same time, limits the ACQ effect. The obtained fluorescent organic nanoparticles showed superior structural homogeneity, along with long‐term colloidal and optical stability. A thorough one‐ (1P) and two‐photon (2P) fluorescence characterization revealed the promising photophysical features of these fluorescent nanovesicles, which showed a high 1P and 2P brightness. Finally, the fluorescent QSs were used for the in vitro bioimaging of Saos‐2 osteosarcoma cell lines; this demonstrates their potential as nanomaterials for bioimaging applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple and mild light-triggered fluorescent labeling approach, based on the photolysis and reactive carbene insertion of diazirine, to rapidly generate fluorescent nanoparticles is reported. Proof of concept studies demonstrated that the non-fluorescent SiNPs could be covalently labeled by diazirine-conjugated fluorescein (dFITC) upon photo irradiation ( λ=365 nm) to afford fluorescent SiNPs with good fluorescent stability and low cytotoxicity. In vitro cellular imaging results indicated that the internalization of SiNPs into living cells could be readily visualized based on fluorescein-labeled SiNPs (F-SiNPs) in real time. We believe that the light-triggered labeling approach may offer a valuable method for surface modification of nanomaterials to achieve new functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persistent luminescence nanoparticles (PLNPs) hold great promise for the detection and imaging of biomolecules. Herein, we have demonstrated a novel nanoprobe, based on the manganese dioxide (MnO2)-modified PLNPs, that can detect and image glutathione in living cells and in vivo. The persistent luminescence of the PLNPs can be efficiently quenched by the MnO2 nanosheets. In the presence of glutathione (GSH), MnO2 was reduced to Mn2+ and the luminescence of PLNPs can be restored. The persistent luminescence property can allow detection and imaging without external excitation and avoid the background noise originating from the in situ excitation. This strategy can offer a promising platform for detection and imaging of reactive species in living cells or in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small (2-28 nm) NaREF4 (rare earth (RE)=Nd-Lu, Y) nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by an oil/water two-phase approach. Meanwhile, hydrophilic NPs can be obtained through a successful phase-transition process by introducing the amphiphilic surfactant sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) into the same reaction system. Hollow-structured NaREF4 (RE=Y, Yb, Lu) NPs can be fabricated in situ by electron-beam lithography on solid NPs. The MTT assay indicates that these hydrophilic NPs with hollow structures exhibit good biocompatibility. The as-prepared hollow-structured NPs can be used as anti-cancer drug carriers for drug storage/release investigations. Doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) was taken as model drug. The release of DOX from hollow α-NaLuF4:20 % Yb3+, 2 % Er3+ exhibits a pH-sensitive release patterns. Confocal microscopy observations indicate that the NPs can be taken up by HeLa cells and show obvious anti-cancer efficacy. Furthermore, α-NaLuF4:20 % Yb3+, 2 % Er3+ NPs show bright-red emission under IR excitation, making both the excitation and emission light fall within the 'optical window' of biological tissues. The application of α-NaLuF4:20 % Yb3+, 2 % Er3+ in the luminescence imaging of cells was also investigated, which shows a bright-red emission without background noise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]