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In this paper, we proposed an efficient method for mercury(II) and glutathione detection using a fluorescent nanoprobe as a sensor. Carbon dots were synthesized from polyethyleneimine and ammonium citrate via a one-step hydrothermal method. The fluorescence of carbon dots was quenched since electron transfer occurred due to the interaction between mercury(II) and functional groups on the surface of carbon dots. Adding glutathione to the carbon dots-mercury(II) system, the fluorescence was recovered due to the stronger binding ability of glutathione to mercury(II). Based on the above-mentioned principle, this "off-on" fluorescent sensor can easily achieve the detection of mercury(II) and glutathione, which provided limits of detection of 22.45 nM and 61.89 nM, respectively. In this paper, the proposed method has been applied to detect mercury(II) and glutathione in real lake water and serum, respectively, and a logic gate for sensing glutathione was presented. The developed "off-on" fluorescent sensor with high sensitivity and selectivity has shown great potential for mercury(II) and glutathione detection in environmental and biosensing fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ratiometric fluorescence (FL) probes can eliminate the background interference and provide more accurate detection results than single emission intensity-based nanoprobes. Recently, carbon dots (CDs)-based ratiometric FL probes have received extensive research attention due to their excellent biocompatibility, water solubility, and multi-emission capabilities. In this review, we firstly summarize the construction strategies of CDs-based ratiometric FL probes, including physical mixing, nanohybrid, and dual-emitting CDs strategies. Additionally, we classify the sensing types of CDs-based ratiometric FL probes into five categories according to the difference in spectral variation caused by analytes: "single-response-ON", "single-response-OFF", "double-responses-ON", "double-responses-OFF", and "double-responses-Reverse" types. Finally, a thorough overview of CDs-based ratiometric FL probe applications in ions, molecules, pH, and temperature sensing is provided. We believe this review can show the latest research progress of CDs-based ratiometric FL sensing fields and provide perspectives on future developments for the construction of CDs-based ratiometric FL probes and their potential applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excitation-emission orthogonalized luminescent upconversion nanoparticles (OUCNPs), which can respond to changes in external stimuli accordingly, show great promise in many intelligent applications. However, the construction of such materials mostly relies on the selective absorption of Nd3+ and Yb3+ at different wavelengths and the long-range energy migration between the layers, resulting in complex structures and limited orthogonal luminescence intensity. Herein, we developed a relatively simple structure of OUCNPs (β-NaErF4@NaLuF4@NaYF4:20%Yb, 2%Er@NaLuF4), where the fluorescence emission switches from red to green when the excitation wavelength is shifted from 808 to 980 nm. This structure exhibits high-quality, independent, and non-interfering orthogonal luminescence properties without Nd3+ sensitization and long-range energy migration. As a proof of concept, we demonstrate the application of the designed OUCNPs in anti-counterfeiting. We also prepared OUCNPs@PEI (PEI = polyethylenimine) self-referencing fluorescent probes to enable quantitative analysis of trinitrotoluene (TNT) in solution with a detection limit of 3.04 µM. The probes can be made into test strips for portable on-site visual detection of TNT, and can also be used to image latent fingerprints and detect explosive residues in fingerprints simultaneously. The concept proposed in this work can be extended to the visual detection of a larger range of organic and biological molecules, and is highly promising for practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a toxic secondary metabolite produced by several species of Fusarium fungi, which can be predominantly found in agricultural crops such as wheat. In livestock, deoxynivalenol-contaminated grain can produce vomiting, feed refusal, weight loss, and diarrhea. This paper reports an electrochemical immunosensor for the detection of residual DON mycotoxin in food samples. The device uses electrochemical nanoprobes (CdSNP-AbDON) and antigen biofunctionalized magnetic μ-particles (DON-BSAMP) to detect the mycotoxin. CdSNP-AbDON are prepared by labelling the DON-specific antibodies with CdS nanoparticles (CdSNPs). Nanoparticle size and CdSNP-AbDON conjugation ratio are characterized using TEM images. The metal ions released by the CdSNP are reduced at the working electrode and read by anodic stripping voltammetry. DON can be detected in PBST buffer with an IC50 of 6.74 ± 0.19 μg L−1. The high detectability of the immunosensor developed allows detection of DON residues in 50-fold diluted wheat extracts. The limit of detection (LOD, IC90) accomplished in wheat is of 342.4 μg kg−1, which is below the maximum residue limit (MRL, 1750 μg kg−1 for unprocessed durum wheat, 750 μg kg−1 for cereals intended for direct human consumption) established by the EU for this mycotoxin. The working range is in the interval between 610 and 6210 μg kg−1. The performance of the immunosensor was compared with the ELISA assay. DON naturally contaminated wheat samples were analyzed with the immunosensor, showing acceptable recoveries. Graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single-domain antibody (sdAb) or nanobody possesses specific features non-accessible for conventional antibodies that make them suitable for research and biotechnological applications. Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) causes lethal diarrhea in piglets, resulting in great economic losses all over the world. To detect and isolate PEDV rapidly and accurately is important for the control and further research of the clinical PEDV strains. In this study, four sdAb fragments (sdAb-Mc19/29/30/37) targeting the membrane (M) protein of PEDV were selected from sdAb library that was constructed through M protein-immunized Camelus bactrianus. The selected sdAb-Mcs were solubly expressed in Escherichia coli. The functional characteristics analysis revealed that the recombinant sdAb-Mcs have excellent binding activity and specificity to M protein but have no neutralizing activity to PEDV. For further application, sdAb-Mc37 was conjugated with quantum dots to synthesize a nanoprobe for imaging PEDV in vero cells. The observed fluorescence in vero cells clearly reflects that PEDV virions can be reliably recognized and labeled by the nanoprobe. Furthermore, the sdAb-Mc29 was conjugated with superparamagnetic nanobeads to construct immunomagnetic nanobeads (IMNBs) used to isolate PEDV. One PEDV strain was successfully isolated from clinical fecal sample, suggesting IMNBs as a novel and efficient tool suitable for PEDV isolation from clinical samples. This study provided a novel application and substantiated the suitability of sdAb as a specific binder for the isolation of viruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review surveys recent advances in optical spectral detection of reactive oxygen species (ROS), particularly singlet oxygen, superoxide, hydroxyl radical, and hydrogen peroxide. Advances using nanoparticles and self-organizing nanostructures as well as optical detection schemes are included. Measurements using plasmonic, luminescent, photocatalytic, or self-organizing nanoparticles are highlighted. The large number of spectrophotometric and luminescent probe methods are categorized by ROS sensing mechanism, signaling mode, (de)activation mechanism, if any, and spectral chromaticity. Reports describing multicomponent ROS detection or novel nanoscale probes are discussed. Measurements using ratiometric, multichannel, or time-resolved detection and nonlinear spectral transitions are reviewed. The focus on developing probe molecules for spectral detection documented over the last 20 years has continued, with sustained emphasis on luminescence detection, but with less focus on spectrophotometric measurements. Use of nanoparticles as probes, probe carriers, and compartmentalization agents in ROS detection is increasing. On the other hand, incorporation of advanced spectral methods, such as nonlinear transition and multichannel detection, is increasing slowly in ROS analysis. This indicates there is a substantial opportunity to develop ROS measurements with use of a synergistic combination of (multi)functional nanoscale systems and advanced optical detection methods to optimize the detection limit, selectivity, and response time.ᅟ [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the work, a novel fabrication method for homogeneous and sharp nanoprobe array on (111) silicon wafer is presented. The specific spatial structure of {111} planes and the unique anisotropic etching mechanism on (111) wafer were utilized to form a size controllable funnel-neck structure. A highly downscaled size-reduction technology is developed for precise size control. Followed with a self-limiting oxidation procedure, sharp and long needles can be made with precise size control requiring only a series of conventional processes (dry etching of silicon by DRIE, anisotropic wet etching by potassium hydroxide solution and thermal-oxidation-based tip sharpening). The fabricated probe, whose tip’s diameter is less than 30 nm, can potentially have broad application to cell research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strongly green fluorescent carbon dots (CQDs) have been directly synthesized from 2,4-diaminophenylhydrazine and 2-hydroxy-5-methylisophthalaldehyde through a facile solvothermal method. The novel CQDs exhibit high fluorescence quantum yield and excellent water solubility due to the abundant amino and hydroxy groups on their surface. The use of the as-prepared CQDs combined with Cu2+ constructed a “turn-on” switch cysteine-responsive nanoprobe. In the CQDs-Cu2+ assemblies, the binding of Cu2+ to CQDs results in the fluorescence quenching of CQDs by electron transfer mechanism, while the addition of cysteine leads to the fluorescence recovery because of the competitive binding between cysteine and CQDs to Cu2+. The nanoprobes showed high sensitivity to cysteine with the detection limit of 2.6 nmol L−1. The selectivity investigation results demonstrated that the Cu2+-integrated nanoparticles were highly selective toward cysteine over the other amino acids and biologically related metal ions. The proposed nanoprobe was then employed for detecting the recovery of cysteine in rabbit serum and plasma samples and imaging the cysteine in cancer cells, and the recovery was found to be 98.2-104.0%. This “synthesis-modification integration” strategy for the fabrication of CQDs may offer a new sight for the preparation of multifunctional nanostructures and broadening the application of CQDs in bioimaging.Fluorescent carbon dots (CQDs) were directly synthesized from 2,4-diaminophenylhydrazine and 2-hydroxy-5-methylisophthalaldehyde. CQDs exhibit high fluorescence quantum yield and excellent water solubility due to the abundant amino and hydroxy groups on their surface. The use of CQDs combined with Cu2+ constructed a cysteine-responsive nanoprobe, which showed high sensitivity to cysteine with the detection limit of 2.6 nM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed a highly sensitive and selective sensor based on the nanoprobe conjugates of catalytic nanoparticles and double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) for the colorimetric detection of NF-κB protein. The sensing mechanism takes advantage of the catalytic activity of nanoparticle surfaces and the specific binding of NF-κB to a dsDNA sequence. In the presence of NF-κB, the highly selective interactions between dsDNA and NF-κB lead to the passivation of the catalytic nanoparticle surfaces, impeding the sodium borohydride-mediated reduction rate of 4-nitrophenol. The correlation between the NF-κB concentration and the visualized reduction rate of 4-nitrophenol from yellow to colorless clearly demonstrates the highly quantitative nature of the sensor. Importantly, this sensor can conclusively detect concentrations as low as 6.39 pM of NF-κB, which to best of our knowledge is the lowest limit of detection for a colorimetric NF-κB detection system. The excellent sensitivity of this sensor relies on the high binding constant of NF-κB to dsDNA and the catalytic activity of nanoparticle surfaces for the signal amplification. This sensor allows visual detection without the need for any spectrometric instrumentation. We also determined the various parameters such as the pH, temperature, incubation time, and salt concentration for optimal NF-κB-dsDNA interactions. Finally, we demonstrated the performance of the sensor with simulated sample analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors describe an ultrasensitive method for simultaneous detection of neomycin (NEO) and quinolones antibiotics (QNS). It is based on the use of (a) two immuno-nanoprobes (a probe for NEO and a probe for QNS), (b) surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection, and (c), a portable lateral flow assay (LFA). The two probes consist of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) conjugated to the Raman active molecule 4-aminothiophenol (PATP), and to monoclonal antibody against NEO (NEO mAb) or against NOR (NOR mAb). Quantitative detection of NEO and QNS was realized via SERS of the PATP-coated AuNPs captured in the test line of a LFA. Under optimized condition, the visual limits of LFA are 10 ng·mL for NEO and 200 ng·mL for NOR, and with LODs down to 0.37 pg·mL and 0.55 pg·mL by using SERS. The NEO test line is not interfered by the NEO analogues gentamycin, streptomycin and tobramycin, but the NOR test line suffers from different degrees of cross-reactivity (CR) to 12 common other QNS, the CRs ranging from 1.5% to 136%. The recoveries of NEO and NOR from spiked milk samples ranged between 86% and 121%, with relative standard deviations (RSD) from 3% to 6%. The method is highly sensitive, accurate and effective. It may be applied to simultaneous detection of NEO and 8 QNS, including NOR, enoxacin, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, fleroxacin, marbofloxacin, enrofloxacin, and pefloxacin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrated the use of a new organometallic nanoprobe for competitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) immunoassay devoted to the detection of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) such as benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) in seawater. The nanoprobes are gold nanoparticles (GNPs) labeled by a Raman reporter, the 5,5′-dithiobis(succinimidyl-2-nitrobenzoate) (DSNB) and functionalized with monoclonal antibodies anti-BaP. The antibodies are bound with a high specificity to the analyte while the GNPs enhanced the Raman scattering of the DSNB. This type of immunoassay involved the grafting of BaP onto a sensing surface. Thus, NH-terminated self-assembled monolayer is formed on the surface of gold substrate using cysteamine. Amines finally reacted with 6-formylbenzo[a]pyrene. So, this SERS detection involves four steps: (i) the nanoprobes are incubated with the sample; (ii) a drop of the mixture is then put onto the substrate; (iii) the surface is rinsed; and (iv) the surface is analyzed by Raman spectroscopy. To synthesize the nanoprobes, firstly, we prepared GNPs according to Frens' method. Then, GNPs were spontaneously labeled by the DSNB Raman reporter, thanks to a strong gold-sulfur interaction. Thereafter, BaP antibodies were cross-linked to the DSNB labeled GNPs by reaction of proteins primary amino groups with N-hydroxyl succinimide (NHS). Before use in SERS detection, their activity was controlled by surface plasmon resonance technique. The present method allows us to detect BaP at trace concentration (2 nmol/L). The results demonstrate that the proposed method has a great potential for application in the monitoring of seawater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors describe a method for ethanol induced formation of a fluorescent nanoprobe for sensitive fluorometric 'turn-on' detection of Pb based on aggregation-induced emission (AIE) of the Au(I)-glutathione (GSH) complex. On addition of Pb, their strong interaction with GSH causes the Au(I)-SG complexes to come in close proximity, and this results in a turn-on fluorescence with a strong emission peaking at 595 nm. The findings were utilized to design a method for quantitation of Pb. Interestingly, sensitivity is largely enhanced in the presence of ethanol due to the formation of dense Au(I)-SG nanoparticles. The fraction of ethanol is optimized. Response to Pb occurs within a few seconds. The assay covers the 2.0 to 350 μM Pb(II) concentration range, has a 0.1 μM limit of detection, and has a satisfactory selectivity over other environmental metal ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiation therapy of liver cancer is limited by low tolerance of the liver to radiation. Radiosensitizers can effectively reduce the required radiation dose. AGuIX nanoparticles are small, multifunctional gadolinium-based nanoparticles that can carry radioisotopes or fluorescent markers for single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography (PET), fluorescence imaging, and even multimodality imaging. In addition, due to the high atomic number of gadolinium, it can also serve as a tumor radiation sensitizer. It is critical to define the biodistribution and pharmacokinetics of these gadolinium-based nanoparticles to quantitate the magnitude and duration of their retention within the tumor microenvironment during radiotherapy. Therefore, in this study, we successfully labeled AGuIX with Cu through the convenient built-in chelator. The biodistribution studies indicated that the radiotracer Cu-AGuIX accumulates to high levels in the HepG2 xenograft of nude mice, suggesting that it would be a potential theranostic nanoprobe for image-guided radiotherapy in HCC. We also used a transmission electron microscope to confirm AGuIX uptake in the HepG2 cells. In radiation therapy studies, a decrease in F-FDG uptake was observed in the xenografts of the nude mice irradiated with AGuIX, which was injected 1 h before. These results provide proof-of-concept that AGuIX can be used as a theranostic radiosensitizer for PET imaging to guide radiotherapy for liver cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sensitive and selective luminescent nanoprobe (referred to as DEPN) is designed for the determination of Cu(II) ions. DEPN shows two emission peaks, one at 602 nm and caused by [Ru(bpy)], the other (peaking at 500 nm) caused by silver nanoclusters (AgNCs). The luminescence of the ruthenium complex is inert and acts as the internal reference signal, while that of the AgNCs is quenched by Cu(II) ions. Under 350 nm photoexcitation, a linear relationship is found between the ratio of emission intensity (I/I) and the concentration of Cu(II) ions in the 0.1-16 μM range. The detection limit of Cu(II) ions is estimated to be 50 nM. The DEPN was applied to the determination of Cu(II) ions in (spiked) water samples, and to intracellular imaging of Cu(II) in HeLa cells using confocal fluorescence microscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes the construction of a sandwich-type of DNA biosensor for detecting a specific DNA sequence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). A polyaniline-reduced graphene oxide (PANI-rGO) composite with favorable electrochemical activity was used as a redox nanoprobe for the generation of the voltammetric signal. The composite was decorated with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) onto which the signal probe was immobilized to form the tracer label. After hybridization between target DNA and tracer label, the voltammetric signal resulting from the polyaniline-reduced graphene oxide (PANI-rGO) redox probe can be apparently observed. The biosensor can detect the specific IS6110 DNA sequence of MTB in the 0.1 pM to 10 nM concentration range, and the detection limit is as low as 50 fM (at an S/N ratio of 3). The biosensor is also highly specific and does not recognize mismatches. It was applied to the determination of denatured PCR products in clinical samples such as sputum, and the results agreed with those obtained by gel electrophoresis. This assay provides a versatile and powerful tool for detection of MTB, and probably for other pathogens if appropriate molecular markers are available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper gives a critical overview of capillary electrophoresis (CE) methodologies recently developed for controlling and optimizing the synthesis of nanoparticles as well as characterizing their functionalization in terms of physicochemical properties. Thanks to their electrophoretic mobility, various parameters can be determined, such as NP size and charge distribution, ζ-potential, surface functionality, colloidal stability, grafting rates, and dissociation constants, allowing not only the complete characterization of new nanoprobes but also helping in their design and in the selection of chemical conditions for their storage and further manipulation. New strategies for the improvement of CE detection sensitivity are also described. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A branched polyethyleneimine was used to functionalize gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). It is found that copper ions rapidly induce the aggregation of such AuNPs, this resulting in a color change from red to purple. The effect can be exploited for visual (bare-eye) detection or instrumental quantification of Cu(II) by measuring the ratio of absorbances at 650 and 520 nm at pH 4 and after a 7-min incubation time. The method works in the 0.1 to 10 μM Cu(II) concentration range and with a 30 nM limit of detection. It exhibits fairly good selectivity over other common metal ions. The standard addition method was successfully applied to the determination of Cu(II) in (spiked) tap and lake waters. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcein was first covalently grafted onto the surface of magnetic silica nanoparticles to obtain a novel fluorescent nanoprobe for sensitive and selective determination of Cu(II) ion. The nanoparticles were synthesized in a two-step reaction under mild conditions and characterized using small-angle X-ray scattering, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The nanoprobe also displays good selectivity over other metal ions and is highly stable under conditions of high ionic strength. The response to Cu(II) ranges from 80 nM to 1.25 μM. The detection limit (LOD) is 43 nM which is lower than previously reported LODs. The probe can be regenerated by adding the complexing agent EDTA and also can be separated from a sample mixture by applying a magnetic field. We conclude that this method represents a new and convenient approach to the development of magnetic and reusable optical probes. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the synthesis of carbon dots (C-dots) by thermal carbonization of a mixture of ethyleneglycol bis-(2-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) and tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (Tris). The resulting C-dots were characterized by X-ray diffraction, proton and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance, FTIR and fluorescence spectroscopy, and high-resolution TEM. The data reveal that the C-dots are mainly capped with hydroxy and carbonyl groups and are highly fluorescent with an emission peak that shifts from 427 to 438 nm if the excitation wavelength is increased from 310 to 360-370 nm. Fluorescence is quenched by 4-nitrophenol (4-NP), and this effect was exploited to design a simple and rapid protocol for the determination of 4-NP. The detection limit is 28 nM and the linear range extends from 0.1 to 50 μM. The method was successfully applied to the determination of 4-NP in spiked river and sea waters. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoporosis is one of the major bone-related diseases. Among the biomarkers of bone resorption, type I collagen cross-linked N-telopeptides (NTx) are terminal metabolites specifically derived from the degradation of bone collagen, thus, the level of NTx in urine has been regarded as a highly specific index for bone resorption. Our previous studies have identified a synthetic peptide fragment in the N-terminal of NTx (peptide P2) with highest affinity for anti-NTx antibodies by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and surface plasma resonance-based methods. The objective of this study is to prepare the mouse anti-P2 polyclonal antibodies (anti-P2 Ab) and develop an immunonanoprobe-based matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) method for detection of fragment of NTx of type I collagen. Anti-P2 Ab were prepared, purified, characterized, and used to produce Ab-conjugated magnetic nanoparticles (Ab@MNPs) for specifically isolation of different concentrations of Ab-bound P2 standards. The profile of P2 standards which were bound to Ab-NPs was analyzed by combining immunoaffinity MNPs with MALDI-TOF MS. We demonstrated that an immunoaffinity nanoprobe-based MALDI-TOF MS method for detecting the fragment of NTx, and might provide a tool to discover a promising biomarker of osteoporosis. The potential of this method for early diagnosis of osteoporosis will be further investigated by recruiting osteoporosis patients from our collaborative hospitals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optical fiber nanoprobe with gold nanoparticles substrate on the surface was prepared by electrostatic self-assembly technology. Surface-enhanced Raman spectrum of the cells was measured using the optical fiber nanoprobe by remote detection method and direct detection method using confocal Raman micro-spectroscopy. The spectrum were analyzed with the detailed chemical components. The remote detection method using the optical fiber nanoprobe could make the probe inserting into the cells or tissue, and that may be helpful for the online SERS measurement of the cells in the biomedical research and diagnosis in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibody targeted delivery is an effective strategy to improve the diagnostic imaging outcome of nanoscale imaging agents in the focal areas. Dual targeting micelles encapsulating superparamagnetic iron oxide were prepared from the amphiphilic block copolymer poly(ethylene glycol)-poly( ɛ-caprolactone) (PEG- b-PCL) with different targeting ligands cRGD and scFv-ErbB single chain antibody conjugated to the distal ends of PEG block. The breast cancer animal model was established by subcutaneous injecting the BT474 cells into the BALB/c-nu female nude mice and then employed to assess the potential of the dual ligand targeted magnetic micelles as a novel MRI contrast agent on a 1.5 T clinical MRI scanner. The T signal intensity of the tumor in animals receiving the dual ligand targeted magnetic micelles via tail vein decreased more significantly than the single ligand targeted and nontargeted magnetic micelles. These results indicate that the dual ligand targeted magnetic micelles, cRGD/scFv-ErbB-PEG-PCL-SPION, have great potential to act as a new type of effective nanoscale MRI contrast agent for early diagnosis of breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel class of cell probe structured as gold nanostar@SiO@CdTeS quantum dots@SiO nanoprobes with multifunctional (MFNPs) fluorescent and photothermal properties were demonstrated. The MFNPs with good homogeneity (129 ± 10 nm) and dispersity were synthesized by a liquid phase method. The fluorescence signal of quantum dots was enhanced in the MFNPs, compared with the pure quantum dots. The vitro study showed that the MFNPs can realize the targeted labeling after functionalized with anti-body. Furthermore, the nanoprobe displays strong surface plasmonic resonance absorbance in the near-infrared region, thus exhibiting an NIR (808 nm)-induced temperature elevation. When cancer cells were cultured with the anti-body linked MFNPs and irradiated by laser, the MFNPs were demonstrated as good candidates for curing cancer cells. Therefore, such a multifunctional probe can be developed as a promising nanosystem that integrates multiple capabilities for effective cancer diagnosis and therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a composite nanoprobe based on silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) for distinguishing breast cancers at different HER2 statuses. The nanoprobe has a core-shell structure, with FeO NPs as the magnetic core and dye-embedded silica as the fluorescent shell, whose average size is about 150 nm. Besides, the outmost surfaces of the probes were modified with specific antibodies to endow the probe with a targeting ability. With such a structure, the nanoprobe can accomplish dual mode targeting of human breast cancer cells based on fluorescence and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In the experiments, three human breast cancer cell lines were used to test the targeting ability of the nanoprobe. Specifically, SKBR3 cells with a high HER2 expression level were used as the model target cells, while MCF7 cells with a lower HER2 expression levels and HER2-negative MDA-MB-231 cells were used as the controls. Both the fluorescence and MRI imaging results confirmed that the nanoprobe can distinguish three cancer cell lines with different HER2 expression levels. With the dual mode imaging and specific targeting properties, we anticipate that the presented nanoprobe may have a great potential in the diagnosis and treatment of cancerous diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last two decades scanning thermal microscopes (SThM) with DC- and AC-heating have been developed offering resolutions down to the nanometer scale. The SThM is based on an atomic force microscope (AFM) that is equipped with a temperature sensitive nanoprobe. Most frequently a tip with a temperature-dependent electrical resistor is used which can be operated as a thermometer or as a heater. The lateral resolution of about 100 nm is determined by the tip radius. Alternatively, if the thermoelastic response is detected by a smaller AFM probe, a spatial resolution of about 10 nm can be attained. Thermal wave-based SThM-techniques (AC-SThM) are used (i) to control the thermal management of electronic devices and to image thermal parameters with submicron resolution and (ii) to study resonance absorption processes of optical, infrared, and microwave radiation on the nanometer scale. Examples presented comprise the thermal imaging of hot spots in high power and in-plane-gate transistors and local studies of the temperature dependence of the thermal conductivity of nano-structured NiTi shape memory alloys by the $$3\!\upomega $$ method. The use of the SThM as a tool for a spatially resolved spectroscopy is demonstrated by locally resolved ferromagnetic resonance measurements in thin iron and nickel films deposited on various substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photoinduced electron transfer (PET)-based molecular probes have been successfully used for the intracellular imaging of the pH of acidic organelles. In this study, we describe the synthesis and characterization of a novel PET-based pH nanoprobe and its biological application for the signaling of acidic organelles in mammalian cells. A fluorescent ligand sensitive to pH via the PET mechanism that incorporates a thiolated moiety was synthesized and used to stabilize gold nanoparticles (2.4 ± 0.6 nm), yielding a PET-based nanoprobe. The PET nanoprobe was unambiguously characterized by transmission electron microscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared, ultraviolet-visible absorption, and steady-state/time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopies which confirmed the functionalization of the gold nanoparticles with the PET-based ligand. Following a classic PET behavior, the fluorescence emission of the PET-based nanoprobe was quenched in alkaline conditions and enhanced in an acidic environment. The PET-based nanoprobe was used for the intracellular imaging of acidic environments within Chinese hamster ovary cells by confocal laser scanning microscopy. The internalization of the nanoparticles by the cells was confirmed by confocal fluorescence images and also by recording the fluorescence emission spectra of the intracellular PET-based nanoprobe from within the cells. Co-localization experiments using a marker of acidic organelles, LysoTracker Red DND-99, and a marker of autophagosomes, GFP-LC3, confirm that the PET-based nanoprobe acts as marker of acidic organelles and autophagosomes within mammalian cells. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent advances in integrating nanotechnology and optical microscopy offer great potential in intracellular applications with improved molecular information and higher resolution. Continuous efforts in designing nanoparticles with strong and tunable plasmon resonance have led to new developments in biosensing and bioimaging, using surface-enhanced Raman scattering and two-photon photoluminescence. We provide an overview of the nanoprobe design updates, such as controlling the nanoparticle shape for optimal plasmon peak position; optical sensing and imaging strategies for intracellular nanoparticle detection; and addressing practical challenges in cellular applications of nanoprobes, including the use of targeting agents and control of nanoparticle aggregation. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unique potential of nanoscale elemental imaging of major/minor and trace-level elemental distributions within thin biological tissue sections of the ecotoxicological model organism Daphnia magna is demonstrated by synchrotron radiation nano-X-ray fluorescence (nano-XRF). The applied highly specialized sample preparation method, coupled with the high spatial resolution (∼180 nm) and high X-ray photon flux (6 × 10 photons/s) available at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) ID22NI beamline proved to be critical for the high-quality visualization of (trace-)metal distributions on the submicron level within the target structures of interest. These include the branchial sacs on the thoracic appendages (epipodites) of D. magna, which are osmoregulatory regions where ion exchange occurs. For the main element of interest (Zn), detection limits of 0.7 ppm (3 ag) was reached in fast-scanning mode using an acquisition time of 0.3 s/pixel. As demonstrated, synchrotron radiation nano-XRF revealed the elemental distributions of Ca, Fe, and Zn within this osmoregulatory region on the submicron scale, aiding the exploration of possible detoxification mechanisms of Zn within D. magna at the subtissue level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermosensitive fluorescent dyes can convert thermal signals into optical signals as a molecular nanoprobe. These nanoprobes are playing an increasingly important part in optical temperature sensing and imaging at the nano- and microscale. However, the ability of a fluorescent dye itself has sensitivity and accuracy limitations. Here we present a molecular strategy based on self-assembly to overcome such limitations. We found that thermosensitive nanovesicles composed of lipids and a unique fluorescent dye exhibit fluorescence switching characteristics at a threshold temperature. The switch is rapid and reversible and has a high signal to background ratio (>60), and is also highly sensitive to temperature (10–22%/°C) around the threshold value. Furthermore, the threshold temperature at which fluorescence switching is induced, can be tuned according to the phase transition temperature of the lipid bilayer membrane forming the nanovesicles. Spectroscopic analysis indicated that the fluorescence switching is induced by the aggregation-caused quenching and disaggregation-induced emission of the fluorescent dye in a cooperative response to the thermotropic phase transition of the membrane. This mechanism presents a useful approach for chemical and material design to develop fluorescent nanomaterials with superior fluorescence sensitivity to thermal signals for optical temperature sensing and imaging at the nano- and microscales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) based nanoprobe was developed for detection and imaging of endogenous peroxynitrite in living cells. The probe was fabricated by assembling 3-mercaptophenylboronic acid pinacol ester onto the surface of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The detection of peroxynitrite is accomplished via measurement of the changes in the SERS spectra (at 882 cm−1) that are caused by the reaction between probe and peroxynitrite. The probe has a fast response (<30 s), a 0.4 μM lower detection limit and a wide linearity range from 5.0 × 10−7 to 1.0 × 10−4 M. It is biocompatible and highly stable on storage and under various pH conditions. Both the reaction and the SERS signal are highly specific over other species. The nanoprobe was successfully applied to SERS imaging of peroxynitrite that is produced in macrophages under oxidative stress. Conceivably, the method has a most viable tool for use in studies on peroxynitrite-related physiological and pathological processes.Schematic presentation of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanoprobes fabricated by assembling phenylboronate on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for detecting intracellular peroxynitrite (ONOO−) via specific reaction-caused SERS changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malignant tumors constitute a serious disease that threaten human life, and early diagnosis and metastasis prediction are critical to the choice of treatment plan and the timing of treatment. Integrin αvβ3, which has received broad attention as a molecular marker of the tumor neovasculature, is an important target for monitoring tumorigenesis and progression in molecular imaging research. This study reports a magnetic resonance (MR)/fluorescence dual-mode molecular probe, cRGD-Gd-Cy5.5, which targets the integrin αvβ3 receptor and uses liposomes as carrier. The obtained nanoprobe had a size of 60.08 ± 0.45 nm, with good dispersion in water, a uniform distribution of sizes, desirable stability, and high relaxivity. Its r1 relaxation rate was 10.515 mM−1 s−1, much higher than that of other Gd chelates in clinical use. The probe showed no cytotoxicity at the tested concentrations in vitro, and its ability to target A549 cells and SUNE-1-5-8F cells was preliminarily evaluated through in vitro fluorescence imaging and MR imaging. The results demonstrated that the cRGD-Gd-Cy5.5 nanoprobe had good characteristics, showing desirable stability and biosafety, a high T1 relaxation rate, and strong targeting and binding to tumors with high expression of integrin αvβ3. Therefore, cRGD-Gd-Cy5.5 is a promising agent for the visual monitoring of tumor metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A nanoprobe was developed for the fluorometric determination of the neurotransmitter dopamine (DA). It is based on the synergistic enhancement action of citrate and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on the luminescence of Tb(III). AuNPs serve as substrates of surface enhanced fluorescence (SEF). Citrate, in turn, acts as a spacer for the SEF effect, a co-ligand of Tb(III) complex, and a recognizing component for DA. The synergistic action of citrate and AuNPs significantly increases the intrinsic green fluorescence of Tb(III) (best measured at excitation/emission peaks of 300/547 nm). Under the optimum conditions, the fluorescence intensity increases linearly in the 3.0 to 200 nM DA concentration ranging (with an R2 value of 0.9959), and the limit of detection (at S/N = 3) is 0.84 nM. The nanoprobe shows good selectivity for DA among other interfering neurotransmitters, some amino acids and ions. The method was applied to the detection of DA in human serum samples where it gave recoveries ranging from 100.5 to 102.9%.Schematic of a Tb(III) composite fluorescent nanoprobe for the sensitive determination of dopamine (DA). Citrate and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) synergistically enhance the fluorescence of Tb(III)-DA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensing of intracellular singlet oxygen (1O2) is required in order to optimize photodynamic therapy (PDT). An optical nanoprobe is reported here for the optical determination of intracellular 1O2. The probe consists of a porous particle core doped with the commercial 1O2 probe 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran (DPBF) and a layer of poly-L-lysine. The nanoparticle probes have a particle size of ~80 nm in diameter, exhibit good biocompatibility, improved photostability and high sensitivity for 1O2 in both absorbance (peak at 420 nm) and fluorescence (with excitation/emission peaks at 405/458 nm). Nanoprobes doped with 20% of DPBF are best suited even though they suffer from concentration quenching of fluorescence. In comparison with the commercial fluorescent 1O2 probe SOSG, 20%-doped DPBF-NPs (aged) shows higher sensitivity for 1O2 generated at an early stage. The best nanoprobes were used to real-time monitor the PDT-triggered generation of 1O2 inside live cells, and the generation rate is found to depend on the supply of intracellular oxygen.A fluorescent nanoprobe featured with refined selectivity and improved sensitivity towards 1O2 was prepared from the absorption-based probe DBPF and used to real-time monitoring of the generation of intracellular 1O2 produced during PDT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]