Supramolecular hybrids of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and phthalocyanine (Pc) dyes were studied as turn-OFF-ON photoluminescence nanosensors for detection of ds-DNA. Pcs with four (Pc4) and eight (Pc8) positive charges were selected to interact with negatively charged GQDs. The photoluminescence of the GQDs was quenched upon interaction with the Pcs, due to the formation of non-emissive complexes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMitochondria metabolism is an emergent target for the development of novel anticancer agents. It is amply recognized that strategies that allow for modulation of mitochondrial function in specific cell populations need to be developed for the therapeutic potential of mitochondria-targeting agents to become a reality in the clinic. In this work, we report dipolar and quadrupolar quinolizinium and benzimidazolium cations that show mitochondria targeting ability and localized light-induced mitochondria damage in live animal cells.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFA new block copolymer with a temperature-responsive block and a cationic block was prepared by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, with good control of its size and composition. The first block is composed by di(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (DEGMA) and oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (OEGMA), with the ratio DEGMA/OEGMA being used to choose the volume phase transition temperature of the polymer in water, tunable from ca. 25 to above 90 °C.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjectives: Sulpiride and melatonin decrease dopamine activity. Sulpiride, a D2 antagonist of dopamine receptors, and melatonin, a pineal substance with antidopaminergic action, are administered to tinnitus patients to decrease tinnitus perception.
Design: A prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study was done.