Synthesis of a Multifunctional Glyco-Block Copolymer through Reversible Addition-Fragmentation Chain Transfer Polymerization and Click Chemistry for Enzyme and Drug Loading into MDA-MB-231 Cells.

Reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization has been used in various applications such as preparing nanoparticles, stimulus-responsive polymers, and hydrogels. In this study, the combination of this polymerization method and Cu(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition click chemistry was used to prepare the multifunctional glyco-diblock copolymer , which is composed of mannosides for cell targeting, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) for biocompatibility, and aryl-aldehyde moieties for enzyme immobilization. The alkyne group in the polymer structure enables the alternation for other azide-conjugated monomers.

Synthesis of Multi-Functional Nano-Vectors for Target-Specific Drug Delivery.

Magnetic nanoparticles have gained attention in cancer therapy due to their non-toxic properties and high bio-compatibility. In this report, we synthesize a dual-responsive magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) that is sensitive to subtle pH and temperature change as in the tumor microenvironment. Thus, the functional doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded MNP (DOX-PNIPAM-PMAA@FeO) can perform specific DOX releases in the cancer cell.

Pulmonary hair embolism in a rescued free-ranging Eurasian otter Lutra lutra in Kinmen, Taiwan.

Eurasian otters Lutra lutra are listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List and are imperiled by habitat loss, water pollution, and poaching. Harassment and attacks by stray animals are also recognized threats to the health of wild Eurasian otters. Pulmonary hair embolism is a possible complication in animals with deep traumatic injury, but to date no cases have been reported in wildlife.

Mannoside-Modified Branched Gold Nanoparticles for Photothermal Therapy to MDA-MB-231 Cells.

Recently, gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) have been used to study the treatment of malignant tumors due to their higher biocompatibility and lesser toxicity. In addition, they can be excited through a specific wavelength to produce oscillating plasmonic photothermal therapy (PPTT) on the basis of the localized surface plasma resonance (LSPR) effect. Au NPs can be heated to kill cancer cells in specific parts of the body in a noninvasive manner.

Mannosyl electrochemical impedance cytosensor for label-free MDA-MB-231 cancer cell detection.

A label-free and ultrasensitive electrochemical impedance cytosensor was developed to specifically detect the breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231 via the interaction between the mannosyl glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and the overexpressed mannose receptors on the target cell surface. The mannosyl GCE was prepared through electrografting of the amino-functionalized mannose derivatives on GCE surface in which a covalent bond was formed between carbon of the electrode and the amino group of the mannose derivative. The fluorescent microscopy indicated that the electrode is specific for MDA-MB-231 cells, with good biocompatibility for viable captured cells.