Rapid and Large-Scale Synthesis of Chiral and Fluorescent Sulfur Quantum Dots for Intracellular Temperature Monitoring.

The large-scale preparation of fluorescent nanomaterials with laboratory-relevant chemical and optical properties will greatly forward their consumer market applications; however, it still remains challenging. In this work, a universal strategy was developed for the rapid and large-scale synthesis of fluorescent sulfur quantum dots that recently has drawn great attention because of their unique optical characteristics. From the fact that empty 3d orbitals of sulfide species are able to bind with lone-pair π electrons of the heteroatomic groups, many amino-group containing compounds, such as amino acid and polyethylenimine molecules, were exploited to synthesize sulfur quantum dots.

Dual-Enhanced SERS Satellite Immuno-Nanocomplex for Multiple PSA-Mediated PHI Assay Toward Clinical Prostate Cancer Screening.

Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is widely used in liquid biopsy of prostate cancer (PCa) but still faces challenges due to the poor specificity. Herein, this study reports a double-SERS satellite immunoassay, made of an Au-Ag dealloyed intra-nanogap nanoflower (Au-Ag DINF) with strong SERS signals and Au magnetic nanoparticles (AuMNPs) with magnetic capture and SERS amplification, for sensing multiple PSA (free PSA (fPSA), complexed PSA (cPSA) and [-2]proPSA (p2PSA)) toward potential PCa screening. Unlike the previous studies focus on the tPSA and fPSA/tPSA ratio (f/t PSA%), this work introduces a multiple PSA-mediated Prostate Health Index (PHI) assay with significantly increased the predictive accuracy and specificity of PCa, especially the patients with a tPSA level in the "diagnostic gray zone".

3D hierarchic interfacial assembly of Au nanocage@Au along with IS-AgMNPs for simultaneous, ultrasensitive, reliable, and quantitative SERS detection of colorectal cancer related miRNAs.

Simultaneous, reliable, and ultra-sensitive analysis of promising miRNA biomarkers of colorectal cancer (CRC) in serum is critical for early diagnosis and prognosis of CRC. In this work, we proposed a novel 3D hierarchic assembly clusters-based SERS strategy with dual enrichment and enhancement designed for the ultrasensitive and quantitative analysis of two upregulated CRC-related miRNAs (miR-21 and miR-31). The biosensor contains the following: (1) SERS probe, Au nanocage@Au nanoparticles (AuNC@Au NPs) labeled with Raman reporters (RaRs).

Erratum: Author correction to 'Real-time SERS monitoring anticancer drug release along with SERS/MR imaging for pH-sensitive chemo-phototherapy' [Acta Pharm Sin B 13 (2023) 1303-1317].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.

Tyrosinase Monitoring by Wearable Microneedle Patch toward Clinical Melanoma Screening.

Despite the potential indicating role of tyrosinase (TYR) in cutaneous melanoma, how to capture the real changes of TYR in suspicious skin remains a major challenge. Unlike the traditional human serum test, this study reports a sensing platform that incorporates a wearable microneedle (MN) patch and trimetallic Au@Ag-Pt nanoparticles (NPs) for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and colorimetric dual-mode detecting TYR in human skin toward potential melanoma screening. In the presence of TYR, catechol immobilized on MN is preferentially oxidized to benzoquinone, which competitively impedes the interaction of MN and Au@Ag-Pt NPs, triggering the SERS-colorimetric signal reciprocal switch.

Urchin-Shaped Au-Ag@Pt Sensor Integrated Lateral Flow Immunoassay for Multimodal Detection and Specific Discrimination of Clinical Multiple Bacterial Infections.

A new lateral flow immunoassay strip (LFIA) combining sensitive detection and identification of multiple bacteria remains a huge challenge. In this study, we first developed multifunctional urchin-shaped Au-Ag@Pt nanoparticles (UAA@P NPs) with a unique combination of colorimetric-SERS-photothermal-catalytic (CM/SERS/PT/CL) properties and integrated them with LFIA for multiplexed detection and specific discrimination of pathogenic bacteria in blood samples. Unlike the conventional LFIA that relied on antibody (Ab), this novel LFIA introduced 4-mercaptophenylboronic acid (4-MPBA) as an ideal Ab replacer that was functionalized on UAA@P NPs (UAA@P/M NPs) with outstanding binding and enrichment capacities toward bacteria.

Real-time SERS monitoring anticancer drug release along with SERS/MR imaging for pH-sensitive chemo-phototherapy.

and real-time monitoring of responsive drug release is critical for the assessment of pharmacodynamics in chemotherapy. In this study, a novel pH-responsive nanosystem is proposed for real-time monitoring of drug release and chemo-phototherapy by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The FeO@Au@Ag nanoparticles (NPs) deposited graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposites with a high SERS activity and stability are synthesized and labeled with a Raman reporter 4-mercaptophenylboronic acid (4-MPBA) to form SERS probes (GO-FeO@Au@Ag-MPBA).

Well-Ordered Au Nanoarray for Sensitive and Reproducible Detection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma-Associated miRNA via CHA-Assisted SERS/Fluorescence Dual-Mode Sensing.

Ultra-sensitive detection of cancer-related biomarkers in serum is of great significance for early diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and staging of cancer. In this work, we proposed a surface-enhanced Raman scattering and fluorescence (SERS/FL) dual-mode biosensor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)-related miRNA (miR-224) detection using the composition of well-arranged Au nanoarrays (Au NAs) substrate coupled with the target-catalyzed hairpin assembly (CHA) strategy. The hot spots densely and uniformly distributed on the Au array offers considerably enhanced and reproducible SERS signals, along with their wide and open surface to facilitate miR-224 adsorption.

Multifunctional Au nano-bridged nanogap probes as ICP-MS/SERS dual-signal tags and signal amplifiers for bacteria discriminating, quantitative detecting and photothermal bactericidal activity.

Ultra-sensitive detection of pathogenic bacteria is of great significance in the early stage of bacterial infections and treatment. In this work, we report a novel strategy using multifunctional Au nano-bridged nanogap nanoparticles (Au NNPs)-based sandwich nanocomposites, that made of Concanavalin A-conjugated FeO@SiO NPs (ConA-FeO@SiO NPs)/bacteria/aptamer-modified Au NNPs (apt-Au NNPs), for bacteria discrimination and quantitative detection by surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and subsequently photothermal antibacterial assay. The sandwich nanocomposite consists of ConA-FeO@SiO NPs to magnetically enrich and photothermal killing bacteria, and dual-signal tags of apt-Au NNPs for both SERS sensing and ICP-MS quantification.

Multifunctional biosensor constructed by Ag-coating magnetic-assisted unique urchin core porous shell structure for dual SERS enhancement, enrichment, and quantitative detection of multi-components inflammatory markers.

The simultaneous, precise, and quantitative detection of multi-components inflammatory markers (IMs) in sepsis serum by surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) remains a challenging problem. A novel, multifunctional biosensor with dual enrichment and enhancement was designed for the ultrasensitive and quantitative analysis of multi-components IMs. The biosensor contains SERS tags-unique urchin core/porous shell (CPS) structure modified with Raman reporters (RaRs), magnetic assist-Ag coated FeO magnetic nanoparticles (Ag MNPs) modified with internal standard (IS), and then aptamer (Apt) modification to form the sandwich structure (Ag MNPs/IMs/CPS).

Triple-Function Au-Ag-Stuffed Nanopancakes for SERS Detection, Discrimination, and Inactivation of Multiple Bacteria.

New strategies combining sensitive pathogenic bacterial detection and high antimicrobial efficacy are urgently desirable. Here, we report smart triple-functional Au-Ag-stuffed nanopancakes (AAS-NPs) exhibiting (1) controllably oxidative Ag-etching thickness for simultaneously obtaining the best surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) enhancement and high Ag-loading antibacterial drug delivery, (2) expressive Ag-accelerated releasing capability under neutral phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) (pH ∼ 7.4) stimulus and robust antibacterial effectiveness involving sustainable Ag release, and (3) three-in-one features combining specific discrimination, sensitive detection, and inactivation of different pathogenic bacteria.

Tumor targeting and penetrating biomimetic mesoporous polydopamine nanoparticles facilitate photothermal killing and autophagy blocking for synergistic tumor ablation.

The synergistic manipulation of autophagy blocking with tumor targeting and penetration effects to enhance cancer cell killing during photothermal therapy (PTT) remains a substantial challenge. Herein, we fabricated a biomimetic nanoplatform by precisely coating homologous prostate cancer cell membranes (CMs) onto the surface of mesoporous polydopamine nanoparticles (mPDA NPs) encapsulating the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine (CQ) for synergistically manipulating PTT and autophagy for anticancer treatment. The resulting biomimetic mPDA@CMs NPs-CQ system could escape macrophage phagocytosis, overcome the vascular barrier, and home in the homologous prostate tumor xenograft with high tumor targeting and penetrating efficiency.

Ultrasmall MoS nanodots-wrapped perfluorohexane nanodroplets for dual-modal imaging and enhanced photothermal therapy.

Development of a multifunctional nanotherapeutic agent with high contrast-enhanced dual-modal imaging and photothermal therapy (PTT) efficacy is of great interest. Combination of ultrasound (US) and computed tomography (CT) imaging offers high spatial resolution images, showing great potential in medical imaging. Herein, the semiconducting perfluorohexane (PFH) nanodroplets, MoS-PFH-PLLAs, are developed by stabilizing PFH droplets with the coating shell of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLLA) and encapsulating the droplets with photoabsorbers of ultrasmall molybdenum disulfide (MoS) nanodots.

Sizes and ligands tuned gold nanocluster acting as a new type of monoamine oxidase B inhibitor.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are a class of drugs that can be used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, clinical depression, and anxiety by targeting monoamine oxidase B (MAO). However, the side effects of MAOIs drive the requirement of a new framework of enzyme inhibitors development. In this context, a new type of MAOI has been built on the framework of gold nanoclusters (AuNCs), realizing the transformation from no function of small molecules to MAOI function of ligand-modified AuNCs.

Ultrasensitive and Simultaneous SERS Detection of Multiplex MicroRNA Using Fractal Gold Nanotags for Early Diagnosis and Prognosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Sensitive and simultaneous detection of multiple cancer-related biomarkers in serum is essential for diagnosis, therapy, prognosis, and staging of cancer. Herein, we proposed a magnetically assisted sandwich-type surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based biosensor for ultrasensitive and multiplex detection of three hepatocellular carcinoma-related microRNA (miRNA) biomarkers. The biosensor consists of an SERS tag (probe DNA-conjugated DNA-engineered fractal gold nanoparticles, F-AuNPs) and a magnetic capture substrate (capture DNA-conjugated Ag-coated magnetic nanoparticles, AgMNPs).

GE11 Peptide Conjugated Liposomes for EGFR-Targeted and Chemophotothermal Combined Anticancer Therapy.

How to actively target tumor sites manipulating the controllable release of the encapsulated anticancer drugs and photosensitizers for synergistic anticancer therapy remains a big challenge. In this study, a cancer cell-targeted, near-infrared (NIR) light-triggered and anticancer drug loaded liposome system (LPs) was developed for synergistic cancer therapy. Photosensitizer indocyanine green (ICG) and chemotherapy drug Curcumin (CUR) were coencapsulated into the liposomes, followed by the surface conjugation of GE11 peptide for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) targeting on the cancer cell surface.

Real-time monitoring of aristolochic acid I reduction process using surface-enhanced Raman Spectroscopy with DFT simulation.

With the increasing number of reports on aristolochic acid I (AAI), more and more toxic and side effects have been discovered successively. The main recognized carcinogenic mechanism is that AAI is metabolized into aristololactam I (AAT) in the body by nitroreductases, ultimately forming AAT-DNA adducts that cause disease. However, the carcinogenic mechanism is still not well understood by currently reported indirect method, there has always been a great demand to develop a direct method for real-time monitoring such process.

Cobalt oxide nanoparticle-synergized protein degradation and phototherapy for enhanced anticancer therapeutics.

How to enable protein degradation pathways including the autophagy-lysosome pathway (ALP) and the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) to enhance the efficacy of anticancer treatments remains a substantial challenge. Cobalt oxide nanoparticles (CoO NPs) have attracted interest in recent years for their potential use as a synergistic anticancer treatment, although their therapeutic mechanisms of action are still poorly understood. Here, we describe the synergistic use of CoO NPs as an autophagy inhibitor, chemosensitizer and photosensitizer, which manipulate protein degradation pathways (ALP and UPS) and photothermal therapy for enhanced anticancer treatments both in vitro and in vivo.

Click-Reaction-Triggered SERS Signals for Specific Detection of Monoamine Oxidase B Activity.

Human monoamine oxidases (MAOs) play important roles in maintaining the homeostasis of biogenic amines. One of its isoforms, monoamine oxidase B (MAOB), is thought to be involved in several neurodegenerative diseases, which make the selective detection of MAOB activity essential. In this work, a novel surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensor was fabricated and the MAOB activity was specifically determined by detecting the SERS signals of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction product via an amine-aldehyde click reaction.

Macrophage-Targeted Isoniazid-Selenium Nanoparticles Promote Antimicrobial Immunity and Synergize Bactericidal Destruction of Tuberculosis Bacilli.

Pathogenesis hallmarks for tuberculosis (TB) are the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) escape from phagolysosomal destruction and limited drug delivery into infected cells. Several nanomaterials can be entrapped in lysosomes, but the development of functional nanomaterials to promote phagolysosomal Mtb clearance remains a big challenge. Here, we report on the bactericidal effects of selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) against Mtb and further introduce a novel nanomaterial-assisted anti-TB strategy manipulating Ison@Man-Se NPs for synergistic drug-induced and phagolysosomal destruction of Mtb.

A nanohybrid composed of MoS quantum dots and MnO nanosheets with dual-emission and peroxidase mimicking properties for use in ratiometric fluorometric detection and cellular imaging of glutathione.

A nanohybrid probe was fabricated from manganese dioxide nanosheets (MnO NSs), molybdenum disulfide quantum dots (MoS QDs) and o-phenylenediamine (OPD) for ratiometric detection of glutathione (GSH) in aqueous solutions and living cells. The MoS QDs act as the fluorescent "turn off-on" units. The MnO NSs have 3 functions, viz.

Phase-shifted pentafluorobutane nanoparticles for ultrasound imaging and ultrasound-mediated hypoxia modulation.

The integration of ultrasound (US) contrast enhancement with oxygen-loading nanoagents provide the synergistic strategy for simultaneously US imaging and hypoxic microenvironment modulation. Herein, we synthesize pentafluorobutane (PFB)-loading methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(l-lactide) (PLLA) nanoparticle as the novel US-contrast-enhanced agent and demonstrate that PFB@PLLA effectively loads oxygen. We characterize the nanosize, phase-transformation property and oxygen-loading amount of PFB@PLLA and investigate the effectiveness of these nanoagents in US-contrast-enhanced imaging.

Molybdenum disulfide nanoflowers mediated anti-inflammation macrophage modulation for spinal cord injury treatment.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) can cause locomotor dysfunctions and sensory deficits. Evidence shows that functional nanodrugs can regulate macrophage polarization and promote anti-inflammatory cytokine expression, which is feasible in SCI immunotherapeutic treatments. Molybdenum disulfide (MoS) nanomaterials have garnered great attention as potential carriers for therapeutic payload.

Expanding the interlayers of molybdenum disulfide toward the highly sensitive sensing of hydrogen peroxide.

Expandable interlayers in two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides enable the regulation of physicochemical properties toward boosted applications. Herein, interlayer-expanded MoS2 (IE-MoS2) was designed as a sensitive electrochemical biosensor for H2O2via a one-step hydrothermal process employing excessive thiourea. This facile fabrication successfully avoids the complicated manipulations in conventional exfoliation-resembling strategies.

MoS nanosheets with peroxidase mimicking activity as viable dual-mode optical probes for determination and imaging of intracellular hydrogen peroxide.

The authors describe a dual-mode (colorimetric-fluorometric) nanoprobe for HO that was fabricated by covering molybdenum disulfide nanosheets (MoS NS) with ortho-phenylenediamine (OPD). The probe (OPD-MoS NS) was applied to the optical determination of HO, to the quantitation of cell numbers, and to the detection of intracellular concentrations of HO. Oxidation by HO leads to a colored and fluorescent product (oxidized OPD) with absorption/excitation/fluorescence peaks at 450/450/557 nm.