Small-Molecule Self-Assembly Strategy for Ultrafast, Sensitive, and Portable Multiplexed Antibiotics Detection by Transistor Biosensor Arrays.

The urgent need for portable, sensitive, and accurate techniques to analyze multiple antibiotics is critical to mitigating the health risks associated with low-dose antibiotics coexposure-induced drug resistance, especially in infants. Emerging field-effect transistor (FET) biosensors are expected to realize the above requirement, but face challenges in terms of sensitivity and selectivity for complex solutions in practical applications. Here, we introduce a small-molecule coating strategy on carbon nanotube (CNT)-FET biosensor arrays to simultaneously block nonspecific adsorption and minimize Debye shielding effects, coupled with aptamer for antibiotics recognition through inkjet printing technology, which significantly improves the selectivity and sensitivity.

Tuning the Chain Conformation of Pyrenyl-Pyridine Conjugated Oligomer Nanoprobe for Ultrasensitive Fluorescent Assaying of Fe and Ascorbic Acid.

The chain conformation of conjugated oligomers are critical for constructing ultrafine fluorescent nanoprobes with outstanding sensing performances owing to their suitable molecular flexibility and fine-tuned aggregation state. Herein, a series of pyrenyl-pyridine oligomers (OPPs) were designed and conveniently prepared by one-pot Sonogashira coupling of flexible 2,6-bis(ethynyl)pyridine with different rigid pyrene unit. Novel fluorescent nanoprobes (OPPNPs, ca.

Digital microfluidic-based fluorescence methods for the automated determination of copper ions in wine.

A novel approach is introduced by combining digital microfluidic technology with click chemistry for automated sample handling on a chip, enabling accurate detection of copper ions in wine. By developing a copper-catalyzed click chemistry reaction using azide coumarin and hexanol, we have introduced a method that offers advantages such as simplicity, minimal by-products, and enhanced resistance to interference compared with other fluorescent methods. Furthermore, optimization of the digital microfluidic chip parameters enabled processing of sub-microliter samples with a droplet coefficient of variation of 0.

Magnetofluidic-Assisted Portable Automated Microfluidic Devices for Protein Detection.

To facilitate on-site detection by nonspecialists, there is a demand for the development of portable "sample-to-answer" devices capable of executing all procedures in an automated or easy-to-operate manner. Here, we developed an automated detection device that integrated a magnetofluidic manipulation system and a signal acquisition system. Both systems were controllable via a smartphone.

Sequentially Activated Smart DNA Nanospheres for Photoimmunotherapy and Immune Checkpoint Blockade.

Due to the inherent immunosuppression and immune evasion of cancer cells, combining photoimmunotherapy with immune checkpoint blockade leverages phototherapy and immune enhancement, overcoming mutual limitations and demonstrating significant anticancer potential. The main challenges include nonspecific accumulation of agents, uncontrolled activation, and drug carrier safety. Smart DNA nanospheres (NS) is developed with targeted delivery and controllable release of photosensitizers and immune agents to achieve effective synergistic therapy and minimize side effects.

A magnetic separation-assisted auto-cyclic primer extension for OSCC-associated salivary miRNA detection.

It has attracted considerable attention in the detection of salivary miRNAs for the non-invasive diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Herein, we report an innovative magnetic separation-assisted auto-cyclic primer extension (MS-ACPE) for label-free and sensitive detection of miRNA-31 in human saliva. In this work, low-abundance miRNA-31 is initially transduced into primers that can be selectively separated and concentrated using a simple magnetic separation technology.

An aptamer-responsive microneedle patch sensor platform combining with hybridization chain reaction amplification for detection of steroid hormone cortisol in skin interstitial fluid.

Fluctuations in cortisol levels from stressors are critical for the evaluation of endocrine function in body, and abnormal levels of cortisol may indicate serious health risks. Common strategies for cortisol detection are limited by the drawbacks of the intricate and time-consuming operations and the generation of body trauma. Herein, an aptamer-responsive microneedle patch sensor combining with hybridization chain reaction (HCR) amplification (Apt-HCR MN COR patch) was prepared for easy, accurate and minimally-invasive detection of cortisol in skin interstitial fluid (ISF).

I-Motif DNA Based Fluorescent Ratiometric Microneedle Sensing Patch for Sensitive Response of Small pH Variations in Interstitial Fluid.

Detection of slight pH changes in skin interstitial fluid (ISF) is crucial yet challenging for studying pathological processes and understanding personal health conditions. In this work, we construct an i-motif DNA based fluorescent ratiometric microneedle sensing patch (IFR-pH MN patch) strategy that enables minimally invasive, high-resolution, and sensitive transdermal monitoring of small pH variations in ISF. The IFR-pH MN patch with advanced integration of both ISF sampling and pH sensing was fabricated from the cross-linking of gelatin methacryloyl and methacrylated hyaluronic acid, wrapping with pH-sensitive hairpin-containing i-motif DNA based fluorescent ratiometric probes in the matrix.

Oriented triplex DNA as a synthetic receptor for transmembrane signal transduction.

Signal transduction across biological membranes enables cells to detect and respond to diverse chemical or physical signals, and replicating these complex biological processes through synthetic methods is of significant interest in synthetic biology. Here we present an artificial signal transduction system using oriented cholesterol-tagged triplex DNA (TD) as synthetic receptors to transmit and amplify signals across lipid bilayer membranes through H-mediated TD conformational transitions from duplex to triplex. An auxiliary sequence, complementary to the third strand of the TD, ensures a controlled and preferred outward orientation of cholesterol-tagged TD on membranes.

Poly-Adenine Assisted Signaling Displaced Probe Ratiometric Electrochemical Aptasensor for Accurate Detection of Alzheimer's Disease Aβ Biomarkers.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a widely prevalent neurodegenerative condition globally, arousing significant interest in the noninvasive early detection of the disease. The concentration of amyloid β (Aβ) biomarkers in the blood is closely linked to the progression of AD, emphasizing the importance of developing a precise method for detecting these biomarkers in blood samples for early diagnosis. In this study, we developed a ratiometric electrochemical aptamer-based (EAB) biosensor for accurate detection of Aβ and Aβ.

Acidic Extracellular pH-Activated Allosteric DNA Nanodevice for Fluorescence Imaging of APE1 Activity in Tumor Cells.

Allostery is a phenomenon where the binding of a ligand at one allosteric site influences the affinity for another ligand at an active site. Different from orthosteric regulation, it allows for more precise control of biomolecular activity and enhances the stability of the molecules. Inspired by allosteric regulation of natural molecules, we present a Y-shaped allosteric DNA nanodevice, termed YssAP, that was pH-responsive and functionalized with the AS1411 aptamer for accurate fluorescence imaging of human apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease (APE1) activity in tumor cells.

Tiny pH-Resolved DNA Nanospheres for Cellular Pyroptosis or Apoptosis Regulation.

The design and synthesis of nanomedicines capable of regulating programmed cell death patterns to enhance antitumor efficacy remain significant challenges in cancer therapy. In this study, we developed intelligent DNA nanospheres (NS) capable of distinguishing tiny pH changes between different endosomal compartments to regulate pyroptosis or apoptosis. These NS are self-assembled from two multifunctional DNA modules, enabling tumor targeting, acid-responsive disassembly, and photodynamic therapy (PDT) activation.

A microfluidic chip with integrated plasma separation for sample-to-answer detection of multiple chronic disease biomarkers in whole blood.

Point-of-care testing of multiple chronic disease biomarkers is crucial for timely intervention and management of chronic diseases. Here, a "sample-to-answer" microfluidic chip was developed for simultaneous detection of multiple chronic disease biomarkers in whole blood by integrating a plasma separation module. The whole detection process is very convenient, i.

G-quadruplex-Based Artificial Transmembrane Channels Induce Cancer Cell Apoptosis by Perturbing Potassium Ion Homeostasis.

Transmembrane ion transport modality has received a widespread attention due to its apoptotic activation toward anticancer cell activities. In this study, G-quadruplex-based potassium-specific transmembrane channels have been developed to facilitate the intracellular K efflux, which perturbs the cellular ion homeostasis thereby inducing cancer cell apoptosis. Cholesterol-tag, a lipophilic anchor moiety, serves as a rudiment for the G-quadruplex immobilization onto the membrane, while G-quadruplex channel structure as a transport module permits ion binding and migration along the channels.

A glaucoma micro-stent with diverging channel and stepped shaft structure based on microfluidic template processing technology.

Background: Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years. Glaucoma micro-stents serve as the foundation for these minimally invasive procedures. Nevertheless, the utilization of these stents still presents certain short-term and long-term complications.

Atomic Force Microscopy Lifetime Analysis: An Intuitive Method for Evaluating Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Dimer-Targeting Inhibitors.

Overexpression of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) or binding to ligands can lead to the formation of specific unliganded and liganded RTK dimers, and these two RTK dimers are potential targets for preventing tumor metastasis. Traditional RTK dimer inhibitor analysis was mostly based on end point assays, which required cumbersome cell handling and behavior monitoring. There are still challenges in developing intuitive process-based analytical methods to study RTK dimer inhibitors, especially those used to visually distinguish between unliganded and liganded RTK dimer inhibitors.

Development of an aptamer capable of multidrug resistance reversal for tumor combination chemotherapy.

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a major factor in the failure of many forms of tumor chemotherapy. Development of a specific ligand for MDR-reversal would enhance the intracellular accumulation of therapeutic agents and effectively improve the tumor treatments. Here, an aptamer was screened against a doxorubicin (DOX)-resistant human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2/DOX) via cell-based systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment.

Wearable Sensing Device Integrated with Prestored Reagents for Cortisol Detection in Sweat.

Wearable sweat sensors have achieved rapid development since they hold great potential in personalized health monitoring. However, a typical difficulty in practical processes is the control of working conditions for biorecognition elements, e.g.

"One suction and one extrusion" mode-based wash-free platform for determination of breast cancer cell-derived exosomes.

A simple and wash-free POCT platform based on microcapillary was developed, using breast cancer cell-derived exosomes as a model. This method adopted the "one suction and one extrusion" mode. The hybridized complex of epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) aptamer and complementary DNA-horseradish peroxidase conjugate (CDNA-HRP) was pre-modified on the microcapillary's inner surface.