VPAC receptor mediated tumor cell targeting by protamine based nanoparticles.

The receptors for vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), VPAC1-, VPAC2-, and PAC1-receptor are overexpressed by various tumor cells. VIP can target these receptors and transport conjugates into the cell. However, the use of VIP for tumor cell targeting is hampered by the peptides short half-lives due to enzymatic degradation.

Emerging applications of fluorescence spectroscopy in medical microbiology field.

There are many diagnostic techniques and methods available for diagnosis of medically important microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. But, almost all these techniques and methods have some limitations or inconvenience. Most of these techniques are laborious, time consuming and with chances of false positive or false negative results.

Liposomal vasoactive intestinal peptide for lung application: protection from proteolytic degradation.

Inhalative administration of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a promising approach for the treatment of severe lung diseases. However, the clinical use of VIP is limited by the fact that the peptide is prone to rapid degradation mechanisms and proteolytic digestion. Accordingly, VIP exhibits a very short period of activity in the lung.

Detection of nanometer-sized particles in living cells using modern fluorescence fluctuation methods.

Nanosized materials are increasingly used in medicine and biotechnology but originate also from various aerosol sources. A detailed understanding of their interaction with cells is a prerequisite for specific applications and appraisal of hazardous effects. Fluorescence fluctuation methods are applied to follow the time-course of the translocation and distribution of fluorescent 20 nm polystyrene nanoparticles with negative surface charges in HeLa cells under almost physiological conditions.