Novel multifunctional nanospheres of ZnFeO@Ag: synthesis, properties and application for multi-modality tumor imaging.

New multifunctional nanospheres have been designed and synthesized through a green and facile strategy, which could be readily used in multi-modality tumor imaging through near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) imaging. Such nanospheres are made of porous superparamagnetic ZnFeO nanosphere cores covered by a thin layer shell of Ag clusters. While the shell of Ag clusters provides efficient NIRF imaging, the ZnFeO nanosphere cores allow external magnetic manipulation and readily facilitates their utilization for MRI and CT imaging.

Near-infrared fluorescence imaging of cancer cells and tumors through specific biosynthesis of silver nanoclusters.

Human life toll by cancer, one of the highest among most dreaded diseases in advanced societies, could be reduced by implementing evidence-based strategies for its prevention, early diagnosis and assessment of the progress and suitability of therapies by fast and non-invasive methods. In this contribution, a novel strategy is reported for highly sensitive recognition and in vivo imaging of cancer cells taking advantage of their spontaneous ability to generate silver nanoclusters (NCs) with high near-infrared fluorescence emission by intracellular reduction of innocuous silver salts. Both ex vivo experiments comparing cancer cell models to normal cells and in vivo imaging of subcutaneous xenografted tumor (cervical carcinoma model) in nude mice established the validity of this strategy for precise and selective imaging of cells and tumors.

Fabrication of hollow PbS nanospheres and application in phenol release.

This article demonstrates a versatile method to prepare the hollow PbS nanospheres via the template method. First, the latex poly (vinyl benzyl chloride) (PVBC) nanoparticles were synthesized by the radical polymerization, followed by the atom transfer reversible polymerization of lead (II) dimethacrylate (Pb (MA)2) on the surfaces of the latex nanoparticles. Then, the ethanethioamide was reacted with the nanoparticles to afford the PbS.

Antimicrobial activity of a ferrocene-substituted carborane derivative targeting multidrug-resistant infection.

Multidrug resistance (MDR) of bacteria is still an unsolved serious problem to threaten the health of human beings. Developing new antibacterial agents, therefore, are urgently needed. Herein, we have explored the possibility to design and synthesize some novel antibacterial agents including ferrocene-substituted carborane derivative (Fc(2)SBCp(1)) and have evaluated the relevant antibacterial action against two clinical common MDR pathogens (i.