Bioimaging of microRNA34c in a single sperm using a molecular beacon.

The VisuFect-conjugated molecular beacon was developed for non-invasive visualization of microRNA34c in a living single mouse sperm.

Multimodal imaging probe for targeting cancer cells using uMUC-1 aptamer.

For adequate cancer therapy, newer imaging modalities with more specific ligands for unique targets are crucial. Underglycosylated mucin-1 (uMUC-1) antigen is an early marker of tumor development and is widely overexpressed on most tumors. A combination of nanotechnology with optical, radionuclide, and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has great potential to improve cancer diagnosis and therapy.

VisuFect-mediated siRNA delivery into zygotes.

Current methods for delivering foreign genetic materials into mammalian cells are highly successful. However, these methods cannot be applied in oocyte or embryo systems due to their toxicity and low efficiency. Moreover, no satisfactory methods exist for delivering foreign genetic material without inducing physical damage to membranes.

A self-assembling magnetic resonance beacon for the detection of microRNA-1.

A self-assembling magnetic resonance beacon was used to visualize the microRNA-1 expression-dependent change in magnetic resonance signal intensity.

Bioimaging of the microRNA-294 expression-dependent color change in cells by a dual fluorophore-based molecular beacon.

A dual fluorophore-based color-tunable molecular beacon visualized the microRNA-294 expression-dependent color change in cells.

Magnetic resonance beacon to detect intracellular microRNA during neurogenesis.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers great spatial resolution for viewing deep tissues and anatomy. We developed a self-assembling signal-on magnetic fluorescence nanoparticle to visualize intracellular microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) during neurogenesis using MRI. The self-assembling nanoparticle (miR124a MR beacon) was aggregated by the incubation of three different oligonucleotides: a 3' adaptor, a 5' adaptor, and a linker containing miR124a-binding sequences.

Microinjection free delivery of miRNA inhibitor into zygotes.

The development of gene delivery systems into embryos is challenging due to technical difficulties, delivery efficiency and toxicity. Here, we developed an organic compound (VisuFect)-mediated gene delivery system for zygotes. The VisuFect, which is hydrophilic and Cy5.

In vivo imaging of tumour bearing near-infrared fluorescence-emitting carbon nanodots derived from tire soot.

NIRF imaging of carbon nanodots derived from tire soot was clearly visualized in glioma in vitro and in vivo.

Bioimaging of targeting cancers using aptamer-conjugated carbon nanodots.

Using the excellent emission properties of carbon nanodots, we have developed an aptamer-conjugated imaging probe for targeting cancers.