Light-driven liquid metal nanotransformers for biomedical theranostics.

Room temperature liquid metals (LMs) represent a class of emerging multifunctional materials with attractive novel properties. Here, we show that photopolymerized LMs present a unique nanoscale capsule structure characterized by high water dispersibility and low toxicity. We also demonstrate that the LM nanocapsule generates heat and reactive oxygen species under biologically neutral near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation.

Photothermal and mechanical stimulation of cells via dualfunctional nanohybrids.

Stimulating cells by light is an attractive technology to investigate cellular function and deliver innovative cell-based therapy. However, current techniques generally use poorly biopermeable light, which prevents broad applicability. Here, we show that a new type of composite nanomaterial, synthesized from multi-walled carbon nanotubes, magnetic iron nanoparticles, and polyglycerol, enables photothermal and mechanical control of Ca influx into cells overexpressing transient receptor potential vanilloid type-2.

Semiconducting Polymer Nanobioconjugates for Targeted Photothermal Activation of Neurons.

Optogenetics provides powerful means for precise control of neuronal activity; however, the requirement of transgenesis and the incapability to extend the neuron excitation window into the deep-tissue-penetrating near-infrared (NIR) region partially limit its application. We herein report a potential alternative approach to optogenetics using semiconducting polymer nanobioconjugates (SPNsbc) as the photothermal nanomodulator to control the thermosensitive ion channels in neurons. SPNsbc are designed to efficiently absorb the NIR light at 808 nm and have a photothermal conversion efficiency higher than that of gold nanorods.

Magnetically and Near-Infrared Light-Powered Supramolecular Nanotransporters for the Remote Control of Enzymatic Reactions.

Cancer is one of the primary causes of death worldwide. A high-precision analysis of biomolecular behaviors in cancer cells at the single-cell level and more effective cancer therapies are urgently required. Here, we describe the development of a magnetically- and near infrared light-triggered optical control method, based on nanorobotics, for the analyses of cellular functions.

Lipid Nanotube Tailored Fabrication of Uniquely Shaped Polydopamine Nanofibers as Photothermal Converters.

Helically coiled and linear polydopamine (PDA) nanofibers were selectively fabricated with two different types of lipid nanotubes (LNTs) that acted as templates. The obtained coiled PDA-LNT hybrid showed morphological advantages such as higher light absorbance and photothermal conversion effect compared to a linear counterpart. Laser irradiation of the coiled PDA-LNT hybrid induced a morphological change and subsequent release of the encapsulated guest molecule.

In Vivo Remote Control of Reactions in Caenorhabditis elegans by Using Supramolecular Nanohybrids of Carbon Nanotubes and Liposomes.

A supramolecular nanohybrid based on carbon nanotubes and liposomes that is highly biocompatible and capable of permeation through cells is described. The nanohybrid can be loaded with a variety of functional molecules and is structurally controlled by near-infrared laser irradiation for the release of molecules from the nanohybrids in a targeted manner via microscopy. We implemented the controlled release of molecules from the nanohybrids and demonstrated remote regulation of the photoinduced nanohybrid functions.

Multifunctional carbon nanohorn complexes for cancer treatment.

Multifunctional carbon nanohorn (CNH) complexes were synthesized using oxidized CNH, magnetite (MAG) nanoparticles, and polyethyleneimine (PEI). The ferromagnetic MAG nanoparticles were loaded onto CNH (MAG-CNH) using iron(II) acetate and subsequent heat treatment. Chemical functionalization of the MAG-CNH complexes with PEI improved their water-dispersibility and allowed further conjugation with a fluorophore.

Transcriptome profiling of Lotus japonicus roots during arbuscular mycorrhiza development and comparison with that of nodulation.

To better understand the molecular responses of plants to arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, we analyzed the differential gene expression patterns of Lotus japonicus, a model legume, with the aid of a large-scale cDNA macroarray. Experiments were carried out considering the effects of contaminating microorganisms in the soil inoculants. When the colonization by AM fungi, i.

Knockdown of an arbuscular mycorrhiza-inducible phosphate transporter gene of Lotus japonicus suppresses mutualistic symbiosis.

cDNA for a major arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM)-inducible phosphate (Pi) transporter of Lotus japonicus, LjPT3, was isolated from Glomus mosseae-colonized roots. The LjPT3 transcript was expressed in arbuscule-containing cells of the inner cortex. The transport activity of the gene product was confirmed by the complementation of a yeast mutant that lacks high-affinity Pi transporters.

Cloning and expression analysis of a MAPKKK gene and a novel nodulin gene of Lotus japonicus.

We isolated a cDNA encoding mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase alpha, designated LjM3Kalpha, from Lotus japonicus, a model legume. The gene was expressed constitutively in roots, root nodules, and shoots. We also identified a novel nodulin gene, LjNUF, that shows specific expression in nodules.

cDNA cloning, mRNA expression, and mutational analysis of the squalene synthase gene of Lotus japonicus.

A full-length cDNA for squalene synthase was isolated from Lotus japonicus, a model leguminous plant. The transcript was abundant in roots, symbiotic root nodules, and shoots, in that order. In situ hybridization revealed that the mRNA level is high in expanding root cells but low in dividing root tip ones.