Backbone-modified oligonucleotides for tuning the cellular uptake behaviour of spherical nucleic acids.

Spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) are spherically arranged oligonucleotides on core inorganic nanoparticles and have great potential for intracellular delivery of bioactive molecules, since they have been found to be internalized into mammalian cells. Understanding the factors that influence the cellular uptake of SNAs would be beneficial to design SNAs with novel uptake properties. We here report the effect of the sugar backbone type of the oligonucleotides on the cellular internalization of SNAs.

A novel multigene cloning method for the production of a motile ATPase.

With the advent of nanotechnology, new functional modules (e.g., nanomotors, nanoprobes) have become essential in several medical fields.

X-DNA origami-networked core-supported lipid stratum.

DNA hydrogels are promising materials for various fields of research, such as in vitro protein production, drug carrier systems, and cell transplantation. For effective application and further utilization of DNA hydrogels, highly effective methods of nano- and microscale DNA hydrogel fabrication are needed. In this respect, the fundamental advantages of a core-shell structure can provide a simple remedy.

Self-illuminative cascade-reaction-driven anticancer therapeutic cassettes made of cooperatively interactive nanocomplexes.

Therapeutic options based on near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths have attracted attention owing to in vivo lowest-background interventions and the development of several nano-architectures with localized surface plasmon resonance. Because of their limited tissue penetration, the clinical use of NIR light-driven treatments is not widespread; this technology is inapplicable to infection sites in the deeper areas of internal tissues. In this study, we demonstrate a self-illuminative therapeutic cassette able to exert anticancer effects via a series of enzymatic, chemical, and optical cooperative cascade reactions.

Water-gel for gating graphene transistors.

Water, the primary electrolyte in biology, attracts significant interest as an electrolyte-type dielectric material for transistors compatible with biological systems. Unfortunately, the fluidic nature and low ionic conductivity of water prevents its practical usage in such applications. Here, we describe the development of a solid state, megahertz-operating, water-based gate dielectric system for operating graphene transistors.

Novel stem-loop RNA and drug-bearing DNA hybrid nanostructures specific to LNCaP prostate carcinoma.

Advances in nanotechnology have resulted in the introduction of new materials for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. In particular, DNA and RNA are viewed as representative and generic nano-blocks because of their physiochemical characteristics of specificity and nanoscopic-level accuracy. In addition, the intrinsic biocompatibility of DNA and RNA and their immune stimulation effects make these molecules ideal candidates for the rational design of novel bio-drug molecules.

Novel functional Renilla luciferase mutant provides long-term serum stability and high luminescence activity.

Fluorescent and luminescent chemical probes are essential in recent medical diagnostics. However, the use of these probes in vivo has raised concerns due to their low sensitivity, background signal interference, and non-biocompatibility. Therefore, biological chromophores have received much attention as new alternatives.

A gene-networked gel matrix-supported lipid bilayer as a synthetic nucleus system.

A spheroidal transgene-networked gel matrix was designed as a synthetic nucleus system. It was spheroidically manufactured using both advanced lithography and DNA nanotechnology. Stable Aqueorea coerulescens green fluorescent protein (AcGFP)-encoding gene cross-networks have been optimized in various parameters: the number of gene-networked gel (G-net-gel) spheroids, the concentration of a AcGFP plasmid in the scaffold, and the molar ratio between the X-DNA building blocks and the gene.

Innervation patterns of the canine masticatory muscles in comparison to human.

The aim of this study was to clarify the nerve distribution of the masseter, temporalis, and zygomaticomandibularis (ZM) muscles to elucidate the phylogenetic traits of canine mastication. A detailed dissection was made of 15 hemisectioned heads of adult beagle dogs. The innervations of the masticatory nerve twigs exhibited a characteristic pattern and were classified into seven groups.

The buccofacial wall of maxillary sinus: an anatomical consideration for sinus augmentation.

Purpose: This study aimed to quantify the thickness of the buccofacial wall of the maxillary sinus where sinus augmentations are often performed.

Materials And Methods: Fourteen sites located 15 and 20 mm superior to the anatomical cervical line (named as groups H15 and H20, respectively) and along the long axes of the mid and the interproximal of two premolars and two molars were measured from 74 Korean hemiface cadavers.

Results: The buccofacial wall of the maxillary sinus was thinnest at the area between the maxillary second premolar and first molar in groups H15 and H20.