Highly Sensitive Multiplexed Sensing of miRNAs in a Gastric Cancer Patient's Liquid Biopsy.

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality in the world. Most patients are in the advanced stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis because the symptoms of early gastric cancer patients are not obvious. Early diagnosis of gastric cancer is still challenging due to the high cost, invasiveness, and low accuracy of traditional diagnostic methods such as endoscopy and biopsy.

Cellular nucleus image-based smarter microscope system for single cell analysis.

Cell imaging technology is undoubtedly a powerful tool for studying single-cell heterogeneity due to its non-invasive and visual advantages. It covers microscope hardware, software, and image analysis techniques, which are hindered by low throughput owing to abundant hands-on time and expertise. Herein, a cellular nucleus image-based smarter microscope system for single-cell analysis is reported to achieve high-throughput analysis and high-content detection of cells.

An explainable machine-learning approach for revealing the complex synthesis path-property relationships of nanomaterials.

Machine learning (ML) models have recently shown important advantages in predicting nanomaterial properties, which avoids many trial-and-error explorations. However, complex variables that control the formation of nanomaterials exhibiting the desired properties still need to be better understood owing to the low interpretability of ML models and the lack of detailed mechanism information on nanomaterial properties. In this study, we developed a methodology for accurately predicting multiple synthesis parameter-property relationships of nanomaterials to improve the interpretability of the nanomaterial property mechanism.

Metabolic Footprinting-Based DNA-AuNP Encoders for Extracellular Metabolic Response Profiling.

Metabolic footprinting as a convenient and non-invasive cell metabolomics strategy relies on monitoring the whole extracellular metabolic process. It covers nutrient consumption and metabolite secretion of in vitro cell culture, which is hindered by low universality owing to pre-treatment of the cell medium and special equipment. Here, we report the design and a variety of applicability, for quantifying extracellular metabolism, of fluorescently labeled single-stranded DNA (ssDNA)-AuNP encoders, whose multi-modal signal response is triggered by extracellular metabolites.

Point-and-shoot Strategy based on Enzyme-assisted DNA "Paper-Cutting" to Construct Arbitrary Planar DNA Nanostructures.

DNA self-assembly provides a "bottom-up" route to fabricating complex shapes on the nanometer scale. However, each structure needs to be designed separately and carried out by professionally trained technicians, which seriously restricts its development and application. Herein, a point-and-shoot strategy based on enzyme-assisted DNA "paper-cutting" to construct planar DNA nanostructures using the same DNA origami as the template is reported.

Microglial exosomal miR-466i-5p induces brain injury promoting hippocampal neuron apoptosis in heatstroke.

Background: Brain injury is the main cause of poor prognosis in heatstroke (HS) patients due to heat-stress-induced neuronal apoptosis. However, as a new cross-talk way among cells, whether microglial exosomal-microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in HS-induced neuron apoptosis has not been elucidated.

Methods: We established a heatstroke mouse model and a heat-stressed neuronal cellular model on HT22 cell line.

2D nanomaterial sensing array using machine learning for differential profiling of pathogenic microbial taxonomic identification.

An integrated custom cross-response sensing array has been developed combining the algorithm module's visible machine learning approach for rapid and accurate pathogenic microbial taxonomic identification. The diversified cross-response sensing array consists of two-dimensional nanomaterial (2D-n) with fluorescently labeled single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) as sensing elements to extract a set of differential response profiles for each pathogenic microorganism. By altering the 2D-n and different ssDNA with different sequences, we can form multiple sensing elements.

Self-assembly of DNA nanogels with endogenous microRNA toehold self-regulating switches for targeted gene regulation therapy.

Herein, a smart nanohydrogel with endogenous microRNA-21 toehold is developed to encapsulate gemcitabine-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles for targeted pancreatic cancer therapy. This toehold mediated strand displacement method can simultaneously achieve specific drug release and miRNA-21 silencing, resulting in the up-regulation of the expression of tumor suppressor genes PTEN and PDCD4.

Correction: A machine learning approach-based array sensor for rapidly predicting the mechanisms of action of antibacterial compounds.

Correction for 'A machine learning approach-based array sensor for rapidly predicting the mechanisms of action of antibacterial compounds' by Zhijun Li , , 2022, , 3087-3096, DOI: 10.1039/D1NR07452K.

A machine learning approach-based array sensor for rapidly predicting the mechanisms of action of antibacterial compounds.

Rapid and accurate identification of the mechanisms of action (MoAs) of antibacterial compounds remains a challenge for the development of antibacterial compounds. Computational inference methods for determining the MoAs of antibacterial compounds have been developed in recent years. In particular, approaches combining machine learning technology enable precisely recognizing the MoA of antibacterial compounds.

Digital Microfluidic Thermal Control Chip-Based Multichannel Immunosensor for Noninvasively Detecting Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Rapid and automated detection of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) at its developing stage is very important due to its high mortality rate. To quantitatively diagnose AMI, Myo, CK-MB, and cTnI are chosen as three biomarkers, which are usually detected through an immunosorbent assay, such as the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. However, the approach poses many drawbacks, such as long detection time, the cumbersome process, the need for professionals, and the difficulty of realizing automatic operation.

Delivery of therapeutic oligonucleotides in nanoscale.

Therapeutic oligonucleotides (TOs) represent one of the most promising drug candidates in the targeted cancer treatment due to their high specificity and capability of modulating cellular pathways that are not readily druggable. However, efficiently delivering of TOs to cancer cellular targets is still the biggest challenge in promoting their clinical translations. Emerging as a significant drug delivery vector, nanoparticles (NPs) can not only protect TOs from nuclease degradation and enhance their tumor accumulation, but also can improve the cell uptake efficiency of TOs as well as the following endosomal escape to increase the therapeutic index.

Programmable Engineering of DNA-AuNP Encoders Integrated Multimodal Coupled Analysis for Precision Discrimination of Multiple Metal Ions.

A cross-responsive strategy (CRS) based on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) through attaching various recognition receptors on the surface of AuNPs for identifying multiple analytes is presented, and the detection throughput and overall identification accuracy are improved. However, the CRS's recognition receptor cannot get comprehensive information from the target analytes limited in number and type, which determines the overall identification accuracy. Therefore, the practicability of the CRS runs into a bottleneck.

Photothermal-responsive nanosized hybrid polymersome as versatile therapeutics codelivery nanovehicle for effective tumor suppression.

Effective cancer therapies often demand delivery of combinations of drugs to inhibit multidrug resistance through synergism, and the development of multifunctional nanovehicles with enhanced drug loading and delivery efficiency for combination therapy is currently a major challenge in nanotechnology. However, such combinations are more challenging to administer than single drugs and can require multipronged approaches to delivery. In addition to being stable and biodegradable, vehicles for such therapies must be compatible with both hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs, and release drugs at sustained therapeutic levels.

Framework Nucleic Acid-Mediated Pull-Down MicroRNA Detection with Hybridization Chain Reaction Amplification.

Gastric cancer remains a disease of high mortality worldwide due to its poor prognosis. Previous studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) are effective biomarkers for early diagnosis of gastric cancer. To realize sensitive detection of related miRNAs for improved early diagnosis, classification, and survival prognosis of gastric cancer, herein we developed a framework nucleic acid (FNA)-mediated microarray for quantitative analysis of multiple miRNAs.

Ultrasensitive Detection of Metal Ions with DNA Nanostructure.

In spite of its greatly scientific and technological importance, developing rapid, low cost and sensitive microarray sensors for onsite monitoring heavy metal contamination remains challenging. Here we develop a DNA nanostructured microarray (DNM) with a tubular three-dimensional sensing surface and an ordered nanotopography for rapid and sensitive multiplex detection of heavy metal ions. In our design, DNA tetrahedral-structured probes (TSPs) are used to engineer the sensing interface with spatially resolved and density-tunable sensing spots, improving the micro-confined molecular recognition.

Programming Chemical Reaction Networks Using Intramolecular Conformational Motions of DNA.

The programmable regulation of chemical reaction networks (CRNs) represents a major challenge toward the development of complex molecular devices performing sophisticated motions and functions. Nevertheless, regulation of artificial CRNs is generally energy- and time-intensive as compared to natural regulation. Inspired by allosteric regulation in biological CRNs, we herein develop an intramolecular conformational motion strategy (InCMS) for programmable regulation of DNA CRNs.

MoS Nanoprobe for MicroRNA Quantification Based on Duplex-Specific Nuclease Signal Amplification.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play significant regulatory roles in physiologic and pathologic processes and are considered as important biomarkers for disease diagnostics and therapeutics. Simple, fast, sensitive, and selective detection of miRNAs, however, is challenged by their short length, low abundance, susceptibility to degradation, and homogenous sequence. Here, we report a novel design of nanoprobes for highly sensitive and selective detection of miRNAs based on MoS-loaded molecular beacons (MBs) and duplex-specific nuclease (DSN)-mediated signal amplification (DSNMSA).

Programmable and Multifunctional DNA-Based Materials for Biomedical Applications.

DNA encodes the genetic information; recently, it has also become a key player in material science. Given the specific Watson-Crick base-pairing interactions between only four types of nucleotides, well-designed DNA self-assembly can be programmable and predictable. Stem-loops, sticky ends, Holliday junctions, DNA tiles, and lattices are typical motifs for forming DNA-based structures.

Self-Assembly of Enzyme-Like Nanofibrous G-Molecular Hydrogel for Printed Flexible Electrochemical Sensors.

Conducting hydrogels provide great potential for creating designer shape-morphing architectures for biomedical applications owing to their unique solid-liquid interface and ease of processability. Here, a novel nanofibrous hydrogel with significant enzyme-like activity that can be used as "ink" to print flexible electrochemical devices is developed. The nanofibrous hydrogel is self-assembled from guanosine (G) and KB(OH) with simultaneous incorporation of hemin into the G-quartet scaffold, giving rise to significant enzyme-like activity.

Logic Catalytic Interconversion of G-Molecular Hydrogel.

By incorporating hemin into G-quadruplex (G) during cation-templated self-assembly between guanosine and KB(OH), we have constructed an artificial enzyme hydrogel (AEH)-based system for the highly sensitive and selective detection of Pb. The sensing strategy is based on a Pb-induced decrease in AEH activity. Because of the higher efficiency of Pb for stabilizing G compared with K, the Pb ions substitute K and trigger hemin release from G, thus giving rise to a conformational interconversion accompanied by the loss of enzyme activity.

Valence-Engineering of Quantum Dots Using Programmable DNA Scaffolds.

Precise control over the valency of quantum dots (QDs) is critical and fundamental for quantitative imaging in living cells. However, prior approaches on valence control of QDs remain restricted to single types of valences. A DNA-programmed general strategy is presented for valence engineering of QDs with high modularity and high yield.

Fabrication of Calcium Phosphate-Based Nanocomposites Incorporating DNA Origami, Gold Nanorods, and Anticancer Drugs for Biomedical Applications.

DNA origami is designed by folding DNA strands at the nanoscale with arbitrary control. Due to its inherent biological nature, DNA origami is used in drug delivery for enhancement of synergism and multidrug resistance inhibition, cancer diagnosis, and many other biomedical applications, where it shows great potential. However, the inherent instability and low payload capacity of DNA origami restrict its biomedical applications.

Poly-cytosine-mediated nanotags for SERS detection of Hg.

Highly sensitive and selective detection of heavy metal ions, such as Hg, is of great importance because the contamination of heavy metal ions has been a serious threat to human health. Herein, we have developed poly-cytosine (polyC)-mediated surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanotags as a sensor system for rapid, selective, and sensitive detection of Hg based on thymidine-Hg-thymidine (T-Hg-T) coordination and polyC-mediated Raman activity. The SERS nanotags exploit the mismatched T-T base pairs to capture Hg form T-Hg-T bridges, which induce the aggregation of nanotags giving rise to the drastic amplification in the SERS signals.

Real-Time Continuous Identification of Greenhouse Plant Pathogens Based on Recyclable Microfluidic Bioassay System.

The development of a real-time continuous analytical platform for the pathogen detection is of great scientific importance for achieving better disease control and prevention. In this work, we report a rapid and recyclable microfluidic bioassay system constructed from oligonucleotide arrays for selective and sensitive continuous identification of DNA targets of fungal pathogens. We employ the thermal denaturation method to effectively regenerate the oligonucleotide arrays for multiple sample detection, which could considerably reduce the screening effort and costs.