Photonic crystals on copolymer film for label-free detection of DNA hybridization.

The presence of a single-nucleotide polymorphism in Apolipoprotein E4 gene is implicated with the increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, detection of AD-related DNA oligonucleotide sequence associated with Apolipoprotein E4 gene sequence was achieved using localized-surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) on 2D-Photonic crystal (2D-PC) and Au-coated 2D-PC surfaces. 2D-PC surfaces were fabricated on a flexible copolymer film using nano-imprint lithography (NIL).

Au nanostructured surfaces for electrochemical and localized surface plasmon resonance-based monitoring of α-synuclein-small molecule interactions.

In this proof-of-concept study, the fabrication of novel Au nanostructured indium tin oxide (Au-ITO) surfaces is described for the development of a dual-detection platform with electrochemical and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR)-based biosensing capabilities. Nanosphere lithography (NSL) was applied to fabricate Au-ITO surfaces. Oligomers of α-synuclein (αS) were covalently immobilized to determine the electrochemical and LSPR characteristics of the protein.

Nanomolar-Potency Small Molecule Inhibitor of STAT5 Protein.

We herein report the design and synthesis of the first nanomolar binding inhibitor of STAT5 protein. Lead compound , possessing a phosphotyrosyl-mimicking salicylic acid group, potently and selectively binds to STAT5 over STAT3, inhibits STAT5-SH2 domain complexation events , silences activated STAT5 in leukemic cells, as well as STAT5's downstream transcriptional targets, including and , and, as a result, leads to apoptosis. We believe represents a useful probe for interrogating STAT5 function in cells as well as being a potential candidate for advanced preclinical trials.

Potent Targeting of the STAT3 Protein in Brain Cancer Stem Cells: A Promising Route for Treating Glioblastoma.

The STAT3 gene is abnormally active in glioblastoma (GBM) and is a critically important mediator of tumor growth and therapeutic resistance in GBM. Thus, for poorly treated brain cancers such as gliomas, astrocytomas, and glioblastomas, which harbor constitutively activated STAT3, a STAT3-targeting therapeutic will be of significant importance. Herein, we report a most potent, small molecule, nonphosphorylated STAT3 inhibitor, 31 (SH-4-54) that strongly binds to STAT3 protein (K D = 300 nM).

Au nanoparticle-modified DNA sensor based on simultaneous electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and localized surface plasmon resonance.

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) were performed on the same Au nanoparticle (AuNP)-modified indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass surfaces. Cyclic voltammetry was applied to electrodeposit AuNPs on ITO surface directly. The surface plasmon band characterization of AuNPs was initially studied by controlling the electrodeposition conditions.

LED-based interferometric reflectance imaging sensor for the detection of amyloid-β aggregation.

Self-aggregation of amyloid-β (Aβ) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Small molecule inhibitors of Aβ fibril formation reduce the Aβ-mediated neurotocixity. In this report, the interaction of amyloid-β (Aβ) with well-described modulators, (-)epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and Zn(ii), was detected using a LED-based interferometric reflectance imaging sensor (LED-IRIS) in a high-throughput and real-time format.

Electroanalysis of the interaction between (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and amyloid-β in the presence of copper.

The misfolding of amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide is one of the pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Polyphenols are strong antioxidants and metal chelators, with characteristics that are of beneficial therapeutic values for their development as candidates targeting neurodegenerative and metal-induced diseases. We have demonstrated here the electrochemical properties of a green tea component, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), and its potent activity on Aβ peptides.

Surface plasmon resonance imaging of amyloid-β aggregation kinetics in the presence of epigallocatechin gallate and metals.

A number of human protein misfolding disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), are closely related to the accumulation of β-sheet-rich amyloid fibrils or aggregates. Neuronal toxicity in AD has been linked to the interactions of amyloid-β (Aβ) with metals, especially Zn(2+), Cu(2+), and Fe(3+), which leads to the production of reactive oxygen species. Nucleation-dependent Aβ aggregation, or "seeding", is thought to propagate fibril formation.

Photonic crystals on copolymer film for bacteria detection.

The development of two-dimensional photonic crystals (PCs) on a copolymer film is described in connection with Fresnel reflection spectroscopy and fluorescence microscopy. Label-free detection of Legionella pneumophila was performed using a PC platform with a detection limit of 200 cells/mL. L.

Oxidative stress effect of dopamine on α-synuclein: electroanalysis of solvent interactions.

The interaction of dopamine (DA) and α-synuclein (α-S) can lead to protein misfolding and neuronal death triggered by oxidative stress relevant to the progression of Parkinson's disease (PD). In this study, interfacial properties associated with DA-induced α-S aggregation under various solution conditions (i.e.

Disposable immunochips for the detection of Legionella pneumophila using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.

The rapid diagnosis of Legionellosis is crucial for the effective treatment of this disease. Currently, most clinical laboratories utilize rapid immunoassays that are sufficient for the detection of Legionella serogroup 1, but not other clinically relevant serogroups. In this report, the development of a disposable immunochip system is described in connection with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and fluorescence microscopy.

Reflection spectroscopy for the determination of Au nanostructure formation on carbon surfaces.

Au electrodeposition has been performed on carbon electrodes to fabricate Au nanostructures on the working electrode of screen-printed carbon chips. The amount of Au deposited was characterized using the raw reflection spectra obtained by detecting UV-Vis spectrum reflected from the electrode surface. SEM images at different deposition time points provided evidence for the growth of Au nanostructures.

Optical trapping for the characterization of amyloid-beta aggregation kinetics.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is marked by the accumulation of neuronal plaques from insoluble amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides. Growing evidence for the role of Aβ oligomers in neuronal cell cytotoxicity and pathogenesis has prompted the development of novel techniques to better understand the early stages of aggregation. Near infrared (NIR) optical trapping was applied to characterize the early stages of Aβ aggregation in the presence of a β-sheet intercalating dye, Congo Red (CR), as the fluorescent marker.