The potential diagnostic power of CD138+ microparticles from the plasma analysis for multiple myeloma clinical monitoring.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is malignant tumor with abnormal proliferation of bone marrow plasma cells. The existing clinical tools used to determine treatment response and tumor relapse are limited in sensitivity. We investigated the CD138+ microparticles (MPs) of MM patients to find out whether MPs could provide a novel means to monitor the malignant cells in MM patients.

Berberine-loaded Janus nanocarriers for magnetic field-enhanced therapy against hepatocellular carcinoma.

Berberine, an bioactive isoquinolin alkaloid from traditional Chinese herbs, is considered to be a promising agent based on its remarkable activity against hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the clinical application of this nature compound had been hampered owing to its properties such as poor aqueous solubility, low gastrointestinal absorption, and reduced bioavailability. Therefore, we developed Janus magnetic mesoporous silica nanoparticles (Fe O -mSiO NPs) consisting of a Fe O head for magnetic targeting and a mesoporous SiO body for berberine delivery.

Preparation of a FeO-Au-GO nanocomposite for simultaneous treatment of oil/water separation and dye decomposition.

A nanocomposite capable of simultaneously controlling multiple water pollutants (soluble organic dye and insoluble chemical solvent) has been obtained. The Au and FeO nanoparticles (NPs) were modified on a graphene oxide (GO) surface via light reduction and covalent attachment. The obtained FeO-Au-GO nanocomposite has magnetic driving ability and catalytic applications.

Integrated optofluidic-microfluidic twin channels: toward diverse application of lab-on-a-chip systems.

Optofluidics, which integrates microfluidics and micro-optical components, is crucial for optical sensing, fluorescence analysis, and cell detection. However, the realization of an integrated system from optofluidic manipulation and a microfluidic channel is often hampered by the lack of a universal substrate for achieving monolithic integration. In this study, we report on an integrated optofluidic-microfluidic twin channels chip fabricated by one-time exposure photolithography, in which the twin microchannels on both surfaces of the substrate were exactly aligned in the vertical direction.

Facile Synthesis of Core-shell Magnetic Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for pH-sensitive Anticancer Drug Delivery.

The facile synthesis of core-shell magnetic mesoporous silica nanoparticles (Fe3 O4 @mSiO2 NPs) was reported in aqueous phase using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide as a template under alcohol-free conditions. Compared to the conventional synthesis method for core-shell Fe3 O4 @mSiO2 NPs, the approach in this study is rapid (only 5-min reaction time), cheap (without using organic agents), and environmentally friendly (one-step synthesis in alcohol-free medium). Doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded Fe3 O4 @mSiO2 NPs exert extraordinarily high specificity for liver cancer cells, which was due to the pH-sensitive doxorubicin release, as well as higher endocytosis capacity in liver cancer cells rather than normal liver cells.

Self-propelled micromotors based on Au-mesoporous silica nanorods.

Here, a chemical powered micromotor from the assembly of Au-SiO2 nanorods is presented. This new micromotor can be propelled efficiently by hydrogen bubbles generated from a hydrolysis reaction of aqueous NaBH4 and KBH4 and by oxygen bubbles produced by decomposition of H2O2. The monodisperse Au nanoparticles in mesoporous silica particles could catalyze the decomposition of two different kinds of fuels and produce bubbles.

Magnetic/upconversion luminescent mesoparticles of Fe3O4@LaF3:Yb3+, Er3+ for dual-modal bioimaging.

Multifunctional magnetic/upconversion luminescent mesoparticles, consisting of a Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticle core and a LaF(3):Yb(3+), Er(3+) nanocrystal shell, have been developed using a facile co-precipitation approach. Owing to their excellent superparamagnetic properties, superior T(2)-enhanced magnetic resonance effect and strong upconversion emissions, the as-formed mesoparticles have great potential in diverse medical diagnostics and biological imaging.