Adenosine Triphosphate-Induced Rapid Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation of a Model IgG1 mAb

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is amphiphilic in nature and has the characteristics of a hydrotrope because of the charged triphosphate moiety and the large aromatic ring located on each end of its structure. Previous studies revealed that ATP can effectively maintain the solubility and prevent liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of some biological proteins. In this study, we assessed the impact of ATP on the stability of a model therapeutic IgG1 antibody (MA1) to evaluate its potential application in protein formulation design. In our system, ATP promotes rapid LLPS of MA1 and we demonstrate that the ATP-MA1 static interaction drives phase separation of MA1. The attractive protein-protein interaction increased exclusively in the presence of ATP but not in the presence of other ATP analogues, such as adenosine diphosphate, adenosine monophosphate, and adenine. Through an intrinsic fluorescence quenching study, we revealed that ATP bound to MA1 electrostatically and formed static interactions; furthermore, such static ATP-MA1 interactions significantly altered the surface property of the protein and the protein-protein interactions and subsequently induced LLPS of MA1. This ATP-induced LLPS could be effectively eliminated by Mg²⁺, which chelated with ATP and thus negated ATP-MA1 static interaction. Our results revealed the unique molecular mechanism of ATP-induced rapid LLPS of MA1.

A new fluorescence method for detection of famotidine based on polyethyleneimine-templated Ag nanoclusters

A rapid, simple, inexpensive fluorescence analysis method for determination of famotidine based on polyethyleneimine (PEI)-capped Ag nanoclusters (PEI-Ag NCs) was developed. The study showed that addition of famotidine could cause efficient quenching of PEI-Ag NC fluorescence, as the presence of famotidine could cause aggregation of Ag NCs and quench its fluorescence. The sensitivity and selectivity of the method were investigated and experimental conditions such as buffer type, pH, temperature, and reaction time were optimized. Under optimized conditions, the results showed a linear profile from 3.7 × 10^-8 to 3.7 × 10^-5 mol/L, and had a detection limit of 1.6 × 10^-9 mol/L (S/N = 3).

Sensing of Proteins by ICD Response of Iron(II) Clathrochelates Functionalized by Carboxyalkylsulfide Groups

Recognition of elements of protein tertiary structure is crucial for biotechnological and biomedical tasks; this makes the development of optical sensors for certain protein surface elements important. Herein, we demonstrated the ability of iron(II) clathrochelates (1-3) functionalized with mono-, di- and hexa-carboxyalkylsulfide to induce selective circular dichroism (CD) response upon binding to globular proteins. Thus, inherently CD-silent clathrochelates revealed selective inducing of CD spectra when binding to human serum albumin (HSA) (1, 2), beta-lactoglobuline (2) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) (3). Hence, functionalization of iron(II) clathrochelates with the carboxyalkylsulfide group appears to be a promising tool for the design of CD-probes sensitive to certain surface elements of proteins tertiary structure. Additionally, interaction of 1-3 with proteins was also studied by isothermal titration calorimetry, protein fluorescence quenching, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and computer simulations. Formation of both 1:1 and 1:2 assemblies of HSA with 1-3 was evidenced by ESI-MS. A protein fluorescence quenching study suggests that 3 binds with both BSA and HSA via the sites close to Trp residues. Molecular docking calculations indicate that for both BSA and HSA, binding of 3 to Site I and to an "additional site" is more favorable energetically than binding to Site II.

Dependence of Fluorescence Quenching of CY3 Oligonucleotide Conjugates on the Oxidation Potential of the Stacking Base Pair

To understand the complex fluorescence properties of astraphloxin (CY3)-labelled oligonucleotides, it is necessary to take into account the redox properties of the nucleobases. In oligonucleotide hybrids, we observed a dependence of the fluorescence intensity on the oxidation potential of the neighbouring base pair. For the series I < A < G < 8-oxoG, the extent of fluorescence quenching follows the trend of decreasing oxidation potentials. In a series of 7 nt hybrids, stacking interactions of CY3 with perfect match and mismatch base pairs were found to stabilise the hybrid by 7–8 kJ/mol. The fluorescence measurements can be explained by complex formation resulting in fluorescence quenching that prevails over the steric effect of a reduced excited state trans-cis isomerisation, which was expected to increase the fluorescence efficiency of the dye when stacking to a base pair. This can be explained by the fact that, in a double strand, base pairing and stacking cause a dramatic change in the oxidation potential of the nucleobases. In single-molecule fluorescence measurements, the oxidation of G to 8-oxoG was observed as a result of photoinduced electron transfer and subsequent chemical reactions. Our results demonstrate that covalently linked CY3 is a potent oxidant towards dsDNA. Sulfonated derivatives should be used instead.

Mapping Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes in Photosynthetic Algae by Single-Cell Confocal Raman Microscopy

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are among the most exploited carbon allotropes in the emerging technologies of molecular sensing and bioengineering. However, the advancement of algal nanobiotechnology and nanobionics is hindered by the lack of methods for the straightforward visualization of the CNTs inside the cell. Herein, we present a handy and label-free experimental strategy based on visible Raman microscopy to assess the internalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) using the model photosynthetic alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii as a recipient. The relationship between the properties of SWCNTs and their biological behavior was demonstrated, along with the occurrence of excitation energy transfer from the excited chlorophyll molecules to the SWCNTs. The non-radiative deactivation of the chlorophyll excitation promoted by the SWCNTs enables the recording of Raman signals originating from cellular compounds located near the nanotubes, such as carotenoids, polyphosphates, and starch. Furthermore, the outcome of this study unveils the possibility to exploit SWCNTs as spectroscopic probes in photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic systems where the fluorescence background hinders the acquisition of Raman scattering signals.

Determination of cefixime in pure form, in pharmaceutical products and biological samples through fluorescence quenching of eosin Y

A simple, economic and validated spectrofluorimetric method was developed to assay cefixime (CFX). The technique relies on the quenching effect of CFX on the fluorescence intensity of eosin Y in the presence of acetate buffer pH 3.4 to produce an ion-pair complex that is measured at 549 nm using an excitation wavelength of 300 nm. Reaction-influencing factors were carefully investigated and optimized. The fluorescence quenching value was linear to the CFX concentration in the range 0.2-40 μg/ml with a correlation coefficient of 0.992. The calculated limit of detection and limit of quantification were found to be 0.00242 and 0.0080 μg ml^-1 , respectively. The selectivity of the method was confirmed by studying the effects of excipients and no interference was distinguished. The developed method was used to determine CFX in marketable products and in biological samples. To validate the method, directives of the International Conference on Harmonization were applied and per cent recoveries obtained ranged from 95.30 to 102.50% for pharmaceutical products and from 97.00 to 103.00% for biological fluids.

Multistep substrate binding and engagement by the AAA+ ClpXP protease

Escherichia coli ClpXP is one of the most thoroughly studied AAA+ proteases, but relatively little is known about the reactions that allow it to bind and then engage specific protein substrates before the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-fueled mechanical unfolding and translocation steps that lead to processive degradation. Here, we employ a fluorescence-quenching assay to study the binding of ssrA-tagged substrates to ClpXP. Polyphasic stopped-flow association and dissociation kinetics support the existence of at least three distinct substrate-bound complexes. These kinetic data fit well to a model in which ClpXP and substrate form an initial recognition complex followed by an intermediate complex and then, an engaged complex that is competent for substrate unfolding. The initial association and dissociation steps do not require ATP hydrolysis, but subsequent forward and reverse kinetic steps are accelerated by faster ATP hydrolysis. Our results, together with recent cryo-EM structures of ClpXP bound to substrates, support a model in which the ssrA degron initially binds in the top portion of the axial channel of the ClpX hexamer and then is translocated deeper into the channel in steps that eventually pull the native portion of the substrate against the channel opening. Reversible initial substrate binding allows ClpXP to check potential substrates for degrons, potentially increasing specificity. Subsequent substrate engagement steps allow ClpXP to grip a wide variety of sequences to ensure efficient unfolding and translocation of almost any native substrate.

Rapid Target Binding and Cargo Release of Activatable Liposomes Bearing HER2 and FAP Single-Chain Antibody Fragments Reveal Potentials for Image-Guided Delivery to Tumors

Liposomes represent suitable tools for the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of diseases, including cancers. To study the role of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) as target in cancer imaging and image-guided deliveries, liposomes were encapsulated with an intrinsically quenched concentration of a near-infrared fluorescent dye in their aqueous interior. This resulted in quenched liposomes (termed LipQ), that were fluorescent exclusively upon degradation, dye release, and activation. The liposomes carried an always-on green fluorescent phospholipid in the lipid layer to enable tracking of intact liposomes. Additionally, they were functionalized with single-chain antibody fragments directed to fibroblast activation protein (FAP), a marker of stromal fibroblasts of most epithelial cancers, and to HER2, whose overexpression in 20–30% of all breast cancers and many other cancer types is associated with a poor treatment outcome and relapse. We show that both monospecific (HER2-IL) and bispecific (Bi-FAP/HER2-IL) formulations are quenched and undergo HER2-dependent rapid uptake and cargo release in cultured target cells and tumor models in mice. Thereby, tumor fluorescence was retained in whole-body NIRF imaging for 32–48 h post-injection. Opposed to cell culture studies, Bi-FAP/HER2-IL-based live confocal microscopy of a high HER2-expressing tumor revealed nuclear delivery of the encapsulated dye. Thus, the liposomes have potentials for image-guided nuclear delivery of therapeutics, and also for intraoperative delineation of tumors, metastasis, and tumor margins.

Reductive Charge Transfer through an RNA Aptamer

The transfer of charges through double helical DNA is a very well investigated bioelectric phenomenon. RNA, on the contrary, has been less studied in this regard. The few available data report on charge transfer through RNA duplex structures mainly composed of homonucleotide sequences. In the light of the RNA world scenarios, it is an interesting question, if charge transfer can be coupled with RNA function. Functional RNAs however, contain versatile structural motifs. Therefore, electron transport also through non‐Watson–Crick base‐paired regions might be required. We here demonstrate distance‐dependent reductive charge transfer through RNA duplexes and through the non‐Watson–Crick base‐paired region of an RNA aptamer.

Recent Developments of Carbon Dots in Biosensing: A Review

Early diagnosis of diseases is of great importance because it increases the chance of a cure and significantly reduces treatment costs. Thus, development of rapid, sensitive, and reliable biosensing techniques is essential for the benefits of human life and health. As such, various nanomaterials have been explored to improve performance of biosensors, among which, carbon dots (CDs) have received enormous attention due to their excellent performance. In this Review, the recent advancements of CD-based biosensors have been carefully summarized. First, biosensors are classified according to their sensing strategies, and the role of CDs in these sensors is elaborated in detail. Next, several typical CD-based biosensors (including CD-only, enzymatic, antigen-antibody, and nucleic acid biosensors) and their applications are fully discussed. Last, advantages, challenges, and perspectives on the future trends of CD-based biosensors are highlighted.

Bovine β-casein binding studies of a Schiff base ligand: fluorescence and circular dichroism approaches

In this study, a Schiff base derived from a heterocyclic moiety was synthesized and characterized. The in vitro binding behaviour of this ligand with β-casein (β-CN) was investigated using biophysical techniques. For evaluation, thermodynamics variables of interactions between the Schiff base ligand and β-CN, such as fluorescence at different temperatures, were measured. The results showed that the Schiff base ligand possessed considerable associated binding to β-CN and that the procedure was enthalpy driven. The β-CN conformation was also changed to give a further unfolded structure. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer was used to estimate the interval between donor (β-CN) and acceptor (Schiff base ligand). All these experimental results proposed that β-CN might act as carrier protein for the Schiff base ligand to deliver it to the target molecules.

Synthesis, Characterization, Photoluminescence, Molecular Docking and Bioactivity of Zinc (II) Compounds Based on Different Substituents

Six new zinc(II) complexes were prepared by the reaction of ZnBr₂ or ZnI₂ with 4′-(substituted-phenyl)-2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine compounds, bearing p-methylsulfonyl (L¹), p-methoxy (L²) and p-methyl (L³), which were characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, NMR and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The antiproliferative properties against Eca-109, A549 and Bel-7402 cell lines and the cytotoxicity test on RAW-264.7 of these compounds were monitored using a CCK-8 assay, and the studies indicate that the complexes show higher antiproliferative activities than cisplatin. The interactions of these complexes with CT-DNA and proteins (BSA) were studied by UV-Vis, circular dichroism (CD) and fluorescent spectroscopy, respectively. The results indicate that the interaction of these zinc(II) complexes with CT-DNA is achieved through intercalative binding, and their strong binding affinity to BSA is fulfilled through a static quenching mechanism. The simulation of the complexes with the CT-DNA fragment and BSA was studied by using molecular docking software. It further validates that the complexes interact with DNA through intercalative binding mode and that they have a strong interaction with BSA.

Development of a Ratiometric Fluorescent Glucose Sensor Using an Oxygen-Sensing Membrane Immobilized with Glucose Oxidase for the Detection of Glucose in Tears

Glucose concentration is an important parameter in biomedicine since glucose is involved in many metabolic pathways in organisms. Many methods for glucose detection have been developed for use in various applications, particularly in the field of healthcare in diabetics. In this study, ratiometric fluorescent glucose-sensing membranes were fabricated based on the oxygen levels consumed in the glucose oxidation reaction under the catalysis of glucose oxidase (GOD). The oxygen concentration was measured through the fluorescence quenching effect of an oxygen-sensitive fluorescent dye like platinum meso-tetra (pentafluorophenyl) porphyrin (PtP) by oxygen molecules. Coumarin 6 (C6) was used as a reference dye in the ratiometric fluorescence measurements. The glucose-sensing membrane consisted of two layers: The first layer was the oxygen-sensing membrane containing polystyrene particles (PS) doped with PtP and C6 (e.g., PS@C6^PtP) in a sol–gel matrix of aminopropyltrimethoxysilane and glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GA). The second layer was made by immobilizing GOD onto one of three supporting polymers over the first layer. These glucose-sensing membranes were characterized in terms of their response, reversibility, interferences, and stability. They showed a wide detection range to glucose concentration in the range of 0.1 to 10 mM, but high sensitivity with a linear detection range of 0.1 to 2 mM glucose. This stable and sensitive ratiometric fluorescent glucose biosensor provides a reliable way to determine low glucose concentrations in blood serum by measuring tear glucose.

The Cyt1Aa toxin from Bacillus thuringiensis inserts into target membranes via different mechanisms in insects, red blood cells, and lipid liposomes

Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis produces crystal inclusions composed of three-domain Cry proteins and cytolytic Cyt toxins, which are toxic to different mosquito larvae. A key component is the Cyt toxin, which synergizes the activity of the other Cry toxins, thereby resulting in high toxicity. The precise mechanism of action of Cyt toxins is still debated, and two models have been proposed: the pore formation model and the detergent effect. Here, we performed a systematic structural characterization of the Cyt toxin interaction with different membranes, including in Aedes aegypti larval brush border membrane vesicles, small unilamellar vesicle liposomes, and rabbit erythrocytes. We examined Cyt1Aa insertion into these membranes by analyzing fluorescence quenching in solution and in the membrane-bound state. For this purpose, we constructed several Cyt1Aa variants having substitutions with a single cysteine residue in different secondary structures, enabling Cys labeling with Alexa Fluor 488 for quenching analysis using I-soluble quencher in solution and in the membrane-bound state. We identified the Cyt1Aa residues exposed to the solvent upon membrane insertion, predicting a possible topology of the membrane-inserted toxin in the different membranes. Moreover, toxicity assays with these variants revealed that Cyt1Aa exerts its insecticidal activity and hemolysis through different mechanisms. We found that Cyt1Aa exhibits variable interactions with each membrane system, with deeper insertion into mosquito larva membranes, supporting the pore formation model, whereas in the case of erythrocytes and small unilamellar vesicles, Cyt1Aa's insertion was more superficial, supporting the notion that a detergent effect underlies its hemolytic activity.

Synthesis, Cyclooxygenases Inhibition Activities and Interactions with BSA of N-substituted 1H-pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyridine-1,3(2H)-diones Derivatives

Inhibition of cyclooxygenase is the way of therapeutic activities for anti-inflammatory pharmaceuticals. Serum albumins are the major soluble protein able to bind and transport a variety of exogenous and endogenous ligands, including hydrophobic pharmaceuticals. In this study, a novel N-substituted 1H-pyrrolo[3-c]pyridine-1,3(2H)-diones derivatives were synthesized and biologically evaluated for their inhibitory activity against cyclooxygenases and interactions with BSA. In vitro, COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition assays were performed. Interaction with BSA was studied by fluorescence spectroscopy and circular dichroism measurement. The molecular docking study was conducted to understand the binding interaction of compounds in the active site of cyclooxygenases and BSA. The result of the COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitory studies revealed that all the compounds potentially inhibited COX-1 and COX-2. The IC₅₀ value was found similar to meloxicam. The intrinsic fluorescence of BSA was quenched by tested compounds due to the formation of A/E-BSA complex. The results of the experiment and molecular docking confirmed the main interaction forces between studied compounds and BSA were hydrogen bonding and van der Waals force.

Long-Term Detection of Oncogenic MicroRNA in Living Human Cancer Cells by Gold@ Polydopamine-Shell Nanoprobe

Oncogenic microRNAs (miRNA), for example, miR-155, are key tumor biomarkers in cancer cells that drive tumorigenesis, and the miRNA profile signature can predict cancer development and aggressiveness. Hence, timely detection of oncogenic miRNA in living cells is highly attractive to the diagnosis of cancer at an early stage. Herein, we report a highly sequence-specific gold@polydopamine-based nanoprobe for long-term detection of miRNA in human cancer cell lines in vitro. A single administration of the nanoprobe enables continuous detection of the miR-155 expression level in living cancer cells for up to 5 days. We believe that our nanoprobe is highly promising for both oncology research and translational applications.

Dynamical and allosteric regulation of photoprotection in light harvesting complex II

Major light-harvesting complex of photosystem II (LHCII) plays a dual role in light-harvesting and excited energy dissipation to protect photodamage from excess energy. The regulatory switch is induced by increased acidity, temperature or both. However, the molecular origin of the protein dynamics at the atomic level is still unknown. We carried out temperature-jump time-resolved infrared spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations to determine the energy quenching dynamics and conformational changes of LHCII trimers. We found that the spontaneous formation of a pair of local α-helices from the 3₁₀-helix E/loop and the C-terminal coil of the neighboring monomer, in response to the increased environmental temperature and/or acidity, induces a scissoring motion of transmembrane helices A and B, shifting the conformational equilibrium to a more open state, with an increased angle between the associated carotenoids. The dynamical allosteric conformation change leads to close contacts between the first excited state of carotenoid lutein 1 and chlorophyll pigments, facilitating the fluorescence quenching. Based on these results, we suggest a unified mechanism by which the LHCII trimer controls the dissipation of excess excited energy in response to increased temperature and acidity, as an intrinsic result of intense sun light in plant photosynthesis.

Luminescent Properties of Lanthanoid-Poly(Sodium Acrylate) Composites: Insights on the Interaction Mechanism

The interaction between polyelectrolytes and metal ions is governed by different types of interactions, leading to the formation of different phases, from liquid state to weak gels, through an appropriate choice of metal ion/polyelectrolyte molar ratio. We have found that lanthanide ions, europium(III) and terbium(III), are able to form polymer composites with poly(sodium acrylate). That interaction enhances the luminescent properties of europium(III) and terbium(III), showing that Eu³⁺/poly(sodium acrylate) (PSA) and Tb³⁺/PSA composites have a highly intense red and green emission, respectively. The effect of cations with different valences on the luminescent properties of the polymer composites is analyzed. The presence of metal ions tends to quench the composite emission intensity and the quenching process depends on the cation, with copper(II) being by far the most efficient quencher. The interaction mechanism between lanthanoid ions and PSA is also discussed. The composites and their interactions with a wide range of cations and anions are fully characterized through stationary and non-stationary fluorescence, high resolution scanning electronic microscopy and X-ray diffraction.

Inhibition of fibrillation of human γd-crystallin by a flavonoid morin

To inhibit the formation of amyloid fibrils by human γd-crystallin (HGD), a series of four flavonoids (quercertin, rutin, morin and hesperetin) was tested. Only morin had demonstrated significant inhibition of HGD fibrillation. Results from fluorimetric assay techniques (using thioflavin T and ANS), FTIR, circular dichroism and microscopic imaging (fluorescence microscopy and transmission electron microscopy) confirmed HGD fibrillation inhibition by morin. HGD-morin complex formation at ground state resulted tryptophan fluorescence quenching through static mechanism, which was also confirmed by determining the excited-state life time of HGD tryptophan residues. Förster resonance energy transfer occurs from HGD to morin. Synchronous, three-dimensional fluorescence, FTIR and circular dichroism results suggest that major changes in HGD conformation did not occur on binding with morin. The interactions between HGD and morin involve hydrogen bonding and/or van der Waals forces. Docking predictions also support experimental results.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Spectrofluorometric method for the determination of ascorbic acid in pharmaceutical preparation using l-tyrosine as fluorescence probe

Ascorbic acid is a vital nutrient and antioxidant that is commonly used as an additive in commercial products. Quantitation of ascorbic acid is highly desired in the medical, food, and cosmetic industries. A spectrofluorometric assay for sensitive determination of ascorbic acid was developed using l-tyrosine as a fluorescent probe. The native fluorescence intensity of tyrosine was quenched using ascorbic acid. The linear range was 0.03-30.00 μM, and the limit of detection was 0.01 μM. The method exhibited excellent precision, accuracy, specificity, and robustness. Components of pharmaceutical preparations that are commonly found with ascorbic acid did not interfere with detection. The procedure was successfully employed for determination of ascorbic acid content in pharmaceutical tablets, injections, and nutrient supplements with satisfactory results. A Stern-Volmer plot and fluorescence lifetime revealed that quenching was attributed to the inner filter effect and static quenching. Isothermal titration calorimetry confirmed the formation of a complex between tyrosine and ascorbic acid, with a binding constant of 1.68 × 10³ M^-1 and reaction stoichiometry of 0.94. Thermodynamic parameters suggested spontaneous complexation via hydrophobic interactions as the dominant binding force. This method is promising for the simple and rapid determination of ascorbic in the pharmaceutical industry.

Biophysical and computational view on the in vitro combination between an anticancer drug, saracatinib and human serum albumin

Interaction behaviour of an anticancer drug, saracatinib (SCB) with human serum albumin (HSA), the major carrier protein in human blood circulation was investigated using fluorescence and absorption spectroscopy as well as computational methods. Analysis of the fluorescence quenching data along with absorption results confirmed the complex formation between SCB and HSA, based on the inverse correlation of the Stern-Volmer constant (K_SV) with temperature and hyperchromic effect in the absorption spectra. Moderate binding affinity between SCB and HSA was evident from the binding constant, K_a value (1.08-0.74 × 10⁴ M^-1), while the SCB-HSA complexation was anticipated to be stabilized by hydrophobic and van der Waals interactions along with hydrogen bonds, as revealed from the thermodynamic data (ΔS = + 29.40 J mol^-1 K^-1 and ΔH = - 13.90 kJ mol^-1). Addition of SCB to HSA significantly defended the thermal denaturation of the protein, though it perturbed the surrounding medium around Tyr and Trp residues. Site marker displacement results elucidated Sudlow's site I, positioned in subdomain IIA of HSA as the preferred binding site of SCB, which was well supported by molecular docking. Molecular dynamics simulation results suggested the stability of the SCB-HSA complex.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Super-beacons: Open-source probes with spontaneous tuneable blinking compatible with live-cell super-resolution microscopy

Localization-based super-resolution microscopy relies on the detection of individual molecules cycling between fluorescent and non-fluorescent states. These transitions are commonly regulated by high-intensity illumination, imposing constrains to imaging hardware and producing sample photodamage. Here, we propose single-molecule self-quenching as a mechanism to generate spontaneous photoswitching. To demonstrate this principle, we developed a new class of DNA-based open-source super-resolution probes named super-beacons, with photoswitching kinetics that can be tuned structurally, thermally and chemically. The potential of these probes for live-cell compatible super-resolution microscopy without high-illumination or toxic imaging buffers is revealed by imaging interferon inducible transmembrane proteins (IFITMs) at sub-100 nm resolutions.

Surface Plasmon-Enhanced Optical Formaldehyde Sensor Based on CdSe@ZnS Quantum Dots

For the first time, a reproducible surface plasmon-enhanced optical sensor for the detection of gaseous formaldehyde was proposed, which was fabricated by depositing a mixture of CdSe@ZnS quantum dots (QDs), fumed silica (FS), and gold nanoparticles (GNs) on the surface of a silica sphere array to meet the urgent requirement of a rapid, sensitive, and highly convenient formaldehyde detection method. Because of the spectral overlap between QDs and GNs, plasmon-enhanced fluorescence was observed in the film of QDs/FS/GNs. When exposed to formaldehyde molecules, the enhanced fluorescence was quenched linearly with the increase of formaldehyde concentration in the range of 0.5-2.0 ppm. The reason is attributed to the nonradiative electron transfer from QDs to the carbonyl of formaldehyde molecules with the assistance of amino groups. Our results demonstrate that the designed sensors are capable of detecting ultralow concentration gaseous formaldehyde at room temperature with a fast response-recovery time and excellent selectivity, stability, and reproducibility. This work provides a simple and low-cost approach for optical formaldehyde sensor fabrication and shows promising applications in environmental detection.

Targeting the Tumor Microenvironment with Fluorescence-Activatable Bispecific Endoglin/Fibroblast Activation Protein Targeting Liposomes

Liposomes are biocompatible nanocarriers with promising features for targeted delivery of contrast agents and drugs into the tumor microenvironment, for imaging and therapy purposes. Liposome-based simultaneous targeting of tumor associated fibroblast and the vasculature is promising, but the heterogeneity of tumors entails a thorough validation of suitable markers for targeted delivery. Thus, we elucidated the potential of bispecific liposomes targeting the fibroblast activation protein (FAP) on tumor stromal fibroblasts, together with endoglin which is overexpressed on tumor neovascular cells and some neoplastic cells. Fluorescence-quenched liposomes were prepared by hydrating a lipid film with a high concentration of the self-quenching near-infrared fluorescent dye, DY-676-COOH, to enable fluorescence detection exclusively upon liposomal degradation and subsequent activation. A non-quenched green fluorescent phospholipid was embedded in the liposomal surface to fluorescence-track intact liposomes. FAP- and murine endoglin-specific single chain antibody fragments were coupled to the liposomal surface, and the liposomal potentials validated in tumor cells and mice models. The bispecific liposomes revealed strong fluorescence quenching, activatability, and selectivity for target cells and delivered the encapsulated dye selectively into tumor vessels and tumor associated fibroblasts in xenografted mice models and enabled their fluorescence imaging. Furthermore, detection of swollen lymph nodes during intra-operative simulations was possible. Thus, the bispecific liposomes have potentials for targeted delivery into the tumor microenvironment and for image-guided surgery.

Spectroscopic and Structural Analysis of Cu2+-Induced Fluorescence Quenching of ZsYellow

Fluorescent proteins exhibit fluorescence quenching by specific transition metals, suggesting their potential as fluorescent protein-based metal biosensors. Each fluorescent protein exhibits unique spectroscopic properties and mechanisms for fluorescence quenching by metals. Therefore, the metal-induced fluorescence quenching analysis of various new fluorescent proteins would be important step towards the development of such fluorescent protein-based metal biosensors. Here, we first report the spectroscopic and structural analysis of the yellow fluorescent protein ZsYellow, following its metal-induced quenching. Spectroscopic analysis showed that ZsYellow exhibited a high degree of fluorescence quenching by Cu²⁺. During Cu²⁺-induced ZsYellow quenching, fluorescence emission was recovered by adding EDTA. The crystal structure of ZsYellow soaked in Cu²⁺ solution was determined at a 2.6 Å resolution. The electron density map did not indicate the presence of Cu²⁺ around the chromophore or the β-barrel surface, which resulted in fluorescence quenching without Cu²⁺ binding to specific site in ZsYellow. Based on these results, we propose the fluorescence quenching to occur in a distance-dependent manner between the metal and the fluorescent protein, when these components get to a closer vicinity at higher metal concentrations. Our results provide useful insights for future development of fluorescent protein-based metal biosensors.