Versatile Bioconjugation Strategies of PEG-Modified Upconversion Nanoparticles for Bioanalytical Applications

Comparison of single and double pulse laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for the detection of biomolecules tagged with photon-upconversion nanoparticles

BACKGROUND

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a well-recognized analytical technique used for elemental analysis. This method is gaining considerable attention also in biological applications thanks to its ability for spatial mapping and elemental imaging. The implementation of LIBS in the biomedical field is based on the detection of metals or other elements that either naturally occur in the samples or are present artificially. The artificial implementation of nanoparticle labels (Tag-LIBS) enables the use of LIBS as a readout technique for immunochemical assays. However, one of the biggest challenges for LIBS to meet immunoassay readout standards is its sensitivity.

RESULTS

This paper focuses on the improvement of LIBS sensitivity for the readout of nanoparticle-based immunoassays. First, the LIBS setup was optimized on photon-upconversion nanoparticle (UCNP) droplets deposited on the microtiter plate wells. Two collection optics systems were compared, with single pulse (SP) and collinear double pulse (DP) LIBS arrangements. By deploying the second laser pulse, the sensitivity was improved up to 30 times. The optimized SP and DP setups were then employed for the indirect detection of human serum albumin based on immunoassay with UCNP-based labels. Compared to our previous LIBS study, the detection limit was enhanced by two orders of magnitude, from 10 ng mL-1 to 0.29 ng mL-1. In addition, two other immunochemical methods were used for reference, based on the readout of upconversion luminescence of UCNPs and absorbance measurement with enzyme labels. Finally, the selectivity of the assay was tested and the practical potential of Tag-LIBS was demonstrated by the successful analysis of urine samples.

SIGNIFICANCE AND NOVELTY

In this work, we improved the sensitivity of the Tag-LIBS method by combining new labels based on UCNPs with the improved collection optics and collinear DP configuration. In the instrumental setup optimization, the DP LIBS showed better sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio than SP. The optimizations allowed the LIBS readout to surpass the sensitivity of enzyme immunoassay, approaching the qualities of upconversion luminescence readout, which is nowadays a state-of-the-art readout technique.

NIR-driven photoelectrochemical-fluorescent dual-mode biosensor based on bipedal DNA walker for ultrasensitive detection of microRNA

Optical biosensors have become powerful tools for bioanalysis, but most of them are limited by optic damage, autofluorescence, as well as poor penetration ability of ultraviolet (UV) and visible (Vis) light. Herein, a near-infrared light (NIR)-driven photoelectrochemical (PEC)-fluorescence (FL) dual-mode biosensor has been proposed for ultrasensitive detection of microRNA (miRNA) based on bipedal DNA walker with cascade amplification. Fueled by toehold-mediated strand displacement (TMSD), the bipedal DNA walker triggered by target miRNA-21 is formed through catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA), which can efficiently move along DNA tracks on CdS nanoparticles (CdS NPs)-modified fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) electrode, resulting in the introduction of upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) on electrode surface. Under 980 nm laser irradiation, the UCNPs serve as the energy donor to emit UV/Vis light and excite CdS NPs to generate photocurrent for PEC detection, while the upconversion luminescence (UCL) at 803 nm is monitored for FL detection. This PEC-FL dual-mode biosensor has achieved the ultrasensitive and accurate analysis of miRNA-21 in human serum and different gynecological cancer cells. Overall, the proposed dual-mode biosensor can not only couple the inherent features of each single-mode biosensor but also provide mutual authentication of testing results, which opens up a new avenue for early diagnosis of miRNA-related diseases in clinic.

Investigating and Optimizing Insulin Partitioning with Conjugated Au Nanoparticles in Aqueous Two-Phase Systems Using Response Surface Methodology

This study investigated the impact of bioconjugation on the partitioning of insulin, a clinically valuable protein, in an aqueous two-phase system. Gold nanoparticles of different sizes were synthesized and conjugated with insulin. Analysis of the conjugated insulin showed that the insulin remains fully active. Conjugated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs/insulin) were used in polyethylene glycol (PEG)-dextran aqueous two-phase systems to investigate the effect of pH, PEG and dextran molecular weights, PEG and dextran concentrations, AuNPs/insulin dosage, and nanoparticle size on the partition coefficient. These systems were chosen for their biocompatibility and low toxicity. Response surface methodology with D-optimal design was used to model and optimize these systems and their affected parameters. At the optimum condition of a pH = 8 system containing 21% PEG 4000, 5% dextran 100,000, and 100 IU AuNPs/insulin, the partition coefficient of AuNPs/insulin was found to be 192.96, which is in agreement with the empirical partition coefficient of 189.2. This is significantly higher than the partition coefficient of free insulin in a similar system. This approach could be used to overcome limitations in the feasibility of aqueous two-phase systems for industrial-scale purification of biomolecules and biopharmaceuticals.

Influence of surface modification and size of lanthanide-doped upconverting nanoparticles on wheat seedlings

In recent years, nanotechnology has found widespread applications in environmental monitoring, medical applications, plant fertilisers, cosmetics and others. Therefore, it is important to study nanomaterials' influence and subsequent risks to the environment and organisms (from production to disposal). Therefore, in the present study, the toxic effects of two surface modifications (poly (ethylene glycol)-neridronate, PEG-Ner and poly (acrylic acid), PAA) in comparison to unmodified, 26 nm- and 52 nm-sized core@shell lanthanide-doped upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs, NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+@NaYF4) were analysed. Wheat seedlings (Triticum aestivum L.) were chosen as a model organism since this species is one of the most widely cultivated crops. The influence of UCNPs (at concentrations of 0, 10, 50, and 100 μg/mL) on germination percentage, germination rate and growth was studied based on morphological parameters such as root number, root and hypocotyl length, and root and hypocotyl mass. In addition, an assay based on Evans blue staining was conducted to analyse damaged cell membranes and cell death. The type, size and concentration of UCNPs influenced the growth but not the germination of wheat. 52-nm-sized ligand-free UCNPs and the 26-nm-sized UCNPs/PAA decreased plant growth. Moreover, the ligand-free 26-nm-sized UCNPs interacted with the root cell membranes of seedlings. No significant changes were observable regarding viability (tetrazolium chloride reduction assay), oxidative stress and electrolyte leakage from root cells in plants incubated with ligand-free 26-nm-sized UCNPs. Overall, we have shown that the ligand-free UCNPs (of both sizes) had the strongest toxic effect; PAA-modified UCNPs were toxic only at smaller sizes and PEG-Ner-modified UCNPs had no toxic impact. Therefore, PEG-Ner was identified as the safest surface compound among the UCNPs investigated in the study, which may neutralise the harmful effects of nanoparticles on plants.

Bright photon upconversion in LiYbF4:Tm3+@LiYF4 nanoparticles and their application for singlet oxygen generation and in immunoassay for SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein

Photon upconversion is an intensively investigated phenomenon in the materials sciences due to its unique applications, mainly in biomedicine for disease prevention and treatment. This study reports the synthesis and properties of tetragonal LiYbF4:Tm3+@LiYF4 core@shell nanoparticles (NPs) and their applications. The NPs had sizes ranging from 18.5 to 23.7 nm. As a result of the energy transfer between Yb3+ and Tm3+ ions, the synthesized NPs show intense emission in the ultraviolet (UV) range up to 347 nm under 975 nm excitation. The bright emission in the UV range allows for singlet oxygen generation in the presence of hematoporphyrin on the surface of NPs. Our studies show that irradiation with a 975 nm laser of the functionalized NPs allows for the production of amounts of singlet oxygen easily detectable by Singlet Oxygen Sensor Green. The high emission intensity of NPs at 800 nm allowed the application of the synthesized NPs in an upconversion-linked immunosorbent assay (ULISA) for highly sensitive detection of the nucleoprotein from SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of Covid-19. This article proves that LiYbF4:Tm3+@LiYF4 core@shell nanoparticles can be perfect alternatives for the most commonly studied upconverting NPs based on the NaYF4 host compound and are good candidates for biomedical applications.

Cytotoxicity Evaluation of Photosensitizer-Conjugated Hexagonal Upconverting Nanoparticles

In this report, we synthesized hexagonal NaYF₄:Yb,Er upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) of 171 nm in size with a narrow particle size distribution. To address their colloidal stabi-lity in aqueous media and to incorporate a photosensitizer that can produce reactive singlet oxygen (¹O₂) to kill tumor cells, UCNPs were conjugated with 6-bromohexanoic acid-functionalized Rose Bengal (RB) and coated with PEG-alendronate (PEG-Ale). The particles were thoroughly characterized by transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, ATR FTIR, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and spectrofluorometry, and ¹O₂ formation was detected using a 9,10-diphenylanthracene spectrophotometric probe. Cytotoxicity determination on rat mesenchymal stem cells by using the MTT assay showed that neutralization of the large positive surface charge of neat UCNPs with PEG-Ale and the bound RB sensitizer significantly reduced the concentration-dependent cytotoxicity. The presented strategy shows great potential for the use of these particles as a novel agent for the photodynamic therapy of tumors.

Rose Bengal-Modified Upconverting Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization, and Biological Evaluation

High-quality upconverting NaYF₄:Yb³⁺,Er³⁺ nanoparticles (UCNPs; 26 nm in diameter) based on lanthanides were synthesized by a high-temperature coprecipitation method. The particles were modified by bisphosphonate-terminated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and Rose Bengal (RB) photosensitizer. The particles were thoroughly characterized using transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, thermogravimetric analysis, FTIR, and X-ray photoelectron and upconversion luminescence spectroscopy in terms of morphology, hydrodynamic size, composition, and energy transfer to the photosensitizer. Moreover, the singlet oxygen generation from RB-containing UCNPs was investigated using 9,10-diphenylanthracene probe under 980 nm excitation. The cytotoxicity of UCNPs before and after conjugation with RB was evaluated on highly sensitive rat mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs) and significant differences were found. Correspondingly, consi-derable variations in viability were revealed between the irradiated and non-irradiated rat glioma cell line (C6) exposed to RB-conjugated UCNPs. While the viability of rMSCs was not affected by the presence of UCNPs themselves, the cancer C6 cells were killed after the irradiation at 980 nm due to the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, thus suggesting the potential of RB-conjugated PEG-modified UCNPs for applications in photodynamic therapy of cancer.

Complement C1q in plasma induces nonspecific binding of poly(acrylic acid)-coated upconverting nanoparticle antibody conjugates

Upconverting nanoparticles are attractive reporters for immunoassays, because their high specific activity and lack of autofluorescence background enable their detection at extremely low concentrations. However, the sensitivity achieved with heterogeneous sandwich immunoassays using nanoparticle reporters is generally limited by the nonspecific binding of nanoparticle antibody conjugates to solid supports. In this study, we characterized plasma components associated with elevated nonspecific binding of poly(acrylic acid)-coated upconverting nanoparticles in heterogeneous two-step sandwich immunoassays. Plasma was consecutively fractionated using various chromatographic methods by selecting after each step the fractions producing the highest nonspecific binding of upconverting nanoparticle conjugates in an immunoassay for cardiac troponin I. Finally, the proteins in the fractions associated with highest amount of nonspecific binding were separated by gel electrophoresis and identified with mass spectrometry. The results indicated that complement component C1q was present in the fractions associated with the highest signal from nonspecific binding. The interference was not limited to only poly(acrylic acid)-coated nanoparticles or certain antibody combination, but occurred more generally. The interference was removed by increasing the ionic strength of the assay buffer in the sample incubation step or by adding a negatively charged blocker to bind on positively charged C1q, suggesting that the interaction is mostly electrostatic. Hence, we assume that the interference is likely to affect various negatively charged nanoparticles. The identification of complement component C1q as the major interfering protein allows for more rational design of countermeasures in future immunoassay development utilizing nanoparticle reporters.

Lanthanide-Doped Upconversion Luminescent Nanoparticles-Evolving Role in Bioimaging, Biosensing, and Drug Delivery

Upconverting luminescent nanoparticles (UCNPs) are "new generation fluorophores" with an evolving landscape of applications in diverse industries, especially life sciences and healthcare. The anti-Stokes emission accompanied by long luminescence lifetimes, multiple absorptions, emission bands, and good photostability, enables background-free and multiplexed detection in deep tissues for enhanced imaging contrast. Their properties such as high color purity, high resistance to photobleaching, less photodamage to biological samples, attractive physical and chemical stability, and low toxicity are affected by the chemical composition; nanoparticle crystal structure, size, shape and the route; reagents; and procedure used in their synthesis. A wide range of hosts and lanthanide ion (Ln³⁺) types have been used to control the luminescent properties of nanosystems. By modification of these properties, the performance of UCNPs can be designed for anticipated end-use applications such as photodynamic therapy (PDT), high-resolution displays, bioimaging, biosensors, and drug delivery. The application landscape of inorganic nanomaterials in biological environments can be expanded by bridging the gap between nanoparticles and biomolecules via surface modifications and appropriate functionalization. This review highlights the synthesis, surface modification, and biomedical applications of UCNPs, such as bioimaging and drug delivery, and presents the scope and future perspective on Ln-doped UCNPs in biomedical applications.

Bioconjugates of photon-upconversion nanoparticles for cancer biomarker detection and imaging

The detection of cancer biomarkers in histological samples and blood is of paramount importance for clinical diagnosis. Current methods are limited in terms of sensitivity, hindering early detection of disease. We have overcome the shortcomings of currently available staining and fluorescence labeling methods by taking an integrative approach to establish photon-upconversion nanoparticles (UCNP) as a powerful platform for cancer detection. These nanoparticles are readily synthesized in different sizes to yield efficient and tunable short-wavelength light emission under near-infrared excitation, which eliminates optical background interference of the specimen. Here we present a protocol for the synthesis of UCNPs by high-temperature co-precipitation or seed-mediated growth by thermal decomposition, surface modification by silica or poly(ethylene glycol) that renders the particles resistant to nonspecific binding, and the conjugation of streptavidin or antibodies for biological detection. To detect blood-based biomarkers, we present an upconversion-linked immunosorbent assay for the analog and digital detection of the cancer marker prostate-specific antigen. When applied to immunocytochemistry analysis, UCNPs enable the detection of the breast cancer marker human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 with a signal-to-background ratio 50-fold higher than conventional fluorescent labels. UCNP synthesis takes 4.5 d, the preparation of the antibody-silica-UCNP conjugate takes 3 d, the streptavidin-poly(ethylene glycol)-UCNP conjugate takes 2-3 weeks, upconversion-linked immunosorbent assay takes 2-4 d and immunocytochemistry takes 8-10 h. The procedures can be performed after standard laboratory training in nanomaterials research.

Application of Nanomedicine in Inner Ear Diseases

The treatment of inner ear disorders always remains a challenge for researchers. The presence of various physiological barriers, primarily the blood–labyrinth barrier (BLB), limits the accessibility of the inner ear and hinders the efficacy of various drug therapies. Yet despite recent advances in the cochlea for repair and regeneration, there are currently no pharmacological or biological interventions for hearing loss. Current research focuses on the localized drug-, gene-, and cell-based therapies. Drug delivery based on nanotechnology represents an innovative strategy to improve inner ear treatments. Materials with specific nanostructures not only exhibit a unique ability to encapsulate and transport therapeutics to the inner ear but also endow specific targeting properties to auditory hair cells as well as the stabilization and sustained drug release. Along with this, some alternative routes, like intratympanic drug delivery, can also offer a better means to access the inner ear without exposure to the BLB. This review discusses a variety of nano-based drug delivery systems to the ear for treating inner ear diseases. The main factors affecting the curative efficacy of nanomaterials are also discussed. With a deeper understanding of the link between these crucial factors and the clinical effect of nanomaterials, it paves the way for the optimization of the therapeutic activity of nanocarriers.

Poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide)-coated upconverting NaYF4:Yb,Er@NaYF4:Nd core-shell nanoparticles for fluorescent labeling of carcinoma cells

Upconverting luminescent lanthanide-doped nanoparticles (UCNP) belong to promising new materials that absorb infrared light able to penetrate in the deep tissue level, while emitting photons in the visible or ultraviolet region, which makes them favorable for bioimaging and cell labeling. Here, we have prepared upconverting NaYF4:Yb,Er@NaYF4:Nd core-shell nanoparticles, which were coated with copolymers of N,N-dimethylacrylamide (DMA) and 2-(acryloylamino)-2-methylpropane-1-sulfonic acid (AMPS) or tert-butyl [2-(acryloylamino)ethyl]carbamate (AEC-Boc) with negative or positive charges, respectively. The copolymers were synthesized by a reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, reaching Mn ~ 11 kDa and containing ~ 5 mol% of reactive groups. All copolymers contained bisphosphonate end-groups to be firmly anchored on the surface of NaYF4:Yb,Er@NaYF4:Nd core-shell nanoparticles. To compare properties of polymer coatings, poly(ethylene glycol)-coated and neat UCNP were used as a control. UCNP with various charges were then studied as labels of carcinoma cells, including human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2, human cervical cancer HeLa, and rat insulinoma INS-1E cells. All the particles proved to be biocompatible (nontoxic); depending on their ξ-potential, the ability to penetrate the cells differed. This ability together with the upconversion luminescence are basic prerequisites for application of particles in photodynamic therapy (PDT) of various tumors, where emission of nanoparticles in visible light range at ~ 650 nm excites photosensitizer.

Cationic Polymer-Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles with Antibacterial Properties: Synthesis and In Vitro Characterization

Uniformly sized magnetite nanoparticles (Dn = 16 nm) were prepared by a thermal decomposition of Fe(III) oleate in octadec-1-ene and stabilized by oleic acid. The particles were coated with Sipomer PAM-200 containing both phosphate and methacrylic groups available for the attachment to the iron oxide and at the same time enabling (co)polymerization of 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate and/or 2-tert-butylaminoethyl methacrylate at two molar ratios. The poly[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] (PDMAEMA) and poly[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate-co-2-tert-butylaminoethyl methacrylate] [P(DMAEMA-TBAEMA)] polymers and the particles were characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy, size-exclusion chromatography, transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, thermogravimetric analysis, magnetometry, and ATR FTIR and atomic absorption spectroscopy. The antimicrobial effect of cationic polymer-coated magnetite nanoparticles tested on both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria was found to be time- and dose-responsive. The P(DMAEMA-TBAEMA)-coated magnetite particles possessed superior biocidal properties compared to those of P(DMAEMA)-coated one.

Polymer Colloids: Synthesis Fundamentals to Applications

This special issue of Biomacromolecules highlights research from The International Polymer Colloid Group (IPCG), which was founded in 1972 as a forum for the exchange of ideas and emerging research activities for scientists and engineers from both academia and industry who study or use polymer colloids. The increasing relevance of polymeric structures with colloidal dimensions to biomacromolecules research provided the impetus for organizing this special issue. The IPCG is composed of over 120 researchers from over 20 countries who are elected to membership. Activities comprise annual symposia including a biennial International Polymer Colloid Group Research Conference and a semiannual newsletter that incorporates a summary of recent (including unpublished) research results from our members.

PEG-Neridronate-Modified NaYF4:Gd3+,Yb3+,Tm3+/NaGdF4 Core-Shell Upconverting Nanoparticles for Bimodal Magnetic Resonance/Optical Luminescence Imaging

Upconverting nanoparticles are attracting extensive interest as a multimodal imaging tool. In this work, we report on the synthesis and characterization of gadolinium-enriched upconverting nanoparticles for bimodal magnetic resonance and optical luminescence imaging. NaYF4:Gd3+,Yb3+,Tm3+ core upconverting nanoparticles were obtained by a thermal coprecipitation of lanthanide oleate precursors in the presence of oleic acid as a stabilizer. With the aim of improving the upconversion emission and increasing the amount of Gd3+ ions on the nanoparticle surface, a 2.5 nm NaGdF4 shell was grown by the epitaxial layer-by-layer strategy, resulting in the 26 nm core-shell nanoparticles. Both core and core-shell nanoparticles were coated with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-neridronate (PEG-Ner) to have stable and well-dispersed upconverting nanoparticles in a biological medium. FTIR spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis indicated the presence of ∼20 wt % of PEG-Ner on the nanoparticle surface. The addition of inert NaGdF4 shell resulted in a total 26-fold enhancement of the emission under 980 nm excitation and also affected the T 1 and T 2 relaxation times. Both r 1 and r 2 relaxivities of PEG-Ner-modified nanoparticles were much higher compared to those of non-PEGylated particles, thus manifesting their potential as a diagnostic tool for magnetic resonance imaging. Together with the enhanced luminescence efficiency, upconverting nanoparticles might represent an efficient probe for bimodal in vitro and in vivo imaging of cells in regenerative medicine, drug delivery, and/or photodynamic therapy.

Formation of phosphonate coatings for improved chemical stability of upconverting nanoparticles under physiological conditions

Upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) are being extensively investigated for applications in bioimaging because of their ability to emit ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared light. NaYF4 is one of the most suitable host matrices for producing high-intensity upconversion fluorescence; however, UCNPs based on NaYF4 are not chemically stable in aqueous media. To prevent dissolution, their surfaces should be modified. We studied the formation of protective phosphonate coatings made of ethylenediamine(tetramethylenephosphonic acid), alendronic acid, and poly(ethylene glycol)-neridronate on cubic NaYF4 nanoparticles and hexagonal Yb3+,Er3+-doped upconverting NaYF4 nanoparticles (β-UCNPs). The effects of synthesis temperature and ultrasonic agitation on the quality of the coatings were studied. The formation of the coatings was investigated by transmission electron microscopy, zeta-potential measurements, and infrared spectroscopy. The quality of the phosphonate coatings was examined with respect to preventing the dissolution of the NPs in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). The dissolution tests were carried out under physiological conditions (37 °C and pH 7.4) for 3 days and were followed by measurements of the dissolved fluoride with an ion-selective electrode. We found that the protection of the phosphonate coatings can be significantly increased by synthesizing them at 80 °C. At the same time, the coatings obtained at this temperature suppressed the surface quenching of the upconversion fluorescence in β-UCNPs.

Biosensing based on upconversion nanoparticles for food quality and safety applications

Food safety and quality regulations inevitably call for sensitive and accurate analytical methods to detect harmful contaminants in food and to ensure safe food for the consumer. Both novel and well-established biorecognition elements, together with different transduction schemes, enable the simple and rapid analysis of various food contaminants. Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) are inorganic nanocrystals that convert near-infrared light into shorter wavelength emission. This unique photophysical feature, along with narrow emission bandwidths and large anti-Stokes shift, render UCNPs excellent optical labels for biosensing because they can be detected without optical background interferences from the sample matrix. In this review, we show how this exciting technique has evolved into biosensing platforms for food quality and safety monitoring and highlight recent applications in the field.