1
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Sagnelli D, D’Avino A, Rippa M, Vestri A, Marchesano V, Nenna G, Villani F, Ardila G, Centi S, Ratto F, Petti L. Photomobile Polymer-Piezoelectric Composite for Enhanced Actuation and Energy Generation. ACS Appl Opt Mater 2023; 1:1651-1660. [PMID: 37915969 PMCID: PMC10616835 DOI: 10.1021/acsaom.3c00227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we present an innovative approach to increase the quantum yield and wavelength sensitivity of photomobile polymer (PMP) films based on azobenzene by doping the polymer matrix with noble metal nanoparticles. These doped PMP films showed faster and more significant bending under both UV as well as visible and near-infrared light regardless of whether it was coherent, incoherent, polarized, or unpolarized irradiation, expanding the potential of PMP-based actuators. To illustrate their practical implications, we created a proof-of-concept model of power generation by coupling it to flexible piezoelectric materials under simulated sunlight. This model has been tested under real operating conditions, thus demonstrating the possibility of generating electricity with variable light exposure. Additionally, our synthetic protocol is solvent-free, which is another benefit of environmental relevance. Our research lays the groundwork for the development of sunlight-sensitive devices, such as photomechanical actuators and advanced photovoltaic modules, which may break ground in the thriving field of smart materials. We are confident that the presented findings will contribute to the ongoing discourse in the field and inspire additional advances in renewable energy applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Sagnelli
- Institute
of Applied Sciences and Intelligent Systems of CNR, Pozzuoli 80072, Italy
| | - Amalia D’Avino
- Institute
of Applied Sciences and Intelligent Systems of CNR, Pozzuoli 80072, Italy
| | - Massimo Rippa
- Institute
of Applied Sciences and Intelligent Systems of CNR, Pozzuoli 80072, Italy
| | - Ambra Vestri
- Institute
of Applied Sciences and Intelligent Systems of CNR, Pozzuoli 80072, Italy
| | - Valentina Marchesano
- Institute
of Applied Sciences and Intelligent Systems of CNR, Pozzuoli 80072, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Nenna
- Energy
and Sustainable Economic Development, ENEA,
Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Portici Research Centre, Portici, Naples 80055, Italy
| | - Fulvia Villani
- Energy
and Sustainable Economic Development, ENEA,
Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Portici Research Centre, Portici, Naples 80055, Italy
| | - Gustavo Ardila
- CNRS,
Grenoble INP, IMEP-LaHC, Univ. Grenoble
Alpes, Univ. Savoie Mont Blanc, Grenoble F-38000, France
| | - Sonia Centi
- Nello
Carrara Institute of Applied Physics of CNR, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
| | - Fulvio Ratto
- Nello
Carrara Institute of Applied Physics of CNR, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
| | - Lucia Petti
- Institute
of Applied Sciences and Intelligent Systems of CNR, Pozzuoli 80072, Italy
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2
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Ratto F, Magni G, Aluigi A, Giannelli M, Centi S, Matteini P, Oberhauser W, Pini R, Rossi F. Cyanine-Doped Nanofiber Mats for Laser Tissue Bonding. Nanomaterials (Basel) 2022; 12:nano12091613. [PMID: 35564323 PMCID: PMC9105542 DOI: 10.3390/nano12091613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
In spite of an extensive body of academic initiatives and innovative products, the toolkit of wound dressing has always revolved around a few common concepts such as adhesive patches and stitches and their variants. Our work aims at an alternative solution for an immediate restitutio ad integrum of the mechanical functionality in cutaneous repairs. We describe the fabrication and the application of electrospun mats of bioactive nanofibers all made of biocompatible components such as a natural polysaccharide and a cyanine dye for use as laser-activatable plasters, resembling the ultrastructure of human dermis. In particular, we investigate their morphological features and mechanical moduli under conditions of physiological relevance, and we test their use to bind a frequent benchmark of connective tissue as rabbit tendon and a significant case of clinical relevance as human dermis. Altogether, our results point to the feasibility of a new material for wound dressing combining translational potential, strength close to human dermis, extensibility exceeding 15% and state-of-art adhesive properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fulvio Ratto
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata “Nello Carrara”, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy; (G.M.); (S.C.); (P.M.); (R.P.)
- Correspondence: (F.R.); (F.R.)
| | - Giada Magni
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata “Nello Carrara”, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy; (G.M.); (S.C.); (P.M.); (R.P.)
| | - Annalisa Aluigi
- Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via P. Gobetti 101, 40129 Bologna, BO, Italy; (A.A.); (M.G.)
| | - Marta Giannelli
- Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via P. Gobetti 101, 40129 Bologna, BO, Italy; (A.A.); (M.G.)
| | - Sonia Centi
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata “Nello Carrara”, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy; (G.M.); (S.C.); (P.M.); (R.P.)
| | - Paolo Matteini
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata “Nello Carrara”, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy; (G.M.); (S.C.); (P.M.); (R.P.)
| | - Werner Oberhauser
- Istituto di Chimica dei Composti Organometallici, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy;
| | - Roberto Pini
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata “Nello Carrara”, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy; (G.M.); (S.C.); (P.M.); (R.P.)
| | - Francesca Rossi
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata “Nello Carrara”, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy; (G.M.); (S.C.); (P.M.); (R.P.)
- Correspondence: (F.R.); (F.R.)
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3
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Borri C, Centi S, Chioccioli S, Bogani P, Micheletti F, Gai M, Grandi P, Laschi S, Tona F, Barucci A, Zoppetti N, Pini R, Ratto F. Paper-based genetic assays with bioconjugated gold nanorods and an automated readout pipeline. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6223. [PMID: 35418671 PMCID: PMC9007582 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10227-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Paper-based biosensors featuring immunoconjugated gold nanoparticles have gained extraordinary momentum in recent times as the platform of choice in key cases of field applications, including the so-called rapid antigen tests for SARS-CoV-2. Here, we propose a revision of this format, one that may leverage on the most recent advances in materials science and data processing. In particular, we target an amplifiable DNA rather than a protein analyte, and we replace gold nanospheres with anisotropic nanorods, which are intrinsically brighter by a factor of ~ 10, and multiplexable. By comparison with a gold-standard method for dot-blot readout with digoxigenin, we show that gold nanorods entail much faster and easier processing, at the cost of a higher limit of detection (from below 1 to 10 ppm in the case of plasmid DNA containing a target transgene, in our current setup). In addition, we test a complete workflow to acquire and process photographs of dot-blot membranes with custom-made hardware and regression tools, as a strategy to gain more analytical sensitivity and potential for quantification. A leave-one-out approach for training and validation with as few as 36 sample instances already improves the limit of detection reached by the naked eye by a factor around 2. Taken together, we conjecture that the synergistic combination of new materials and innovative tools for data processing may bring the analytical sensitivity of paper-based biosensors to approach the level of lab-grade molecular tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Borri
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata "Nello Carrara", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy
| | - Sonia Centi
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata "Nello Carrara", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy.
| | - Sofia Chioccioli
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Firenze, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy
| | - Patrizia Bogani
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Firenze, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy
| | - Filippo Micheletti
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata "Nello Carrara", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy
| | - Marco Gai
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata "Nello Carrara", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy
| | - Paolo Grandi
- Laboratori Victoria S.R.L, 51100, Pistoia, Italy
| | - Serena Laschi
- Ecobioservices & Researches S.R.L, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy
| | - Francesco Tona
- Ecobioservices & Researches S.R.L, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy
| | - Andrea Barucci
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata "Nello Carrara", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy
| | - Nicola Zoppetti
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata "Nello Carrara", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy
| | - Roberto Pini
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata "Nello Carrara", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy
| | - Fulvio Ratto
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata "Nello Carrara", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy
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4
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Frigenti G, Cavigli L, Ratto F, Centi S, Murzina TV, Farnesi D, Pelli S, Soria S, Nunzi Conti G. Microbubble resonators for scattering-free absorption spectroscopy of nanoparticles. Opt Express 2021; 29:31130-31136. [PMID: 34615212 DOI: 10.1364/oe.434868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We present a proof-of-concept experiment where the absorbance spectra of suspensions of plasmonic nanoparticles are accurately reconstructed through the photothermal conversion that they mediate in a microbubble resonator. This thermal detection produces spectra that are insensitive towards light scattering in the sample, as proved experimentally by comparing the spectra of acqueos gold nanorods suspensions in the presence or absence of milk powder. In addition, the microbubble system allows for the interrogation of small samples (below 40 nl) while using a low-intensity beam (around 20 µW) for their excitation. In perspective, this system could be implemented for the characterization of turbid biological fluids through their optical absorption, especially when considering that the microbubble resonator naturally interfaces to a microfluidic circuit and may easily fit within portable or on-chip devices.
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5
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Credi C, Bibikova O, Dallari C, Tiribilli B, Ratto F, Centi S, Pini R, Artyushenko V, Cicchi R, Pavone FS. Fiber-cap biosensors for SERS analysis of liquid samples. J Mater Chem B 2021; 8:1629-1639. [PMID: 32011615 DOI: 10.1039/c9tb01866b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Optical detection techniques based on surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) are a powerful tool for biosensing applications. Meanwhile, due to technological advances, different approaches have been investigated to integrate SERS substrates on the tip of optical fibres for molecular probing in liquids. To further demonstrate the perspectives offered by SERS-on-fiber technology for diagnostic purposes, in this study, novel cap-shaped SERS sensors for reversible coupling with customized multimodal probes were prototyped via low-cost polymer casting of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and further assembly of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) of varied sizes and shapes. To demonstrate the feasibility of liquid sensing with cap sensors using backside illumination and detection, the spectra of rhodamine were acquired by coupling the caps with the fiber. As expected by UV-vis, the highest SERS efficiency was observed for NP-decorated substrates with plasmonic properties in resonance with the irradiation wavelength. Then, SERS biosensors for the specific detection of amyloid-β (Aβ) neurotoxic biomarkers were realized by covalent grafting of Aβ antibodies. As attested by fluorescence images and SERS measurements, the biosensors successfully exhibited enhanced Aβ affinity compared to the bare sensors without ligands. Finally, these versatile (bio)sensors are a powerful tool to transform any milli-sized fibers into functional (bio)sensing platforms with plasmonic and biochemical properties tailored for specific applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Credi
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy (LENS), Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy. and Department of Information Engineering, University of Florence, Via di S. Marta 3, 50139, Firenze, Italy
| | - Olga Bibikova
- Art Photonics GmbH, Rudower Chaussee 46, 12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - Caterina Dallari
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy (LENS), Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
| | - Bruno Tiribilli
- Institute for Complex Systems, National Research Council (ISC-CNR), Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Fulvio Ratto
- Institute of Applied Physics "N. Carrara", National Research Council (IFAC-CNR), Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Sonia Centi
- Institute of Applied Physics "N. Carrara", National Research Council (IFAC-CNR), Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Roberto Pini
- Institute of Applied Physics "N. Carrara", National Research Council (IFAC-CNR), Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | | | - Riccardo Cicchi
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy (LENS), Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy. and National Institute of Optics, National Research Council (INO-CNR), Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Francesco Saverio Pavone
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy (LENS), Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy. and National Institute of Optics, National Research Council (INO-CNR), Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy and Department of Physics, University of Florence, Via G. Sansone 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
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6
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Armanetti P, Chillà A, Margheri F, Biagioni A, Menichetti L, Margheri G, Ratto F, Centi S, Bianchini F, Severi M, Traversi R, Bani D, Lulli M, Del Rosso T, Mocali A, Rovida E, Del Rosso M, Fibbi G, Laurenzana A. Enhanced Antitumoral Activity and Photoacoustic Imaging Properties of AuNP-Enriched Endothelial Colony Forming Cells on Melanoma. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2021; 8:2001175. [PMID: 33643785 PMCID: PMC7887578 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202001175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Near infrared (NIR)-resonant gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) hold great promise in cancer diagnostics and treatment. However, translating the theranostic potential of AuNPs into clinical applications still remains a challenge due to the difficulty to improve the efficiency and specificity of tumor delivery in vivo as well as the clearance from liver and spleen to avoid off target toxicity. In this study, endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs) are exploited as vehicles to deliver AuNPs to tumors. It is first demonstrated that ECFCs display a great capability to intake AuNPs without losing viability, and exert antitumor activity per se. Using a human melanoma xenograft mouse model, it is next demonstrated that AuNP-loaded ECFCs retain their capacity to migrate to tumor sites in vivo 1 day after injection and stay in the tumor mass for more than 1 week. In addition, it is demonstrated that ECFC-loaded AuNPs are efficiently cleared by the liver over time and do not elicit any sign of damage to healthy tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Armanetti
- Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC)National Research CouncilPisa56124Italy
| | - Anastasia Chillà
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical SciencesUniversity of FlorenceFlorence50134Italy
| | - Francesca Margheri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical SciencesUniversity of FlorenceFlorence50134Italy
| | - Alessio Biagioni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical SciencesUniversity of FlorenceFlorence50134Italy
| | - Luca Menichetti
- Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC)National Research CouncilPisa56124Italy
| | - Giancarlo Margheri
- Institute for Complex SystemsNational Research CouncilSesto Fiorentino50019Italy
| | - Fulvio Ratto
- Institute of Applied Physics “N. Carrara”National Research CouncilSesto Fiorentino50019Italy
| | - Sonia Centi
- Institute of Applied Physics “N. Carrara”National Research CouncilSesto Fiorentino50019Italy
| | - Francesca Bianchini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical SciencesUniversity of FlorenceFlorence50134Italy
| | - Mirko Severi
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”University of FlorenceSesto Fiorentino50019Italy
| | - Rita Traversi
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”University of FlorenceSesto Fiorentino50019Italy
| | - Daniele Bani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental MedicineUniversity of FlorenceFlorence50134Italy
| | - Matteo Lulli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical SciencesUniversity of FlorenceFlorence50134Italy
| | - Tommaso Del Rosso
- Department of PhysicsPontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de JaneiroRio de Janeiro22451‐900Brazil
| | - Alessandra Mocali
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical SciencesUniversity of FlorenceFlorence50134Italy
| | - Elisabetta Rovida
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical SciencesUniversity of FlorenceFlorence50134Italy
| | - Mario Del Rosso
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical SciencesUniversity of FlorenceFlorence50134Italy
| | - Gabriella Fibbi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical SciencesUniversity of FlorenceFlorence50134Italy
| | - Anna Laurenzana
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical SciencesUniversity of FlorenceFlorence50134Italy
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7
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Cavigli L, Khlebtsov BN, Centi S, Khlebtsov NG, Pini R, Ratto F. Photostability of Contrast Agents for Photoacoustics: The Case of Gold Nanorods. Nanomaterials (Basel) 2021; 11:E116. [PMID: 33419130 PMCID: PMC7825532 DOI: 10.3390/nano11010116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Plasmonic particles as gold nanorods have emerged as powerful contrast agents for critical applications as the photoacoustic imaging and photothermal ablation of cancer. However, their unique efficiency of photothermal conversion may turn into a practical disadvantage, and expose them to the risk of overheating and irreversible photodamage. Here, we outline the main ideas behind the technology of photoacoustic imaging and the use of relevant contrast agents, with a main focus on gold nanorods. We delve into the processes of premelting and reshaping of gold nanorods under illumination with optical pulses of a typical duration in the order of few ns, and we present different approaches to mitigate this issue. We undertake a retrospective classification of such approaches according to their underlying, often implicit, principles as: constraining the initial shape; or speeding up their thermal coupling to the environment by lowering their interfacial thermal resistance; or redistributing the input energy among more particles. We discuss advantages, disadvantages and contexts of practical interest where one solution may be more appropriate than the other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Cavigli
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata Nello Carrara, IFAC-CNR, Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; (S.C.); (R.P.); (F.R.)
| | - Boris N. Khlebtsov
- Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Plants and Microorganisms, Russian Academy of Sciences, 13 Prospekt Entuziastov, 410049 Saratov, Russia; (B.N.K.); (N.G.K.)
| | - Sonia Centi
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata Nello Carrara, IFAC-CNR, Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; (S.C.); (R.P.); (F.R.)
| | - Nikolai G. Khlebtsov
- Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Plants and Microorganisms, Russian Academy of Sciences, 13 Prospekt Entuziastov, 410049 Saratov, Russia; (B.N.K.); (N.G.K.)
- Saratov State University, 83 Ulitsa Astrakhanskaya, 410026 Saratov, Russia
| | - Roberto Pini
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata Nello Carrara, IFAC-CNR, Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; (S.C.); (R.P.); (F.R.)
| | - Fulvio Ratto
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata Nello Carrara, IFAC-CNR, Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; (S.C.); (R.P.); (F.R.)
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8
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Milanesi A, Magni G, Centi S, Schifino G, Aluigi A, Khlebtsov BN, Cavigli L, Barucci A, Khlebtsov NG, Ratto F, Rossi F, Pini R. Optically activated and interrogated plasmonic hydrogels for applications in wound healing. J Biophotonics 2020; 13:e202000135. [PMID: 32542912 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.202000135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
We disclose the use of hybrid materials featuring Au/Ag core/shell nanorods in porous chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol scaffolds for applications in tissue engineering and wound healing. The combination of Au and Ag in a single construct provides synergistic opportunities for optical activation of functions as near infrared laser tissue bonding, and remote interrogation to return parameters of prognostic relevance in wound healing monitoring. In particular, the bimetallic component ensures optical tunability, enhanced shelf life and photothermal stability, serves as a reservoir of germicidal silver cations, and changes in near-infrared and visible color according to the environmental level of oxidative stress. At the same time, the polymeric blend is ideal to bind connective tissue upon photothermal activation, and to support fabrication processes that provide high porosity, such as electrospinning, thus putting all the premises for cellular repopulation and antimicrobial protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Milanesi
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata "Nello Carrara", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
- Dipartimento di Chimica "Ugo Schiff", Universitá degli Studi di Firenze, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Giada Magni
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata "Nello Carrara", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Sonia Centi
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata "Nello Carrara", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Gioacchino Schifino
- Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattivitá, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Bologna, Italy
| | - Annalisa Aluigi
- Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattivitá, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Bologna, Italy
| | - Boris N Khlebtsov
- Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Plants and Microorganisms, Russian Academy of Sciences, Saratov, Russia
| | - Lucia Cavigli
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata "Nello Carrara", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Barucci
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata "Nello Carrara", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Nikolai G Khlebtsov
- Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Plants and Microorganisms, Russian Academy of Sciences, Saratov, Russia
- Faculty of Nano- and Biomedical Technologies, Saratov State University, Saratov, Russia
| | - Fulvio Ratto
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata "Nello Carrara", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Rossi
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata "Nello Carrara", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Roberto Pini
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata "Nello Carrara", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
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9
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Borri C, Albino M, Innocenti C, Pineider F, Cavigli L, Centi S, Sangregorio C, Ratto F, Pini R. A bionic shuttle carrying multi-modular particles and holding tumor-tropic features. Mater Sci Eng C Mater Biol Appl 2020; 117:111338. [PMID: 32919687 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2020.111338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The systemic delivery of composite nanoparticles remains an outstanding challenge in cancer nanomedicine, and the principal reason is a complex interplay of biological barriers. In this regard, adaptive cell transfer may represent an alternative solution to circumvent these barriers down to the tumor microenvironment. Here, tumor-tropic macrophages are proposed as a tool to draw and vehiculate modular nanoparticles integrating magnetic and plasmonic components. The end result is a bionic shuttle that exhibits a plasmonic band within the so-called therapeutic window arising from as much as 40 pg Au per cell, magnetization in the order of 150 pemu per cell, and more than 90% of the pristine viability and chemotactic activity of its biological component, until at least two days of preparation. Its synergistic combination of plasmonic, magnetic and tumor-tropic functions is assessed in vitro for applications as magnetic guidance or sorting, with a propulsion around 4 μm s-1 for a magnetic gradient of 0.8 T m-1, the optical hyperthermia of cancer, with stability of photothermal conversion to temperatures exceeding 50∘C, and the photoacoustic imaging of cancer under realistic conditions. These results collectively suggest that a bionic design may be a promising roadmap to reconcile the efforts for multifunctionality and targeted delivery, which are both key goals in nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Borri
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata "Nello Carrara", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy
| | - Martin Albino
- Dipartimento di Chimica "Ugo Schiff", Università degli Studi di Firenze, Via della Lastruccia 3-13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy
| | - Claudia Innocenti
- Istituto di Chimica dei Composti OrganoMetallici, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, (FI), Italy
| | - Francesco Pineider
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Chimica Industriale, Università di Pisa, Via Giuseppe Moruzzi 13, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Lucia Cavigli
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata "Nello Carrara", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy
| | - Sonia Centi
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata "Nello Carrara", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy
| | - Claudio Sangregorio
- Dipartimento di Chimica "Ugo Schiff", Università degli Studi di Firenze, Via della Lastruccia 3-13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy; Istituto di Chimica dei Composti OrganoMetallici, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, (FI), Italy.
| | - Fulvio Ratto
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata "Nello Carrara", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy.
| | - Roberto Pini
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata "Nello Carrara", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy
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Cavigli L, Milanesi A, Khlebtsov BN, Centi S, Ratto F, Khlebtsov NG, Pini R. Impact of Kapitza resistance on the stability and efficiency of photoacoustic conversion from gold nanorods. J Colloid Interface Sci 2020; 578:358-365. [PMID: 32535418 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2020.05.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Plasmonic particles have been proposed for a broad variety of optical and hybrid applications, including the photothermal ablation and photoacoustic imaging of cancer, or their integration in photonic sensors. Here, we address the effect of thermal resistance at the gold-water interface, or Kapitza resistance, on the performance of photoacoustic conversion of gold nanorods. Our findings point to possible strategies for the optimization of plasmonic particles as contrast agents for imaging, or even as transducers for biosensing. We perform numerical simulations that project a simultaneous increase of efficiency and stability of photoacoustic conversion with a decrease of Kapitza resistance. We suggest an effective approach to modulate Kapitza resistance by including underresolved features as roughness or the presence of adsorbates. Inspired by this idea, we synthesize a rough variant of gold nanorods by the deposition and galvanic replacement of a silver shell, where roughness provides higher photoacoustic signals by about 70% and damage thresholds by 120%. In addition, we coat our particles with a protein corona and find a decrease of photoacoustic signals with shell thickness, which may inspire new solutions for biosensors based on a mechanism of photoacoustic transduction. Both our findings are consistent with an effective modulation of Kapitza resistance, which decreases upon roughening, due to an underlying increase of specific surface area, and increases upon coating with a protein shell that may act as a thermal insulation. We discuss possible directions to gain more advantage of our concept for topical applications at the crossroads of plasmonics, biomedical optics and biosensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Cavigli
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata Nello Carrara, IFAC-CNR, Via Madonna del Piano 10, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
| | - Alessio Milanesi
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata Nello Carrara, IFAC-CNR, Via Madonna del Piano 10, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy; Dipartimento di Chimica 'Ugo Schiff', Universitá degli Studi di Firenze, Via della Lastruccia, 3-13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Boris N Khlebtsov
- Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Plants and Microorganisms, Russian Academy of Sciences, 13 Prospekt Entuziastov, Saratov 410049, Russia
| | - Sonia Centi
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata Nello Carrara, IFAC-CNR, Via Madonna del Piano 10, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
| | - Fulvio Ratto
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata Nello Carrara, IFAC-CNR, Via Madonna del Piano 10, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy.
| | - Nikolai G Khlebtsov
- Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Plants and Microorganisms, Russian Academy of Sciences, 13 Prospekt Entuziastov, Saratov 410049, Russia; Saratov State University, 83 Ulitsa Astrakhanskaya, Saratov 410026, Russia
| | - Roberto Pini
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata Nello Carrara, IFAC-CNR, Via Madonna del Piano 10, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
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11
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Frigenti G, Cavigli L, Fernández-Bienes A, Ratto F, Centi S, García-Fernández T, Nunzi Conti G, Soria S. Microbubble Resonators for All-Optical Photoacoustics of Flowing Contrast Agents. Sensors (Basel) 2020; 20:E1696. [PMID: 32197416 PMCID: PMC7175143 DOI: 10.3390/s20061696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, we implement a Whispering Gallery mode microbubble resonator (MBR) as an optical transducer to detect the photoacoustic (PA) signal generated by plasmonic nanoparticles. We simulate a flow cytometry experiment by letting the nanoparticles run through the MBR during measurements and we estimate PA intensity by a Fourier analysis of the read-out signal. This method exploits the peaks associated with the MBR mechanical eigenmodes, allowing the PA response of the nanoparticles to be decoupled from the noise associated with the particle flow whilst also increasing the signal-to-noise ratio. The photostability curve of a known contrast agent is correctly reconstructed, validating the proposed analysis and proving quantitative PA detection. The experiment was run to demonstrate the feasible implementation of the MBR system in a flow cytometry application (e.g., the detection of venous thrombi or circulating tumor cells), particularly regarding wearable appliances. Indeed, these devices could also benefit from other MBR features, such as the extreme compactness, the direct implementation in a microfluidic circuit, and the absence of impedance-matching material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Frigenti
- Centro Fermi—Museo Storico della Fisica e Centro Studi e Ricerche “Enrico Fermi”, Compendio del Viminale, Piazza del Viminale 1, 00184 Rome, Italy; (G.F.); (G.N.C.)
- CNR-IFAC, Istituto di Fisica Applicata “Nello Carrara”, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, via Madonna del Piano 10, I50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy; (L.C.); (F.R.); (S.C.)
- Laboratorio Europeo di Spettroscopia Nonlineare (LENS)—Università degli Studi di Firenze, via Nello Carrara 1, I50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Lucia Cavigli
- CNR-IFAC, Istituto di Fisica Applicata “Nello Carrara”, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, via Madonna del Piano 10, I50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy; (L.C.); (F.R.); (S.C.)
| | - Alberto Fernández-Bienes
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad de México C.P. 04510, Mexico;
| | - Fulvio Ratto
- CNR-IFAC, Istituto di Fisica Applicata “Nello Carrara”, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, via Madonna del Piano 10, I50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy; (L.C.); (F.R.); (S.C.)
| | - Sonia Centi
- CNR-IFAC, Istituto di Fisica Applicata “Nello Carrara”, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, via Madonna del Piano 10, I50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy; (L.C.); (F.R.); (S.C.)
| | - Tupak García-Fernández
- Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México (UACM), Prolongación San Isidro 151, Col. San Lorenzo Tezonco, México D.F. C.P. 09790, Mexico;
| | - Gualtiero Nunzi Conti
- Centro Fermi—Museo Storico della Fisica e Centro Studi e Ricerche “Enrico Fermi”, Compendio del Viminale, Piazza del Viminale 1, 00184 Rome, Italy; (G.F.); (G.N.C.)
- CNR-IFAC, Istituto di Fisica Applicata “Nello Carrara”, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, via Madonna del Piano 10, I50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy; (L.C.); (F.R.); (S.C.)
| | - Silvia Soria
- CNR-IFAC, Istituto di Fisica Applicata “Nello Carrara”, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, via Madonna del Piano 10, I50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy; (L.C.); (F.R.); (S.C.)
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12
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Cavigli L, Centi S, Borri C, Tortoli P, Panettieri I, Streit I, Ciofini D, Magni G, Rossi F, Siano S, Ratto F, Pini R. 1064-nm-resonant gold nanorods for photoacoustic theranostics within permissible exposure limits. J Biophotonics 2019; 12:e201900082. [PMID: 31155855 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.201900082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic and diagnostic methods based on photomechanical effects are attracting much current attention in contexts as oncology, cardiology and vascular surgery, for such applications as photoacoustic imaging or microsurgery. Their underlying mechanism is the generation of ultrasound or cavitation from the interaction of short optical pulses with endogenous dyes or targeted contrast agents. Among the latter, gold nanorods are outstanding candidates, but their use has mainly been reported for photoacoustic imaging and photothermal treatments. Conversely, much less is still known about their value as a precision tool for photomechanical manipulations, such as to impart local damage with high spatial resolution through the expansion and collapse of microbubbles. Here, we address the feasibility of gold nanorods exhibiting a distribution of surface plasmon resonances between about 900 to above 1100 nm as a contrast agent for photoacoustic theranostics. After testing their cytotoxicity and cellular uptake, we discuss their photostability and use to mediate cavitation and the photomechanical destruction of targeted cells. We find that the choice of a plasmonic band peaking around 1064 nm is key to enhance the translational potential of this approach. With respect to the standard alternative of 800 nm, at 1064 nm, relevant regulations on optical exposure are less restrictive and the photonic technology is more mature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Cavigli
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata 'Nello Carrara', Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche IFAC-CNR, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Sonia Centi
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata 'Nello Carrara', Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche IFAC-CNR, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Claudia Borri
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata 'Nello Carrara', Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche IFAC-CNR, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Paolo Tortoli
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Ilaria Panettieri
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Meccanica e Aerospaziale, Politecnico di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | | | - Daniele Ciofini
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata 'Nello Carrara', Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche IFAC-CNR, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Giada Magni
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata 'Nello Carrara', Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche IFAC-CNR, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Francesca Rossi
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata 'Nello Carrara', Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche IFAC-CNR, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Salvatore Siano
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata 'Nello Carrara', Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche IFAC-CNR, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Fulvio Ratto
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata 'Nello Carrara', Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche IFAC-CNR, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Roberto Pini
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata 'Nello Carrara', Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche IFAC-CNR, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
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Ratto F, Cavigli L, Borri C, Centi S, Magni G, Mazzoni M, Pini R. Hybrid organosilicon/polyol phantom for photoacoustic imaging. Biomed Opt Express 2019; 10:3719-3730. [PMID: 31452970 PMCID: PMC6701555 DOI: 10.1364/boe.10.003719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/18/2019] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The rapid development of hardware and software for photoacoustic technologies is urging the establishment of dedicated tools for standardization and performance assessment. In particular, the fabrication of anatomical phantoms for photoacoustic imaging remains an open question, as current solutions have not yet gained unanimous support. Here, we propose that a hybrid material made of a water-in-oil emulsion of glycerol and polydimethylsiloxane may represent a versatile platform to host a broad taxonomy of hydrophobic and hydrophilic dyes and recapitulate the optical and acoustic features of bio tissue. For a full optical parameterization, we refer to Wróbel, et al. [ Biomed. Opt. Express7, 2088 (2016)], where this material was first presented for optical imaging. Instead, here, we complete the picture and find that its speed of sound and acoustic attenuation resemble those of pure polydimethylsiloxane, i.e. respectively 1150 ± 30 m/s and 3.5 ± 0.4 dB/(MHz·cm). We demonstrate its use under a commercial B-mode scanner and a home-made A-mode stage for photoacoustic analysis to retrieve the ground-truth encoded in a multilayer architecture containing indocyanine green, plasmonic particles and red blood cells. Finally, we verify the stability of its acoustic, optical and geometric features over a time span of three months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fulvio Ratto
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata ‘Nello Carrara’ IFAC-CNR, Via Madonna del Piano, 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Lucia Cavigli
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata ‘Nello Carrara’ IFAC-CNR, Via Madonna del Piano, 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Claudia Borri
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata ‘Nello Carrara’ IFAC-CNR, Via Madonna del Piano, 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Sonia Centi
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata ‘Nello Carrara’ IFAC-CNR, Via Madonna del Piano, 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Giada Magni
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata ‘Nello Carrara’ IFAC-CNR, Via Madonna del Piano, 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Marina Mazzoni
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata ‘Nello Carrara’ IFAC-CNR, Via Madonna del Piano, 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Roberto Pini
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata ‘Nello Carrara’ IFAC-CNR, Via Madonna del Piano, 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
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Borri C, Centi S, Ratto F, Pini R. Polylysine as a functional biopolymer to couple gold nanorods to tumor-tropic cells. J Nanobiotechnology 2018; 16:50. [PMID: 29855304 PMCID: PMC5984317 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-018-0377-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The delivery of plasmonic particles, such as gold nanorods, to the tumor microenvironment has attracted much interest in biomedical optics for topical applications as the photoacoustic imaging and photothermal ablation of cancer. However, the systemic injection of free particles still crashes into a complexity of biological barriers, such as the reticuloendothelial system, that prevent their efficient biodistribution. In this context, the notion to exploit the inherent features of tumor-tropic cells for the creation of a Trojan horse is emerging as a plausible alternative. RESULTS We report on a convenient approach to load cationic gold nanorods into murine macrophages that exhibit chemotactic sensitivity to track gradients of inflammatory stimuli. In particular, we compare a new model of poly-L-lysine-coated particles against two alternatives of cationic moieties that we have presented elsewhere, i.e. a small quaternary ammonium compound and an arginine-rich cell-penetrating peptide. Murine macrophages that are exposed to poly-L-lysine-coated gold nanorods at a dosage of 400 µM Au for 24 h undertake efficient uptake, i.e. around 3 pg Au per cell, retain the majority of their cargo until 24 h post-treatment and maintain around 90% of their pristine viability, chemotactic and pro-inflammatory functions. CONCLUSIONS With respect to previous models of cationic coatings, poly-L-lysine is a competitive solution for the preparation of biological vehicles of gold nanorods, especially for applications that may require longer life span of the Trojan horse, say in the order of 24 h. This biopolymer combines the cost-effectiveness of small molecules and biocompatibility and efficiency of natural peptides and thus holds potential for translational developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Borri
- Institute of Applied Physics ‘N. Carrara’, National Research Council of Italy, Via Madonna del Piano, 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences ‘M. Serio’, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla, 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Sonia Centi
- Institute of Applied Physics ‘N. Carrara’, National Research Council of Italy, Via Madonna del Piano, 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Fulvio Ratto
- Institute of Applied Physics ‘N. Carrara’, National Research Council of Italy, Via Madonna del Piano, 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Roberto Pini
- Institute of Applied Physics ‘N. Carrara’, National Research Council of Italy, Via Madonna del Piano, 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
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Centi S, Ratto F, Tatini F, Lai S, Pini R. Ready-to-use protein G-conjugated gold nanorods for biosensing and biomedical applications. J Nanobiotechnology 2018; 16:5. [PMID: 29351815 PMCID: PMC5775603 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-017-0329-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 12/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gold nanorods (GNRs) display unique capacity to absorb and scatter near infrared light, which arises from their peculiar composition of surface plasmon resonances. For this reason, GNRs have become an innovative material of great hope in nanomedicine, in particular for imaging and therapy of cancer, as well as in photonic sensing of biological agents and toxic compounds for e.g. biomedical diagnostics, forensic analysis and environmental monitoring. As the use of GNRs is becoming more and more popular, in all these contexts, there is emerging a latent need for simple and versatile protocols for their modification with targeting units that may convey high specificity for any analyte of interest of an end-user. RESULTS We introduce protein G-coated GNRs as a versatile solution for the oriented immobilization of antibodies in a single step of mixing. We assess this strategy against more standard covalent binding of antibodies, in terms of biocompatibility and efficiency of molecular recognition in buffer, serum and plasma, in the context of the development of a direct immunoenzymatic assay. In both cases, we estimate an average of around 30 events of molecular recognition per particle. In addition, we disclose a convenient protocol to store these particles for months in a freezer, without any detrimental effect. CONCLUSIONS The biocompatibility and efficiency of molecular recognition is similar in either case of GNRs that are modified with antibodies by covalent binding or oriented immobilization through protein G. However, protein G-coated GNRs are most attractive for an end-user, owing to their unique versatility and ease of bioconjugation with antibodies of her/his choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Centi
- Institute of Applied Physics, National Research Council of Italy, Via Madonna del Piano, 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - F. Ratto
- Institute of Applied Physics, National Research Council of Italy, Via Madonna del Piano, 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - F. Tatini
- Institute of Applied Physics, National Research Council of Italy, Via Madonna del Piano, 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - S. Lai
- Institute of Applied Physics, National Research Council of Italy, Via Madonna del Piano, 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - R. Pini
- Institute of Applied Physics, National Research Council of Italy, Via Madonna del Piano, 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
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Zani L, Dagar J, Lai S, Centi S, Ratto F, Pini R, Calamante M, Mordini A, Reginato G, Mazzoni M. Studies on the efficiency enhancement of co-sensitized, transparent DSSCs by employment of core-shell-shell gold nanorods. Inorganica Chim Acta 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ica.2017.06.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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17
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Lai S, Centi S, Borri C, Ratto F, Cavigli L, Micheletti F, Kemper B, Ketelhut S, Kozyreva T, Gonnelli L, Rossi F, Colagrande S, Pini R. A multifunctional organosilica cross-linker for the bio-conjugation of gold nanorods. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2017; 157:174-181. [PMID: 28586730 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2017.05.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Revised: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
We report on the use of organosilica shells to couple gold nanorods to functional peptides and modulate their physiochemical and biological profiles. In particular, we focus on the case of cell penetrating peptides, which are used to load tumor-tropic macrophages and implement an innovative drug delivery system for photothermal and photoacoustic applications. The presence of organosilica exerts subtle effects on multiple parameters of the particles, including their size, shape, electrokinetic potential, photostability, kinetics of endocytic uptake and cytotoxicity, which are investigated by the interplay of colorimetric methods and digital holographic microscopy. As a rule of thumb, as the thickness of organosilica increases from none to ∼30nm, we find an improvement of the photophysical performances at the expense of a deterioration of the biological parameters. Therefore, detailed engineering of the particles for a certain application will require a careful trade-off between photophysical and biological specifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Lai
- Institute of Applied Physics, National Research Council of Italy, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Sonia Centi
- Institute of Applied Physics, National Research Council of Italy, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Claudia Borri
- Institute of Applied Physics, National Research Council of Italy, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Science, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Fulvio Ratto
- Institute of Applied Physics, National Research Council of Italy, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
| | - Lucia Cavigli
- Institute of Applied Physics, National Research Council of Italy, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Filippo Micheletti
- Institute of Applied Physics, National Research Council of Italy, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Bjӧrn Kemper
- Biomedical Technology Center, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Steffi Ketelhut
- Biomedical Technology Center, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | | | | | - Francesca Rossi
- Institute of Applied Physics, National Research Council of Italy, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Stefano Colagrande
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Science, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Roberto Pini
- Institute of Applied Physics, National Research Council of Italy, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
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18
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Gnerucci A, Romano G, Ratto F, Centi S, Baccini M, Santosuosso U, Pini R, Fusi F. Statistical detection of nanoparticles in cells by darkfield microscopy. Phys Med 2016; 32:938-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2016.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Revised: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
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Cavigli L, Tatini F, Borri C, Ratto F, Centi S, Cini A, Lelli B, Matteini P, Pini R. Preparation and Photoacoustic Analysis of Cellular Vehicles Containing Gold Nanorods. J Vis Exp 2016:53328. [PMID: 27167995 PMCID: PMC4942024 DOI: 10.3791/53328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Gold nanorods are attractive for a range of biomedical applications, such as the photothermal ablation and the photoacoustic imaging of cancer, thanks to their intense optical absorbance in the near-infrared window, low cytotoxicity and potential to home into tumors. However, their delivery to tumors still remains an issue. An innovative approach consists of the exploitation of the tropism of tumor-associated macrophages that may be loaded with gold nanorods in vitro. Here, we describe the preparation and the photoacoustic inspection of cellular vehicles containing gold nanorods. PEGylated gold nanorods are modified with quaternary ammonium compounds, in order to achieve a cationic profile. On contact with murine macrophages in ordinary Petri dishes, these particles are found to undergo massive uptake into endocytic vesicles. Then these cells are embedded in biopolymeric hydrogels, which are used to verify that the stability of photoacoustic conversion of the particles is retained in their inclusion into cellular vehicles. We are confident that these results may provide new inspiration for the development of novel strategies to deliver plasmonic particles to tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Cavigli
- Institute of Applied Physics, Italian National Research Council
| | | | - Claudia Borri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Firenze
| | - Fulvio Ratto
- Institute of Applied Physics, Italian National Research Council;
| | - Sonia Centi
- Institute of Applied Physics, Italian National Research Council
| | - Alberto Cini
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino
| | - Beatrice Lelli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna
| | - Paolo Matteini
- Institute of Applied Physics, Italian National Research Council
| | - Roberto Pini
- Institute of Applied Physics, Italian National Research Council
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Scaletti F, Feis A, Centi S, Pini R, Rotello VM, Messori L. Tuning the interactions of PEG-coated gold nanorods with BSA and model proteins through insertion of amino or carboxylate groups. J Inorg Biochem 2015; 150:120-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2015.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2015] [Revised: 04/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Centi S, Tombelli S, Puntoni M, Domenici C, Franek M, Palchetti I. Detection of biomarkers for inflammatory diseases by an electrochemical immunoassay: The case of neopterin. Talanta 2015; 134:48-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2014.10.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2014] [Revised: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 10/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Matteini P, de Angelis M, Ulivi L, Centi S, Pini R. Concave gold nanocube assemblies as nanotraps for surface-enhanced Raman scattering-based detection of proteins. Nanoscale 2015; 7:3474-80. [PMID: 25563172 DOI: 10.1039/c4nr05704j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
SERS detection of proteins is typically performed by using labeling agents with stable and high Raman scattering cross sections. This is a valuable approach for trace detection and quantification of a target protein but is unsuitable for inspecting its inherent structural and functional properties. On the other hand, direct SERS of proteins has been mainly devoted to the study of short peptides and aminoacid sequences or of prosthetic groups with intense Raman signals, which is of scarce interest for a thorough characterization of most proteins. Here we try to overcome these limitations by setting-up an effective platform for the structural SERS analysis of proteins. The platform consists of an extended bidimensional array of gold concave nanocubes (CNCs) supported on a PDMS film. CNCs are closely-packed through face-face and face-corner interactions generating a monolayered arrangement featuring well distributed nanoholes. Here the protein homogeneously experiences an E-field enhancement outward from the metal surfaces surrounding it, which causes a large number of vibrations to be contemporarily amplified. The proposed platform provides stable and detailed SERS spectra and confers rapidity and reproducibility to the analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Matteini
- Institute of Applied Physics "Nello Carrara", National Research Council, via Madonna del Piano 10, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
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Centi S, Tatini F, Ratto F, Gnerucci A, Mercatelli R, Romano G, Landini I, Nobili S, Ravalli A, Marrazza G, Mini E, Fusi F, Pini R. In vitro assessment of antibody-conjugated gold nanorods for systemic injections. J Nanobiotechnology 2014; 12:55. [PMID: 25477237 PMCID: PMC4266900 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-014-0055-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2014] [Accepted: 11/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The interest for gold nanorods in biomedical optics is driven by their intense absorbance of near infrared light, their biocompatibility and their potential to reach tumors after systemic administration. Examples of applications include the photoacoustic imaging and the photothermal ablation of cancer. In spite of great current efforts, the selective delivery of gold nanorods to tumors through the bloodstream remains a formidable challenge. Their bio-conjugation with targeting units, and in particular with antibodies, is perceived as a hopeful solution, but the complexity of living organisms complicates the identification of possible obstacles along the way to tumors. RESULTS Here, we present a new model of gold nanorods conjugated with anti-cancer antigen 125 (CA125) antibodies, which exhibit high specificity for ovarian cancer cells. We implement a battery of tests in vitro, in order to simulate major nuisances and predict the feasibility of these particles for intravenous injections. We show that parameters like the competition of free CA125 in the bloodstream, which could saturate the probe before arriving at the tumors, the matrix effect and the interference with erythrocytes and phagocytes are uncritical. CONCLUSIONS Although some deterioration is detectable, anti-CA125-conjugated gold nanorods retain their functional features after interaction with blood tissue and so represent a powerful candidate to hit ovarian cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Centi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Sperimentali e Cliniche 'Mario Serio', Università degli Studi di Firenze, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139, Firenze, Italy.
| | - Francesca Tatini
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata 'Nello Carrara', Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
| | - Fulvio Ratto
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata 'Nello Carrara', Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
| | - Alessio Gnerucci
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Sperimentali e Cliniche 'Mario Serio', Università degli Studi di Firenze, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139, Firenze, Italy.
| | - Raffaella Mercatelli
- Dipartimento di Chimica 'Ugo Shiff', Università degli Studi di Firenze, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Romano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Sperimentali e Cliniche 'Mario Serio', Università degli Studi di Firenze, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139, Firenze, Italy.
| | - Ida Landini
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139, Firenze, Italy.
| | - Stefania Nobili
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139, Firenze, Italy.
| | - Andrea Ravalli
- Dipartimento di Chimica 'Ugo Shiff', Università degli Studi di Firenze, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
| | - Giovanna Marrazza
- Dipartimento di Chimica 'Ugo Shiff', Università degli Studi di Firenze, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
| | - Enrico Mini
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Firenze, Italy.
| | - Franco Fusi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Sperimentali e Cliniche 'Mario Serio', Università degli Studi di Firenze, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139, Firenze, Italy.
| | - Roberto Pini
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata 'Nello Carrara', Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
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Benetti E, Caridi G, Centi S, Vella MD, Ghiggeri GM, Artifoni L, Murer L. mRNA sequencing of a novel NPHS2 intronic mutation in a child with focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis. Saudi J Kidney Dis Transpl 2014; 25:854-7. [PMID: 24969201 DOI: 10.4103/1319-2442.135180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The NPHS2 gene encodes podocin, a membrane protein that acts as the structural scaffold in podocyte foot processes. NPHS2 mutations are associated with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS), with the pathologic variant being focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), an emerging cause of end-stage renal disease in children. We describe a novel NPHS2 sequence variant in a girl with SRNS. Onset occurred at the age of seven years, with edema, hypo-proteinemia, hypoalbuminemia, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia and nephrotic proteinuria. Renal function was normal and autoimmunity markers were negative. Proteinuria failed to decrease after standard steroid therapy. Renal biopsy showed FSGS. Cyclosporine therapy was instituted, but no remission of proteinuria was achieved and chronic renal failure developed. Molecular analysis of the NPHS2 gene revealed a homozygous nucleotide substitution in position c.451+3A>T in intron 3-4. This nucleotide substitution has not been reported in the literature till date. The effect of the detected substitution on podocin protein was demonstrated by renal biopsy RNA extraction and cDNA amplification analysis. This technique had never been applied to a NPHS2 mutation. Based on these results, immunosuppressive drugs were discontinued and conservative therapy was undertaken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Benetti
- Pediatric Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplant Unit, Department of Pediatrics, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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Gnerucci A, Ratto F, Centi S, Conti A, Pini R, Fusi F, Romano G. A simple method to disentangle nanoparticle optical properties by darkfield microspectroscopy. Microsc Res Tech 2014; 77:886-95. [DOI: 10.1002/jemt.22411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Revised: 07/03/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Gnerucci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”; University of Florence; I-50139 Florence Italy
| | - Fulvio Ratto
- Institute of Applied Physics “Nello Carrara,” National Research Council; I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino Italy
| | - Sonia Centi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”; University of Florence; I-50139 Florence Italy
| | - Antonio Conti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”; University of Florence; I-50139 Florence Italy
| | - Roberto Pini
- Institute of Applied Physics “Nello Carrara,” National Research Council; I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino Italy
| | - Franco Fusi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”; University of Florence; I-50139 Florence Italy
| | - Giovanni Romano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”; University of Florence; I-50139 Florence Italy
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Tatini F, Landini I, Scaletti F, Massai L, Centi S, Ratto F, Nobili S, Romano G, Fusi F, Messori L, Mini E, Pini R. Size dependent biological profiles of PEGylated gold nanorods. J Mater Chem B 2014; 2:6072-6080. [DOI: 10.1039/c4tb00991f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The interactions with proteins, cytotoxicity and blood compatibility of PEGylated gold nanorods are reviewed as a function of particle size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Tatini
- Institute of Applied Physics “Nello Carrara”
- National Research Council
- Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Italy
| | - Ida Landini
- Dept. of Experimental and Clinical Medicine
- University of Florence
- Firenze, 50139 Italy
| | - Federica Scaletti
- Dept. of Chemistry “Ugo Shiff”
- University of Florence
- Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Italy
| | - Lara Massai
- Dept. of Chemistry “Ugo Shiff”
- University of Florence
- Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Italy
| | - Sonia Centi
- Dept. of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences
- University of Florence
- Firenze, 50139 Italy
| | - Fulvio Ratto
- Institute of Applied Physics “Nello Carrara”
- National Research Council
- Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Italy
| | - Stefania Nobili
- Dept. of Experimental and Clinical Medicine
- University of Florence
- Firenze, 50139 Italy
| | - Giovanni Romano
- Dept. of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences
- University of Florence
- Firenze, 50139 Italy
| | - Franco Fusi
- Dept. of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences
- University of Florence
- Firenze, 50139 Italy
| | - Luigi Messori
- Dept. of Chemistry “Ugo Shiff”
- University of Florence
- Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Italy
| | - Enrico Mini
- Dept. of Experimental and Clinical Medicine
- University of Florence
- Firenze, 50139 Italy
| | - Roberto Pini
- Institute of Applied Physics “Nello Carrara”
- National Research Council
- Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Italy
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Mercatelli R, Ratto F, Centi S, Soria S, Romano G, Matteini P, Quercioli F, Pini R, Fusi F. Quantitative readout of optically encoded gold nanorods using an ordinary dark-field microscope. Nanoscale 2013; 5:9645-9650. [PMID: 23832142 DOI: 10.1039/c3nr00726j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
In this paper we report on a new use for dark-field microscopy in order to retrieve two-dimensional maps of optical parameters of a thin sample such as a cryptograph, a histological section, or a cell monolayer. In particular, we discuss the construction of quantitative charts of light absorbance and scattering coefficients of a polyvinyl alcohol film that was embedded with gold nanorods and then etched using a focused mode-locked Ti:Sapphire oscillator. Individual pulses from this laser excite plasmonic oscillations of the gold nanorods, thus triggering plastic deformations of the particles and their environment, which are confined within a few hundred nm of the light focus. In turn, these deformations modify the light absorbance and scattering landscape, which can be measured with optical resolution in a dark-field microscope equipped with an objective of tuneable numerical aperture. This technique may prove to be valuable for various applications, such as the fast readout of optically encoded data or to model functional interactions between light and biological tissue at the level of cellular organelles, including the photothermolysis of cancer.
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Koleganova N, Piecha G, Nyengaard JR, Ritz E, Gross-Weissmann ML, Kurultak I, Sengul S, Kocak S, Erdogmus S, Keven K, Erturk S, Erbay B, Duman N, Ismail G, Bobeica R, Zilisteanu D, Ionescu C, Rusu E, Ioanitescu S, Jurubita R, Voiculescu M, Benetti E, Centi S, Negrisolo S, Caridi G, Murer L, Artifoni L. Renal development and cystic diseases. Clin Kidney J 2011. [DOI: 10.1093/ndtplus/4.s2.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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Ratto F, Matteini P, Centi S, Rossi F, Pini R. Gold nanorods as new nanochromophores for photothermal therapies. J Biophotonics 2011; 4:64-73. [PMID: 20196029 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.201000002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2010] [Revised: 02/10/2010] [Accepted: 02/10/2010] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Results and perspectives on the biomedical exploitation of gold nanorods with plasmon resonances in the near infrared window are reported. The authors describe experimental studies of laser-activated nanoparticles in the direct welding of connective tissues, which may become a valuable technology in biomedicine. In particular, colloidal gold nanorods excited by diode laser radiation at 810 nm were used to mediate functional photothermal effects and weld eye's lens capsules and arteries. The preparation of biopolymeric matrices including gold nanorods is also described, as well as preliminary tests for their application in the closure of wounds in vessels and tendons. Finally, the use of these nanoparticles for future applications in the diagnosis, imaging and therapy of cancer is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fulvio Ratto
- Istituto di Fisica Applicata Nello Carrara, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, via Madonna del Piano 10 Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
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Negrisolo S, Benetti E, Centi S, Della Vella M, Ghirardo G, Zanon GF, Murer L, Artifoni L. PAX2 gene mutations in pediatric and young adult transplant recipients: kidney and urinary tract malformations without ocular anomalies. Clin Genet 2010; 80:581-5. [PMID: 21108633 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0004.2010.01588.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Heterozygous humans for PAX2 mutations show autosomal dominant papillorenal syndrome (PRS), consisting of ocular colobomas, renal hypo/dysplasia and progressive renal failure in childhood. PAX2 mutations have also been identified in patients with isolated renal hypo/dysplasia. Twenty unrelated children and young adults with kidney and urinary tract malformations and no ocular abnormalities were retrospectively recruited for PAX2 mutational analysis. All patients had undergone renal transplantation after end-stage renal disease. We identified two new sequence variations: (i) a deletion causing a frameshift (c.69delC) and (ii) a nucleotide substitution determining a splice site mutation (c.410+5 G/A) by predictive analysis. Therefore, we suggest PAX2 molecular analysis to be extended to all patients with congenital malformations of kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT).
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Affiliation(s)
- S Negrisolo
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Molecular Biology of Kidney, Department of Pediatrics Salus Pueri, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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Matteini P, Ratto F, Rossi F, Centi S, Dei L, Pini R. Chitosan films doped with gold nanorods as laser-activatable hybrid bioadhesives. Adv Mater 2010; 22:4313-4316. [PMID: 20734385 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201002228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Matteini
- Institute of Applied Physics "Nello Carrara", National Research Council, Via Madonna del Piano 10, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019, Italy.
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Centi S, Tombelli S, Palchetti I, Mascini M. Development of an Aptamer-Based Electrochemical Sandwich Assay for the Detection of a Clinical Biomarker. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.1007/978-90-481-3606-3_39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
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Centi S, Bonel Sanmartin L, Tombelli S, Palchetti I, Mascini M. Detection of C Reactive Protein (CRP) in Serum by an Electrochemical Aptamer-Based Sandwich Assay. ELECTROANAL 2009. [DOI: 10.1002/elan.200804560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Artifoni L, Benetti E, Centi S, Negrisolo S, Ghiggeri GM, Ginevri F, Ghio L, Edefonti A, Brambilla C, Cagni N, Murer L. The impact of eNOS, MTR and MTHFR polymorphisms on renal graft survival in children and young adults. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2009; 24:2931-7. [PMID: 19349296 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfp161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The main cause of reduced long-term graft survival is chronic allograft injury. Cardiovascular risk factors such as hyperhomocysteinaemia, accumulation of asymmetric dimethylarginine, increased oxidative stress and decreased production of nitric oxide seem to play an important role. Functional polymorphisms of the endothelial isoform of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) gene cause an alteration in nitric oxide production. Nitric oxide levels, and thus oxidative stress, are also influenced by hyperhomocysteinaemia. METHODS We carried out a genetic analysis of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) 894G>T, methionine synthase (MTR) 2756A>G and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) 677C>T/1298A>C in 268 renal allograft recipient/donor (D/R) matches, with respect to long-term graft survival. RESULTS While MTHFR 677C>T/1298A>G and MTR 2756A>G polymorphism distribution in both recipients (R) and donors (D) showed no significant difference between matches with loss of graft function and those with long-term graft survival, the frequency of the eNOS 894TT genotype of donors was significantly increased (P = 0.040) in matches with better graft survival. The multivariate analysis identified the eNOS 894 genotype and clinically acute rejection episodes as independent risk factors for graft loss (P = 0.0406 and P = 0.0093, respectively). CONCLUSIONS The association between eNOS 894G>T polymorphism of donors and graft survival seems to suggest a role for this gene in chronic allograft injury; however, further studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Artifoni
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Padua, Italy.
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Centi S, Messina G, Tombelli S, Palchetti I, Mascini M. Different approaches for the detection of thrombin by an electrochemical aptamer-based assay coupled to magnetic beads. Biosens Bioelectron 2008; 23:1602-9. [PMID: 18313283 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2008.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2007] [Accepted: 01/18/2008] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Different assay formats based on the coupling of magnetic beads with electrochemical transduction were compared here for the detection of thrombin by using a thrombin specific aptamer. By using the thrombin-binding aptamer, a direct and an indirect competitive assay for thrombin have been developed by immobilising the aptamer or the protein, respectively. Moreover, another strategy was based on the direct measurement of the enzymatic product of thrombin captured by the immobilised aptamer. All the assays were developed by coupling the electrochemical transduction with the innovative and advantageous use of magnetic beads. The assays based on the immobilisation of the protein were not successful since no binding was recorded between thrombin and its aptamer. With the direct competitive assay, when the aptamer was immobilised onto the magnetic beads, a detection limit of 430nM for thrombin was achieved. A lower detection limit for the protein (175nM) was instead obtained by detecting the product of the enzymatic reaction catalysed by thrombin. All these assays were finally compared with a sandwich assay which reached a detection limit of 0.45nM of thrombin demonstrating the best analytical performances. With this comparison the importance of a deep study on the different analytical approaches for thrombin detection to reach the performances of the best assay configuration has been demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Centi
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
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Bini A, Centi S, Tombelli S, Minunni M, Mascini M. Development of an optical RNA-based aptasensor for C-reactive protein. Anal Bioanal Chem 2007; 390:1077-86. [PMID: 18066708 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-007-1736-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2007] [Revised: 10/04/2007] [Accepted: 11/05/2007] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The development of a RNA-aptamer-based optical biosensor (aptasensor) for C-reactive protein (CRP) is reported. CRP is an important clinical biomarker; it was the first acute-phase protein to be discovered (1930) and is a sensitive systemic marker of inflammation and tissue damage. It has also a prognostic value for patients with acute coronary syndrome. The average concentration of CRP in serum is 0.8 ppm and it increases in response to a variety of inflammatory stimuli, such as trauma, tissue necrosis, infection and myocardial infarction. The interaction between the 44-base RNA aptamer and the target analyte CRP is studied. In particular, the influence of the aptamer immobilization procedure (chemistry, length, concentration), as well as the binding conditions, i.e., the influence on the binding of different buffers, the presence of Ca2+ ion and the specificity (against human serum albumin) have been evaluated. Using the best working conditions, we achieved a detection limit of 0.005 ppm, with good selectivity towards human serum albumin. Some preliminary experiments in serum are reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Bini
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Polo Scientifico, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
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Centi S, Silva E, Laschi S, Palchetti I, Mascini M. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) detection in milk samples by an electrochemical magneto-immunosensor (EMI) coupled to solid-phase extraction (SPE) and disposable low-density arrays. Anal Chim Acta 2007; 594:9-16. [PMID: 17560379 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2007.04.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2007] [Revised: 04/24/2007] [Accepted: 04/30/2007] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
An electrochemical immunosensor for polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) detection based on graphite screen-printed low-density arrays and on magnetic beads is reported. The immunological reaction for the detection of PCBs is based on a direct competitive assay using alkaline phosphatase (AP) as enzymatic label. After the immunochemical recognition, the modified magnetic beads are captured by a magnet on the surface of the graphite working electrode. The electrochemical detection is thus achieved through the addition of the AP substrate (alpha-naphthyl-phosphate). Two different antibodies (sIgG anti-PCB28 and rIgG anti-PCB77) were tested and compared in terms of sensitivity and ability to recognise different congeners. The developed electrochemical magneto-immunosensor (EMI) was successfully combined with solid-phase extraction (SPE) for the analysis of PCBs in milk samples. In spiked samples a recovery of 80% was obtained. The proposed strategy offers great promise for rapid, simple, cost-effective, and on-site analysis of clinical, food and environmental samples, considering also that low-density arrays allow the simultaneous analysis of different processed samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Centi
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy.
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Silva E, Mascini M, Centi S, Turner APF. Detection of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) in Milk using a Disposable Immunomagnetic Electrochemical Sensor. ANAL LETT 2007. [DOI: 10.1080/00032710701327054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Abstract
The DNA thrombin aptamer has been extensively investigated, and the coupling of this aptamer to different transduction principles has demonstrated the wide applicability of aptamers as bioreceptors in bioanalytical assays. The goal of this work was to design an aptamer-based sandwich assay with electrochemical detection for thrombin analysis in complex matrixes, using a simple target capturing step by aptamer-functionalized magnetic beads. The conditions for the aptamer immobilization and for the protein binding have been first optimized by surface plasmon resonance, and then transferred to the electrochemical-based assay performed onto screen-printed electrodes. The assay was then applied to the analysis of thrombin in buffer, spiked serum, and plasma and high sensitivity and specificity were found. Moreover, thrombin was generated in situ in plasma by the conversion of its precursor prothrombin, and the formation of thrombin was followed at different times. The concentrations detected by the electrochemical assay were in agreement with a simulation software that mimics the formation of thrombin over time (thrombogram). The proposed work demonstrates that the high specificity of aptamers together with the use of magnetic beads are the key features for aptamer-based analysis in complex matrixes, opening the possibility of a real application to diagnostics or medical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Centi
- Università degli Studi di Firenze, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
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Abstract
Aptamer-based assays represent a modern and attractive approach in bioanalytical chemistry. The DNA thrombin aptamer has been extensively investigated, and the coupling of this aptamer to different transduction principles has demonstrated the wide applicability of aptamers as bioreceptors in bioanalytical assays. The goal of this work was to critically evaluate all the parameters that can influence the sensor performances by using the thrombin aptamer immobilized onto piezoelectric quartz crystals. The optimization of the immobilization and the binding protocol was of paramount importance, and improvements in analytical performances could be obtained by optimizing simple steps in immobilization and assay conditions. Moreover, the work demonstrated the possibility of using aptamer-based sensors in complex matrixes, opening the possibility of a real application to diagnostics or medical investigation.
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Centi S, Marrazza G, Mascini M. Procedure 25 PCB analysis using immunosensors based on magnetic beads and carbon screen-printed electrodes in marine sediment and soil samples. Electrochemical Sensor Analysis 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/s0166-526x(06)49068-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
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Murer L, Benetti E, Centi S, Della Vella M, Artifoni L, Capizzi A, Zucchetta P, Del Prete D, Carasi C, Montini G, Rigamonti W, Zaccello G. Clinical and molecular markers of chronic interstitial nephropathy in congenital unilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction. J Urol 2006; 176:2668-73; discussion 2673. [PMID: 17085190 DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2006.08.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2006] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We evaluated clinical and biological variables, and their meaning as reliable markers of chronic interstitial nephropathy in a selected group of children with prenatally detected hydronephrosis who underwent pyeloplasty because of congenital unilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS We reviewed the clinical, prenatal and postnatal ultrasonographic, and scintigraphic records of children for whom intraoperative biopsy records were available. We performed histological analysis, and evaluated tubulointerstitial immunostaining for vimentin and alpha-smooth muscle actin, and the immunohistochemical and mRNA expression of the renin-angiotensin system peptides and transforming growth factor-beta1. RESULTS The children were divided in 2 groups according to the absence (group 1) or presence (group 2) of chronic interstitial nephropathy in the biopsy. Patients in group 2 were significantly younger at prenatal diagnosis (p = 0.031), and had decreased split renal function (p = 0.005) and worse drainage (p = 0.035) on preoperative diuretic renography. No differences were found in terms of degree of hydronephrosis, or its prenatal and postnatal variation. Group 2 biopsies exhibited greater immunostaining for alpha-smooth muscle actin and vimentin (p = 0.004 and p = 0.047, respectively), and transforming growth factor-beta1 mRNA levels (p = 0.06). Vimentin and alpha-smooth muscle actin positivity correlated with renin, angiotensin II receptors 1 and 2, and transforming growth factor-beta1 mRNA levels, and all correlated with preoperative split renal function and post-void washout. CONCLUSIONS In congenital unilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction chronic interstitial nephropathy and poor postoperative recovery seem to be associated with an earlier diagnosis of hydronephrosis, functional loss greater than 10% and worse scintigraphic drainage. Moreover, there is a strong correlation between molecular fibrogenic markers and histologically and scintigraphically demonstrated renal damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Murer
- Pediatric Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplant Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Urology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
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Centi S, Laschi S, Fránek M, Mascini M. A disposable immunomagnetic electrochemical sensor based on functionalised magnetic beads and carbon-based screen-printed electrodes (SPCEs) for the detection of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Anal Chim Acta 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2005.01.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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