MRI-visual order-disorder micellar nanostructures for smart cancer theranostics

The development of MRI-visual order-disorder structures for cancer nanomedicine explores a pH-triggered mechanism for theragnosis of tumor hallmark functions. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) stabilized with amphiphilic poly(styrene)-b-poly(acrylic acid)-doxorubicin with folic acid (FA) surfacing are employed as a multi-functional approach to specifically target, diagnose, and deliver drugs via a single nanoscopic platform for cancer therapy. The functional aspects of the micellar nanocomposite is investigated in vitro using human breast SkBr3 and colon cancer HCT116 cell lines for the delivery, release, localization, and anticancer activity of the drug. For the first time, concentration-dependent T2 -weighted MRI contrast for a monolayer of clustered cancer cells is shown. The pH tunable order-disorder transition of the core-shell structure induces the relative changes in MRI contrast. The outcomes elucidate the potential of this material for smart cancer theranostics by delivering non-invasive real-time diagnosis, targeted therapy, and monitoring the course and response of the action before, during, and after the treatment regimen.

The induction of maturation on dendritic cells by TiO2 and Fe(3)O(4)@TiO(2) nanoparticles via NF-κB signaling pathway

Nanomaterials are increasingly used in many fields, including drug vectors and vaccine formulation. In this study, nano-TiO(2) and magnetic Fe(3)O(4)@TiO(2) were synthesized and their abilities to activate dendritic cells were investigated. The signaling pathway involved in their effects on the cellular functions was also explored. First, nano-TiO(2) and Fe(3)O(4)@TiO(2) were prepared with diameters of 82nm and 63nm, and zeta potentials of 41.5mV and 30.2mV, respectively. The magnetic property of Fe(3)O(4)@TiO(2) was detected to be 12.9emu/g. Both kinds of nanoparticles were proved to have good biocompatibility in vitro. Second, the exposure of nano-TiO2 and Fe(3)O(4)@TiO(2)caused an increased expression of TNF-α, CD86 and CD80, and besides, Fe(3)O(4)@TiO(2)showed a certain up-regulation on MHC-II. The cellular uptake of Ovalbumin on BMDCs could be strongly improved by nano-TiO2 and Fe(3)O(4)@TiO(2)as detected via flow cytometer and confocal observation. Further investigation revealed that nano-TiO(2) and Fe(3)O(4)@TiO(2)significantly increased the NF-κB expression in the nucleus, indicating that the NF-κB signaling pathway was involved in the dendritic cell maturation. Our results suggested that nano-TiO(2) and Fe(3)O(4)@TiO(2)may function as a useful vector to promote vaccine delivery in immune cells, and Fe(3)O(4)@TiO(2)provided a possibility to deliver and track vaccines via its magnetofection.

Facile synthesis and optical properties of polymer-laced ZnO-Au hybrid nanoparticles

Bi-phase dispersible ZnO-Au hybrid nanoparticles were synthesized via one-pot non-aqueous nanoemulsion using the triblock copolymer poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(propylene glycol)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) as the surfactant. The characterization shows that the polymer-laced ZnO-Au nanoparticles are monosized and of high crystallinity and demonstrate excellent dispersibility and optical performance in both organic and aqueous medium, revealing the effects of quantum confinement and medium. The findings show two well-behaved absorption bands locating at approximately 360 nm from ZnO and between 520 and 550 nm from the surface plasmon resonance of the nanosized Au and multiple visible fingerprint photoluminescent emissions. Consequently, the wide optical absorbance and fluorescent activity in different solvents could be promising for biosensing, photocatalysis, photodegradation, and optoelectronic devices.

Immune profiling of BALB/C and C57BL/6 mice reveals a correlation between Ureaplasma parvum-Induced fetal inflammatory response syndrome-like pathology and increased placental expression of TLR2 and CD14

PROBLEM

Both BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice are susceptible to intrauterine infection with Ureaplasma parvum, but only protypical TH2/M2 BALB/c mice develop severe chorioamnionitis, fetal infection, and fetal inflammatory response syndrome-like (FIRS) pathology.

METHOD OF STUDY

Microscopy, gene expression analysis, and ELISA were used to identify placental innate immune responses relevant to macrophage polarity, severe chorioamnionitis, and fetal infection.

RESULTS

Both mouse strains exhibited a pro-M2 cytokine profile at the maternal/fetal interface. In BALB/c mice, expression of CD14 and TLRs 1, 2, 6 was increased in infected placentas; TLR2 and CD14 were localized to neutrophils. Increased TLR2/CD14 was also observed in BALB/c syncytiotrophoblasts in tissues with pathological evidence of FIRS. In contrast, expression in C57BL/6 placentas was either unchanged or down-regulated.

CONCLUSION

Our findings show a link between increased syncytiotrophoblast expression of CD14/TLR2 and FIRS-like pathology in BALB/c mice. Functional studies are required to determine if CD14 is contributing to fetal morbidity during chorioamnionitis.

Molecular-level understanding of protein adsorption at the interface between water and a strongly interacting uncharged solid surface

Although protein adsorption on solids is of immense relevance, experimental limitations mean there is still a remarkable lack of understanding of the adsorption mechanism, particularly at a molecular level. By subjecting 240+ molecular dynamics simulations of two peptide/water/solid surface systems to statistical analysis, a generalized molecular level mechanism for peptide adsorption has been identified for uncharged surfaces that interact strongly with the solution phase. This mechanism is composed of three phases: (1) biased diffusion of the peptide from the bulk phase toward the surface; (2) anchoring of the peptide to the water/solid interface via interaction of a hydrophilic group with the water adjacent to the surface or a strongly interacting hydrophobic group with the surface; and (3) lockdown of the peptide on the surface via a slow, stepwise and largely sequential adsorption of its residues, which we term 'statistical zippering'. The adsorption mechanism is dictated by the existence of water layers adjacent to the solid and orientational ordering therein. By extending the solid into the solution by ~8 Å and endowing it with a charged character, the water layers ensure the peptide feels the effect of the solid at a range well beyond the dispersion force that arises from it, thus inducing biased diffusion from afar. The charging of the interface also facilitates anchoring of the peptide near the surface via one of its hydrophilic groups, allowing it time it would otherwise not have to rearrange and lockdown. Finally, the slowness of the lockdown process is dictated by the need for the peptide groups to replace adjacent tightly bound interfacial water.

Biodistribution and clearance of a filamentous plant virus in healthy and tumor-bearing mice

Aim: Nanoparticles based on plant viruses are emerging biomaterials for medical applications such as drug delivery and imaging. Their regular structures can undergo genetic and chemical modifications to carry large payloads of cargos, as well as targeting ligands. Of several such platforms under development, only few have been characterized in vivo. We recently introduced the filamentous plant virus, potato virus X (PVX), as a new platform. PVX presents with a unique nanoarchitecture and is difficult to synthesize chemically. Methods: Here, we present a detailed analysis of PVX biodistribution and clearance in healthy mice and mouse tumor xenograft models using a combination of ex vivo whole-organ imaging, quantitative fluorescence assays and immunofluorescence microscopy. Results & conclusion: While up to 30% of the PVX signal was from the colon, mammary and brain tumor tissues, remaining particles were cleared by the reticuloendothelial system organs (the spleen and liver), followed by slower processing and clearance through the kidneys and bile.

Original submitted 7 November 2012; Revised submitted 19 January 2013; Published online 9 July 2013

Synthesis, microstructure, and magnetic properties of monosized MnxZnyFe3 - x - yO4 ferrite nanocrystals

We report the synthesis and characterization of ferrite nanocrystals which exhibit high crystallinity and narrow size distributions. The three types of samples including Zn ferrite, Mn ferrite, and Mn-Zn ferrite were prepared via a non-aqueous nanoemulsion method. The structural, chemical, and magnetic properties of the nanocrystals are analyzed by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, and physical property measurement system. The characterization indicates that the three types of ferrite nanocrystals were successfully produced, which show well-behaved magnetic properties, ferrimagnetism at 5 K and superparamagnetism at 300 K, respectively. In addition, the magnetization value of the ferrites increases with the increasing concentration of Mn.

Ascorbic-acid-assisted growth of high quality M@ZnO: a growth mechanism and kinetics study

We present a general route for synthesizing M@ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) by using ascorbic acid (AA) to induce deposition of ZnO on various shaped and structured cationic-surfactant-capped NP surfaces (noble, magnetic, semiconductor, rod-like, spherical, cubic, dendrite, alloy, core@shell). The results show that the complexing (AA and Zn(2+)) and cooperative effects (AA and CTAB) play important roles in the formation of polycrystalline ZnO shells. Besides, the growth kinetics of M@ZnO was systematically studied. It was found that the slow growth rate favors the successful formation of uniform core@ZnO NPs with relatively loose shells. An appropriate growth rate allows achieving high quality M@ZnO NPs with dense shells. However, very fast growth causes significant additional nucleation and the formation of pure ZnO NPs. This general method is suitable for preparing M@ZnO using seed NPs prepared in both water and organic phases. It might be an alternative route for functionalizing NPs for bioapplications (ZnO is biocompatible), modulating material properties as designed, or synthesizing template materials for building other nanostructures.

Danger signals in the initiation of the inflammatory response after myocardial infarction

During myocardial infarction, sterile inflammation occurs. The danger model is a solid theoretic framework that explains this inflammation as danger associated molecular patterns activate the immune system. The innate immune system can sense danger signals through different pathogen recognition receptors (PRR) such as toll-like receptors, nod-like receptors and receptors for advanced glycation endproducts. Activation of a PRR results in the production of cytokines and the recruitment of leukocytes to the site of injury. Due to tissue damage and necrosis of cardiac cells, danger signals such as extracellular matrix (ECM) breakdown products, mitochondrial DNA, heat shock proteins and high mobility box 1 are released. Matricellular proteins are non-structural proteins expressed in the ECM and are upregulated upon injury. Some members of the matricellular protein family (like tenascin-C, osteopontin, CCN1 and the galectins) have been implicated in the inflammatory and reparative responses following myocardial infarction and may function as danger signals. In a clinical setting, danger signals can function as prognostic and/or diagnostic biomarkers and for drug targeting. In this review we will provide an overview of the established knowledge on the role of danger signals in myocardial infarction and we will discuss areas of interest for future research.

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) modulation by synthetic and natural compounds: an update

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), together with MD-2, binds bacterial endotoxins (E) with high affinity, triggering formation of the activated homodimer (E.MD-2.TLR4)2. Activated TLR4 induces intracellular signaling leading to activation of transcription factors that result in cytokine and chemokine production and initiation of inflammatory and immune responses. TLR4 also responds to endogenous ligands called danger associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Increased sensitivity to infection and a variety of immune pathologies have been associated with either too little or too much TLR4 activation. We review here the molecular mechanisms of TLR4 activation (agonism) or inhibition (antagonism) by small organic molecules of both natural and synthetic origin. The role of co-receptors MD-2 and CD14 in the TLR4 modulation process is also discussed. Recent achievements in the field of chemical TLR4 modulation are reviewed, with special focus on nonclassical TLR4 ligands with a chemical structure different from that of lipid A.

Multifunctional nanoplatforms for targeted multidrug-resistant-bacteria theranostic applications

The emergence of multidrug-resistant-bacteria (MDRB) infection poses a major burden to modern healthcare. Early detection in the bloodstream and a new strategy development for MDRB infection treatment without antibiotics are clinically significant to save millions of lives every year. To tackle the MDRB challenge, the current manuscript reports the design of "multifunctional nanoplatforms" consisting of a magnetic core-plasmonic shell nanoparticle, a methylene blue-bound aptamer, and an MDRB Salmonella DT104 specific antibody. The reported "multifunctional nanoplatform" is capable of targeted separation from a blood sample and sensing and multimodal therapeutic killing of MDRB. Experimental data using an MDRB-infected whole-blood sample show that nanoplatforms can be used for selective magnetic separation and fluorescence imaging. In vitro light-triggered photodestruction of MDRB, using combined photodynamic and photothermal treatment, shows that the multimodal treatment regime can enhance MDRB killing significantly. We discussed the possible mechanisms on combined synergistic therapy for killing MDRB. The "multifunctional nanoplatform" reported in this manuscript has great potential for the imaging and combined therapy of MDRB in clinical settings.

Selective activation of antigen-experienced T cells by anti-CD3 constrained on nanoparticles

Activation of T cells through the TCR is mediated by the TCR-CD3 signaling complex. Cross linking of this complex with Abs directed against CD3 leads to potent activation of T cells. However, such activation is not Ag-specific. We exploited the observation that the TCR-CD3 complex is clustered on T cells that have been activated by Ag by using anti-CD3 nanoparticles to selectively activate Ag-experienced mouse T cells. We find that constraining anti-CD3 on the surface of a nanoparticle markedly and selectively enhances proliferation and cytokine production of Ag-experienced T cells but does not activate naive T cells. This effect was recapitulated in heterogeneous cultures containing mixtures of Ag-specific CD4(+) or CD8(+) T cells and bystander T cells. Furthermore, in vivo anti-CD3-coated nanoparticles increased the expansion of Ag-specific T cells following vaccination. Overall, these findings indicate that anti-CD3-coated nanoparticles could be use to enhance the efficacy of vaccines and immunotherapy. The results also suggest constraining a ligand on the surface of a nanoparticle might as general strategy for selectively targeting clustered receptors.

ZnO nanoparticles applied to bioimaging and drug delivery

The last decade has seen significant achievements in biomedical diagnosis and therapy at the levels of cells and molecules. Nanoparticles with luminescent or magnetic properties are used as detection probes and drug carriers, both in vitro and in vivo. ZnO nanoparticles, due to their good biocompatibility and low cost, have shown promising potential in bioimaging and drug delivery. The recent exciting progress on the biomedical applications of ZnO-based nanomaterials is reviewed here, along with discussions on the advantages and limitations of these advanced materials and suggestions for improving methods.

Nanoparticle-based vaccine delivery for cancer immunotherapy

Development of nano-sized carriers including nanoparticles, nanoemulsions or liposomes holds great potential for advanced delivery systems for cancer immunotherapy, as such nanostructures can be used to more effectively manipulate or deliver immunologically active components to specific target sites. Successful development of nanotechnology based platform in the field of immunotherapy will allow the application of vaccines, adjuvants and immunomodulatory drugs that improve clinical outcomes for immunological diseases. Here, we review current nanoparticle-based platforms in the efficacious delivery of vaccines in cancer immunotherapy.

Multi-shell structured fluorescent-magnetic nanoprobe for target cell imaging and on-chip sorting

In this paper, we have developed a core-triple-shell structured multi-functional nanoprobe Fe3O4/SiO2/CdSeTe@ZnS-SiO2/polydopamine with strong fluorescence and a fast magnetic response for specifically recognizing, fluorescently labeling, and magnetically sorting target tumor cells on a microfluidic chip. The outer polydopamine layer not only effectively alleviated the quenching effect of the interlayer quantum dots but also provided a convenient and versatile functional interface to readily conjugate with the recognizing model molecules of aptamer KH1C12 with amine, thiol, or carboxyl groups. Moreover, the polydopamine isolation and PEG decoration equipped the as-fabricated nanoprobes with little cytotoxicity and nonspecific affinity, leading to the effective and specific profiling of the protein epitopes expressed on the target tumor cells. Taking advantage of the magnetic property and specific recognition, the modified nanoprobe was utilized to label and isolate HL-60 cells from a homogeneous cell mixture of HL-60 and K562 cells on a microfluidic chip. Combining with the high throughput of the microfluidic chip, 1.0 × 10(4) HL-60 cells were readily separated from 2.0 × 10(4) cells in only 10 min with 98% separation efficiency, markedly improved in comparison with conventional strategies. This study presents an innovative strategy for developing highly integrated nanoprobes of strong fluorescence and magnetic controllability, opening up a promising probe-based avenue for biological imaging and separation.

Green synthetic, multifunctional hybrid micelles with shell embedded magnetic nanoparticles for theranostic applications

The objective of this study is to design and develop a green-synthetic, multifunctional hybrid micelles with shell embedded magnetic nanoparticles for theranostic applications. The hybrid micelles were engineered based on complex micelles self-assembled from amphiphilic block copolymers Pluronic F127 and peptide-amphiphile (PA) pal-AAAAHHHD. The reason to choose PA is due to its amphiphilic character and the coordination capability for Fe(3+) and Fe(2+). The PA incorporation allows the in situ growth of the magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles onto the complex micelles, to yield the nanostructures with shell embedded magnetic nanoparticles at an ambient condition without any organic solvents. The anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) can be efficiently loaded into the hybrid micelles. Interestingly, the magnetic nanoparticles anchored on the shell were found to significantly retard the DOX release behavior of the drug loaded hybrid micelles. It was proposed that a cross-linking effect of the shell by magnetic nanoparticles is a key to underlie the above intriguing phenomenon, which could enhance the stability and control the drug diffusion of the hybrid micelles. Importantly, in vitro and in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed the potential of these hybrid micelles to be served as a T2-weighted MR imaging contrast enhancer for clinical diagnosis.

Preparation of magnetic rattle-type silica through a general and facile pre-shell-post-core process for simultaneous cancer imaging and therapy

Here we report a novel pre-shell-post-core method for the fabrication of monodispersed magnetic rattle-type silica (MRS) through an entrapment process, which could be used as a promising theranostic agent for simultaneous magnetic resonance imaging and drug delivery.

Assessment of tumor antigen-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles as an efficient delivery system for dendritic cell engineering

Aim: The work attempts to overcome tumor-associated immune tolerance using a surface-modified solid lipid nanoparticle (SLNP) delivery system for dendritic cell (DC) immunotherapy. Materials & methods: Different formulations of SLNPs (SLNPs-alone, cationic SLNPs and mannosylated SLNPs) were prepared using tumor cell lysates. Prepared nanoparticles were characterized and their ability to activate DCs to induce a tumor cell-specific response was assessed. Results: SLNPs induced a strong phagocytic signal to DCs without any significant toxicity. Comparatively, mannosylated SLNPs evoked an optimum and effective cell-mediated immune response with no significant toxicity. Conclusion: Surface-modified SLNPs may play a pivotal role in designing a clinically translatable DC-based immunotherapy for gastrointestinal malignancies. This novel approach may also facilitate the treatment of residual disease, following standard therapy.

Original submitted 9 February 2012; Revised submitted 19 August 2012; Published online 14 January 2013

Chemokine programming dendritic cell antigen response: part I - select chemokine programming of antigen uptake even after maturation

Here, we report on the successful programming of dendritic cells (DCs) using selectively applied mixtures of chemokines as a novel protocol for engineering vaccine efficiency. Antigen internalization by DCs is a pivotal step in antigen uptake/presentation for bridging innate and adaptive immunity and in exogenous gene delivery used in vaccine strategies. Contrary to most approaches to improve vaccine efficiency, active enhancement of antigen internalization by DCs as a vaccine strategy has been less studied because DCs naturally down-regulate antigen internalization upon maturation. Whereas chemokines are mainly known as signal proteins that induce leucocyte chemotaxis, very little research has been carried out to identify any additional effects of chemokines on DCs following maturation. Here, immature DCs are pre-treated with select chemokines before intentional maturation using lipopolysaccharide (LPS). When pre-treated with a mixture of CCL3 and CCL19 in a 7 : 3 ratio, then matured with LPS, chemokine pre-treated DCs exhibited 36% higher antigen uptake capacity than immature DCs and 27% higher antigen-processing capacity than immature DCs treated only with LPS. Further, CCL3 : CCL19 (7 : 3) pre-treatment of DCs modulated MHC molecule expression and secretion of various cytokines of DCs. Collectively, DC programming was feasible using a specific chemokine combination and these results provide a novel strategy for enhancing DC-based vaccine efficiency. In Part II, we report on the phenotype changes and antigen presentation capacity of chemokine pre-treated murine bone marrow-derived DCs examined in long-term co-culture with antigen-specific CD4(+) T cells.

Encapsulation of particle ensembles in graphene nanosacks as a new route to multifunctional materials

Hybrid nanoparticles with multiple functions are of great interest in biomedical diagnostics, therapies, and theranostics but typically require complex multistep chemical synthesis. Here we demonstrate a general physical method to create multifunctional hybrid materials through aerosol-phase graphene encapsulation of ensembles of simple unifunctional nanoparticles. We first develop a general theory of the aerosol encapsulation process based on colloidal interactions within drying microdroplets. We demonstrate that a wide range of cargo particle types can be encapsulated, and that high pH is a favorable operating regime that promotes colloidal stability and limits nanoparticle dissolution. The cargo-filled graphene nanosacks are then shown to be open structures that rapidly release soluble salt cargoes when reintroduced into water, but can be partially sealed by addition of a polymeric filler to achieve slow release profiles of interest in controlled release or theranostic applications. Finally, we demonstrate an example of multifunctional material by fabricating graphene/Au/Fe3O4 hybrids that are magnetically responsive and show excellent contrast enhancement as multimodal bioimaging probes in both magnetic resonance imaging and X-ray computed tomography in full-scale clinical instruments.

Quantum dots as a platform for nanoparticle drug delivery vehicle design

Nanoparticle-based drug delivery (NDD) has emerged as a promising approach to improving upon the efficacy of existing drugs and enabling the development of new therapies. Proof-of-concept studies have demonstrated the potential for NDD systems to simultaneously achieve reduced drug toxicity, improved bio-availability, increased circulation times, controlled drug release, and targeting. However, clinical translation of NDD vehicles with the goal of treating particularly challenging diseases, such as cancer, will require a thorough understanding of how nanoparticle properties influence their fate in biological systems, especially in vivo. Consequently, a model system for systematic evaluation of all stages of NDD with high sensitivity, high resolution, and low cost is highly desirable. In theory, this system should maintain the properties and behavior of the original NDD vehicle, while providing mechanisms for monitoring intracellular and systemic nanocarrier distribution, degradation, drug release, and clearance. For such a model system, quantum dots (QDots) offer great potential. QDots feature small size and versatile surface chemistry, allowing their incorporation within virtually any NDD vehicle with minimal effect on overall characteristics, and offer superb optical properties for real-time monitoring of NDD vehicle transport and drug release at both cellular and systemic levels. Though the direct use of QDots for drug delivery remains questionable due to their potential long-term toxicity, the QDot core can be easily replaced with other organic drug carriers or more biocompatible inorganic contrast agents (such as gold and magnetic nanoparticles) by their similar size and surface properties, facilitating translation of well characterized NDD vehicles to the clinic, maintaining NDD imaging capabilities, and potentially providing additional therapeutic functionalities such as photothermal therapy and magneto-transfection. In this review we outline unique features that make QDots an ideal platform for nanocarrier design and discuss how this model has been applied to study NDD vehicle behavior for diverse drug delivery applications.

New forms of superparamagnetic nanoparticles for biomedical applications

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) based on iron oxide, especially magnetite (Fe3O4), have been explored as sensitive probes for magnetic resonance imaging and therapeutic applications. Such application potentials plus the need to achieve high efficiency and sensitivity have motivated the search for new forms of superparamagnetic NPs with additional chemical and physical functionalities. This review summarizes the latest development of high moment MNPs, multifunctional MNPs, and porous hollow MNPs for biosensing, molecular imaging, and drug delivery applications.

Tracking and evaluation of dendritic cell migration by cellular magnetic resonance imaging

Cellular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a means by which cells labeled ex vivo with a contrast agent can be detected and tracked over time in vivo. This technology provides a noninvasive method with which to assess cell-based therapies in vivo. Dendritic cell (DC)-based vaccines are a promising cancer immunotherapy, but its success is highly dependent on the injected DC migrating to a secondary lymphoid organ such as a nearby lymph node. There the DC can interact with T cells to elicit a tumor-specific immune response. It is important to verify DC migration in vivo using a noninvasive imaging modality, such as cellular MRI, so that important information regarding the anatomical location and persistence of the injected DC in a targeted lymph node can be provided. An understanding of DC biology is critical in ascertaining how to label DC with sufficient contrast agent to render them detectable by MRI. While iron oxide nanoparticles provide the best sensitivity for detection of DC in vivo, a clinical grade iron oxide agent is not currently available. A clinical grade (19) Fluorine-based perfluorcarbon nanoemulsion is available but is less sensitive, and its utility to detect DC migration in humans remains to be demonstrated using clinical scanners presently available. The ability to quantitatively track DC migration in vivo can provide important information as to whether different DC maturation and activation protocols result in improved DC migration efficiency which will determine the vaccine's immunogenicity and ultimately the tumor immunotherapy's outcome in humans.

Multifunctional nanoparticles for drug delivery and molecular imaging

Recent advances in nanotechnology and growing needs in biomedical applications have driven the development of multifunctional nanoparticles. These nanoparticles, through nanocrystalline synthesis, advanced polymer processing, and coating and functionalization strategies, have the potential to integrate various functionalities, simultaneously providing (a) contrast for different imaging modalities, (b) targeted delivery of drug/gene, and (c) thermal therapies. Although still in its infancy, the field of multifunctional nanoparticles has shown great promise in emerging medical fields such as multimodal imaging, theranostics, and image-guided therapies. In this review, we summarize the techniques used in the synthesis of complex nanostructures, review the major forms of multifunctional nanoparticles that have emerged over the past few years, and provide a perceptual vision of this important field of nanomedicine.

Controllable synthesis of recyclable core-shell γ-Fe2O3@SnO2 hollow nanoparticles with enhanced photocatalytic and gas sensing properties

Composite materials containing different components with well-defined structures may cooperatively enhance their performance and extend their applications. In this work, core-shell γ-Fe2O3@SnO2 hollow nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by a low-cost and environmentally friendly seed-mediated hydrothermal method. Firstly, the γ-Fe2O3 hollow NPs were synthesized by a template-free method. Then they were used as the cores for the growth of SnO2 shells. The thickness of the shell can be simply tailored by controlling the reaction time. Various techniques, including SEM, XRD, TEM and HRTEM, were employed to investigate the morphology, structure and formation process of the special core-shell hollow structures. The combination of magnetic semiconductor (γ-Fe2O3) and wide band-gap semiconductor (SnO2) endowed them with great potential to be used as recyclable photocatalysts. Experiments on photo-degradation of Rhodamin B (RhB) dye in the presence of the samples showed that the hybrid structures possessed higher photocatalytic activities than the monomer structures of SnO2 and γ-Fe2O3 materials indicating a strong coupling enhancement effect between the wide and narrow band-gap semiconductors. Moreover, the gas sensing tests of the γ-Fe2O3@SnO2 hollow NPs revealed that the samples exhibited fast response and recovery rates, which enable them to be promising materials for gas sensors.

Core-shell nanoparticle controlled hATSCs neurogenesis for neuropathic pain therapy

A stem cell-based strategy for tissue engineering in regenerative medicine is crucial to produce and effective therapeutic replacement of injured or damaged tissues. This type of therapeutic replacement requires interaction with the cells and tissues via the incorporation of a beneficial physical microenvironment and cellular biochemical signals. Recently, we studied a cell-function modifying factor, core-shell nanoparticles consisting of an SPIO (superparamagnetic iron oxide) core covered with a photonic ZnO shell for human adipose tissue-derived stem cells (hATSCs) that regulate various cellular functions: self-renewal, neurogenesis, and dedifferentiation. We proposed an alternative method of stem cell culture that focuses on the use of Zn++ Finger nanoparticles for stem cell expansion and transdifferentiation modulation in vitro and in in vivo spinal cord injury models. Our study showed that treating hATSC cultures with nanoscale particles could lead to active cell proliferation and self-renewal and could promote nuclear Dicer-regulation of several functional molecules, Oct4 and Glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPx3), and the abundance of specific functional proteins that have been observed using biochemical analysis. These biochemical changes in hATSCs induced the functional development of multiple differentiation potencies such as β-cells and neural cells; specifically, the ability to differentiation into GABA-secreting cells was significantly improved in in vitro- and in vivo-induced animal lesions with significantly improved therapeutic modality.

The role of high mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 in rheumatoid arthritis

High mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 (HMGB1) is a ubiquitous highly conserved single polypeptide in all mammal eukaryotic cells. HMGB1 exists mainly within the nucleus and acts as a DNA chaperone. When passively released from necrotic cells or actively secreted into the extracellular milieu in response to appropriate signal stimulation, HMGB1 binds to related cell signal transduction receptors, such as RAGE, TLR2, TLR4 and TLR9, and becomes a proinflammatory cytokine that participates in the development and progression of many diseases, such as arthritis, acute lung injury, graft rejection immune response, ischaemia reperfusion injury and autoimmune liver damage. Only a small amount of HMGB1 release occurs during apoptosis, which undergoes oxidative modification on Cys106 and delivers tolerogenic signals to suppress immune activity. This review focuses on the important role of HMGB1 in the pathogenesis of RA, mainly manifested as the aberrant expression of HMGB1 in the serum, SF and synovial tissues; overexpression of signal transduction receptors; abnormal regulation of osteoclastogenesis and bone remodelling leading to the destruction of cartilage and bones. Intervention with HMGB1 may ameliorate the pathogenic conditions and attenuate disease progression of RA. Therefore administration of an HMGB1 inhibitor may represent a promising clinical approach for the treatment of RA.

Biological interplay between proteoglycans and their innate immune receptors in inflammation

An emerging body of evidence indicates that secreted proteoglycans act as signaling molecules, in addition to their canonical function in maintaining and regulating the architecture of various extracellular matrices. Proteoglycans interact with a number of receptors that regulate growth, motility and immune response. In part, as a consequence of their complex structure, proteoglycans can induce crosstalk among various families of receptors and can also interact with natural receptor ligands, often blocking and sequestering their bioactivity. In their soluble form, originating from either partial proteolytic processing or through de novo synthesis by activated cells, some proteoglycans can become potent danger signals, denoting tissue stress and injury. Recently, it has been shown that proteoglycans, especially those belonging to the small leucine-rich and hyaluronan-binding gene families as well as the glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan, act as endogenous ligands of the toll-like receptors, a group of central receptors regulating innate immunity. Furthermore, proteoglycans can activate intracellular inflammasomes and trigger sterile inflammation. In this review, we critically assess the signaling events induced by the proteoglycans biglycan, decorin, lumican and versican as well as hyaluronan during inflammation. We discuss the intriguing emerging notion that, in spite of structural diversity of biglycan, decorin, versican and hyaluronan, all of them signal through the same toll-like receptors, albeit triggering differential responses and biological outcomes. Finally, we review the modes of action of these endogenous ligands of toll-like receptors and their ability to specifically modify the final signaling events and the inflammatory response.

Decreased reticuloendothelial system clearance and increased blood half-life and immune cell labeling for nano- and micron-sized superparamagnetic iron-oxide particles upon pre-treatment with Intralipid

BACKGROUND

Superparamagnetic iron-oxide nanoparticles are useful as contrast agents for anatomical, functional and cellular MRI, drug delivery agents, and diagnostic biosensors. Nanoparticles are generally cleared by the reticuloendothelial system (RES), in particular taken up by Kupffer cells in the liver, limiting particle bioavailability and in-vivo applications. Strategies that decrease the RES clearance and prolong the circulation residence time of particles can improve the in-vivo targeting efficiency.

METHODS

Intralipid 20.0%, an FDA approved nutritional supplement, was intravenously administered in rats at the clinical dose (2g/kg) 1h before intravenous injection of ultra-small superparamagnetic iron-oxide (USPIO) or micron-sized paramagnetic iron-oxide (MPIO) particles. Blood half-life, monocyte labeling efficiency, and particle biodistribution were assessed by magnetic resonance relaxometry, flow cytometry, inductively-coupled plasma MS, and histology.

RESULTS

Pre-treatment with Intralipid resulted in a 3.1-fold increase in USPIO blood half-life and a 2-fold increase in USPIO-labeled monocytes. A 2.5-fold increase in MPIO blood half-life and a 5-fold increase in MPIO-labeled monocytes were observed following Intralipid pre-treatment, with a 3.2-fold increase in mean iron content up to 2.60pg Fe/monocyte. With Intralipid, there was a 49.2% and 45.1% reduction in liver uptake vs. untreated controls at 48h for USPIO and MPIO, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Intralipid pre-treatment significantly decreases initial RES uptake and increases in-vivo circulation and blood monocyte labeling efficiency for nano- and micron-sized superparamagnetic iron-oxide particles.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

Our findings can have broad applications for imaging and drug delivery applications, increasing the bioavailability of nano- and micron-sized particles for target sites other than the liver.

Multifunctional mesoporous nanocomposites with magnetic, optical, and sensing features: synthesis, characterization, and their oxygen-sensing performance

In this paper, the fabrication, characterization, and application in oxygen sensing are reported for a novel multifunctional nanomaterial of [Ru(bpy)(2)phen-MMS] (bpy, 2,2'-bipyridyl; phen, phenathrolin) which was simply prepared by covalently grafting the ruthenium(II) polypyridyl compounds into the channels of magnetic mesoporous silica nanocomposites (MMS). Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, N(2) adsorption-desorption, a superconducting quantum interference device, UV-vis spectroscopy, and photoluminescence spectra were used to characterize the samples. The well-designed multifunctional nanocomposites show superparamagnetic behavior and ordered mesoporous characteristics and exhibit a strong red-orange metal-to-ligand charge transfer emission. In addition, the obtained nanocomposites give high performance in oxygen sensing with high sensitivity (I(0)/I(100) = 5.2), good Stern-Volmer characteristics (R(2) = 0.9995), and short response/recovery times (t↓ = 6 s and t↑ = 12 s). The magnetic, mesoporous, luminescent, and oxygen-sensing properties of this multifunctional nanostructure make it hold great promise as a novel multifunctional oxygen-sensing system for chemical/biosensor.

Materials based tumor immunotherapy vaccines

Immunotherapy is a promising approach for treating cancer. However, there are limitations inherent to current approaches which may be addressed by integrating them with biomaterial-based strategies. Material platforms have been fabricated to interact with immune cells through spatially controlled and temporally controlled delivery of immune modulators and to promote immune cell crosstalk. Particle vaccines have been developed to specifically target and deliver agents to organs, cells and subcellular compartments. These strategies have been shown to generate antigen-specific CTL responses and, in some cases, tumor regression. Therefore, collaboration between immunology and materials engineering is likely to result in the creation of strong vaccines to combat cancer in the future.

Orientia tsutsugamushi subverts dendritic cell functions by escaping from autophagy and impairing their migration

Background

Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most potent antigen-presenting cells that link innate and adaptive immune responses, playing a pivotal role in triggering antigen-specific immunity. Antigen uptake by DCs induces maturational changes that include increased surface expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and costimulatory molecules. In addition, DCs actively migrate to regional lymph nodes and activate antigen-specific naive T cells after capturing antigens. We characterize the functional changes of DCs infected with Orientia tsutsugamushi, the causative agent of scrub typhus, since there is limited knowledge of the role played by DCs in O. tsutsugamushi infection.

Methodology/Principal Finding

O. tsutsugamushi efficiently infected bone marrow-derived DCs and induced surface expression of MHC II and costimulatory molecules. In addition, O. tsutsugamushi induced autophagy activation, but actively escaped from this innate defense system. Infected DCs also secreted cytokines and chemokines such as IL-6, IL-12, MCP5, MIP-1α, and RANTES. Furthermore, in vitro migration of DCs in the presence of a CCL19 gradient within a 3D collagen matrix was drastically impaired when infected with O. tsutsugamushi. The infected cells migrated much less efficiently into lymphatic vessels of ear dermis ex vivo when compared to LPS-stimulated DCs. In vivo migration of O. tsutsugamushi-infected DCs to regional lymph nodes was significantly impaired and similar to that of immature DCs. Finally, we found that MAP kinases involved in chemotactic signaling were differentially activated in O. tsutsugamushi-infected DCs.

Conclusion/Significance

These results suggest that O. tsutsugamushi can target DCs to exploit these sentinel cells as replication reservoirs and delay or impair the functional maturation of DCs during the bacterial infection in mammals.

Scrub typhus is an acute febrile illness caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi infection and is one of the main causes of febrile illness in the Asia-Pacific region. If not properly treated with antibiotics, patients often develop severe vasculitis that affects multiple organs, and the mortality rate of untreated patients reaches up to 30%. To understand the pathogenic mechanisms of the infectious disease, we characterized the functional changes of O. tsutsugamushi–infected dendritic cells (DCs), which play a pivotal role in orchestrating innate and adaptive immune responses. The obligate intracellular bacteria efficiently infected bone marrow-derived DCs and activated the cells as measured by induced surface expression of MHC II and costimulatory molecules, secretion of cytokines and chemokines, and autophagy induction. However, the live bacteria actively escaped from host autophagosomes and the migration of infected cells was severely impaired in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo infection models. Finally, we found that MAP kinases involved in chemotactic signaling were differentially activated in O. tsutsugamushi-infected DCs. These results suggest that O. tsutsugamushi can target DCs to exploit these sentinel cells as replication reservoirs and delay or impair the functional maturation of DCs during the bacterial infection in mammals.

Compact zwitterion-coated iron oxide nanoparticles for in vitro and in vivo imaging

We have recently developed compact and water-soluble zwitterionic dopamine sulfonate (ZDS) ligand coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) for use in various biomedical applications. The defining characteristics of ZDS-coated SPIONs are small hydrodynamic diameters, low non-specific interactions with fetal bovine serum, the opportunity for specific labeling, and stability with respect to time, pH, and salinity. We report here on the magnetic characterization of ZDS-coated SPIONs and their in vitro and in vivo performance relative to non-specific interactions with HeLa cells and in mice, respectively. ZDS-coated SPIONs retained the superparamagnetism and saturation magnetization (M(s)) of as-synthesized hydrophobic SPIONs, with M(s) = 74 emu g(-1) [Fe]. Moreover, ZDS-coated SPIONs showed only small non-specific uptake into HeLa cancer cells in vitro and low non-specific binding to serum proteins in vivo in mice.

Zinc oxide nanoflowers make new blood vessels

It is well established that angiogenesis is the process of formation of new capillaries from pre-existing blood vessels. It is a complex process, involving both pro- and anti-angiogenic factors, and plays a significant role in physiological and pathophysiological processes such as embryonic development, atherosclerosis, post-ischemic vascularization of the myocardium, tumor growth and metastasis, rheumatoid arthritis etc. This is the first report of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoflowers that show significant pro-angiogenic properties (formation of new capillaries from pre-existing blood vessels), observed by in vitro and in vivo angiogenesis assays. The egg yolk angiogenesis assay using ZnO nanoflowers indicates the presence of matured blood vessels formation. Additionally, it helps to promote endothelial cell (EA.hy926 cells) migration in wound healing assays. Formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), especially hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2))-a redox signaling molecule, might be the plausible mechanism for nanoflower-based angiogenesis. Angiogenesis by nanoflowers may provide the basis for the future development of new alternative therapeutic treatment strategies for cardiovascular and ischemic diseases, where angiogenesis plays a significant role.

Photodynamic therapy induces an immune response against a bacterial pathogen

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) employs the triple combination of photosensitizers, visible light and ambient oxygen. When PDT is used for cancer, it has been observed that both arms of the host immune system (innate and adaptive) are activated. When PDT is used for infectious disease, however, it has been assumed that the direct antimicrobial PDT effect dominates. Murine arthritis caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the knee failed to respond to PDT with intravenously injected Photofrin(®). PDT with intra-articular Photofrin produced a biphasic dose response that killed bacteria without destroying host neutrophils. Methylene blue was the optimum photosensitizer to kill bacteria while preserving neutrophils. We used bioluminescence imaging to noninvasively monitor murine bacterial arthritis and found that PDT with intra-articular methylene blue was not only effective, but when used before infection, could protect the mice against a subsequent bacterial challenge. The data emphasize the importance of considering the host immune response in PDT for infectious disease.

Citrullination enhances the pro-inflammatory response to fibrin in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts

OBJECTIVE

Fibrin deposits are characteristic of the synovial tissues in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Once citrullinated, fibrin becomes an autoantigen and is thought to contribute in this way to perpetuate the disease. Our study aimed to analyse the responses of RA synovial fibroblasts (RASF) to native and citrullinated fibrin.

METHODS

The transcriptome induced by fibrin in RASF was approached with whole-genome-based gene expression arrays. The upregulation of selected pro-inflammatory genes by fibrin was confirmed in additional primary cell cultures using quantitative PCR and ELISA. Citrullination reactions were carried out with recombinant human peptidylarginine deiminases (PAD) 2 and 4.

RESULTS

In the whole-genome array native fibrin was found to modulate the gene expression profile of RASF, particularly upregulating mRNA levels of several pro-inflammatory cytokines. The induction of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 by fibrin was confirmed in additional samples at both the mRNA and the protein level. Blocking and knockdown experiments showed the participation of toll-like receptor (TLR)4 in the induction of both cytokines. As compared with the native macromolecule, PAD2-citrullinated fibrin induced significantly higher expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines in these cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that fibrin mediates inflammatory responses in RASF via a TLR4 pathway. In this way, fibrin and particularly its citrullinated form may contribute to sustain the cytokine burst in RA.

Magnetic particle-based ultrasensitive biosensors for diagnostics

The process of sensitive and accurate detection of small quantities of disease biomarkers is critical for the clinical diagnosis of disease. In this regard, magnetic particles (MPs) have been widely used because of their unique magnetic properties allowing for efficient target capture, enrichment and convenient separation. These properties, coupled with great signal amplification, have enabled MP-based biosensors to achieve ultrasensitivities. Over the past few years, several ultrasensitive MP-based biosensors suitable for early clinical diagnostics have been reported. This article highlights some of the most recent developments, with a focus on MP-based ultrasensitive assays that use an antibody or aptamer as the target-binding agent, and that utilize efficient signal amplification/readout strategies.

Cationic lipids activate intracellular signaling pathways

Cationic liposomes are commonly used as a transfection reagent for DNA, RNA or proteins and as a co-adjuvant of antigens for vaccination trials. A high density of positive charges close to cell surface is likely to be recognized as a signal of danger by cells or contribute to trigger cascades that are classically activated by endogenous cationic compounds. The present review provides evidence that cationic liposomes activate several cellular pathways like pro-apoptotic and pro-inflammatory cascades. An improved knowledge of the relationship between the cationic lipid properties (nature of the lipid hydrophilic moieties, hydrocarbon tail, mode of organization) and the activation of these pathways opens the way to the use and design of cationic tailored for a specific application (e.g. for gene transport or as adjuvants).

Quantum dots conjugated with Fe3O4-filled carbon nanotubes for cancer-targeted imaging and magnetically guided drug delivery

A novel and specific nanoplatform for in vitro simultaneous cancer-targeted optical imaging and magnetically guided drug delivery is developed by conjugating CdTe quantum dots with Fe(3)O(4)-filled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for the first time. Fe(3)O(4) is filled into the interior of the CNTs, which facilitates magnetically guided delivery and improves the synergetic targeting efficiency. In comparison with that immobilized on the external surface of CNTs, the magnetite nanocrystals inside the CNTs protect it from agglomeration, enhance its chemical stability, and improve the drug loading capacity. It also avoids magnetic nanocrystals-induced quenching of fluorescence of the quantum dots. The SiO(2)-coated quantum dots (HQDs) attached on the surface of CNTs exhibit favorable fluorescence as the hybrid SiO(2) shells on the QDs surface prevent its fluorescence quenching caused by the CNTs. In addition, the hybrid SiO(2) shells also mitigate the toxicity of the CdTe QDs. By coating transferrin on the surface of the herein modified CNTs, it provides a dual-targeted drug delivery system to transport the doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) into Hela cells by means of an external magnetic field. The nanocarrier based on the multifunctional nanoplatform exhibits an excellent drug loading capability of ca. 110%, in addition to cancer-targeted optical imaging as well as magnetically guided drug delivery.

Precision intracellular delivery based on optofluidic polymersome rupture

We present an optical approach for intracellular delivery of molecules contained within oxidation-sensitive polymersomes. The photosensitizer ethyl eosin is associated with the polymersome membrane to oxidatively increase the hydrophilicity of the hydrophobic block under optical excitation. This optofluidic interaction induces rapid polymersome rupture and payload release via the reorganization of the aggregate structure into smaller diameter vesicles and micelles. When the particles are endocytosed by phagocytes, such as RAW macrophages and dendritic cells, the polymersomes' payload escapes the endosome and is released in the cell cytosol within a few seconds of illumination. The released payload is rapidly distributed throughout the cytosol within milliseconds. The presented optofluidic method enables fast delivery and distribution throughout the cytosol of individual cells, comparable to photochemical internalization, but a factor of 100 faster than similar carrier mediated delivery methods (e.g., liposomes, polymersomes, or nanoparticles). Due to the ability to simultaneously induce payload delivery and endosomal escape, this approach can find applications in detailed characterizations of intra- and intercellular processes. As an example in quantitative cell biology, a peptide antigen was delivered in dendritic cells and MHC I presentation kinetics were measured at the single cell and single complex level.

Misfit-guided self-organization of anticorrelated Ge quantum dot arrays on Si nanowires

Misfit-strain guided growth of periodic quantum dot (QD) arrays in planar thin film epitaxy has been a popular nanostructure fabrication method. Engineering misfit-guided QD growth on a nanoscale substrate such as the small curvature surface of a nanowire represents a new approach to self-organized nanostructure preparation. Perhaps more profoundly, the periodic stress underlying each QD and the resulting modulation of electro-optical properties inside the nanowire backbone promise to provide a new platform for novel mechano-electronic, thermoelectronic, and optoelectronic devices. Herein, we report a first experimental demonstration of self-organized and self-limited growth of coherent, periodic Ge QDs on a one-dimensional Si nanowire substrate. Systematic characterizations reveal several distinctively different modes of Ge QD ordering on the Si nanowire substrate depending on the core diameter. In particular, Ge QD arrays on Si nanowires of around 20 nm diameter predominantly exhibit an anticorrelated pattern whose wavelength agrees with theoretical predictions. The correlated pattern can be attributed to propagation and correlation of misfit strain across the diameter of the thin nanowire substrate. The QD array growth is self-limited as the wavelength of the QDs remains unchanged even after prolonged Ge deposition. Furthermore, we demonstrate a direct kinetic transformation from a uniform Ge shell layer to discrete QD arrays by a postgrowth annealing process.

Protein Microarrays for Quantitative Detection of PAI-1 in Serum

OBJECTIVE

Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), one crucial component of the plasminogen activator system, is a major player in the pathogenesis of many vascular diseases as well as in cancer. High levels of PAI-1 in breast cancer tissue are associated with poor prognosis. The aim of this study is to evaluate rigorously the potential of serum PAI-1 concentration functioning as a general screening test in diagnostic or prognostic assays.

METHODS

A protein-microarray-based sandwich fluorescence immunoassay (FIA) was developed to detect PAI-1 in serum. Several conditions of this microarray-based FIA were optimized to establish an efficacious method. Serum specimens of 84 healthy women and 285 women with breast cancer were analyzed using the optimized FIA microarray.

RESULTS

The median serum PAI-1 level of breast cancer patients was higher than that of healthy women (109.7 ng/ml vs. 63.4 ng/ml). Analysis of covariance revealed that PAI-1 levels of the two groups were significantly different (P<0.001) when controlling for an age effect on PAI-1 levels. However, PAI-1 values in TNM stage I-IV patients respectively were not significantly different from each other.

CONCLUSION

This microarray-based sandwich FIA holds potential for quantitative analysis of tumor markers such as PAI-1.

Tuning the autophagy-inducing activity of lanthanide-based nanocrystals through specific surface-coating peptides

The induction of autophagy on exposure of cells to a variety of nanoparticles represents both a safety concern and an application niche for engineered nanomaterials. Here, we show that a short synthetic peptide, RE-1, identified by means of phage display, binds to lanthanide (LN) oxide and upconversion nanocrystals (UCN), forms a stable coating layer on the nanoparticles' surface, and effectively abrogates their autophagy-inducing activity. Furthermore, RE-1 peptide variants exhibit a differentially reduced binding capability, and correspondingly, a varied ability to reduce the autophagic response. We also show that the addition of an arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) motif to RE-1 enhances autophagy for LN UCN through the interaction with integrins. RE-1 and its variants provide a versatile tool for tuning material-cell interactions to achieve the desired level of autophagy, and may prove useful for the various diagnostic and therapeutic applications of LN-based nanomaterials and nanodevices.

Simultaneous quantification of tumor uptake for targeted and nontargeted liposomes and their encapsulated contents by ICPMS

Liposomes are intensively being developed for biomedical applications including drug and gene delivery. However, targeted liposomal delivery in cancer treatment is a very complicated multistep process. Unfavorable liposome biodistribution upon intravenous administration and membrane destabilization in blood circulation could result in only a very small fraction of cargo reaching the tumors. It would therefore be desirable to develop new quantitative strategies to track liposomal delivery systems to improve the therapeutic index and decrease systemic toxicity. Here, we developed a simple and nonradiative method to quantify the tumor uptake of targeted and nontargeted control liposomes as well as their encapsulated contents simultaneously. Specifically, four different chelated lanthanide metals were encapsulated or surface-conjugated onto tumor-targeted and nontargeted liposomes, respectively. The two liposome formulations were then injected into tumor-bearing mice simultaneously, and their tumor delivery was determined quantitatively via inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICPMS), allowing for direct comparisons. Tumor uptake of the liposomes themselves and their encapsulated contents was consistent with targeted and nontargeted liposome formulations that were injected individually.

Multivalent porous silicon nanoparticles enhance the immune activation potency of agonistic CD40 antibody

One of the fundamental paradigms in the use of nanoparticles to treat disease is to evade or suppress the immune system in order to minimize systemic side effects and deliver sufficient nanoparticle quantities to the intended tissues. However, the immune system is the body's most important and effective defense against diseases. It protects the host by identifying and eliminating foreign pathogens as well as self-malignancies. Here we report a nanoparticle engineered to work with the immune system, enhancing the intended activation of antigen presenting cells (APCs). We show that luminescent porous silicon nanoparticles (LPSiNPs), each containing multiple copies of an agonistic antibody (FGK45) to the APC receptor CD40, greatly enhance activation of B cells. The cellular response to the nanoparticle-based stimulators is equivalent to a 30-40 fold larger concentration of free FGK45. The intrinsic near-infrared photoluminescence of LPSiNPs is used to monitor degradation and track the nanoparticles inside APCs.