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Pal K. Unravelling molecular mechanobiology using DNA-based fluorogenic tension sensors. J Mater Chem B 2024; 13:37-53. [PMID: 39564891 DOI: 10.1039/d4tb01858c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2024]
Abstract
Investigations of the biological system have revealed many principles that govern regular life processes. Recently, the analysis of tiny mechanical forces associated with many biological processes revealed their significance in understanding biological functions. Consequently, this piqued the interest of researchers, and a series of technologies have been developed to understand biomechanical cues at the molecular level. Notable techniques include single-molecule force spectroscopy, traction force microscopy, and molecular tension sensors. Well-defined double-stranded DNA structures could possess programmable mechanical characteristics, and hence, they have become one of the central molecules in molecular tension sensor technology. With the advancement of DNA technology, DNA or nucleic acid-based robust tension sensors offer the possibility of understanding mechanobiology in the bulk to single-molecule level range with desired spatiotemporal resolution. This review presents a comprehensive account of molecular tension sensors with a special emphasis on DNA-based fluorogenic tension sensors. Along with a detailed discussion on irreversible and reversible DNA-based tension sensors and their application in super-resolution microscopy, a discussion on biomolecules associated with cellular mechanotransduction and key findings in the field are included. This review ends with an elaborate discussion on the current challenges and future prospects of molecular tension sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaushik Pal
- Biophysical Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Tirupati, Yerpedu, Tirupati, AP-517619, India.
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Chen H, Wang S, Cao Y, Lei H. Molecular Force Sensors for Biological Application. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6198. [PMID: 38892386 PMCID: PMC11173168 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The mechanical forces exerted by cells on their surrounding microenvironment are known as cellular traction forces. These forces play crucial roles in various biological processes, such as tissue development, wound healing and cell functions. However, it is hard for traditional techniques to measure cellular traction forces accurately because their magnitude (from pN to nN) and the length scales over which they occur (from nm to μm) are extremely small. In order to fully understand mechanotransduction, highly sensitive tools for measuring cellular forces are needed. Current powerful techniques for measuring traction forces include traction force microscopy (TFM) and fluorescent molecular force sensors (FMFS). In this review, we elucidate the force imaging principles of TFM and FMFS. Then we highlight the application of FMFS in a variety of biological processes and offer our perspectives and insights into the potential applications of FMFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiyan Chen
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; (H.C.); (S.W.)
| | - Shouhan Wang
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; (H.C.); (S.W.)
| | - Yi Cao
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; (H.C.); (S.W.)
| | - Hai Lei
- School of Physics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
- Institute for Advanced Study in Physics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
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Huang Y, Chen T, Chen X, Chen X, Zhang J, Liu S, Lu M, Chen C, Ding X, Yang C, Huang R, Song Y. Decoding Biomechanical Cues Based on DNA Sensors. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2310330. [PMID: 38185740 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202310330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Biological systems perceive and respond to mechanical forces, generating mechanical cues to regulate life processes. Analyzing biomechanical forces has profound significance for understanding biological functions. Therefore, a series of molecular mechanical techniques have been developed, mainly including single-molecule force spectroscopy, traction force microscopy, and molecular tension sensor systems, which provide indispensable tools for advancing the field of mechanobiology. DNA molecules with a programmable structure and well-defined mechanical characteristics have attached much attention to molecular tension sensors as sensing elements, and are designed for the study of biomechanical forces to present biomechanical information with high sensitivity and resolution. In this work, a comprehensive overview of molecular mechanical technology is presented, with a particular focus on molecular tension sensor systems, specifically those based on DNA. Finally, the future development and challenges of DNA-based molecular tension sensor systems are looked upon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihao Huang
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Ting Chen
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Xiaodie Chen
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Ximing Chen
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Jialu Zhang
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Sinong Liu
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Menghao Lu
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Chong Chen
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Xiangyu Ding
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Chaoyong Yang
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
- Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Ruiyun Huang
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Yanling Song
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
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Yan Y, Zhou P, Ding L, Hu W, Chen W, Su B. T Cell Antigen Recognition and Discrimination by Electrochemiluminescence Imaging. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202314588. [PMID: 37903724 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202314588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive T lymphocyte (T cell) transfer and tumour-specific peptide vaccines are innovative cancer therapies. An accurate assessment of the specific reactivity of T cell receptors (TCRs) to tumour antigens is required because of the high heterogeneity of tumour cells and the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment. In this study, we report a label-free electrochemiluminescence (ECL) imaging approach for recognising and discriminating between TCRs and tumour-specific antigens by imaging the immune synapses of T cells. Various T cell stimuli, including agonistic antibodies, auxiliary molecules, and tumour-specific antigens, were modified on the electrode's surface to allow for their interaction with T cells bearing different TCRs. The formation of immune synapses activated by specific stimuli produced a negative (shadow) ECL image, from which T cell antigen recognition and discrimination were evaluated by analysing the spreading area and the recognition intensity of T cells. This approach provides an easy way to assess TCR-antigen specificity and screen both of them for immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajuan Yan
- Key Laboratory of Excited-State Materials of Zhejiang Province, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Excited-State Materials of Zhejiang Province, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Lurong Ding
- Key Laboratory of Excited-State Materials of Zhejiang Province, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Wei Hu
- Kidney Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Cardiology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education Frontier Science Center for Brain Science & Brain-machine Integration, State Key Laboratory for Modern Optical Instrumentation, Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of the Ministry of Education, College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310012, China
| | - Bin Su
- Key Laboratory of Excited-State Materials of Zhejiang Province, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
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Hu Y, Duan Y, Salaita K. DNA Nanotechnology for Investigating Mechanical Signaling in the Immune System. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202302967. [PMID: 37186502 PMCID: PMC11336604 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202302967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Immune recognition occurs at specialized cell-cell junctions when immune cells and target cells physically touch. In this junction, groups of receptor-ligand complexes assemble and experience molecular forces that are ultimately generated by the cellular cytoskeleton. These forces are in the range of piconewton (pN) but play crucial roles in immune cell activation and subsequent effector responses. In this minireview, we will review the development of DNA based molecular tension sensors and their applications in mapping and quantifying mechanical forces experienced by immunoreceptors including T-cell receptor (TCR), Lymphocyte function-associated antigen (LFA-1), and the B-cell receptor (BCR) among others. In addition, we will highlight the use of DNA as a mechanical gate to manipulate mechanotransduction and decipher how mechanical forces regulate antigen discrimination and receptor signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuesong Hu
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Yuxin Duan
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Khalid Salaita
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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Pawlak MR, Smiley AT, Ramirez MP, Kelly MD, Shamsan GA, Anderson SM, Smeester BA, Largaespada DA, Odde DJ, Gordon WR. RAD-TGTs: high-throughput measurement of cellular mechanotype via rupture and delivery of DNA tension probes. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2468. [PMID: 37117218 PMCID: PMC10147940 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38157-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanical forces drive critical cellular processes that are reflected in mechanical phenotypes, or mechanotypes, of cells and their microenvironment. We present here "Rupture And Deliver" Tension Gauge Tethers (RAD-TGTs) in which flow cytometry is used to record the mechanical history of thousands of cells exerting forces on their surroundings via their propensity to rupture immobilized DNA duplex tension probes. We demonstrate that RAD-TGTs recapitulate prior DNA tension probe studies while also yielding a gain of fluorescence in the force-generating cell that is detectable by flow cytometry. Furthermore, the rupture propensity is altered following disruption of the cytoskeleton using drugs or CRISPR-knockout of mechanosensing proteins. Importantly, RAD-TGTs can differentiate distinct mechanotypes among mixed populations of cells. We also establish oligo rupture and delivery can be measured via DNA sequencing. RAD-TGTs provide a facile and powerful assay to enable high-throughput mechanotype profiling, which could find various applications, for example, in combination with CRISPR screens and -omics analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R Pawlak
- Departments of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Adam T Smiley
- Departments of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Maria Paz Ramirez
- Departments of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Marcus D Kelly
- Departments of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Ghaidan A Shamsan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Sarah M Anderson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | | | - David J Odde
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Wendy R Gordon
- Departments of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
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Ding X, Li M, Cheng B, Wei Z, Dong Y, Xu F. Microsphere sensors for characterizing stress fields within three-dimensional extracellular matrix. Acta Biomater 2022; 141:1-13. [PMID: 34979325 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.12.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Stress in the three-dimensional extracellular matrix is one of the key cues in regulating multiscale biological processes. Thus far, noticeable progress in methods and techniques (e.g., micropipette aspiration, AFM, and molecule probes) has been made to quantify stress in cell microenvironment at different length scales. Among them, the microsphere sensor-based method (MSS-based method) has emerged as an advantageous approach over conventional techniques in quantifying stress in situ and in vivo at cellular and supra-cellular scales. This method is implemented by seven sequential steps, including fabrication, modification, characterization, cell adhesion, imaging, displacement field extraction and stress calculation. Precise control of each step and inter-tunning between steps can provide quantitative characterization of stress field. However, detailed procedural information associated with each step and process has been scattered. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of MSS-based method, systematically summarizing the principles and research progresses. Firstly, the basic principles are introduced, and the specific experiment and calculation processes of MSS-based method are presented in detail. Then, recent advances and applications of this method are summarized. Finally, perspectives of the limitations and development trends of MSS-based method are discussed. This specific and comprehensive review would provide a guideline for the widespread application of MSS-based method as an advantageous method for in situ and in vivo stress characterization at cellular and supra-cellular scale within three-dimensional extracellular matrix. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In this review, a method based on a microsphere sensor (MSS-based method) as an advantageous approach over conventional techniques in quantifying stress in situ and in vivo at cellular and supra-cellular scales is introduced and discussed. This technique is implemented by seven sequential steps, including fabrication, modification, characterization, cell junction, imaging, displacement field extraction, and stress calculation. Precise control of each step and inter-tunning between steps can provide quantitative stress field. However, detailed procedural information associated with each step has been scattered. Thus, a comprehensive review collating recent advances and perspective discussions is a necessity to introduce a better option for quantifying the stress field in biological processes at the cellular and supra-cellular scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Ding
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China; Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China
| | - Moxiao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanics and Control of Mechanical Structures, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, PR China
| | - Bo Cheng
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China; Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China
| | - Zhao Wei
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China; Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China
| | - Yuqing Dong
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China; Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China.
| | - Feng Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China; Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China.
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He Q, Liu Y, Li K, Wu Y, Wang T, Tan Y, Jiang T, Liu X, Liu Z. Deoxyribonucleic acid anchored on cell membranes for biomedical application. Biomater Sci 2021; 9:6691-6717. [PMID: 34494042 DOI: 10.1039/d1bm01057c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Engineering cellular membranes with functional molecules provides an attractive strategy to manipulate cellular behaviors and functionalities. Currently, synthetic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) has emerged as a promising molecular tool to engineer cellular membranes for biomedical applications due to its molecular recognition and programmable properties. In this review, we summarized the recent advances in anchoring DNA on the cellular membranes and their applications. The strategies for anchoring DNA on cell membranes were summarized. Then their applications, such as immune response activation, receptor oligomerization regulation, membrane structure mimicking, cell-surface biosensing, and construction of cell clusters, were listed. The DNA-enabled intelligent systems which were able to sense stimuli such as DNA strands, light, and metal ions were highlighted. Finally, insights regarding the remaining challenges and possible future directions were provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qunye He
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan Province, P. R. China.
| | - Yanfei Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan Province, P. R. China
| | - Ke Li
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan Province, P. R. China.
| | - Yuwei Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan Province, P. R. China.
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan Province, P. R. China.
| | - Yifu Tan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan Province, P. R. China
| | - Ting Jiang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan Province, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoqin Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan Province, P. R. China
| | - Zhenbao Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan Province, P. R. China. .,Molecular Imaging Research Center of Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, P. R. China
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