Controlled assembly of AIEgens based on a super-quadruplex scaffold for detection of plasma membrane proteins

Aggregation enhanced fluorescence and Raman signals for highly sensitive cancer detection

The implementation of early cancer detection benefits the treatment outcomes with remarkably improved survival rate through the detection of rare circulating biomarkers in body fluids. Spectroscopic technologies play a crucial role in sensitive biomarker measurements by outputting extremely strong signals. In particular, the aggregation enhanced fluorescence and Raman technologies feature the detection of targets down to single-molecule level, thereby demonstrating the great promise of early cancer detection. In this review, we focus on the aggregation-induced emission (AIE) and aggregation-related surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopic strategies for detecting cancer biomarkers. We discuss the AIE and SERS based biomarker detection using target-driven aggregation as well as the aggregated nanoprobes. Furthermore, we deliberate on the progress of developing AIE and SERS integrated platforms. Ultimately, we put forth the potential challenges and perspectives on the way to use these two spectroscopic technologies in clinical settings. It is expected this review can inspire the design of AIE and SERS integrated platform for highly sensitive and accurate cancer detection.

Recent Advances in DNA-Based Cell Surface Engineering for Biological Applications

Due to its excellent programmability and biocompatibility, DNA molecule has unique advantages in cell surface engineering. Recent progresses provide a reliable and feasible way to engineer cell surfaces with diverse DNA molecules and DNA nanostructures. The abundant form of DNA nanostructures has greatly expanded the toolbox of DNA-based cell surface engineering and gave rise to a variety of novel and fascinating applications. In this review, we summarize recent advances in DNA-based cell surface engineering and its biological applications. We first introduce some widely used methods of immobilizing DNA molecules on cell surfaces and their application features. Then we discuss the approaches of employing DNA nanostructures and dynamic DNA nanotechnology as elements for creating functional cell surfaces. Finally, we review the extensive biological applications of DNA-based cell surface engineering and discuss the challenges and prospects of DNA-based cell surface engineering.

Equipment-free and visual detection of multiple biomarkers via an aggregation induced emission luminogen-based paper biosensor

Early and accurate disease diagnosis is of great appeal for saving patients' life, but requires biomarkers to be sensitively detected with simplicity, convenience, and low cost. Exploring the development of a high-performance fluorescence biosensor for biomarkers solid, equipment-free and visual biosensing is highly urgent but faces enormous challenges. Herein, we proposed a brand-new fluorescence system by integrating a typical aggregation induced emission dye (TPE-BTD) with dopamine for multiple biomarkers sensitive detection based on target-induced catalyzing oxidation. The system comprising TPE-BTD and dopamine emits strong fluorescence; with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) or HRP-mimicking DNAzyme and H₂O₂ being added, significant oxidation on dopamine occurs to generate dopachrome, which actuated the inner filter effect (IFE) due to the overlap of its absorbtion curve and emission spectrum of TPE-BTD, subsequently decreasing fluorescence emission and displaying a rapid and sensitive response to H₂O₂ and G-quadruplex DNA. We further apply TPE-BTD/dopamine system in analysis of glucose and DNA adenine methylation methyltransferase (Dam MTase) based on target-initiated signal transduction. Finally, TPE-BTD was employed as emitters in fabrication of paper biosensors, which can achieve solid, equipment-free and visual detection of multiple biomarkers based on the high emission performance of TPE-BTD, opening up a new pathway to development of biosensors for practical application. We expect this sensing conception will be helpful in development of practical biosensors, and this sensor will find more applications in disease diagnosis.