Comparison of Semiconducting Polymer Dots and Semiconductor Quantum Dots for Smartphone-Based Fluorescence Assays

Fabrication of a low-cost benchtop optical imager for quantum dot microarray-based stress biomarker detection

We report on a simplified optical imager to detect the presence of a stress biomarker protein, namely the Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90). The imager consists of two elements the optical unit and the sensor, which is a custom-made biochip. Measurement is based on the masking of the streptavidin conjugated quantum dot's (Sav-QDs) fluorescence when Hsp90 attaches to it via biotinylated antibodies (Ab). The masking effect was directly proportional to the Hsp90 concentration. The cost-efficient benchtop imager developed comprises a CMOS sensor, standard optical lenses, and a narrow bandpass filter for optically eliminating background fluorescence. This approach is promising for the realization of cheap, robust, and reliable point-of-care detection systems for various biomarker analyses.

Ultrasensitive Fluorescence Detection of Ascorbic Acid Using Silver Ion-Modulated High-Quality CdSe/CdS/ZnS Quantum Dots

Improving the sensitivity of the fluorescence method for the detection of bioactive molecules is crucial in biochemical analysis. In this work, an ultrasensitive sensing strategy was constructed for the detection of ascorbic acid (AA) using high-quality 3-mercaptopropionic acid-capped CdSe/CdS/ZnS quantum dots (MPA-CdSe/CdS/ZnS QDs) as the fluorescent probe. The prepared water-soluble QDs exhibited a high photoluminescence quantum yield (PL QY) of up to 96%. Further, the fluorescence intensity of the QDs was intensively quenched through the dynamic quenching of Ag+ ions due to an efficient photoinduced electron transfer progress. While the existence of AA before adding Ag+ ions, Ag+ ions were reduced. Thus, the interaction of the QDs and Ag+ ions was destroyed, which led to the fluorescence distinct recovery. The detection limit of AA could be as low as 0.2 nM using this sensing system. Additionally, most relevant small molecules and physiological ions had no influence on the analysis of AA. Satisfactory results were obtained in orange beverages, showing its great potential as a meaningful platform for highly sensitive and selective AA sensing for clinical analysis.

Polymer Dots with Delayed Fluorescence and Tunable Cellular Uptake for Photodynamic Therapy and Time-Gated Imaging

By combining bioimaging and photodynamic therapy (PDT), it is possible to treat cancer through a theranostic approach with targeted action for minimum invasiveness and side effects. Thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) probes have gained recent interest in theranostics due to their ability to generate singlet oxygen (1O2) while providing delayed emission that can be used in time-gated imaging. However, it is still challenging to design systems that simultaneously show (1) high contrast for imaging, (2) low dark toxicity but high phototoxicity and (3) tunable biological uptake. Here, we circumvent shortcomings of TADF systems by designing block copolymers and their corresponding semiconducting polymer dots (Pdots) that encapsulate a TADF dye in the core and expose an additional boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY) oxygen sensitizer in the corona. This architecture provides orange-red luminescent particles (ΦPL up to 18 %) that can efficiently promote PDT (1O2 QY=42 %) of HeLa cells with very low photosensitizer loading (IC50 ~0.05-0.13 μg/mL after 30 min). Additionally, we design Pdots with tunable cellular uptake but similar PDT efficiencies using either polyethylene glycol or guanidinium-based coronas. Finally, we demonstrate that these Pdots can be used for time-gated imaging to effectively filter out background fluorescence from biological samples and improve image contrast.

Supra-Quantum Dot Assemblies to Maximize Color-Based Multiplexed Fluorescence Detection with a Smartphone Camera

Photoluminescence (PL) imaging and bioanalysis with smartphone-based devices are of growing interest for point-of-care/point-of-need diagnostics. Strategies for maximizing sensitivity have been explored in this context, but color multiplexing has been very limited, with its maximum level unexplored. Here, we evaluated color multiplexing with smartphone-based PL imaging by using supra-nanoparticle assemblies of quantum dots (supra-QDs). These materials were prepared as composite colors that were tailored to the red-green-blue (RGB) color space of smartphone cameras by coassembling different ratios of R-, G-, and B-emitting QDs on a silica nanoparticle scaffold. The supra-QDs were characterized and used to label cell-sized objects that were measured under flow with a smartphone-based device. Each color followed an approximately linear trajectory in the RGB space, and training of support vector machine models enabled color classification with overall accuracies ≥87% for 10-color multiplexing and better accuracies for fewer colors. Most misclassification occurred at low signal levels, such that establishing a nonclassifiable zone near the origin of RGB color space improved the overall 10-color classification accuracy to ≥94%. Similar improvements in accuracy with greater retention of data were possible with a probabilistic rather than a radial threshold. Simulations that were parameterized by experimental data suggested that ≥14-color multiplexing with accuracies ≥90% should be possible with an optimized supra-QD color set. This study is an important foundation for advancing RGB color-based multiplexing for imaging and analyses with smartphone cameras and related charge-coupled device and CMOS color image sensor technologies.

Fluorescence-Based Portable Assays for Detection of Biological and Chemical Analytes

Fluorescence-based detection techniques are part of an ever-expanding field and are widely used in biomedical and environmental research as a biosensing tool. These techniques have high sensitivity, selectivity, and a short response time, making them a valuable tool for developing bio-chemical assays. The endpoint of these assays is defined by changes in fluorescence signal, in terms of its intensity, lifetime, and/or shift in spectrum, which is monitored using readout devices such as microscopes, fluorometers, and cytometers. However, these devices are often bulky, expensive, and require supervision to operate, which makes them inaccessible in resource-limited settings. To address these issues, significant effort has been directed towards integrating fluorescence-based assays into miniature platforms based on papers, hydrogels, and microfluidic devices, and to couple these assays with portable readout devices like smartphones and wearable optical sensors, thereby enabling point-of-care detection of bio-chemical analytes. This review highlights some of the recently developed portable fluorescence-based assays by discussing the design of fluorescent sensor molecules, their sensing strategy, and the fabrication of point-of-care devices.

Human papillomavirus infection, cervical cancer and the less explored role of trace elements

Cervical cancer is an aggressive type of cancer affecting women worldwide. Many affected individuals rely on smear tests for the diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation for their treatment. However, due to a broad set of undesired results and side-effects associated with the existing protocols, the search for better diagnostic and therapeutic interventions is a never-ending pursuit. In the purview, the bio-concentration of trace elements (copper, selenium, zinc, iron, arsenic, manganese, and cadmium) is seen to fluctuate during the occurrence of cervical cancer and its progression from pre-cancerous to metastatic nature. Thus, during the occurrence of cervical cancer, the detection of trace elements and their supplementation will prove to be highly advantageous in developing diagnostic tools and therapeutics, respectively. This review provides a detailed overview of cervical cancer, its encouragement by human papillomavirus infections, the mechanism of pathology, and resistance. Majorly, the review emphasizes the less explored role of trace elements, their contribution to the growth and inhibition of cervical cancer. Numerous clinical trials have been listed, thereby providing a comprehensive reference to the exploration of trace elements in the management of cervical cancer.

Biogenic Synthesis of Fluorescent Carbon Dots (CDs) and Their Application in Bioimaging of Agricultural Crops

Fluorescent nanoparticles have a transformative potential for advanced sensors and devices for point-of-need diagnostics and bioimaging, bypassing the technical burden of meeting the assay performance requirements. Carbon dots (CDs) are rapidly emerging carbon-based nanomaterials. Regardless of their fate, they will find increasing applications. In this study, a simple approach for synthesizing CDs from fruit peels was developed. The CDs were fabricated from Annona squamosa (L.) peels using a carbonization technique through microwave-assisted hydrothermal digestion at temperatures around 200 °C. Synthesized CDs were detected using a UV transilluminator for the preliminary confirmation of the presence of fluorescence. UV-Vis spectrophotometry (absorbance at 505 nm) analysis, zeta potential measurement (-20.8 mV), nanoparticles tracking analysis (NTA) (average size: 15.4 nm and mode size: 9.26 nm), photoluminescence, and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis were used to identify the capping functional groups on the CDs. The total quantum yield exhibited was 8.93%, and the field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) showed the size range up to 40 nm. The germinating mung bean (Vigna radiata (L.)) seeds were incubated with biogenically synthesized CDs to check the absorption of CDs by them. The fluorescence was observed under a UV-transilluminator in the growing parts of seeds, indicating the absorption of CDs during the germination, development, and growth. These fluorescent CDs could be used as a bioimaging agent. This novel method of synthesizing CDs was found to be eco-friendly, rapid, and cost-effective.

Hybrid Nucleic Acid-Quantum Dot Assemblies as Multiplexed Reporter Platforms for Cell-Free Transcription Translation-Based Biosensors

Cell-free synthetic biology has emerged as a valuable tool for the development of rapid, portable biosensors that can be readily transported in the freeze-dried form to the point of need eliminating cold chain requirements. One of the challenges associated with cell-free sensors is the ability to simultaneously detect multiple analytes within a single reaction due to the availability of a limited set of fluorescent and colorimetric reporters. To potentially provide multiplexing capabilities to cell-free biosensors, we designed a modular semiconductor quantum dot (QD)-based reporter platform that is plugged in downstream of the transcription-translation functionality in the cell-free reaction and which converts enzymatic activity in the reaction into distinct optical signals. We demonstrate proof of concept by converting restriction enzyme activity, utilized as our prototypical sensing output, into optical changes across several distinct spectral output channels that all use a common excitation wavelength. These hybrid Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based QD peptide PNA-DNA-Dye reporters (QD-PDDs) are completely self-assembled and consist of differentially emissive QD donors paired to a dye-acceptor displayed on a unique DNA encoding a given enzyme's cleavage site. Three QD-based PDDs, independently activated by the enzymes BamHI, EcoRI, and NcoI, were prototyped in mixed enzyme assays where all three demonstrated the ability to convert enzymatic activity into fluorescent output. Simultaneous monitoring of each of the three paired QD-donor dye-acceptor spectral channels in cell-free biosensing reactions supplemented with added linear genes encoding each enzyme confirmed robust multiplexing capabilities for at least two enzymes when co-expressed. The modular QD-PDDs are easily adapted to respond to other restriction enzymes or even proteases if desired.

A High-Quality CdSe/CdS/ZnS Quantum-Dot-Based FRET Aptasensor for the Simultaneous Detection of Two Different Alzheimer's Disease Core Biomarkers

The simultaneous detection of two different biomarkers for the point-of-care diagnosis of major diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), is greatly challenging. Due to the outstanding photoluminescence (PL) properties of quantum dots (QDs), a high-quality CdSe/CdS/ZnS QD-based fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) aptasensor for simultaneously monitoring the amyloid-β oligomers (AβO) and tau protein was proposed. By engineering the interior inorganic structure and inorganic−organic interface, water-soluble dual-color CdSe/CdS/ZnS QDs with a near-unity PL quantum yield (>90%) and mono-exponential PL decay dynamics were generated. The π−π stacking and hydrogen bond interaction between the aptamer-functionalized dual-color QDs and gold nanorods@polydopamine (Au NRs@PDA) nanoparticles resulted in significant fluorescence quenching of the QDs through FRET. Upon the incorporation of the AβO and tau protein, the fluorescence recovery of the QDs-DNA/Au NRs@PDA assembly was attained, providing the possibility of simultaneously assaying the two types of AD core biomarkers. The lower detection limits of 50 pM for AβO and 20 pM for the tau protein could be ascribed to the distinguishable and robust fluorescence of QDs and broad spectral absorption of Au NRs@PDA. The sensing strategy serves as a viable platform for the simultaneously monitoring of the core biomarkers for AD and other major diseases.

Polymer dots and glassy organic dots using dibenzodipyridophenazine dyes as water-dispersible TADF probes for cellular imaging

Fluorescence imaging of living cells is key to better understanding cellular morphology and biological processes. Water-dispersible nanoparticles exhibiting thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) have recently emerged as useful probes for time-resolved fluorescence imaging (TRFI), circumventing interference from biological autofluorescence. Many existing approaches, however, require TADF dyes with specific structural features, precluding many high-performance TADF materials from being used in this application. Here, we describe the synthesis of two TADF emitters based on the rigid and strongly electron-withdrawing dibenzo[a,c]dipyrido[3,2-h:2'-3'-j]phenazine-12-yl (BPPZ) motif, and demonstrate two parallel approaches for the encapsulation of these fluorophores to yield water-dispersible nanoparticles suitable for TRFI. First, fluorescent polymer dots (Pdots) were formed by dye encapsulation within cell-penetrating amphiphilic copolymers. Glassy organic nanoparticles (g-Odots) were also prepared, giving nanoparticles with higher photoluminescence quantum yields and improved colour purity. Both approaches yielded nanoparticles suitable for imaging, with reasonable uptake and cytotoxicity on the timescale of standard imaging experiments using human cervical (HeLa) and liver (HepG2) cancer cell lines. This work demonstrates two flexible strategies for preparing water-dispersible TADF nanoparticles for TRFI, both of which should be readily adaptable to nearly any existing hydrophobic TADF dye.

Construction of Effective Nanosensor by Combining Semiconducting Polymer Dots with Diphenylcarbazide for Specific Recognition of Trace Cr (VI) Ion in Water and Vitro

Hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) ion, as highly toxic environmental pollution, severely endangers the ecological environment and public health. Herein, a fluorescent nanosensor (PFO-DPC) was constructed by combining semiconducting polymer dots with diphenylcarbazide (DPC) for sensing Cr (VI) ion in aqueous solution and living cells. DPC and poly (styrene-co-maleic anhydride) (PSMA) polymer mixed with polyfluorene (PFO) were utilized for selectively indicating Cr (VI) ion and improving the efficiency of detection, respectively. The presence of Cr (VI) ion effectively turned off the blue and green fluorescence of PFO-DPC in the aqueous environment, and the fluorescence quenching efficiency exhibited a good linear relationship between the range of 0.0 to 2.31 nM (R2 = 0.983) with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.16 nM. The mechanism of fluorescence quenching could possibly be attributed to the internal filtration effect (IFE). Additionally, PFO-DPC showed a satisfactory performance in monitoring intracellular Cr (VI) ion. Our results indicate that the sensor is promising in various applications.

The quantum dot vs. organic dye conundrum for ratiometric FRET-based biosensors: which one would you chose?

Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) is a widely used and ideal transduction modality for fluorescent based biosensors as it offers high signal to noise with a visibly detectable signal. While intense efforts are ongoing to improve the limit of detection and dynamic range of biosensors based on biomolecule optimization, the selection of and relative location of the dye remains understudied. Herein, we describe a combined experimental and computational study to systematically compare the nature of the dye, i.e., organic fluorophore (Cy5 or Texas Red) vs. inorganic nanoparticle (QD), and the position of the FRET donor or acceptor on the biomolecular components. Using a recently discovered transcription factor (TF)-deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) biosensor for progesterone, we examine four different biosensor configurations and report the quantum yield, lifetime, FRET efficiency, IC50, and limit of detection. Fitting the computational models to the empirical data identifies key molecular parameters driving sensor performance in each biosensor configuration. Finally, we provide a set of design parameters to enable one to select the fluorophore system for future intermolecular biosensors using FRET-based conformational regulation in in vitro assays and new diagnostic devices.

Tetra-primer ARMS-PCR combined with dual-color fluorescent lateral flow assay for the discrimination of SARS-CoV-2 and its mutations with a handheld wireless reader

Several virulent variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have emerged along with the spread of this virus throughout the population. Some variants can exhibit increased transmissibility and reduced immune neutralization reactivity. These changes are deeply concerning issues that may hinder the ongoing effort of epidemic control measures, especially mass vaccination campaigns. The accurate discrimination of SARS-CoV-2 and its emerging variants is essential to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Herein, we report a low-cost, facile, and highly sensitive diagnostic platform that can simultaneously distinguish wild-type (WT) SARS-CoV-2 and its two mutations, namely, D614G and N501Y, within 2 h. WT or mutant (M) nucleic acid fragments at each allelic locus were selectively amplified by the tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS)-PCR assay. Allele-specific amplicons were simultaneously detected by two test lines on a quantum dot nanobead (QB)-based dual-color fluorescent test strip, which could be interpreted by the naked eye or by a home-made fluorescent strip readout device that was wirelessly connected to a smartphone for quantitative data analysis and result presentation. The WT and M viruses were indicated and were strictly discriminated by the presence of a green or red band on test line 1 for the D614G site and test line 2 for the N501Y site. The limits of detection (LODs) for the WT and M D614G were estimated as 78.91 and 33.53 copies per μL, respectively. This assay was also modified for the simultaneous detection of the N and ORF1ab genes of SARS-CoV-2 with LODs of 1.90 and 6.07 copies per μL, respectively. The proposed platform can provide a simple, accurate, and affordable diagnostic approach for the screening of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants of concern even in resource-limited settings.

A comprehensive review on LED-induced fluorescence in diagnostic pathology

Sensitivity, specificity, mobility, and affordability are important criteria to consider for developing diagnostic instruments in common use. Fluorescence spectroscopy has been demonstrating substantial potential in the clinical diagnosis of diseases and evaluating the underlying causes of pathogenesis. A higher degree of device integration with appropriate sensitivity and reasonable cost would further boost the value of the fluorescence techniques in clinical diagnosis and aid in the reduction of healthcare expenses, which is a key economic concern in emerging markets. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which are inexpensive and smaller are attractive alternatives to conventional excitation sources in fluorescence spectroscopy, are gaining a lot of momentum in the development of affordable, compact analytical instruments of clinical relevance. The commercial availability of a broad range of LED wavelengths (255-4600 nm) has opened up new avenues for targeting a wide range of clinically significant molecules (both endogenous and exogenous), thereby diagnosing a range of clinical illnesses. As a result, we have specifically examined the uses of LED-induced fluorescence (LED-IF) in preclinical and clinical evaluations of pathological conditions, considering the present advancements in the field.

Prototype Smartphone-Based Device for Flow Cytometry with Immunolabeling via Supra-nanoparticle Assemblies of Quantum Dots

Methods for the detection, enumeration, and typing of cells are important in many areas of research and healthcare. In this context, flow cytometers are a widely used research and clinical tool but are also an example of a large and expensive instrument that is limited to specialized laboratories. Smartphones have been shown to have excellent potential to serve as portable and lower-cost platforms for analyses that would normally be done in a laboratory. Here, we developed a prototype smartphone-based flow cytometer (FC). This compact 3D-printed device incorporated a laser diode and a microfluidic flow cell and used the built-in camera of a smartphone to track immunofluorescently labeled cells in suspension and measure their color. This capability was enabled by high-brightness supra-nanoparticle assemblies of colloidal semiconductor quantum dots (SiO₂@QDs) as well as a support vector machine (SVM) classification algorithm. The smartphone-based FC device detected and enumerated target cells against a background of other cells, simultaneously and selectively counted two different cell types in a mixture, and used multiple colors of SiO₂@QD-antibody conjugates to screen for and identify a particular cell type. The potential limits of multicolor detection are discussed alongside ideas for further development. Our results suggest that innovations in materials and engineering should enable eventual smartphone-based FC assays for clinical applications.

Rose petals-like Bi semimetal embedded on the zeolitic imidazolate frameworks based-immunochromatographic strip to sensitively detect acetamiprid

Ultrasensitive and facile detection of Acetamiprid (ACE) is of exceptional significance to assess the environmental and biological pollution. In this study, an advanced Bi semimetal/Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks hybrid material-based immunochromatographic strip (Bi/ZIF HM-ICS) sensor was developed for the sensitive detection of ACE. The novel Bi/ZIF HM was prepared through one-pot hydrothermal reduction of Bi nanoparticles on ZIF, which was selected as a signal tag taking advantages of its excellent color intensity, strong affinity with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), and favorable biocompatibility. Bi/ZIF HM could not only improve the utilization efficiency of mAbs but also boost the sensing performance. Under optimal conditions, the limit of detection (LOD) of the Bi/ZIF HM-ICS was 4.68 pg/mL with the linear range from 0.01 ng/mL to 6 ng/mL, which was 98-fold lower than that of traditional gold nanoparticles-based ICS (0.457 ng/mL), and the recoveries of the Bi/ZIF HM-ICS ranged from 80.27% to 118.52% with the relative standard deviation (RSD) below 3.67% in pear, apple, tomato, and cucumber. Overall, the practical application of the Bi/ZIF HM-ICS in complicated samples was realized for detecting pesticide residue, and expanding its application scope in monitoring environment.

Polymer Dots with Enhanced Photostability, Quantum Yield, and Two-Photon Cross-Section using Structurally Constrained Deep-Blue Fluorophores

Semiconducting polymer dots (Pdots) have emerged as versatile probes for bioanalysis and imaging at the single-particle level. Despite their utility in multiplexed analysis, deep blue Pdots remain rare due to their need for high-energy excitation and sensitivity to photobleaching. Here, we describe the design of deep blue fluorophores using structural constraints to improve resistance to photobleaching, two-photon absorption cross sections, and fluorescence quantum yields using the hexamethylazatriangulene motif. Scanning tunneling microscopy was used to characterize the electronic structure of these chromophores on the atomic scale as well as their intrinsic stability. The most promising fluorophore was functionalized with a polymerizable acrylate handle and used to give deep-blue fluorescent acrylic polymers with M_n > 18 kDa and Đ < 1.2. Nanoprecipitation with amphiphilic polystyrene-graft-(carboxylate-terminated poly(ethylene glycol)) gave water-soluble Pdots with blue fluorescence, quantum yields of 0.81, and molar absorption coefficients of (4 ± 2) × 10⁸ M^-1 cm^-1. This high brightness facilitated single-particle visualization with dramatically improved signal-to-noise ratio and photobleaching resistance versus an unencapsulated dye. The Pdots were then conjugated with antibodies for immunolabeling of SK-BR3 human breast cancer cells, which were imaged using deep blue fluorescence in both one- and two-photon excitation modes.

Red-Emissive Cell-Penetrating Polymer Dots Exhibiting Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence for Cellular Imaging

Fluorescence imaging in living cells is key to understanding many biological processes, yet autofluorescence from the sample can lower sensitivity and hinder high-resolution imaging. Time-gated measurements using phosphorescent metal complexes can improve imaging, at the cost of potential toxicity from the use of heavy metals. Here, we describe orange/red-emitting polymer dots (Pdots) exhibiting thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) for time-gated imaging. Inspired by the cell invasion mechanism of the HIV TAT protein, the Pdots were formed from block copolymers composed of a hydrophilic guanidine-rich block as a cell-penetrating peptide mimic, and a rigid organic semiconductor block to provide efficient delayed fluorescence. These all-organic polymer nanoparticles were shown to efficiently enter HeLa, CHO, and HepG2 cells within 30 min, with cell viabilities remaining high for Pdot concentrations up to 25 mg mL^-1. Pdot quantum yields were as high as 0.17 in aerated water, with the Pdot structure effectively shielding the TADF emitters from quenching by oxygen. Colocalization experiments revealed that the Pdots primarily accumulate outside of lysosomes, minimizing lysosomal degradation. When used for fixed cellular imaging, Pdot-incubated cells showed high signal-to-background ratios compared to control samples with no Pdot exposure. Using time-resolved spectroscopy, the delayed emission of the TADF materials was effectively separated from that of both a biological serum and a secondary fluorescent dye.

Photoluminescent Nanoparticles for Chemical and Biological Analysis and Imaging

Research related to the development and application of luminescent nanoparticles (LNPs) for chemical and biological analysis and imaging is flourishing. Novel materials and new applications continue to be reported after two decades of research. This review provides a comprehensive and heuristic overview of this field. It is targeted to both newcomers and experts who are interested in a critical assessment of LNP materials, their properties, strengths and weaknesses, and prospective applications. Numerous LNP materials are cataloged by fundamental descriptions of their chemical identities and physical morphology, quantitative photoluminescence (PL) properties, PL mechanisms, and surface chemistry. These materials include various semiconductor quantum dots, carbon nanotubes, graphene derivatives, carbon dots, nanodiamonds, luminescent metal nanoclusters, lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles and downshifting nanoparticles, triplet-triplet annihilation nanoparticles, persistent-luminescence nanoparticles, conjugated polymer nanoparticles and semiconducting polymer dots, multi-nanoparticle assemblies, and doped and labeled nanoparticles, including but not limited to those based on polymers and silica. As an exercise in the critical assessment of LNP properties, these materials are ranked by several application-related functional criteria. Additional sections highlight recent examples of advances in chemical and biological analysis, point-of-care diagnostics, and cellular, tissue, and in vivo imaging and theranostics. These examples are drawn from the recent literature and organized by both LNP material and the particular properties that are leveraged to an advantage. Finally, a perspective on what comes next for the field is offered.

Nanomaterials for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Head and Neck Cancers: A Review

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a category of cancers that typically arise from the nose-, mouth-, and throat-lining squamous cells. The later stage of HNC diagnosis significantly affects the patient's survival rate. This makes it mandatory to diagnose this cancer with a suitable biomarker and imaging techniques at the earlier stages of growth. There are limitations to traditional technologies for early detection of HNC. Furthermore, the use of nanocarriers for delivering chemo-, radio-, and phototherapeutic drugs represents a promising approach for improving the outcome of HNC treatments. Several studies with nanostructures focus on the development of a targeted and sustained release of anticancer molecules with reduced side effects. Besides, nanovehicles could allow co-delivering of anticancer drugs for synergistic activity to counteract chemo- or radioresistance. Additionally, a new generation of smart nanomaterials with stimuli-responsive properties have been developed to distinguish between unique tumor conditions and healthy tissue. In this light, the present article reviews the mechanisms used by different nanostructures (metallic and metal oxide nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, quantum dots, liposomes, nanomicelles, etc.) to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment, provides an up-to-date picture of the state of the art in this field, and highlights the major challenges for future improvements.

Functional Micro-/Nanomaterials for Multiplexed Biodetection

When analyzing biological phenomena and processes, multiplexed biodetection has many advantages over single-factor biodetection and is highly relevant to both human health issues and advancements in the life sciences. However, many key problems with current multiplexed biodetection strategies remain unresolved. Herein, the main issues are analyzed and summarized: 1) generating sufficient signal to label targets, 2) improving the signal-to-noise ratio to ensure total detection sensitivity, and 3) simplifying the detection process to reduce the time and labor costs of multiple target detection. Then, available solutions made possible by designing and controlling the properties of micro- and nanomaterials are introduced. The aim is to emphasize the role that micro-/nanomaterials can play in the improvement of multiplexed biodetection strategies. Through analyzing existing problems, introducing state-of-the-art developments regarding relevant materials, and discussing future directions of the field, it is hopeful to help promote necessary developments in multiplexed biodetection and associated scientific research.

Integrated nanoparticle size with membrane porosity for improved analytical performance in sandwich immunochromatographic assay

The use of luminescent nanobeads to improve the sensitivity of sandwich immunochromatographic assay (ICA) has obtained increasing concern. Illustrating the relationship among luminescent intensity, nanobead size, nitrocellulose membrane aperture, and ICA sensitivity is important for achieving the optimal target detection. Thus, we synthesized six differently sized quantum dot beads (QBs) (95, 140, 180, 235, 325, and 405 nm) as ICA labels and applied them in three aperture membranes (10, 15, and 25 μm). Results indicate that increasing the QB size to less than an appropriate size of 235 nm is beneficial for ICA sensitivity because of the increased fluorescence. However, oversized QBs result in reduced sensitivity due to the decreased diffusion or settlement of the QB on the membrane that causes obvious background signal. The small aperture membrane perfectly matching the QB size contributes to ICA sensitivity by decreasing the migration velocity of the QB probe for increased binding of the QB@analyte complex at the T zone. Consequently, the best detection of hepatitis B surface antigen with a sensitivity of 0.156 ng/mL is achieved using 235 nm QBs in 15 μm membrane. Further performance evaluation of our QB₂₃₅-ICA_CN95 demonstrates excellent accuracy, selectivity, and practicability. This work provides a new idea to manipulate the sensitivity of sandwich ICA by tuning the QB size and the membrane aperture, and a theoretical guidance for selecting the probe and membrane to achieve the best detection of target analytes.

(Nano)tag-antibody conjugates in rapid tests

Antibodies (Abs) are naturally derived materials with favorable affinity, selectivity, and fast binding kinetics to the respective antigens, which enables their application as promising recognition elements in the development of various types of biosensors/bioassays, especially in rapid tests. These tests are low-cost and easy-to-use biosensing devices with broad applications including medical or veterinary diagnostics, environmental monitoring and industrial usages such as safety and quality analysis in food, providing on-site quick monitoring of various analytes, making it possible to save analysis costs and time. To reach such features, the conjugation of Abs with various nanomaterials (NMs) as tags is necessary, which range from conventional gold nanoparticles to other nanoparticles recently introduced, where magnetic, plasmonic, photoluminescent, or multi-modal properties play a critical role in the overall performance of the analytical device. In this context, to preserve the Ab affinity and provide a rapid response with long-term storage capability, the use of efficient bio-conjugation techniques is critical. Thanks to their prominent role in rapid tests, many studies have been devoted to the design and development of Abs-NMs conjugates with various chemistries including passive adsorption, covalent coupling, and affinity interactions. In this review, we present the state-of-the-art techniques allowing various Ab-NM conjugates with a special focus on the efficiency of the developed probes to be employed in in vitro rapid tests. Challenges and future perspectives on the development of Ab-conjugated nanotags in rapid diagnostic tests are highlighted along with a survey of the progress in commercially available Ab-NM conjugates.

Smart materials for point-of-care testing: From sample extraction to analyte sensing and readout signal generator

The last decade has seen a surge of technical developments in the field on point-of-care testing (POCT). While these developments are extremely diverse, the common aim is to implement improved methods for quick, reliable and inexpensive diagnosis of patients within the clinical setting. While examples of successful introduction and use of POCT techniques are growing, further developments are still necessary to create POCT devices with better portability, usability and performance. Advances in smart materials emerge as potentially valuable know-hows to provide a competitive edge to the development of next generation POCT devices. This review describes the key advantages of adopting smart material-based technologies at different analytical stages of a POCT platform. Under these analytical stages which involves sample pre-treatment, analyte sensing and readout signal generator, several concepts and approaches from contemporary research work in using smart material-based technologies will be the major focus in this review. Lastly, challenges and potential outlook in implementing materials technologies from the application point of view for POCT will be discussed.

Fully Self-Assembled Silica Nanoparticle-Semiconductor Quantum Dot Supra-Nanoparticles and Immunoconjugates for Enhanced Cellular Imaging by Microscopy and Smartphone Camera

There is a growing need for brighter luminescent materials to improve the detection and imaging of biomarkers. Relevant contexts include low-abundance biomarkers and technology-limited applications, where an example of the latter is the emerging use of smartphones and other nonoptimal but low-cost and portable devices for point-of-care diagnostics. One approach to achieving brighter luminescent materials is incorporating multiple copies of a luminescent material into a larger supra-nanoparticle (supra-NP) assembly. Here, we present a facile method for the preparation and immunoconjugation of supra-NP assemblies (SiO₂@QDs) that comprised many quantum dots (QDs) around a central silica nanoparticle (SiO₂ NP). The assembly was entirely driven by spontaneous affinity interactions between the constituent materials, which included imidazoline-functionalized silica nanoparticles, ligand-coated QDs, imidazole-functionalized dextran, and tetrameric antibody complexes (TACs). The physical and optical properties of the SiO₂@QDs were characterized at both the ensemble and single-particle levels. Notably, the optical properties of the QDs were preserved upon assembly into supra-NPs, and single SiO₂@QDs were approximately an order of magnitude brighter than single QDs and nonblinking. In proof-of-concept applications, including selective immunolabeling of breast cancer cells, the SiO₂@QDs provided higher sensitivity and superior signal-to-background ratios whether using research-grade fluorescence microscopy or smartphone-based imaging. Overall, the SiO₂@QDs are promising materials for enhanced bioanalysis and imaging.

Nanomaterial-based multiplex optical sensors

The drive for a simultaneous analysis of multiple targets with excellent accuracy and efficiency, which is often required in both basic biomedical research and clinical applications, demands the development of multiplexed bioassays with desired throughput. With the development of nanotechnologies, innovative multiplex optical bioassays have been achieved. Nanomaterials exhibit unique physical and chemical properties such as easily tunable size, large surface-to-volume ratio, excellent catalysis and the desired signal transduction mechanism, which makes them excellent candidates for the fabrication of novel optical nanoprobes. This mini review summarizes nanomaterial-based optical multiplex sensors from the last 5 years. Specific optical techniques covered in this review are fluorescence, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), chemiluminescence (CL), and the multimodality with fundamentals and examples.

Single-Molecule Imaging of Protein Interactions and Dynamics

Live-cell single-molecule fluorescence imaging has become a powerful analytical tool to investigate cellular processes that are not accessible to conventional biochemical approaches. This has greatly enriched our understanding of the behaviors of single biomolecules in their native environments and their roles in cellular events. Here, we review recent advances in fluorescence-based single-molecule bioimaging of proteins in living cells. We begin with practical considerations of the design of single-molecule fluorescence imaging experiments such as the choice of imaging modalities, fluorescent probes, and labeling methods. We then describe analytical observables from single-molecule data and the associated molecular parameters along with examples of live-cell single-molecule studies. Lastly, we discuss computational algorithms developed for single-molecule data analysis.

Facile one-pot aqueous synthesis of highly soluble and luminescent CdSe quantum dots without nitrogen bubbling

CdSe quantum dots (QDs) have been widely used in a plethora of applications due to their relatively high photocatalytic abilities and unique properties.