1
|
Bao P, Phillips K, Raval R. Membrane Proteins in Action Monitored by pH-Responsive Liquid Crystal Biosensors. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:31843-31850. [PMID: 38841859 PMCID: PMC11194810 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c06614] [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: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Liquid crystal (LC) biosensors have received significant attention for their potential applications for point-of-care devices due to their sensitivity, low cost, and easy read-out. They have been employed to detect a wide range of important biological molecules. However, detecting the function of membrane proteins has been extremely challenging due to the difficulty of integrating membrane proteins, lipid membranes, and LCs into one system. In this study, we addressed this challenge by monitoring the proton-pumping function of bacteriorhodopsin (bR) using a pH-sensitive LC thin film biosensor. To achieve this, we deposited purple membranes (PMs) containing a 2D crystal form of bRs onto an LC-aqueous interface. Under light, the PM patches changed the local pH at the LC-aqueous interface, causing a color change in the LC thin film that is observable through a polarizing microscope with crossed polarizers. These findings open up new opportunities to study the biofunctions of membrane proteins and their induced local environmental changes in a solution using LC biosensors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Bao
- Open Innovation
Hub for Antimicrobial
Surfaces, Surface Science Research Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, U.K.
| | - Kyle Phillips
- Open Innovation
Hub for Antimicrobial
Surfaces, Surface Science Research Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, U.K.
| | - Rasmita Raval
- Open Innovation
Hub for Antimicrobial
Surfaces, Surface Science Research Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, U.K.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chatterjee A, Joy A, Purkayastha P. Microviscosity-Assisted Disaggregation of a Model Ophthalmic Drug and FRET-Controlled Singlet Oxygen Generation in Lyotropic Liquid Crystals. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024; 40:4321-4332. [PMID: 38364370 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c03588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Different phases of lyotropic liquid crystals (LLCs), made up of mesogen-like sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), mainly bestow different bulk viscosities. Along with this, the role of microviscosities of the individual LLC phases is of immense interest because a minute change in it due to guest incorporation can cause significant alteration in their property as a potential energy transfer scaffold. Recently, LLCs have been identified as plausible drug delivery agents for ocular treatments. In this direction, the present work illustrates photophysical modulations of an important laser dye as well as an ophthalmic medicine, coumarin 6 (C6), inside different LLC phases in an aqueous medium. C6 molecules spontaneously accumulate in water, leading to aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) of fluorescence. However, the different phases of the LLCs prepared from SDS and water helped in disintegrating the C6 colonies to various extents depending upon the microviscosity. The heterogeneity in the LLC phases, in turn, could modulate the Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) between C6 and the LLC incorporated with N-doped carbon nanoparticles (N-CNPs). The N-CNPs act as potential photosensitizers and generate singlet oxygen (1O2), a reactive oxygen species (ROS), to different extents. Microviscosities of the prepared LLCs were calculated by using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS). The different phases of the LLCs, viz., lamellar and hexagonal, with different microviscosities controlled the extent of C6 disaggregation and hence the FRET and the ROS generation. The results are encouraging since ROS generation has a significant role in the vision mechanism and PDT-based applications. LLC-based drug administration with potential FRET to control ROS generation may become handy in ophthalmology. The LLC phases used in this experiment not only served the purpose of drug delivery but also the photophysical events therein are compatible with the ocular environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arunavo Chatterjee
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Center for Advanced Functional Materials, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur 741246, West Bengal, India
| | - Athira Joy
- Department of Chemistry, Vellore Institute of Technology, Chennai Campus, Vandalur-Kelambakkam Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600127, India
| | - Pradipta Purkayastha
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Center for Advanced Functional Materials, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur 741246, West Bengal, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhao Z, Mi Y, Ur Rehman H, Sun E, Cao X, Wang N. From Body Monitoring to Biomolecular Sensing: Current Progress and Future Perspectives of Triboelectric Nanogenerators in Point-of-Care Diagnostics. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:511. [PMID: 38257606 PMCID: PMC10818951 DOI: 10.3390/s24020511] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
In the constantly evolving field of medical diagnostics, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) stand out as a groundbreaking innovation for simultaneously harnessing mechanical energy from micromovements and sensing stimuli from both the human body and the ambient environment. This advancement diminishes the dependence of biosensors on external power sources and paves the way for the application of TENGs in self-powered medical devices, especially in the realm of point-of-care diagnostics. In this review, we delve into the functionality of TENGs in point-of-care diagnostics. First, from the basic principle of how TENGs effectively transform subtle physical movements into electrical energy, thereby promoting the development of self-powered biosensors and medical devices that are particularly advantageous for real-time biological monitoring. Then, the adaptable design of TENGs that facilitate customization to meet individual patient needs is introduced, with a focus on their biocompatibility and safety in medical applications. Our in-depth analysis also covers TENG-based biosensor designs moving toward exceptional sensitivity and specificity in biomarker detection, for accurate and efficient diagnoses. Challenges and future prospects such as the integration of TENGs into wearable and implantable devices are also discussed. We aim for this review to illuminate the burgeoning field of TENG-based intelligent devices for continuous, real-time health monitoring; and to inspire further innovation in this captivating area of research that is in line with patient-centered healthcare.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zequan Zhao
- Center for Green Innovation, School of Mathematics and Physics, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; (Z.Z.); (Y.M.); (H.U.R.); (E.S.)
| | - Yajun Mi
- Center for Green Innovation, School of Mathematics and Physics, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; (Z.Z.); (Y.M.); (H.U.R.); (E.S.)
| | - Hafeez Ur Rehman
- Center for Green Innovation, School of Mathematics and Physics, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; (Z.Z.); (Y.M.); (H.U.R.); (E.S.)
| | - Enqi Sun
- Center for Green Innovation, School of Mathematics and Physics, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; (Z.Z.); (Y.M.); (H.U.R.); (E.S.)
| | - Xia Cao
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100083, China
- School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Center for Green Innovation, School of Mathematics and Physics, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; (Z.Z.); (Y.M.); (H.U.R.); (E.S.)
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100083, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gottwald E, Grün C, Nies C, Liebsch G. Physiological oxygen measurements in vitro-Schrödinger's cat in 3D cell biology. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1218957. [PMID: 37885450 PMCID: PMC10598749 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1218957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
After the development of 3D cell culture methods in the middle of the last century and the plethora of data generated with this culture configuration up to date, it could be shown that a three-dimensional arrangement of cells in most of the cases leads to a more physiological behavior of the generated tissue. However, a major determinant for an organotypic function, namely, the dissolved oxygen concentration in the used in vitro-system, has been neglected in most of the studies. This is due to the fact that the oxygen measurement in the beginning was simply not feasible and, if so, disturbed the measurement and/or the in vitro-system itself. This is especially true for the meanwhile more widespread use of 3D culture systems. Therefore, the tissues analyzed by these techniques can be considered as the Schrödinger's cat in 3D cell biology. In this perspective paper we will outline how the measurement and, moreover, the regulation of the dissolved oxygen concentration in vitro-3D culture systems could be established at all and how it may be possible to determine the oxygen concentration in organoid cultures and the respiratory capacity via mito stress tests, especially in spheroids in the size range of a few hundred micrometers, under physiological culture conditions, without disturbances or stress induction in the system and in a high-throughput fashion. By this, such systems will help to more efficiently translate tissue engineering approaches into new in vitro-platforms for fundamental and applied research as well as preclinical safety testing and clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Gottwald
- Institute of Functional Interfaces, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Christoph Grün
- Institute of Functional Interfaces, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Cordula Nies
- Institute of Functional Interfaces, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Khoshbin Z, Sameiyan E, Zahraee H, Ramezani M, Alibolandi M, Abnous K, Taghdisi SM. A simple and robust aptasensor assembled on surfactant-mediated liquid crystal interface for ultrasensitive detection of mycotoxin. Anal Chim Acta 2023; 1270:341478. [PMID: 37311610 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2023.341478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Here, a simple aptasensing approach is represented to sensitively detect ochratoxin A (OTA) as one of the most perilous mycotoxins with carcinogenic, nephrotoxic, teratogenic, and immunosuppressive sequels on human health. The aptasensor is based on the alteration in the orientational order of liquid crystal (LC) molecules at the surfactant-arranged interface. Homeotropic alignment of LCs is achieved by the interaction of the surfactant tail with LCs. By perturbing the alignment of LCs due to the electrostatic interaction of the aptamer strand with the surfactant head, a colorful polarized view of the aptasensor substrate is induced drastically. While OTA causes the re-orientation of LCs to a vertical state by forming an OTA-aptamer complex that induces darkness of the substrate. This study shows that the length of the aptamer strand impacts the efficiency of the aptasensor; longer strand results in the greater disruption of LCs, and therefore, increases the aptasensor sensitivity. Hence, the aptasensor can determine OTA in the linear concentration range of 0.1 fM-1 pM as low as 0.021 fM. The aptasensor is capable to monitor OTA in grape juice, coffee drink, corn, and human serum real samples. The proposed LC-based aptasensor provides a cost-effective, easy-to-carry, operator-independent, and user-friendly array with great potential to develop portable sensing gadgets for food quality control and health care monitoring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Khoshbin
- Targeted Drug Delivery Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Elham Sameiyan
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hamed Zahraee
- Targeted Drug Delivery Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ramezani
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mona Alibolandi
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Khalil Abnous
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Seyed Mohammad Taghdisi
- Targeted Drug Delivery Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|