1
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Lozon C, Cornet A, Reculusa S, Garrigue P, Kuhn A, Salinas G. Chemically-Driven Autonomous Janus Electromagnets as Magnetotactic Swimmers. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202408198. [PMID: 38924323 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202408198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
An electromagnet is a particular device that takes advantage of electrical currents to produce concentrated magnetic fields. The most well-known example is a conventional solenoid, having the form of an elongated coil and creating a strong magnetic field through its center when it is connected to a current source. Spontaneous redox reactions located at opposite ends of an anisotropic Janus swimmer can effectively mimic a standard power source, due to their ability to wirelessly generate a local electric current. Herein, we propose the coupling of thermodynamically spontaneous redox reactions occurring at the extremities of a hybrid Mg/Pt Janus swimmer with a solenoidal geometry to generate significant magnetic fields. These chemically driven electromagnets spontaneously transform the redox-induced electric current into a magnetic field with a strength in the range of μT upon contact with an acidic medium. Such on-board magnetization allows them to perform compass-like rotational motion and magnetotactic displacement in the presence of external magnetic field gradients, without the need of using ferromagnetic materials for the swimmer design. The torque force experienced by the swimmer is proportional to the internal redox current, and by varying the composition of the solution, it is possible to fine-tune its angular velocity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara Lozon
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, ISM UMR 5255, 33607, Pessac, France
| | - Antoine Cornet
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, ISM UMR 5255, 33607, Pessac, France
| | - Stephane Reculusa
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, ISM UMR 5255, 33607, Pessac, France
| | - Patrick Garrigue
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, ISM UMR 5255, 33607, Pessac, France
| | - Alexander Kuhn
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, ISM UMR 5255, 33607, Pessac, France
| | - Gerardo Salinas
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, ISM UMR 5255, 33607, Pessac, France
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2
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Kim H, Jo K, Choi H, Hahn SK. Biocompatible polymer-based micro/nanorobots for theranostic translational applications. J Control Release 2024; 374:606-626. [PMID: 39208932 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.08.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Recently, micro/nanorobots (MNRs) with self-propulsion have emerged as a promising smart platform for diagnostic, therapeutic and theranostic applications. Especially, polymer-based MNRs have attracted huge attention due to their inherent biocompatibility and versatility, making them actively explored for various medical applications. As the translation of MNRs from laboratory to clinical settings is imperative, the use of appropriate polymers for MNRs is a key strategy, which can prompt the advancement of MNRs to the next phase. In this review, we describe the multifunctional versatile polymers in MNRs, and their biodegradability, motion control, cargo loading and release, adhesion, and other characteristics. After that, we review the theranostic applications of polymer-based MNRs to bioimaging, biosensing, drug delivery, and tissue engineering. Furthermore, we address the challenges that must be overcome to facilitate the translational development of polymeric MNRs with future perspectives. This review would provide valuable insights into the state-of-the-art technologies associated with polymeric MNRs and contribute to their progression for further clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyemin Kim
- Department of Cosmetics Engineering, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungjoo Jo
- Department of Cosmetics Engineering, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunsik Choi
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sei Kwang Hahn
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea.
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3
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Llopis-Lorente A, Shao J, Ventura J, Buddingh′ BC, Martínez-Máñez R, van Hest JCM, Abdelmohsen LKEA. Spatiotemporal Communication in Artificial Cell Consortia for Dynamic Control of DNA Nanostructures. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2024; 10:1619-1628. [PMID: 39220708 PMCID: PMC11363350 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.4c00702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
The spatiotemporal orchestration of cellular processes is a ubiquitous phenomenon in pluricellular organisms and bacterial communities, where sender cells secrete chemical signals that activate specific pathways in distant receivers. Despite its importance, the engineering and investigation of spatiotemporal communication in artificial cell consortia remains underexplored. In this study, we present spatiotemporal communication between cellular-scale entities acting as both senders and receivers. The transmitted signals are leveraged to elicit conformational alterations within compartmentalized DNA structures. Specifically, sender entities control and generate diffusive chemical signals, namely, variations in pH, through the conversion of biomolecular inputs. In the receiver population, compartmentalized DNA nanostructures exhibit changes in conformation, transitioning between triplex and duplex assemblies, in response to this pH variation. We demonstrate the temporal regulation of activated DNA nanostructures through the coordinated action of two antagonistic sender populations. Furthermore, we illustrate the transient distance-dependent activation of the receivers, facilitated by sender populations situated at defined spatial locations. Collectively, our findings provide novel avenues for the design of artificial cell consortia endowed with programmable spatiotemporal dynamics through chemical communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoni Llopis-Lorente
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular
Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, PO Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Instituto
Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular
y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM), Universitat
Politècnica de València, Universitat de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 València, Spain
- CIBER
de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jingxin Shao
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular
Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, PO Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Jordi Ventura
- Instituto
Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular
y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM), Universitat
Politècnica de València, Universitat de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 València, Spain
| | - Bastiaan C. Buddingh′
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular
Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, PO Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Ramón Martínez-Máñez
- Instituto
Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular
y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM), Universitat
Politècnica de València, Universitat de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 València, Spain
- CIBER
de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jan C. M. van Hest
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular
Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, PO Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Loai K. E. A. Abdelmohsen
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular
Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, PO Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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4
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Hu Y, Willner I. Oligo-Adenine Derived Secondary Nucleic Acid Frameworks: From Structural Characteristics to Applications. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024:e202412106. [PMID: 39183707 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202412106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2024] [Revised: 08/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Oligo-adenine (polyA) is primarily known for its critical role in mRNA stability, translational status, and gene regulation. Beyond its biological functions, extensive research has unveiled the diverse applications of polyA. In response to environmental stimuli, single polyA strands undergo distinctive structural transitions into diverse secondary configurations, which are reversible upon the introduction of appropriate counter-triggers. In this review, we systematically summarize recent advances of noncanonical structures derived from polyA, including A-motif duplex, A-cyanuric acid triplex, A-coralyne-A duplex, and T ⋅ A-T triplex. The structural characteristics and mechanisms underlying these conformations under specific external stimuli are addressed, followed by examples of their applications in stimuli-responsive DNA hydrogels, supramolecular fibre assembly, molecular electronics and switches, biosensing and bioengineering, payloads encapsulation and release, and others. A detailed comparison of these polyA-derived noncanonical structures is provided, highlighting their distinctive features. Furthermore, by integrating their stimuli-responsiveness and conformational characteristics, advanced material development, such as pH-cascaded DNA hydrogels and supramolecular fibres exhibiting dynamic structural transitions adapting environmental cues, are introduced. An outlook for future developments is also discussed. These polyA derived, stimuli-responsive, noncanonical structures enrich the arsenal of DNA "toolbox", offering dynamic DNA frameworks for diverse future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwei Hu
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis #08-03, 138634, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Itamar Willner
- Institute of Chemistry, The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 91904, Jerusalem, Israel
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5
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Zheng M, Li Y, Zhang L, Li C, Liu M, Tang H. Detection of free DNA based on metal-enhanced fluorescence triggered by CRISPR-Cas12a and colorimetric analysis. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2024; 16:3099-3108. [PMID: 38695127 DOI: 10.1039/d4ay00149d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
The CRISPR-Cas system has been found to be extremely sensitive and there is an urgent demand to extend its potential in bioassays. Herein, we developed a novel nanobiosensor to detect the human papillomavirus 16 genes (HPV-16 DNA), which is triggered by CRISPR-Cas12a to amplify the fluorescence signal by metal-enhanced fluorescence (CAMEF). Along with the changing of the fluorescence signal, the aggregation of the substrate of MEF also leads to a change in the color of the mixture solution, enabling dual signal detection with the fluorescence and the naked eye. Furthermore, the designed CAMEF probe was verified to detect the HPV-16 DNA accurately and reliably in biological samples. Triggered by the CRISPR system, the designed CAMEF probe allows quantitative detection of the HPV-16 DNA in the wide range of 10-500 pM. Owing to the MEF, the fluorescence signal of the CAMEF probe was significantly amplified with the detection limit as low as 1 pM. Besides, we can determine the concentration of HPV-16 DNA simply by the naked eye, which also drastically reduces the possibility of false-positive signals. Theoretically, the target ssDNA could be any strand of DNA obtained by designing the crRNA sequence in the CRISPR-Cas system. We believe that the designed CAMEF sensor can present a reliable approach for the accurate detection of low amounts of target ssDNA in complex biological samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingqiu Zheng
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yuyao Li
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, People's Republic of China.
| | - Liling Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, People's Republic of China.
| | - Chengyu Li
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, School of Public Health, Medical College, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430065, People's Republic of China
| | - Menghan Liu
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hongwu Tang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, People's Republic of China.
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6
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Patiño Padial T, Del Grosso E, Gentile S, Baranda Pellejero L, Mestre R, Paffen LJMM, Sánchez S, Ricci F. Synthetic DNA-based Swimmers Driven by Enzyme Catalysis. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:12664-12671. [PMID: 38587543 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c02094] [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: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Here, we report DNA-based synthetic nanostructures decorated with enzymes (hereafter referred to as DNA-enzyme swimmers) that self-propel by converting the enzymatic substrate to the product in solution. The DNA-enzyme swimmers are obtained from tubular DNA structures that self-assemble spontaneously by the hybridization of DNA tiles. We functionalize these DNA structures with two different enzymes, urease and catalase, and show that they exhibit concentration-dependent movement and enhanced diffusion upon addition of the enzymatic substrate (i.e., urea and H2O2). To demonstrate the programmability of such DNA-based swimmers, we also engineer DNA strands that displace the enzyme from the DNA scaffold, thus acting as molecular "brakes" on the DNA swimmers. These results serve as a first proof of principle for the development of synthetic DNA-based enzyme-powered swimmers that can self-propel in fluids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Patiño Padial
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome, Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Technische Universiteit Eindhoven, Het Kranenveld 14, 5612 AZ Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Erica Del Grosso
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome, Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Gentile
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome, Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Lorena Baranda Pellejero
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome, Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Rafael Mestre
- School of Electronics and Computer Science (ECS), University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton SO17 1BJ, U.K
| | - Lars J M M Paffen
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Technische Universiteit Eindhoven, Het Kranenveld 14, 5612 AZ Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Samuel Sánchez
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri i Reixac 10-12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Catalan Institute for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Pg. Lluís Companys 23, Barcelona 08010, Spain
| | - Francesco Ricci
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome, Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133 Rome, Italy
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7
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Maiti A, Koyano Y, Kitahata H, Dey KK. Activity-induced diffusion recovery in crowded colloidal suspensions. Phys Rev E 2024; 109:054607. [PMID: 38907422 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.109.054607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
We show that the forces generated by active enzyme molecules are strong enough to influence the dynamics of their surroundings under artificial crowded environments. We measured the behavior of polymer microparticles in a quasi-two-dimensional system under aqueous environment, at various area fraction values of particles. In the presence of enzymatic activity, not only was the diffusion of the suspended particles enhanced at shorter time-scales, but the system also showed a transition from subdiffusive to diffusive dynamics at longer time-scale limits. Similar observations were also recorded with enzyme-functionalized microparticles. Brownian dynamics simulations have been performed to support the experimental observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnab Maiti
- Laboratory of Soft and Living Materials, Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382055, India
| | - Yuki Koyano
- Graduate School of Human Development and Environment, Kobe University, 3-11 Tsurukabuto, Nada-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 657-0011, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Kitahata
- Department of Physics, Graduate School of Science, Chiba University, Yayoi-cho 1-33, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8522, Japan
| | - Krishna Kanti Dey
- Laboratory of Soft and Living Materials, Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382055, India
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8
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Chen J, Hu J, Kapral R. Chemical Logic Gates on Active Colloids. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2305695. [PMID: 38450886 PMCID: PMC11095161 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202305695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that active colloidal motors using enzymatic reactions for propulsion hold special promise for applications in fields ranging from biology to material science. It will be desirable to have active colloids with capability of computation so that they can act autonomously to sense their surroundings and alter their own dynamics. It is shown how small chemical networks that make use of enzymatic chemical reactions on the colloid surface can be used to construct motor-based chemical logic gates. The basic features of coupled enzymatic reactions that are responsible for propulsion and underlie the construction and function of chemical gates are described using continuum theory and molecular simulation. Examples are given that show how colloids with specific chemical logic gates, can perform simple sensing tasks. Due to the diverse functions of different enzyme gates, operating alone or in circuits, the work presented here supports the suggestion that synthetic motors using such gates could be designed to operate in an autonomous way in order to complete complicated tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang‐Xing Chen
- Department of PhysicsHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhou311121China
| | - Jia‐Qi Hu
- Department of PhysicsHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhou311121China
| | - Raymond Kapral
- Chemical Physics Theory GroupDepartment of ChemistryUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioM5S 3H6Canada
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9
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Debata S, Sahu S, Panda SK, Singh DP. Light-driven micromotors for on-demand and local pH sensing applications. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:2150-2157. [PMID: 38318681 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb02760k] [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: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, self-propelled light-driven micromotors have gained significant attention due to their capabilities for a wide range of applications, including cargo delivery, chemical sensing, environmental monitoring, etc. Here, we demonstrate the design of light-driven micromotors for local pH sensing applications. The micromotors are spherical Janus particles with multiple functional coatings that provide them with interesting features, like a dual optical response, i.e., controlled swimming under UV light (320-400 nm) and pH-dependent fluorescence signal emission when excited with blue light (450 nm), and moving path guidance using a weak external uniform magnetic field (50 G). All of these features allow the micromotors to sense the pH of the medium on-demand and locally or of a target location by guiding them to swim to the target location. The pH-dependent change in the fluorescence signal intensity is used for the measurement of the local pH of the medium. It is observed that the careful measurement of small pH changes requires a spectrometer that precisely measures the intensity change. However, the fluorescence signal of the micromotors was good enough to provide a clear visual demarcation for large pH changes. Systematic experimental studies supported by controlled experiments are performed to optimize the system as well as to calibrate the micromotors for local pH sensing applications. The characteristics like easy-to-design structure, light activation, directional swimming, and ability to measure the pH on-demand and locally prove that micromotors have the potential to revolutionize pH monitoring in various domains, including lab-on-a-chip devices, biomedical research, environmental monitoring, quality control in industrial processes, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srikanta Debata
- Department of Physics, IIT Bhilai, Kutelabhata, Durg, 491001, Chhattisgarh, India.
| | - Shivani Sahu
- Department of Physics, IIT Bhilai, Kutelabhata, Durg, 491001, Chhattisgarh, India.
| | - Suvendu Kumar Panda
- Department of Physics, IIT Bhilai, Kutelabhata, Durg, 491001, Chhattisgarh, India.
| | - Dhruv Pratap Singh
- Department of Physics, IIT Bhilai, Kutelabhata, Durg, 491001, Chhattisgarh, India.
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10
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Patiño T, Llacer-Wintle J, Pujals S, Albertazzi L, Sánchez S. Unveiling protein corona formation around self-propelled enzyme nanomotors by nanoscopy. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:2904-2912. [PMID: 38054755 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr03749e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
The interaction of nanoparticles with biological media is a topic of general interest for drug delivery systems and among those for active nanoparticles, also called nanomotors. Herein, we report the use of super resolution microscopy, in particular, stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM), to characterize the formation of a protein corona around active enzyme-powered nanomotors. First, we characterized the distribution and number of enzymes on nano-sized particles and characterized their motion capabilities. Then, we incubated the nanomotors with fluorescently labelled serum proteins. Interestingly, we observed a significant decrease of protein corona formation (20%) and different composition, which was studied by proteomic analysis. Moreover, motion was not hindered, as nanomotors displayed enhanced diffusion regardless of the protein corona. Elucidating how active particles interact with biological media and maintain their self-propulsion after protein corona formation will pave the way for the use of these systems in complex biological fluids in biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Patiño
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri i Reixac 10-12, 08028, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems. Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Joaquin Llacer-Wintle
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri i Reixac 10-12, 08028, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Sílvia Pujals
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri i Reixac 10-12, 08028, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Lorenzo Albertazzi
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri i Reixac 10-12, 08028, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems. Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Samuel Sánchez
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri i Reixac 10-12, 08028, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Pg. Lluís Companys 23, Barcelona, 08010, Spain
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11
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Zhang Y, Wang C, Yin M, Liang H, Gao Q, Hu S, Guo W. Liquid Metal Nanocores Initiated Construction of Smart DNA-Polymer Microgels with Programmable and Regulable Functions and Near-Infrared Light-Driven Locomotion. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202311678. [PMID: 37963813 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202311678] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Due to their sequence-directed functions and excellent biocompatibility, smart DNA microgels have attracted considerable research interest, and the combination of DNA microgels with functional nanostructures can further expand their applications in biosensing and biomedicine. Gallium-based liquid metals (LMs) exhibiting both fluidic and metallic properties hold great promise for the development of smart soft materials; in particular, LM particles upon sonication can mediate radical-initiated polymerization reactions, thus allowing the combination of LMs and polymeric matrix to construct "soft-soft" materials. Herein, by forming active surfaces under sonication, LM nanoparticles (LM NPs) initiated localized radical polymerization reactions allow the combination of functional DNA units and different polymeric backbones to yield multifunctional core/shell microgels. The localized polymerization reaction allows fine control of the microgel compositions, and smart DNA microgels with tunable catalytic activities can be constructed. Moreover, due to the excellent photothermal effect of LM NPs, the resulting temperature gradient between microgels and surrounding solution upon NIR light irradiation can drive the oriented locomotion of the microgels, and remote control of the activity of these smart microgels can be achieved. These microgels may hold promise for various applications, such as the development of in vivo and in vitro biosensing and drug delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaxing Zhang
- Research Center for Analytical Sciences, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biosensing and Molecular Recognition, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, 30071, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Chunyan Wang
- Research Center for Analytical Sciences, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biosensing and Molecular Recognition, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, 30071, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Mengyuan Yin
- Research Center for Analytical Sciences, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biosensing and Molecular Recognition, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, 30071, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Hanxue Liang
- Research Center for Analytical Sciences, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biosensing and Molecular Recognition, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, 30071, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Qi Gao
- Research Center for Analytical Sciences, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biosensing and Molecular Recognition, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, 30071, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Shanjin Hu
- Research Center for Analytical Sciences, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biosensing and Molecular Recognition, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, 30071, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Weiwei Guo
- Research Center for Analytical Sciences, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biosensing and Molecular Recognition, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, 30071, Tianjin, P. R. China
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12
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Paul N, Zhang L, Lei S, Huang D, Wang L, Cheng Z, Zeng M. Ligand-Directed Shape Reconfiguration in Inorganic Materials. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2305460. [PMID: 37726244 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202305460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Polymer elastomers with reversible shape-changing capability have led to significant development of artificial muscles, functional devices, and soft robots. By contrast, reversible shape transformation of inorganic nanoparticles is notoriously challenging due to their relatively rigid lattice structure. Here, the authors demonstrate the synthesis of shape-changing nanoparticles via an asymmetrical surface functionalization process. Various ligands are investigated, revealing the essential role of steric hindrance from the functional groups. By controlling the unbalanced structural hindrance on the surface, the as-prepared clay nanoparticles can transform their shape in a fast, facile, and reversible manner. In addition, such flexible morphology-controlled mechanism provides a platform for developing self-propelled shape-shifting nanocollectors. Owing to the ion-exchanging capability of clay, these self-propelled nanoswimmers (NS) are able to autonomously adsorb rare earth elements with ultralow concentration, indicating the feasibility of using naturally occurring materials for self-powered nanomachine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishat Paul
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA
| | - Lecheng Zhang
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Shijun Lei
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Dali Huang
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Texas A&M University, 3003 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Ling Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Zhengdong Cheng
- College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Minxiang Zeng
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA
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13
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Zheng J, Huang R, Lin Z, Chen S, Yuan K. Nano/Micromotors for Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy: Innovative Designs to Improve Biocompatibility. Pharmaceutics 2023; 16:44. [PMID: 38258055 PMCID: PMC10821023 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16010044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Nano/micromotors are artificial robots at the nano/microscale that are capable of transforming energy into mechanical movement. In cancer diagnosis or therapy, such "tiny robots" show great promise for targeted drug delivery, cell removal/killing, and even related biomarker sensing. Yet biocompatibility is still the most critical challenge that restricts such techniques from transitioning from the laboratory to clinical applications. In this review, we emphasize the biocompatibility aspect of nano/micromotors to show the great efforts made by researchers to promote their clinical application, mainly including non-toxic fuel propulsion (inorganic catalysts, enzyme, etc.), bio-hybrid designs, ultrasound propulsion, light-triggered propulsion, magnetic propulsion, dual propulsion, and, in particular, the cooperative swarm-based strategy for increasing therapeutic effects. Future challenges in translating nano/micromotors into real applications and the potential directions for increasing biocompatibility are also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahuan Zheng
- Department of Chemistry, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China;
| | - Rui Huang
- Bio-Analytical Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China; (R.H.); (Z.L.)
| | - Zhexuan Lin
- Bio-Analytical Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China; (R.H.); (Z.L.)
| | - Shaoqi Chen
- Department of Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Kaisong Yuan
- Bio-Analytical Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China; (R.H.); (Z.L.)
- Department of Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
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14
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Wang H, Zhang X, Liu Y, Zhou S. A nicking enzyme-assisted allosteric strategy for self-resetting DNA switching circuits. Analyst 2023; 149:169-179. [PMID: 37999719 DOI: 10.1039/d3an01677c] [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: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
The self-regulation of biochemical reaction networks is crucial for maintaining balance, stability, and adaptability within biological systems. DNA switching circuits, serving as basic units, play essential roles in regulating pathways, facilitating signal transduction, and processing biochemical reaction networks. However, the non-reusability of DNA switching circuits hinders its application in current complex information processing. Herein, we proposed a nicking enzyme-assisted allosteric strategy for constructing self-resetting DNA switching circuits to realize complex information processing. This strategy utilizes the unique cleavage ability of the nicking enzyme to achieve the automatic restoration of states. Based on this strategy, we implemented a self-resetting DNA switch. By leveraging the reusability of the DNA switch, we constructed a DNA switching circuit with selective activation characteristics and further extended its functionality to include fan-out and fan-in processes by expanding the number of functional modules and connection modes. Furthermore, we demonstrated the complex information processing capabilities of these switching circuits by integrating recognition, translation, and decision functional modules, which could analyze and transmit multiple input signals and realize parallel logic operations. This strategy simplifies the design of switching circuits and promotes the future development of biosensing, molecular computing, and nanomachines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoliang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Design and Intelligent Computing, Ministry of Education, School of Software Engineering, Dalian University, Dalian 116622, China.
| | - Xiaokang Zhang
- School of Computer Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
| | - Yuan Liu
- School of Computer Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
| | - Shihua Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Design and Intelligent Computing, Ministry of Education, School of Software Engineering, Dalian University, Dalian 116622, China.
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15
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Wang Q, Yang S, Zhang L. Untethered Micro/Nanorobots for Remote Sensing: Toward Intelligent Platform. NANO-MICRO LETTERS 2023; 16:40. [PMID: 38032461 PMCID: PMC10689342 DOI: 10.1007/s40820-023-01261-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Untethered micro/nanorobots that can wirelessly control their motion and deformation state have gained enormous interest in remote sensing applications due to their unique motion characteristics in various media and diverse functionalities. Researchers are developing micro/nanorobots as innovative tools to improve sensing performance and miniaturize sensing systems, enabling in situ detection of substances that traditional sensing methods struggle to achieve. Over the past decade of development, significant research progress has been made in designing sensing strategies based on micro/nanorobots, employing various coordinated control and sensing approaches. This review summarizes the latest developments on micro/nanorobots for remote sensing applications by utilizing the self-generated signals of the robots, robot behavior, microrobotic manipulation, and robot-environment interactions. Providing recent studies and relevant applications in remote sensing, we also discuss the challenges and future perspectives facing micro/nanorobots-based intelligent sensing platforms to achieve sensing in complex environments, translating lab research achievements into widespread real applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, School of Mechanical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, People's Republic of China.
| | - Shihao Yang
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, 999077, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, 999077, People's Republic of China.
- Chow Yuk Ho Technology Centre for Innovative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, 999077, People's Republic of China.
- T Stone Robotics Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, 999077, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, 999077, People's Republic of China.
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16
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O'Callaghan JA, Lee D, Hammer DA. Asymmetry-Enhanced Motion of Urease-Powered Micromotors from Double Emulsion-Templated Microcapsules. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023. [PMID: 37902731 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c10222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Autonomous motion of enzyme-powered motors has important implications for drug delivery, cell-cell communication, and protocell engineering. Although many of these systems are inspired by the motion of biological cells, most of them lack key structural features, like micrometer-sized boundaries and aqueous compartments, and rely on bubble propulsion to generation motion. In this study, we use droplet microfluidics to generate large populations of cell-sized microcapsules with poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) shells and functionalize their surfaces with the enzyme urease to drive their motion. We adjust the number of surface functional groups for urease conjugation by preparing microcapsules with two different surfactants, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and poly(ethylene-alt-maleic anhydride) (PEMA). We also tune the surface roughness of the microcapsules by varying the concentration of silica nanoparticles in the droplet middle phase. We find that PEMA plays a crucial role in increasing the grafting density of urease on the surface of smooth microcapsules, leading to active motion in the presence of urea. In addition, rough microcapsules prepared with PEMA and loaded with comparable amounts of urease move up to three times faster than their smooth counterparts, which we believe is due to an asymmetric distribution of urease on the surface, giving rise to a preferred direction of motion. Taken together, these results provide new insights into the role that various stabilizing agents play in the induction of motion by enzymatic motors prepared from microfluidics, which is a potentially powerful tool for future preparation of motile protocells in biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Ann O'Callaghan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Daeyeon Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Daniel A Hammer
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
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17
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Shrivastava A, Du Y, Adepu HK, Li R, Madhvacharyula AS, Swett AA, Choi JH. Motility of Synthetic Cells from Engineered Lipids. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:2789-2801. [PMID: 37729546 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00271] [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] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cells are artificial systems that resemble natural cells. Significant efforts have been made over the years to construct synthetic protocells that can mimic biological mechanisms and perform various complex processes. These include compartmentalization, metabolism, energy supply, communication, and gene reproduction. Cell motility is also of great importance, as nature uses elegant mechanisms for intracellular trafficking, immune response, and embryogenesis. In this review, we discuss the motility of synthetic cells made from lipid vesicles and relevant molecular mechanisms. Synthetic cell motion may be classified into surface-based or solution-based depending on whether it involves interactions with surfaces or movement in fluids. Collective migration behaviors have also been demonstrated. The swarm motion requires additional mechanisms for intercellular signaling and directional motility that enable communication and coordination among the synthetic vesicles. In addition, intracellular trafficking for molecular transport has been reconstituted in minimal cells with the help of DNA nanotechnology. These efforts demonstrate synthetic cells that can move, detect, respond, and interact. We envision that new developments in protocell motility will enhance our understanding of biological processes and be instrumental in bioengineering and therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aishwary Shrivastava
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, 585 Purdue Mall, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Yancheng Du
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, 585 Purdue Mall, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Harshith K Adepu
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, 585 Purdue Mall, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Ruixin Li
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, 585 Purdue Mall, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Anirudh S Madhvacharyula
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, 585 Purdue Mall, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Alexander A Swett
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, Neil Armstrong Hall of Engineering, 701 W. Stadium Avenue, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Jong Hyun Choi
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, 585 Purdue Mall, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
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18
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Zeng X, Xu Q, Lai R, Tong X, Chen J, Wang D, Zhou X, Shao Y. Polarity-Specific and Pyrimidine-over-Purine Adaptive Triplex DNA Recognition by a Near-Infrared Fluorogenic Molecular Rotor. Anal Chem 2023; 95:15367-15374. [PMID: 37784221 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c03147] [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: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Triplex DNA structures have displayed a wide range of applications including nanosensing, molecule switching, and drug delivering. Therefore, it is of great importance to effectively recognize triplex DNA structures by a simple and highly selective manner. Herein, we found that a near-infrared fluorogenic probe of NIAD-4 with a molecular rotor (MR) merit can selectively recognize triplex DNA structures over G-quadruplex, i-motif, and duplex structures (Tri-over-QID selectivity), which is competent over the widely used MR probe of thioflavin T (ThT). Furthermore, NIAD-4 exhibits as well a high selectivity toward the 'pyrimidine-type' triplex structures (Y:R-Y type) with respect to the 'purine-type' triplex structures (R:R-Y type) (a Y-over-R selectivity). Interestingly, NIAD-4 recognizes the Y:R-Y triplex structures by a polarity-dependent manner. The 3' end triplet is the preferential binding field of NIAD-4 with respect to the 5' end one (a 3'-over-5' selectivity) as the 3' end triplet is more stable than the 5' end one in the Hoogsteen hydrogen bond. It is expected that the adaptive stacking interaction between NIAD-4 and the 3' end triplet favors the Tri-over-QID, Y-over-R, and 3'-over-5' selectivities since this MR probe has three rotating shafts matching well with the triplet in topology. Such a high selectivity of NIAD-4 opens a new route in designing sensors with DNA structures switching between triplex, i-motif, and G-quadruplex structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingli Zeng
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Qiuda Xu
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Rong Lai
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Xiufang Tong
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Jiahui Chen
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Dandan Wang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoshun Zhou
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Yong Shao
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, Zhejiang, P. R. China
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19
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Jiang L, Liu X, Zhao D, Guo J, Ma X, Wang Y. Intelligent sensing based on active micro/nanomotors. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:8897-8915. [PMID: 37667977 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb01163a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
In the microscopic world, synthetic micro/nanomotors (MNMs) can convert a variety of energy sources into driving forces to help humans perform a number of complex tasks with greater ease and efficiency. These tiny machines have attracted tremendous attention in the field of drug delivery, minimally invasive surgery, in vivo sampling, and environmental management. By modifying their surface materials and functionalizing them with bioactive agents, these MNMs can also be transformed into dynamic micro/nano-biosensors that can detect biomolecules in real-time with high sensitivity. The extensive range of operations and uses combined with their minuscule size have opened up new avenues for tackling intricate analytical difficulties. Here, in this review, various driving methods are briefly introduced, followed by a focus on intelligent detection techniques based on MNMs. And we discuss the distinctive advantages, current issues, and challenges associated with MNM-based intelligent detection. It is believed that the future advancements of MNMs will greatly impact the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingfeng Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics (Ministry of Education), College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
| | - Xiaoxia Liu
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Dongfang Zhao
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Jinhong Guo
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics (Ministry of Education), College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
- School of Sensing Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xing Ma
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Yong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics (Ministry of Education), College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
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20
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Deng Y, Paskert A, Zhang Z, Wittkowski R, Ahmed D. An acoustically controlled helical microrobot. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadh5260. [PMID: 37729400 PMCID: PMC10511192 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh5260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
As a next-generation toolkit, microrobots can transform a wide range of fields, including micromanufacturing, electronics, microfluidics, tissue engineering, and medicine. While still in their infancy, acoustically actuated microrobots are becoming increasingly attractive. However, the interaction of acoustics with microstructure geometry is poorly understood, and its study is necessary for developing next-generation acoustically powered microrobots. We present an acoustically driven helical microrobot with a length of 350 μm and a diameter of 100 μm that is capable of locomotion using a fin-like double-helix microstructure. This microrobot responds to sound stimuli at ~12 to 19 kHz and mimics the spiral motion of natural microswimmers such as spirochetes. The asymmetric double helix interacts with the incident acoustic field, inducing a propulsion torque that causes the microrobot to rotate around its long axis. Moreover, our microrobot has the unique feature of its directionality being switchable by simply tuning the acoustic frequency. We demonstrate this locomotion in 2D and 3D artificial vasculatures using a single sound source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Deng
- Acoustic Robotics Systems Lab (ARSL), Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems, ETH Zurich, Rüschlikon CH-8803, Switzerland
| | - Adrian Paskert
- Institut für Theoretische Physik, Center for Soft Nanoscience, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Zhiyuan Zhang
- Acoustic Robotics Systems Lab (ARSL), Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems, ETH Zurich, Rüschlikon CH-8803, Switzerland
| | - Raphael Wittkowski
- Institut für Theoretische Physik, Center for Soft Nanoscience, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Daniel Ahmed
- Acoustic Robotics Systems Lab (ARSL), Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems, ETH Zurich, Rüschlikon CH-8803, Switzerland
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21
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Liu S, Xu D, Chen J, Peng N, Ma T, Liang F. Nanozymatic magnetic nanomotors for enhancing photothermal therapy and targeting intracellular SERS sensing. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:12944-12953. [PMID: 37486742 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr02739b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Self-propelled micro/nanomotors (MNMs) have emerged as promising tools for biomedical applications owing to their active and controllable movement, which is achieved by converting energy derived from chemical reactions or external physical fields into mechanical forces. However, it remains a challenge to develop all-in-one MNMs that integrate multiple bio-friendly engines and biomedical functions. In this study, we present a nanozymatic magnetic nanomotor capable of self-propulsion, driven by its intrinsic engines, and possessing inherent biomedical functions. The nanomotors with a core-island structure are fabricated by a general scalable chemistry synthesis approach. The core of the nanomotors is magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles, while the surrounding islands consist of Au nanostars. Such components naturally equip the nanomotors with the dual engine of the magnetic core and gold nanozyme. In addition, the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect of the Au nanostar imparts the nanomotors with favourable photothermal conversion and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) properties. The nanomotors exhibit glucose concentration-dependent motion behavior of enhanced diffusion, leading to improved endocytosis for enhanced photothermal treatment. When exposed to a magnetic field, the nanomotors demonstrate both directional locomotion towards target cells and up-and-down oscillatory movement, enabling the efficient gathering of intracellular analytes for SERS sensing. To conclude, the as-prepared nanomotors represent an active and controllable nanoplatform with a simple structure and are naturally equipped with dual engines and dual biomedical functions, providing new perspectives to the development of all-in-one biomedical MNMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimi Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China.
- Improve-WUST Joint Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Point-of-Care Testing and Precision Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Dandan Xu
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China.
- Improve-WUST Joint Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Point-of-Care Testing and Precision Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Junling Chen
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China.
- Improve-WUST Joint Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Point-of-Care Testing and Precision Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Na Peng
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China.
| | - Tao Ma
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China.
- Improve-WUST Joint Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Point-of-Care Testing and Precision Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Feng Liang
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China.
- Improve-WUST Joint Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Point-of-Care Testing and Precision Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
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22
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Li L, Yu Z, Liu J, Yang M, Shi G, Feng Z, Luo W, Ma H, Guan J, Mou F. Swarming Responsive Photonic Nanorobots for Motile-Targeting Microenvironmental Mapping and Mapping-Guided Photothermal Treatment. NANO-MICRO LETTERS 2023; 15:141. [PMID: 37247162 PMCID: PMC10226971 DOI: 10.1007/s40820-023-01095-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Micro/nanorobots can propel and navigate in many hard-to-reach biological environments, and thus may bring revolutionary changes to biomedical research and applications. However, current MNRs lack the capability to collectively perceive and report physicochemical changes in unknown microenvironments. Here we propose to develop swarming responsive photonic nanorobots that can map local physicochemical conditions on the fly and further guide localized photothermal treatment. The RPNRs consist of a photonic nanochain of periodically-assembled magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles encapsulated in a responsive hydrogel shell, and show multiple integrated functions, including energetic magnetically-driven swarming motions, bright stimuli-responsive structural colors, and photothermal conversion. Thus, they can actively navigate in complex environments utilizing their controllable swarming motions, then visualize unknown targets (e.g., tumor lesion) by collectively mapping out local abnormal physicochemical conditions (e.g., pH, temperature, or glucose concentration) via their responsive structural colors, and further guide external light irradiation to initiate localized photothermal treatment. This work facilitates the development of intelligent motile nanosensors and versatile multifunctional nanotheranostics for cancer and inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luolin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Zheng Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianfeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Manyi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Gongpu Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziqi Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China.
| | - Huiru Ma
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianguo Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
- School of Materials and Microelectronics, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Fangzhi Mou
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China.
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23
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Wang L, Guo P, Jin D, Peng Y, Sun X, Chen Y, Liu X, Chen W, Wang W, Yan X, Ma X. Enzyme-Powered Tubular Microrobotic Jets as Bioinspired Micropumps for Active Transmembrane Drug Transport. ACS NANO 2023; 17:5095-5107. [PMID: 36861648 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c00291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
In nature, there exist a variety of transport proteins on cell membranes capable of actively moving cargos across biological membranes, which plays a vital role in the living activities of cells. Emulating such biological pumps in artificial systems may bring in-depth insights on the principles and functions of cell behaviors. However, it poses great challenges due to difficulty in the sophisticated construction of active channels at the cellular scale. Here, we report the development of bionic micropumps for active transmembrane transportation of molecular cargos across living cells that is realized by enzyme-powered microrobotic jets. By immobilizing urease onto the surface of a silica-based microtube, the prepared microjet is capable of catalyzing the decomposition of urea in surrounding environments and generating microfluidic flow through the inside channel for self-propulsion, which is verified by both numerical simulation and experimental results. Therefore, once naturally endocytosed by the cell, the microjet enables the diffusion and, more importantly, active transportation of molecular substances between the extracellular and intracellular ends with the assistance of generated microflow, thus serving as an artificial biomimetic micropump. Furthermore, by constructing enzymatic micropumps on cancer cell membranes, enhanced delivery of anticancer doxorubicin into cells as well as improved killing efficacy are achieved, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the active transmembrane drug transport strategy in cancer treatment. This work not only extends the applications of micro/nanomachines in biomedical fields but also provides a promising platform for future cell biology research at cellular and subcellular scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liying Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Peiting Guo
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Dongdong Jin
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Yixin Peng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Xiang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Yuduo Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Xiaoxia Liu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Wenjun Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Wei Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Xiaohui Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Xing Ma
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
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24
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Hao S, Xie Z, Wang W, Kou J, Wu F. Self-propelled continuous transport of nanoparticles on a wedge-shaped groove track. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:4910-4916. [PMID: 36779838 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr05875h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Controlling the directional motion of nanoparticles on the surface is particularly important for human life, but achieving continuous transport is a time-consuming and demanding task. Here, a spontaneous movement of nanoflakes on a wedge-shaped groove track is demonstrated by using all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Moreover, an optimized track, where one end of the substrate is cut into an angle, is introduced to induce a sustained directional movement. It is shown that the wedge-shaped interface results in a driving force for the nanoflakes to move from the diverging to the converging end, and the angular substrate provides an auxiliary driving force at the junction to maintain continuous transport. A force analysis is carried out in detail to reveal the driving mechanism. Moreover, the sustained transport is sensitive to the surface energy and structural characteristics of the track: the nanoflakes are more likely to move continuously on the track with lower surface energy and a smaller substrate and groove opening angle. The present findings are useful for designing nanodevices to control the movement of nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoqian Hao
- Institute of Theoretical Physics, State Key Laboratory of Quantum Optics and Quantum Optics Devices, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China.
- Institute of Condensed Matter Physics, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid State Optoelectronic Devices and Zhejiang Institute of Photonelectronics, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China.
| | - Zhang Xie
- Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Wenyuan Wang
- Institute of Condensed Matter Physics, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid State Optoelectronic Devices and Zhejiang Institute of Photonelectronics, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China.
| | - Jianlong Kou
- Institute of Condensed Matter Physics, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid State Optoelectronic Devices and Zhejiang Institute of Photonelectronics, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China.
| | - Fengmin Wu
- Institute of Theoretical Physics, State Key Laboratory of Quantum Optics and Quantum Optics Devices, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China.
- Institute of Condensed Matter Physics, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid State Optoelectronic Devices and Zhejiang Institute of Photonelectronics, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China.
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25
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Sobhanan J, Anas A, Biju V. Nanomaterials for Fluorescence and Multimodal Bioimaging. CHEM REC 2023; 23:e202200253. [PMID: 36789795 DOI: 10.1002/tcr.202200253] [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: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Bioconjugated nanomaterials replace molecular probes in bioanalysis and bioimaging in vitro and in vivo. Nanoparticles of silica, metals, semiconductors, polymers, and supramolecular systems, conjugated with contrast agents and drugs for image-guided (MRI, fluorescence, PET, Raman, SPECT, photodynamic, photothermal, and photoacoustic) therapy infiltrate into preclinical and clinical settings. Small bioactive molecules like peptides, proteins, or DNA conjugated to the surfaces of drugs or probes help us to interface them with cells and tissues. Nevertheless, the toxicity and pharmacokinetics of nanodrugs, nanoprobes, and their components become the clinical barriers, underscoring the significance of developing biocompatible next-generation drugs and contrast agents. This account provides state-of-the-art advancements in the preparation and biological applications of bioconjugated nanomaterials and their molecular, cell, and in vivo applications. It focuses on the preparation, bioimaging, and bioanalytical applications of monomodal and multimodal nanoprobes composed of quantum dots, quantum clusters, iron oxide nanoparticles, and a few rare earth metal ion complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeladhara Sobhanan
- Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, N10 W5, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0810, Japan.,Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Abdulaziz Anas
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Regional Centre Kochi, Kerala, 682 018, India
| | - Vasudevanpillai Biju
- Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, N10 W5, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0810, Japan.,Research Institute for Electronic Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 001-0020, Japan
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26
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Liang L, Qin F, Wang S, Wu J, Li R, Wang Z, Ren M, Liu D, Wang D, Astruc D. Overview of the materials design and sensing strategies of nanopore devices. Coord Chem Rev 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2022.214998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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27
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Ji F, Wu Y, Pumera M, Zhang L. Collective Behaviors of Active Matter Learning from Natural Taxes Across Scales. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2203959. [PMID: 35986637 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202203959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Taxis orientation is common in microorganisms, and it provides feasible strategies to operate active colloids as small-scale robots. Collective taxes involve numerous units that collectively perform taxis motion, whereby the collective cooperation between individuals enables the group to perform efficiently, adaptively, and robustly. Hence, analyzing and designing collectives is crucial for developing and advancing microswarm toward practical or clinical applications. In this review, natural taxis behaviors are categorized and synthetic microrobotic collectives are discussed as bio-inspired realizations, aiming at closing the gap between taxis strategies of living creatures and those of functional active microswarms. As collective behaviors emerge within a group, the global taxis to external stimuli guides the group to conduct overall tasks, whereas the local taxis between individuals induces synchronization and global patterns. By encoding the local orientations and programming the global stimuli, various paradigms can be introduced for coordinating and controlling such collective microrobots, from the viewpoints of fundamental science and practical applications. Therefore, by discussing the key points and difficulties associated with collective taxes of different paradigms, this review potentially offers insights into mimicking natural collective behaviors and constructing intelligent microrobotic systems for on-demand control and preassigned tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengtong Ji
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Yilin Wu
- Department of Physics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Martin Pumera
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, VSB - Technical University of Ostrava, 17. listopadu 2172/15, Ostrava, 70800, Czech Republic
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, 999077, China
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28
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Medical micro- and nanomotors in the body. Acta Pharm Sin B 2023; 13:517-541. [PMID: 36873176 PMCID: PMC9979267 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Attributed to the miniaturized body size and active mobility, micro- and nanomotors (MNMs) have demonstrated tremendous potential for medical applications. However, from bench to bedside, massive efforts are needed to address critical issues, such as cost-effective fabrication, on-demand integration of multiple functions, biocompatibility, biodegradability, controlled propulsion and in vivo navigation. Herein, we summarize the advances of biomedical MNMs reported in the past two decades, with particular emphasis on the design, fabrication, propulsion, navigation, and the abilities of biological barriers penetration, biosensing, diagnosis, minimally invasive surgery and targeted cargo delivery. Future perspectives and challenges are discussed as well. This review can lay the foundation for the future direction of medical MNMs, pushing one step forward on the road to achieving practical theranostics using MNMs.
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29
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Shivalkar S, Chowdhary P, Afshan T, Chaudhary S, Roy A, Samanta SK, Sahoo AK. Nanoengineering of biohybrid micro/nanobots for programmed biomedical applications. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2023; 222:113054. [PMID: 36446238 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2022.113054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Biohybrid micro/nanobots have emerged as an innovative resource to be employed in the biomedical field due to their biocompatible and biodegradable properties. These are tiny nanomaterial-based integrated structures engineered in a way that they can move autonomously and perform the programmed tasks efficiently even at hard-to-reach organ/tissues/cellular sites. The biohybrid micro/nanobots can either be cell/bacterial/enzyme-based or may mimic the properties of an active molecule. It holds the potential to change the landscape in various areas of biomedical including early diagnosis of disease, therapeutics, imaging, or precision surgery. The propulsion mechanism of the biohybrid micro/nanobots can be both fuel-based and fuel-free, but the most effective and easiest way to propel these micro/nanobots is via enzymes. Micro/nanobots possess the feature to adsorb/functionalize chemicals or drugs at their surfaces thus offering the scope of delivering drugs at the targeted locations. They also have shown immense potential in intracellular sensing of biomolecules and molecular events. Moreover, with recent progress in the material development and processing is required for enhanced activity and robustness the fabrication is done via various advanced techniques to avoid self-degradation and cause cellular toxicity during autonomous movement in biological medium. In this review, various approaches of design, architecture, and performance of such micro/nanobots have been illustrated along with their potential applications in controlled cargo release, therapeutics, intracellular sensing, and bioimaging. Furthermore, it is also foregrounding their advancement offering an insight into their future scopes, opportunities, and challenges involved in advanced biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saurabh Shivalkar
- Department of Applied Sciences, Indian Institute of Information Technology, Allahabad, UP, India.
| | - Pallabi Chowdhary
- Department of Biotechnology, MS Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Tayyaba Afshan
- Department of Applied Sciences, Indian Institute of Information Technology, Allahabad, UP, India
| | - Shrutika Chaudhary
- Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, India
| | - Anwesha Roy
- Department of Biotechnology, Heritage Institute of Technology, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Sintu Kumar Samanta
- Department of Applied Sciences, Indian Institute of Information Technology, Allahabad, UP, India
| | - Amaresh Kumar Sahoo
- Department of Applied Sciences, Indian Institute of Information Technology, Allahabad, UP, India.
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30
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Llopis-Lorente A, Buddingh' BC, Martínez-Máñez R, van Hest JCM, Abdelmohsen LKE. Quorum sensing communication between lipid-based artificial cells. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 59:579-582. [PMID: 36520138 DOI: 10.1039/d2cc05367e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Population behavior based on quorum sensing communication is a key property of living microorganisms. Here, we show quorum sensing behavior in an artificial cell population consisting of giant lipid vesicles loaded with sender-receiver machinery (enzymes and responsive biomolecules). Our system allows the examination of the collective output based on cell density, fuel concentration and proximity, which are important factors controlling natural quorum sensing behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoni Llopis-Lorente
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, Het Kranenveld 14, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands. .,Instituto Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM), Universitat Politècnica de València, Universitat de València; CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Insituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain
| | - Bastiaan C Buddingh'
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, Het Kranenveld 14, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
| | - R Martínez-Máñez
- Instituto Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM), Universitat Politècnica de València, Universitat de València; CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Insituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain
| | - Jan C M van Hest
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, Het Kranenveld 14, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
| | - Loai K E Abdelmohsen
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, Het Kranenveld 14, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
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31
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Wang Y, Shen J, Handschuh-Wang S, Qiu M, Du S, Wang B. Microrobots for Targeted Delivery and Therapy in Digestive System. ACS NANO 2023; 17:27-50. [PMID: 36534488 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c04716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Untethered miniature robots enable targeted delivery and therapy deep inside the gastrointestinal tract in a minimally invasive manner. By combining actuation systems and imaging tools, significant progress has been made toward the development of functional microrobots. These robots can be actuated by external fields and fuels while featuring real-time tracking feedback toward certain regions and can perform the therapeutic process by rational exertion of the local environment of the gastrointestinal tract (e.g., pH, enzyme). Compared with conventional surgical tools, such as endoscopic devices and catheters, miniature robots feature minimally invasive diagnosis and treatment, multifunctionality, high safety and adaptivity, embodied intelligence, and easy access to tortuous and narrow lumens. In addition, the active motion of microrobots enhances local penetration and retention of drugs in tissues compared to common passive oral drug delivery. Based on the dissimilar microenvironments in the various sections of the gastrointestinal tract, this review introduces the advances of miniature robots for minimally invasive targeted delivery and therapy of diseases along the gastrointestinal tract. The imaging modalities for the tracking and their application scenarios are also discussed. We finally evaluate the challenges and barriers that retard their applications and hint on future research directions in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Wang
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen518055, P.R. China
| | - Jie Shen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Spine Surgery, Department of Spine Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen518036, P.R. China
| | - Stephan Handschuh-Wang
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen518055, P.R. China
| | - Ming Qiu
- Department of Neurosurgery, South China Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen518111, P.R. China
| | - Shiwei Du
- Department of Neurosurgery, South China Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen518111, P.R. China
| | - Ben Wang
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen518055, P.R. China
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32
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Cai L, Xu D, Zhang Z, Li N, Zhao Y. Tailoring Functional Micromotors for Sensing. RESEARCH 2023; 6:0044. [PMID: 37040517 PMCID: PMC10078326 DOI: 10.34133/research.0044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Micromotors are identified as a promising candidate in the field of sensing benefiting from their capacity of autonomous movement. Here, a review on the development of tailoring micromotors for sensing is presented, covering from their propulsion mechanisms and sensing strategies to applications. First, we concisely summarize the propulsion mechanism of micromotors involving fuel-based propulsion and fuel-free propulsion introducing their principles. Then, emphasis is laid to the sensing stratagems of the micromotors including speed-based sensing strategy, fluorescence-based sensing strategy, and other strategies. We listed typical examples of different sensing stratagems. After that, we introduce the applications of micromotors in sensing fields including environmental science, food safety, and biomedical fields. Finally, we discuss the challenges and prospects of the micromotors tailored for sensing. We believe that this comprehensive review can help readers to catch the research frontiers in the field of sensing and thus to burst out new ideas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Cai
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Dongyu Xu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Zeyou Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Yuanjin Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou Institute,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325001, China
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33
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Yang M, Bakker D, Raghu D, Li ITS. A single strand: A simplified approach to DNA origami. Front Chem 2023; 11:1126177. [PMID: 36891219 PMCID: PMC9986268 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2023.1126177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Just as a single polypeptide strand can self-fold into a complex 3D structure, a single strand of DNA can self-fold into DNA origami. Most DNA origami structures (i.e., the scaffold-staple and DNA tiling systems) utilize hundreds of short single-stranded DNA. As such, these structures come with challenges inherent to intermolecular construction. Many assembly challenges involving intermolecular interactions can be resolved if the origami structure is constructed from one DNA strand, where folding is not concentration dependent, the folded structure is more resistant to nuclease degradation, and the synthesis can be achieved at an industrial scale at a thousandth of the cost. This review discusses the design principles and considerations employed in single-stranded DNA origami and its potential benefits and drawbacks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micah Yang
- Department of Chemistry, The University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - David Bakker
- Department of Chemistry, The University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Dyuti Raghu
- Department of Chemistry, The University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Isaac T S Li
- Department of Chemistry, The University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
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34
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Wang J, Dong Y, Ma P, Wang Y, Zhang F, Cai B, Chen P, Liu BF. Intelligent Micro-/Nanorobots for Cancer Theragnostic. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2201051. [PMID: 35385160 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202201051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the most intractable diseases owing to its high mortality rate and lack of effective diagnostic and treatment tools. Advancements in micro-/nanorobot (MNR)-assisted sensing, imaging, and therapeutics offer unprecedented opportunities to develop MNR-based cancer theragnostic platforms. Unlike ordinary nanoparticles, which exhibit Brownian motion in biofluids, MNRs overcome viscous resistance in an ultralow Reynolds number (Re << 1) environment by effective self-propulsion. This unique locomotion property has motivated the advanced design and functionalization of MNRs as a basis for next-generation cancer-therapy platforms, which offer the potential for precise distribution and improved permeation of therapeutic agents. Enhanced barrier penetration, imaging-guided operation, and biosensing are additionally studied to enable the promising cancer-related applications of MNRs. Herein, the recent advances in MNR-based cancer therapy are comprehensively addresses, including actuation engines, diagnostics, medical imaging, and targeted drug delivery; promising research opportunities that can have a profound impact on cancer therapy over the next decade is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, P. R. China
| | - Yue Dong
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, P. R. China
| | - Peng Ma
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, P. R. China
| | - Yu Wang
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, P. R. China
| | - Fangyu Zhang
- Department of Nano Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Bocheng Cai
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Peng Chen
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, P. R. China
| | - Bi-Feng Liu
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, P. R. China
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35
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Arnaboldi S, Salinas G, Bonetti G, Garrigue P, Cirilli R, Benincori T, Kuhn A. Autonomous Chiral Microswimmers with Self‐mixing Capabilities for Highly Efficient Enantioselective Synthesis. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202209098. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.202209098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Serena Arnaboldi
- Univ. Bordeaux CNRS, Bordeaux INP, ISM UMR 5255 33607 Pessac France
- Dip. Di Chimica Univ. degli Studi di Milano 20133 Milan Italy
| | - Gerardo Salinas
- Univ. Bordeaux CNRS, Bordeaux INP, ISM UMR 5255 33607 Pessac France
| | - Giorgia Bonetti
- Dip. di Scienza e Alta Tecnologia Univ. degli Studi dell'Insubria 22100 Como Italy
| | - Patrick Garrigue
- Univ. Bordeaux CNRS, Bordeaux INP, ISM UMR 5255 33607 Pessac France
| | - Roberto Cirilli
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità Centro Nazionale per il Controllo e la Valutazione dei Farmaci 00161 Rome Italy
| | - Tiziana Benincori
- Dip. di Scienza e Alta Tecnologia Univ. degli Studi dell'Insubria 22100 Como Italy
| | - Alexander Kuhn
- Univ. Bordeaux CNRS, Bordeaux INP, ISM UMR 5255 33607 Pessac France
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Guo Z, Wu Y, Xie Z, Shao J, Liu. J, Yao Y, Wang J, Shen Y, Gooding JJ, Liang K. Self-Propelled Initiative Collision at Microelectrodes with Vertically Mobile Micromotors. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202209747. [PMID: 35946544 PMCID: PMC9805068 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202209747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Impact experiments enable single particle analysis for many applications. However, the effect of the trajectory of a particle to an electrode on impact signals still requires further exploration. Here, we investigate the particle impact measurements versus motion using micromotors with controllable vertical motion. With biocatalytic cascade reactions, the micromotor system utilizes buoyancy as the driving force, thus enabling more regulated interactions with the electrode. With the aid of numerical simulations, the dynamic interactions between the electrode and micromotors are categorized into four representative patterns: approaching, departing, approaching-and-departing, and departing-and-reapproaching, which correspond well with the experimentally observed impact signals. This study offers a possibility of exploring the dynamic interactions between the electrode and particles, shedding light on the design of new electrochemical sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyi Guo
- School of Chemical EngineeringThe University of New South WalesSydneyNSW 2052Australia
- Australian Centre for NanoMedicineThe University of New South WalesSydneyNSW 2052Australia
| | - Yanfang Wu
- Australian Centre for NanoMedicineThe University of New South WalesSydneyNSW 2052Australia
- School of ChemistryThe University of New South WalesSydneyNSW 2052Australia
| | - Zhouzun Xie
- School of Chemical EngineeringThe University of New South WalesSydneyNSW 2052Australia
| | - Junming Shao
- School of Materials Science and EngineeringCentral South UniversityChangsha410083China
| | - Jian Liu.
- School of Chemical EngineeringThe University of New South WalesSydneyNSW 2052Australia
- Australian Centre for NanoMedicineThe University of New South WalesSydneyNSW 2052Australia
| | - Yin Yao
- Electron Microscope UnitThe University of New South WalesSydneyNSW 2052Australia
| | - Joseph Wang
- Department of NanoengineeringUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCA 92093USA
| | - Yansong Shen
- School of Chemical EngineeringThe University of New South WalesSydneyNSW 2052Australia
| | - J. Justin Gooding
- Australian Centre for NanoMedicineThe University of New South WalesSydneyNSW 2052Australia
- School of ChemistryThe University of New South WalesSydneyNSW 2052Australia
| | - Kang Liang
- School of Chemical EngineeringThe University of New South WalesSydneyNSW 2052Australia
- Australian Centre for NanoMedicineThe University of New South WalesSydneyNSW 2052Australia
- Graduate School of Biomedical EngineeringThe University of New South WalesSydneyNSW 2052Australia
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37
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Abstract
Micro-/nanorobots (MNRs) can be autonomously propelled on demand in complex biological environments and thus may bring revolutionary changes to biomedicines. Fluorescence has been widely used in real-time imaging, chemo-/biosensing, and photo-(chemo-) therapy. The integration of MNRs with fluorescence generates fluorescent MNRs with unique advantages of optical trackability, on-the-fly environmental sensitivity, and targeting chemo-/photon-induced cytotoxicity. This review provides an up-to-date overview of fluorescent MNRs. After the highlighted elucidation about MNRs of various propulsion mechanisms and the introductory information on fluorescence with emphasis on the fluorescent mechanisms and materials, we systematically illustrate the design and preparation strategies to integrate MNRs with fluorescent substances and their biomedical applications in imaging-guided drug delivery, intelligent on-the-fly sensing and photo-(chemo-) therapy. In the end, we summarize the main challenges and provide an outlook on the future directions of fluorescent MNRs. This work is expected to attract and inspire researchers from different communities to advance the creation and practical application of fluorescent MNRs on a broad horizon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manyi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, P. R. China
| | - Xia Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, P. R. China
| | - Fangzhi Mou
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, P. R. China
| | - Jianguo Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, P. R. China
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38
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Wu R, Zhu Y, Cai X, Wu S, Xu L, Yu T. Recent Process in Microrobots: From Propulsion to Swarming for Biomedical Applications. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:1473. [PMID: 36144096 PMCID: PMC9503943 DOI: 10.3390/mi13091473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Recently, robots have assisted and contributed to the biomedical field. Scaling down the size of robots to micro/nanoscale can increase the accuracy of targeted medications and decrease the danger of invasive operations in human surgery. Inspired by the motion pattern and collective behaviors of the tiny biological motors in nature, various kinds of sophisticated and programmable microrobots are fabricated with the ability for cargo delivery, bio-imaging, precise operation, etc. In this review, four types of propulsion-magnetically, acoustically, chemically/optically and hybrid driven-and their corresponding features have been outlined and categorized. In particular, the locomotion of these micro/nanorobots, as well as the requirement of biocompatibility, transportation efficiency, and controllable motion for applications in the complex human body environment should be considered. We discuss applications of different propulsion mechanisms in the biomedical field, list their individual benefits, and suggest their potential growth paths.
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39
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Urso M, Pumera M. Micro‐ and Nanorobots Meet DNA. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2022; 32. [DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202200711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
AbstractDNA, the well‐known molecule that carries the genetic information of almost all forms of life, represents a pivotal element in formulating intelligent and versatile micro/nanorobotic systems. DNA‐functionalized micro/nanorobots have opened new and exciting opportunities in many research areas due to the synergistic combination of self‐propulsion at the micro/nanoscale and the high specificity and programmability of DNA interactions. Here, their designs and applications are critically reviewed, which span from the use of DNA as the fuel to chemotactically power nanorobots toward cancer cells to DNA as the main building block for sophisticated phototactic biorobots, DNA nanodevices to self‐monitor microrobots’ activity status, DNA and RNA sensing, nucleic acids isolation, gene therapy, and water purification. The perspective on future directions of the field is also shared, envisioning DNA‐mediated reconfigurable assemblies of nanorobotic swarms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Urso
- Future Energy and Innovation Lab Central European Institute of Technology Brno University of Technology Purkyňova 656/123 612 00 Brno Czech Republic
| | - Martin Pumera
- Future Energy and Innovation Lab Central European Institute of Technology Brno University of Technology Purkyňova 656/123 612 00 Brno Czech Republic
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40
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Biocompatible micromotors for biosensing. Anal Bioanal Chem 2022; 414:7035-7049. [PMID: 36044082 PMCID: PMC9428376 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-022-04287-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Micro/nanomotors are nanoscale devices that have been explored in various fields, such as drug delivery, environmental remediation, or biosensing and diagnosis. The use of micro/nanomotors has grown considerably over the past few years, partially because of the advantages that they offer in the development of new conceptual avenues in biosensing. This is due to their propulsion and intermixing in solution compared with their respective static forms, which enables motion-based detection methods and/or decreases bioassay time. This review focuses on the impacts of micro/nanomotors on biosensing research in the last 2 years. An overview of designs for bioreceptor attachment to micro/nanomotors is given. Recent developments have focused on chemically propelled micromotors using external fuels, commonly hydrogen peroxide. However, the associated fuel toxicity and inconvenience of use in relevant biological samples such as blood have prompted researchers to explore new micro/nanomotor biosensing approaches based on biocompatible propulsion sources such as magnetic or ultrasound fields. The main advances in biocompatible propulsion sources for micro/nanomotors as novel biosensing platforms are discussed and grouped by their propulsion-driven forces. The relevant analytical applications are discussed and representatively illustrated. Moreover, envisioning future biosensing applications, the principal advantages of micro/nanomotor synthesis using biocompatible and biodegradable materials are given. The review concludes with a realistic drawing on the present and future perspectives.
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Hao Y, Li M, Zhang Q, Shi J, Li J, Li Q, Fan C, Wang F. DNA Origami‐Based Single‐Molecule CRISPR Machines for Spatially Resolved Searching. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202205460. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.202205460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yaya Hao
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Mingqiang Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Qian Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Jiye Shi
- Division of Physical Biology CAS Key Laboratory of Interfacial Physics and Technology Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai 201800 China
| | - Jiang Li
- Division of Physical Biology CAS Key Laboratory of Interfacial Physics and Technology Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai 201800 China
- The Interdisciplinary Research Center Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility Zhangjiang Laboratory Shanghai Advanced Research Institute Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai 201210 China
| | - Qian Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Chunhai Fan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Fei Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200240 China
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42
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Arqué X, Patiño T, Sánchez S. Enzyme-powered micro- and nano-motors: key parameters for an application-oriented design. Chem Sci 2022; 13:9128-9146. [PMID: 36093007 PMCID: PMC9383707 DOI: 10.1039/d2sc01806c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Nature has inspired the creation of artificial micro- and nanomotors that self-propel converting chemical energy into mechanical action. These tiny machines have appeared as promising biomedical tools for treatment and diagnosis and have also been used for environmental, antimicrobial or sensing applications. Among the possible catalytic engines, enzymes have emerged as an alternative to inorganic catalysts due to their biocompatibility and the variety and bioavailability of fuels. Although the field of enzyme-powered micro- and nano-motors has a trajectory of more than a decade, a comprehensive framework on how to rationally design, control and optimize their motion is still missing. With this purpose, herein we performed a thorough bibliographic study on the key parameters governing the propulsion of these enzyme-powered devices, namely the chassis shape, the material composition, the motor size, the enzyme type, the method used to incorporate enzymes, the distribution of the product released, the motion mechanism, the motion media and the technique used for motion detection. In conclusion, from the library of options that each parameter offers there needs to be a rational selection and intelligent design of enzymatic motors based on the specific application envisioned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Arqué
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST) Barcelona 08028 Spain
| | - Tania Patiño
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST) Barcelona 08028 Spain
- Bio-Organic Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Samuel Sánchez
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST) Barcelona 08028 Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA) Barcelona 08010 Spain
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43
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Guo Z, Wu Y, Xie Z, Shao J, Liu J, Yao Y, Wang J, Shen Y, Gooding JJ, Liang K. Self‐Propelled Initiative Collision at Microelectrodes with Vertically Mobile Micromotors. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202209747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ziyi Guo
- UNSW: University of New South Wales Chemical Engineering AUSTRALIA
| | - Yanfang Wu
- UNSW: University of New South Wales School of Chemistry AUSTRALIA
| | - Zhouzun Xie
- UNSW: University of New South Wales School of Chemical Engineering AUSTRALIA
| | - Junming Shao
- Central South University School of Materials Science and Engineering CHINA
| | - Jian Liu
- UNSW: University of New South Wales School of Chemical Engineering AUSTRALIA
| | - Yin Yao
- UNSW: University of New South Wales Electron Microscope Unit AUSTRALIA
| | - Joseph Wang
- UCSD: University of California San Diego Department of Nanoengineering UNITED STATES
| | - Yansong Shen
- UNSW: University of New South Wales School of Chemical Engineering AUSTRALIA
| | | | - Kang Liang
- UNSW: University of New South Wales School of Chemical Engineering Chemical Sciences Building F10, room 809 2052 Sydney AUSTRALIA
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44
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Arnaboldi S, Salinas G, Bonetti G, Garrigue P, Cirilli R, Benincori T, Kuhn A. Autonomous Chiral Microswimmers with Self‐mixing Capabilities for Highly Efficient Enantioselective Synthesis. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202209098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Serena Arnaboldi
- University of Milan–Bicocca: Universita degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca Di Chimica ITALY
| | - Gerardo Salinas
- University of Bordeaux: Universite de Bordeaux Institute of Molecular Science FRANCE
| | - Giorgia Bonetti
- Insubria University - Como Campus: Universita degli Studi dell'Insubria - Sede di Como di Scienza e Alta Tecnologia ITALY
| | - Patrick Garrigue
- University of Bordeaux: Universite de Bordeaux Institute of Molecular Science FRANCE
| | - Roberto Cirilli
- Instituto superiore di santa Centro nazionale per il controlo e la valutazione dei Farmaci ITALY
| | - Tiziana Benincori
- Insubria University - Como Campus: Universita degli Studi dell'Insubria - Sede di Como di chimica ITALY
| | - Alexander Kuhn
- Bordeaux INP Chemistry ENSCBP 16 avenue Pey Berland 33607 Pessac FRANCE
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45
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Liu X, Chen W, Zhao D, Liu X, Wang Y, Chen Y, Ma X. Enzyme-Powered Hollow Nanorobots for Active Microsampling Enabled by Thermoresponsive Polymer Gating. ACS NANO 2022; 16:10354-10363. [PMID: 35816232 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c00401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Achieving molecular sample capture at micro/nanoscales while integrating functions of controllable loading and real-time monitoring of cargo molecules is of great significance in the development of intelligent micro/nanorobots. Herein, we prepare a temperature-responsive microsampling nanorobot by encapsulating metal (Au) nanodots inside hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles and grafting a temperature-responsive polymer, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), on their external surface. The molecular gate of nanochannels accessing the internal hollow reservoir can be switched between "open" and "closed" states by regulating the temperature, allowing on-demand loading and releasing of small molecules. The internally embedded surface-enhanced Raman scattering hotspots of gold nanodots can serve as sensing probes for real-time detection of the molecular cargo load inside the hollow nanorobots. Furthermore, we demonstrate temperature-dependent self-propulsion behavior of the nanorobots driven by enzymatic reactions. The active motion behavior can favorably regulate the loading efficiency of molecular cargos. In addition, by further introducing the magnetic component Ni, the nanorobots can accomplish effective transportation of cargo molecules by magnetic guidance under real-time Raman monitoring. The current strategy is expected to provide a manipulable nanorobot platform for precise biomedical sampling, which holds promising potential for disease diagnosis or controlled drug delivery in precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojia Liu
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Guangdong, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, No. 9 Duxue Road, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Wenjun Chen
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Guangdong, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, No. 9 Duxue Road, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Dongfang Zhao
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Guangdong, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, No. 9 Duxue Road, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xiaoxia Liu
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Guangdong, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, No. 9 Duxue Road, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Guangdong, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, No. 9 Duxue Road, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yuduo Chen
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Guangdong, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, No. 9 Duxue Road, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xing Ma
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Guangdong, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, No. 9 Duxue Road, Shenzhen 518055, China
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46
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Cui MR, Chen Y, Zhu D, Chao J. Intelligent Programmable DNA Nanomachines for the Spatially Controllable Imaging of Intracellular MicroRNA. Anal Chem 2022; 94:10874-10884. [PMID: 35856834 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c02299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The high programmability of DNA molecules makes them particularly suitable for constructing artificial molecular machines to perform sophisticated functions by simulating complex living systems. However, intelligent DNA nanomachines which can perform precise tasks logically in complex environments still remain challenging. Herein, we develop a general strategy to design a pH-responsive programmable DNA (PRPD) nanomachine to perform multilayer DNA cascades, enabling precise sensing and calculation of intracellular biomolecules. The PRPD nanomachine is built on a four-stranded DNAzyme walker precursor with a DNA switch on the surface of an Au nanoparticle, which is capable of precisely responding to pH variations in living cells by sequence tuning. This multilayer DNA cascade networks have been applicated in spatially controlled imaging of intracellular microRNA, which efficiently avoided the DNA nanomachine activated by nonspecific extracellular molecules and achieved apparent signal amplification. Our strategy enables the sensing-computing-output functional integration of DNA nanomachines, facilitating the application of programmable and complex nanomachines in nanoengineering, chemistry, and biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Rong Cui
- Key Laboratory for Organic Electronics and Information Displays, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biosensors, Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Yan Chen
- Key Laboratory for Organic Electronics and Information Displays, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biosensors, Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Dan Zhu
- Key Laboratory for Organic Electronics and Information Displays, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biosensors, Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Jie Chao
- Key Laboratory for Organic Electronics and Information Displays, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biosensors, Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
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47
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Khezri B, Villa K. Hybrid photoresponsive/biocatalytic micro- and nano-swimmers. Chem Asian J 2022; 17:e202200596. [PMID: 35785519 DOI: 10.1002/asia.202200596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Micro/nano biomimetic systems that convert energy from the surroundings into mechanical motion have emerged as promising tools to enhance the efficiencies of different biomedical and environmental processes. The inclusion of multiple engines into the same device has become a promising strategy to achieve dual/triple stimuli responses. Such hybrid micro/nanoswimmers combining different propulsion forces exhibit advanced motion behaviors and different physical features that are interesting not only to achieve strong propulsion capabilities in complex environments but also to modulate their movement according to the intended use. The development of hybrid systems that can be actuated by both light and biocompatible fuels is of particular interest. This minireview covers the main types of photoactive/biocatalytic micro/nanoswimmers developed so far. Their main photoresponsive and enzymatic components are discussed along with the most representative designs. The applicability of such hybrid machines for analyte sensing, antibacterial and therapeutical uses are also described. The remaining challenges and opportunities are then explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahareh Khezri
- University of Chemistry and Technology Prague: Vysoka skola chemicko-technologicka v Praze, Chemistry, CZECH REPUBLIC
| | - Katherine Villa
- ICIQ: Institut Catala d'Investigacio Quimica, N/A, 16, Avinguda dels Països Catalans, 43007 Tarragona, 43007, Tarragona, SPAIN
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48
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Mahato RR, Shandilya E, Not Applicable S, Maiti S. Regulating Spatial Localization and Reactivity Biasness of DNAzymes by Metal Ions and Oligonucleotides. Chembiochem 2022; 23:e202200154. [PMID: 35762518 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202200154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Chemical gradient sensing behavior of catalytically active colloids and enzymes is an area of immense interest owing to their importance in understanding fundamental spatiotemporal complexity pattern in living systems and designing of dynamic materials. Herein, we have shown peroxidase activity of DNAzyme (G-quadruplex-hemin complex tagged in a micron-sized glass bead) can be modulated by metal ions and metal ion-binding oligonucleotides. Next we demonstrated both experimentally and theoretically that the localization and product formation ability of the DNAzyme containing particle remains biased to the more catalytically active zone where concentration of metal ion (Hg2+) inhibitor is low. Interestingly, this biased localization can be broken by introduction of Hg2+ binding oligonucleotide in the system. Additionally, macroscopically asymmetric catalytic product distributed zone has also been achieved on this process, showing possibility in regulation in autonomous spatially controlled chemical process. This demonstration of autonomous modulation of the localization pattern and spatially specific enhanced product forming ability of DNAzymes will further enable in designing of responsive nucleic acid-based motile materials and surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishi Ram Mahato
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali, Chemical Sciences, INDIA
| | - Ekta Shandilya
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali, Chemical Sciences, INDIA
| | | | - Subhabrata Maiti
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali, Chemical Sciences, Knowledge City, Sector-81, S.A.S. Nagar, Manauli P.O., 140306, Mohali, INDIA
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49
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Hao Y, Li M, Zhang Q, Shi J, Li J, Li Q, Fan C, Wang F. DNA origami‐based single‐molecule CRISPR machines for spatially resolved searching. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202205460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yaya Hao
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering CHRISTMAS ISLAND
| | - Mingqiang Li
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering CHINA
| | - Qian Zhang
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering CHINA
| | - Jiye Shi
- Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics Chinese Academy of Sciences Division of Physical Biology CHINA
| | - Jiang Li
- Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics Chinese Academy of Sciences Division of Physical Biology CHINA
| | - Qian Li
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering CHINA
| | - Chunhai Fan
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Dongchuan Rd 800 200240 Shanghai CHINA
| | - Fei Wang
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering CHINA
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50
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Trapping and detecting nanoplastics by MXene-derived oxide microrobots. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3573. [PMID: 35732658 PMCID: PMC9218121 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31161-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanoplastic pollution, the final product of plastic waste fragmentation in the environment, represents an increasing concern for the scientific community due to the easier diffusion and higher hazard associated with their small sizes. Therefore, there is a pressing demand for effective strategies to quantify and remove nanoplastics in wastewater. This work presents the “on-the-fly” capture of nanoplastics in the three-dimensional (3D) space by multifunctional MXene-derived oxide microrobots and their further detection. A thermal annealing process is used to convert Ti3C2Tx MXene into photocatalytic multi-layered TiO2, followed by the deposition of a Pt layer and the decoration with magnetic γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles. The MXene-derived γ-Fe2O3/Pt/TiO2 microrobots show negative photogravitaxis, resulting in a powerful fuel-free motion with six degrees of freedom under light irradiation. Owing to the unique combination of self-propulsion and programmable Zeta potential, the microrobots can quickly attract and trap nanoplastics on their surface, including the slits between multi-layer stacks, allowing their magnetic collection. Utilized as self-motile preconcentration platforms, they enable nanoplastics’ electrochemical detection using low-cost and portable electrodes. This proof-of-concept study paves the way toward the “on-site” screening of nanoplastics in water and its successive remediation. Nanoplastic water pollution represents an increasing concern. Here, photogravitactic MXene-derived microrobots are programmed to trap nanoplastics in the layered structure and magnetically transfer them to low-cost electrodes for further detection.
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