Fabrication and luminescence of designer surface patterns with beta-cyclodextrin functionalized quantum dots via multivalent supramolecular coupling

Self-Regulatory Micro- and Macroscale Patterning of ATP-Mediated Nanobioconjugate

Directional interactions and the assembly of a nanobioconjugate in clusters at a specific location are important for patterning and microarrays in biomedical research. Herein, we report that self-assembly and spatial control in surface patterning of the surfactant-functionalized nanoparticles can be governed in micro- and macroscale environments by two factors, synergistic enzyme-substrate-nanoparticle affinity and the phoretic effect. First, we show that aggregation of cationic gold nanoparticles (GNP) can be modulated by multivalent anionic nanoparticle binding of an adenosine-based nucleotide and enzyme, alkaline phosphatase. We further demonstrate two different types of their autonomous aggregation pattern: (i) by introducing an enzyme gradient that modulates the synergistic nonequilibrium interactivity of the nanoparticle, nucleotide, and enzyme both in microfluidic conditions and at the macroscale; and (ii) the surface deposition pattern from evaporating droplets via the coffee ring effect. Here, temporal control over the width and site of the patterning area inside the microfluidic channel under catalytic and noncatalytic conditions has also been demonstrated. Finally, we show a change in capillary phoresis parameters responsible for the coffee ring due to introduction of ATP-loaded GNP in the blood serum, showing applicability in low-cost disease diagnostics. Overall, an enzyme-actuated surface nanobiopatterning method has been demonstrated that has potential application in controlled micro- and macroscale area patterning with a diverse cascade catalytic surface and spatiotemporal multisensory-based application.

COvalent monolayer patterns in Microfluidics by PLasma etching Open Technology – COMPLOT

Plasma microcontact patterning (PμCP) and replica molding were combined to make PDMS/glass microfluidic devices with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) patterns attached covalently on the glass surface inside microchannels.

On-Flow Immobilization of Polystyrene Microspheres on β-Cyclodextrin-Patterned Silica Surfaces through Supramolecular Host-Guest Interactions

Species-specific isolation of microsized entities such as microplastics and resistant bacteria from waste streams is becoming a growing environmental challenge. By studying the on-flow immobilization of micron-sized polystyrene particles onto functionalized silica surfaces, we ascertain if supramolecular host-guest chemistry in aqueous solutions can provide an alternative technology for water purification. Polystyrene particles were modified with different degrees of adamantane (guest) molecules, and silica surfaces were patterned with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD, host) through microcontact printing (μCP). The latter was exposed to solutions of these particles flowing at different speeds, allowing us to study the effect of flow rate and multivalency on particle binding to the surface. The obtained binding profile was correlated with Comsol simulations. We also observed that particle binding is directly aligned with particle's ability to form host-guest interactions with the β-CD-patterned surface, as particle binding to the functionalized glass surface increased with higher adamantane load on the polystyrene particle surface. Because of the noncovalent character of these interactions, immobilization is reversible and modified β-CD surfaces can be recycled, which provides a positive outlook for their incorporation in water purification systems.

Covalently bound monolayer patterns obtained by plasma etching on glass surfaces

Micropatterns of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) monolayers on glass are obtained by using a plasma etching approach with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) stamps. This simple and versatile approach provides a promising alternative to current techniques for creating patterns of covalently bound molecules. It is also possible to fabricate sub-10 μm sized features.

Responsive surface adhesion based on host–guest interaction of polymer brushes with cyclodextrins and arylazopyrazoles

Polymer brushes functionalized with cyclodextrin host and arylazopyrazole guest monomers provide strong surface adhesion that is water resistent but can be deactivated by UV irradiation.

Supramolecular Host-Guest Chemistry-Based Folate/Riboflavin Functionalization and Cancer Cell Labeling of Nanoparticles

Nanoparticle-based cellular probes are commonly designed via covalent conjugation with affinity biomolecules. Those nanobioconjugates selectively interact with cell surface receptors and induce endocytosis followed by intracellular trafficking. However, this approach requires functional modification of biomolecules that may alter their biochemical activity. Here, we show that supramolecular host-guest chemistry can be utilized as an alternative approach in nanoparticle functionalization and selective cell labeling. We have used cyclodextrin-conjugated quantum dots (QDs) for supramolecular host-guest interaction-based functionalization with folate (QD-folate) and riboflavin (QD-riboflavin), where cyclodextrin acts as a host for the folate/riboflavin guest. We demonstrate that QD-folate and QD-riboflavin selectively label cells that have over-expressed folate/riboflavin receptors and induce the endocytosis pathway similar to covalently conjugated folate-/riboflavin-based nanoprobes. However, labeling is highly sensitive to the molar ratio of folate/riboflavin to cyclodextrin and incubation time. The presented functionalization/labeling approach is unique as it does not require covalent conjugation and may be extended for in vivo targeting application via simultaneous delivery of host and guest molecules.

Dynamic Covalent Nanoparticle Building Blocks

Rational and generalisable methods for engineering surface functionality will be crucial to realising the technological potential of nanomaterials. Nanoparticle-bound dynamic covalent exchange combines the error-correcting and environment-responsive features of equilibrium processes with the stability, structural precision, and vast diversity of covalent chemistry, defining a new and powerful approach for manipulating structure, function and properties at nanomaterial surfaces. Dynamic covalent nanoparticle (DCNP) building blocks thus present a whole host of possibilities for constructing adaptive systems, devices and materials that incorporate both nanoscale and molecular functional components. At the same time, DCNPs have the potential to reveal fundamental insights regarding dynamic and complex chemical systems confined to nanoscale interfaces.

Controllable Molecule Transport and Release by a Restorable Surface-tethered DNA nanodevice

In this paper, we report a novel surface-tethered DNA nanodevice that may present three states and undergo conformational changes under the operation of pH. Besides, convenient regulation on the electrode surface renders the construction and operation of this DNA nanodevice restorable. To make full use of this DNA nanodevice, ferrocene (Fc) has been further employed for the fabrication of the molecular device. On one hand, the state switches of the DNA nanodevice can be characterized conveniently and reliably by the obtained electrochemical signals from Fc. On the other hand, β-cyclodextrin-ferrocene (β-CD-Fc) host-guest system can be introduced by Fc, which functionalizes this molecular device. Based on different electrochemical behaviors of β-CD under different states, this DNA nanodevice can actualize directional loading, transporting and unloading of β-CD in nanoscale. Therefore, this DNA nanodevice bares promising applications in controllable molecular transport and release, which are of great value to molecular device design.

Surface patterned pH-sensitive fluorescence using β-cyclodextrin functionalized poly(ethylene glycol)

This paper reports the development of a pH-responsive molecular pattern that shows specific and selective affinity for particular host-guest interactions, and its use as a pH fluorescent sensor. The pH-responsive boronate ester is formed via interactions between the diol group of β-cyclodextrin (CD) and phenylboronic acid of poly(ethylene glycol), and is strategically designed to allow reversible formation of a molecular lining pattern. Printing on a versatile substrate provides a method to monitor the positioning of different molecules by using a pH-responsive boronate ester, allowing specific host-guest interactions on any surface. Confocal laser scanning microscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and (1)H NMR results indicate that the assembled CD monolayer can be removed by washing with an acidic pH buffer, demonstrating the presence of a boronate ester connective bridge, which is acid labile. Therefore, visualization of the pH-responsive fluorescence sensor using a rhodamine-CD complex allows straightforward discrimination between different molecules on any substrate, thus facilitating application of this sensor in clinical diagnostics and environmental monitoring.

Inkjet printed fluorescent nanorod layers exhibit superior optical performance over quantum dots

Semiconductor nanocrystals exhibit unique fluorescence properties which are tunable in size, shape and composition. The high quantum yield and enhanced stability have led to their use in biomedical imaging and flat panel displays. Here, semiconductor nanorod based inkjet inks are presented, overcoming limitations of the commonly reported quantum dots in printing applications. Fluorescent seeded nanorods were found to be outstanding candidates for fluorescent inks, due to their low particle-particle interactions and negligible self-absorption. This is manifested by insignificant emission shifts upon printing, even in highly concentrated printed layers and by maintenance of a high fluorescence quantum yield, unlike quantum dots which exhibit fluorescence wavelength shifts and quenching effects. This behavior results from the reduced absorption/emission overlap, accompanied by low energy transfer efficiencies between the nanorods as supported by steady state and time resolved fluorescence measurements. The new seeded nanorod inks enable patterning of thin fluorescent layers, for demanding light emission applications such as signage and displays.

Supramolecular Peptide/Surface Assembly for Monitoring Proteinase Activity and Cancer Diagnosis

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are a family of proteolytic enzymes, the expression of which in a key step of tumor progression has recently been better defined. The overexpression of one or more MMPs is thus common among malignant tumors. It may characterize tumor progression and help predict its response to chemotherapy. Consequently, the development of a device for measuring MMP activities is an important challenge for diagnosis and prognosis. In this study, we describe an innovative supramolecular peptide/surface assembly for screening MMP activities. This sensor was used to discriminate various MMP activities and to distinguish between invasive and noninvasive cancerous cell suspensions. Our results confirm the proof-of-concept of a powerful tool for the determination of the tumor aggressiveness and a technical building block for future development of MMP lab-on-chip devices.

MMP-2/9-Specific Activatable Lifetime Imaging Agent

Optical (molecular) imaging can benefit from a combination of the high signal-to-background ratio of activatable fluorescence imaging with the high specificity of luminescence lifetime imaging. To allow for this combination, both imaging techniques were integrated in a single imaging agent, a so-called activatable lifetime imaging agent. Important in the design of this imaging agent is the use of two luminophores that are tethered by a specific peptide with a hairpin-motive that ensured close proximity of the two while also having a specific amino acid sequence available for enzymatic cleavage by tumor-related MMP-2/9. Ir(ppy)3 and Cy5 were used because in close proximity the emission intensities of both luminophores were quenched and the influence of Cy5 shortens the Ir(ppy)3 luminescence lifetime from 98 ns to 30 ns. Upon cleavage in vitro, both effects are undone, yielding an increase in Ir(ppy)3 and Cy5 luminescence and a restoration of Ir(ppy)3 luminescence lifetime to 94 ns. As a reference for the luminescence activation, a similar imaging agent with the more common Cy3-Cy5 fluorophore pair was used. Our findings underline that the combination of enzymatic signal activation with lifetime imaging is possible and that it provides a promising method in the design of future disease specific imaging agents.

Liquid Quantum Dots Constructed by Host-Guest Interaction

It is a challenging task to construct nonionic liquid quantum dots (QDs) with highly optical perfermance. To address the problem, we make a new strategy to construct liquid QDs via host-guest interaction between β-cyclodextrin and adamantane. Macroscopic fluidity and optical performance of liquid QDs can be controlled by the length of polyethylene glycol. The supramolecular compounds can make use of its excellent inclusion capacities to fasten flexible organic long-chain compounds on the surface of QDs to become nonionic. Compared with the ionic liquid QDs, nonionic liquid QDs based on supramolecular self-assembly offered a strong, fast host-guest interaction, avoiding multistep reactions that would be more favorable for maintaining the fluorescent property of QDs.

Reversible Control of Nanoparticle Functionalization and Physicochemical Properties by Dynamic Covalent Exchange

Existing methods for the covalent functionalization of nanoparticles rely on kinetically controlled reactions, and largely lack the sophistication of the preeminent oligonucleotide-based noncovalent strategies. Here we report the application of dynamic covalent chemistry for the reversible modification of nanoparticle (NP) surface functionality, combining the benefits of non-biomolecular covalent chemistry with the favorable features of equilibrium processes. A homogeneous monolayer of nanoparticle-bound hydrazones can undergo quantitative dynamic covalent exchange. The pseudomolecular nature of the NP system allows for the in situ characterization of surface-bound species, and real-time tracking of the exchange reactions. Furthermore, dynamic covalent exchange offers a simple approach for reversibly switching-and subtly tuning-NP properties such as solvophilicity.

Reversible control of nanoparticle functionalization and physicochemical properties by dynamic covalent exchange

Existing methods for the covalent functionalization of nanoparticles rely on kinetically controlled reactions, and largely lack the sophistication of the preeminent oligonucleotide-based noncovalent strategies. Here we report the application of dynamic covalent chemistry for the reversible modification of nanoparticle (NP) surface functionality, combining the benefits of non-biomolecular covalent chemistry with the favorable features of equilibrium processes. A homogeneous monolayer of nanoparticle-bound hydrazones can undergo quantitative dynamic covalent exchange. The pseudomolecular nature of the NP system allows for the in situ characterization of surface-bound species, and real-time tracking of the exchange reactions. Furthermore, dynamic covalent exchange offers a simple approach for reversibly switching—and subtly tuning—NP properties such as solvophilicity.

Molecularly engineered quantum dots for visualization of hydrogen sulfide

Among various fluorescence nanomaterials, the II-VI semiconductor nanocrystals (usually called quantum dots, QDs) should be very promising in sensing application because of their high quantum yields, capability for surface property manipulation, and unlimited possible chemical reactions. Herein, we present a fluorescence probe for hydrogen sulfide, which was prepared by first encapsulating inorganic cadmium telluride (CdTe) QDs in silica nanospheres, and subsequently engineering the silica surface with functional molecules azidocoumarin-4-acetic acid reactive to hydrogen sulfide. The nanohybrid probe exhibited two fluorescence bands centered at 452 and 657 nm, respectively. The red fluorescence at 657 nm of the nanohybrid probe is stable against H2S, while the blue fluorescence is specifically sensitive to H2S. The probe showed a distinct fluorescence color evolution from light magenta to blue upon exposure to different amounts of H2S, and a detection limit of 7.0 nM was estimated in aqueous solution. We further applied the nanohybrid probe for visual detection of gaseous H2S with a low concentration of 0.5 ppm using glass indicating spots sensors, suggesting its potential application for gaseous H2S sensing. Such an efficient on-site visual determination of gaseous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is highly demanded in on-site environmental monitoring and protection.

Host-guest interactions derived multilayer perylene diimide thin film constructed on a scaffolding porphyrin monolayer

The development of methods to grow well-ordered chromophore thin films on solid substrates is of importance because such surface-associated arrays have potential applications in the generation of functional electronic and optical materials and devices. In this article, we demonstrate a straightforward layer-by-layer (LBL) supramolecular deposition strategy to prepare numerous layers (up to 19) of functionalized perylene diimide (PDI) chromophores built upon a covalent scaffolding multivalent porphyrin monolayer. Our thin film formation strategy employs water as the immersion solvent and exploits the β-cyclodextrin-adamantane host-guest couple in addition to PDI based aromatic stacking. Within the resultant film the porphyrin scaffold is oriented close to parallel to the glass substrate while the PDI chromophores are aligned closer to the surface normal. Together, the porphyrin monolayer and the multi-PDI layers exhibit a large absorption bandwidth in the visible spectrum. Importantly, because a self-assembly strategy was utilized, when a single monolayer of PDI is deposited on the porphyrin scaffolding layer, this PDI monolayer can be readily disassembled by washing with DMF leading to the regeneration of the porphyrin monolayer. The PDI thin film can subsequently be regrown from the regenerated porphyrin surface. The reported LBL strategy will be of broad interest for researchers developing well-organized chromophoric films and materials due to its simplicity as well as the added advantage of being performed in sustainable and cost-effective aqueous media.

Highly sensitive “signal-on” electrochemiluminescent biosensor for the detection of DNA based on dual quenching and strand displacement reaction

A “signal-on” electrochemiluminescent DNA biosensing platform was proposed based on dual quenching and the strand displacement reaction.

Gefitinib loaded folate decorated bovine serum albumin conjugated carboxymethyl-beta-cyclodextrin nanoparticles enhance drug delivery and attenuate autophagy in folate receptor-positive cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Active targeting endocytosis mediated by the specific interaction between folic acid and its receptor has been a hotspot in biological therapy of many human cancers. Various studies have demonstrated that folate and its conjugates could facilitate the chemotherapeutic drug delivery into folate receptor (FR)-positive tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. In order to utilize FA-FR binding specificity to achieve targeted delivery of drugs into tumor cells, we prepared Gefitinib loaded folate decorated bovine serum albumin conjugated carboxymethyl-β-cyclodextrin nanoparticles for enhancing drug delivery in cancer cells. On this context, the aim of our study was to develop a novel nano-delivery system for promoting tumor-targeting drug delivery in folate receptor-positive Hela cells.

RESULTS

We prepared folic acid (FA)-decorated bovine serum albumin (BSA) conjugated carboxymethyl-β-cyclodextrin (CM-β-CD) nanoparticles (FA-BSA-CM-β-CD NPs) capable of entrapping a hydrophobic Gefitinib. It was observed that nanoparticles are monodisperse and spherical nanospheres with an average diameter of 90.2 nm and negative surface charge of -18.6 mV. FA-BSA-CM-β-CD NPs could greatly facilitate Gefitinib uptake and enhance the toxicity to folate receptor-positive Hela cells. Under the reaction between FA and FR, Gefitinib loaded FA-BSA-CM-β-CD NPs induced apoptosis of Hela cells through elevating the expression of caspase-3 and inhibited autophagy through decreasing the expressing of LC3. It also confirmed that clathrin-mediated endocytosis and macropinocytosis exerted great influence on the internalization of both NPs.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrated that FA may be an effective targeting molecule and FA-BSA-CM-β-CD NPs provided a new strategy for the treatment of human cancer cells which over-expressed folate receptors.

Fabrication of a photocontrolled surface with switchable wettability based on host-guest inclusion complexation and protein resistance

A novel surface-modification strategy has been developed for the construction of a photocontrolled silicon wafer surface with switchable wettability based on host-guest inclusion complexation. The silicon wafer was first modified by guest molecule azobenzene (Azo) via a silanization reaction. Subsequently, a series of polymers with different polarities were attached to host molecule β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) to prepare β-CD-containing hemitelechelic polymers via click chemistry. Finally, a photocontrolled silicon wafer surface modified with polymers was fabricated by inclusion complexation between β-CD and Azo, and the surface properties of the substrate are dependent on the polymers we used. The elemental composition, surface morphology, and hydrophilic/hydrophobic property of the modified surfaces were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscope, and contact angle measurements, respectively. The antifouling property of the PEG-functionalized surface was evaluated by a protein adsorption assay using bovine serum albumin, which was also characterized by XPS. The results demonstrate that the surface modified with PEG possesses good protein-resistant properties.

Luminescent gold surfaces for sensing and imaging: patterning of transition metal probes

Luminescent transition metal complexes are introduced for the microcontact printing of optoelectronic devices. Novel ruthenium(II), RubpySS, osmium(II), OsbpySS, and cyclometalated iridium(III), IrbpySS, bipyridyl complexes with long spacers between the surface-active groups and the metal were developed to reduce the distance-dependent, nonradiative quenching pathways by the gold surface. Indeed, surface-immobilized RubpySS and IrbpySS display strong red and green luminescence, respectively, on planar gold surfaces with luminescence lifetimes of 210 ns (RubpySS·Au) and 130 and 12 ns (83%, 17%) (IrbpySS·Au). The modified surfaces show enhancement of their luminescence lifetime in comparison with solutions of the respective metal complexes, supporting the strong luminescence signal observed and introducing them as ideal inorganic probes for imaging applications. Through the technique of microcontact printing, complexes were assembled in patterns defined by the stamp. Images of the red and green patterns rendered by the RubpySS·Au and IrbpySS·Au monolayers were revealed by luminescence microscopy studies. The potential of the luminescent surfaces to respond to biomolecular recognition events is demonstrated by addition of the dominant blood-pool protein, bovine serum albumin (BSA). Upon treatment of the surface with a BSA solution, the RubpySS·Au and IrbpySS·Au monolayers display a large luminescence signal increase, which can be quantified by time-resolved measurements. The interaction of BSA was also demonstrated by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) studies of the surfaces and in solution by circular dichroism spectroscopy (CD). Overall, the assembly of arrays of designed coordination complexes using a simple and direct μ-contact printing method is demonstrated in this study and represents a general route toward the manufacture of micropatterned optoelectronic devices designed for sensing applications.

Supramolecular dendritic polymers: from synthesis to applications

CONSPECTUS: Supramolecular dendritic polymers (SDPs), which perfectly combine the advantages of dendritic polymers with those of supramolecular polymers, are a novel class of non-covalently bonded, highly branched macromolecules with three-dimensional globular topology. Because of their dynamic/reversible nature, unique topological structure, and exceptional physical/chemical properties (e.g., low viscosity, high solubility, and a large number of functional terminal groups), SDPs have attracted increasing attention in recent years in both academic and industrial fields. In particular, the reversibility of non-covalent interactions endows SDPs with the ability to undergo dynamic switching of structure, morphology, and function in response to various external stimuli, such as pH, temperature, light, stress, and redox agents, which further provides a flexible and robust platform for designing and developing smart supramolecular polymeric materials and functional supramolecular devices. The existing SDPs can be systematically classified into the following six major types according to their topological features: supramolecular dendrimers, supramolecular dendronized polymers, supramolecular hyperbranched polymers, supramolecular linear-dendritic block copolymers, supramolecular dendritic-dendritic block copolymers, and supramolecular dendritic multiarm copolymers. These different types of SDPs possess distinct morphologies, unique architectures, and specific functions. Benefiting from their versatile topological structures as well as stimuli-responsive properties, SDPs have displayed not only unique characteristics or advantages in supramolecular self-assembly behaviors (e.g., controllable morphologies, specific performance, and facile functionalization) but also great potential to be promising candidates in various fields. In this Account, we summarize the recent progress in the synthesis, functionalization, and self-assembly of SDPs as well as their potential applications in a wide range of fields. A variety of synthetic methods using non-covalent interactions have been established to prepare different types of SDPs based on varied mono- or multifunctionalized building blocks (e.g., monomer, dendron, dendrimer, and hyperbranched polymer) with homo- or heterocomplementary units. In addition, SDPs can be further endowed with excellent functionalities by employing different modification approaches involving terminal, focal-point, and backbone modification. Similar to conventional dendritic polymers, SDPs can self-assemble into diverse supramolecular structures such as micelles, vesicles, fibers, nanorings, tubes, and many hierarchical structures. Finally, we highlight some typical examples of recent applications of SDP-based systems in biomedical fields (e.g., controlled drug/gene/protein delivery, bioimaging, and biomimetic chemistry), nanotechnology (e.g., nanoreactors, catalysis, and molecular imprinting), and functional materials. The current research on SDPs is still at the very early stage, and much more work needs to be done. We anticipate that future studies of SDPs will focus on developing multifunctional, hierarchical supramolecular materials toward their practical applications by utilization of cooperative non-covalent interactions.

Light harvesting of CdSe/CdS quantum dots coated with β-cyclodextrin based host–guest species through resonant energy transfer from the guests

Nano-hybrids based on red emitting QDs covered by β-cyclodextrin hosting a green emitting nitrobenzoxadiazole derivative show emission harvested by the host–guest organic system.

Control the wettability of poly(n-isopropylacrylamide-co-1-adamantan-1-ylmethyl acrylate) modified surfaces: the more Ada, the bigger impact?

Surface-initiated SET-LRP was used to synthesize polymer brush containing N-isopropylacrylamide and adamantyl acrylate using Cu(I)Cl/Me6-TREN as precursor catalyst and isopropanol/H2O as solvent. Different reaction conditions were explored to investigate the influence of different parameters (reaction time, catalyst concentration, monomer concentration) on the polymerization. Copolymers with variable 1-adamantan-1-ylmethyl acrylate (Ada) content and comparable thickness were synthesized onto silicon surfaces. Furthermore, the hydrophilic and bioactive molecule β-cyclodextrin-(mannose)7 (CDm) was synthesized and complexed with adamantane via host-guest interaction. The effect of adamantane alone and the effect of CDm together with adamantane on the wettability and thermoresponsive property of surface were investigated in detail. Experimental and molecular structure analysis showed that Ada at certain content together with CDm has the greatest impact on surface wettability. When Ada content was high (20%), copolymer-CDm surfaces showed almost no CDm complexed with Ada as the result of steric hindrance.

From the bottom up: dimensional control and characterization in molecular monolayers

Self-assembled monolayers are a unique class of nanostructured materials, with properties determined by their molecular lattice structures, as well as the interfaces with their substrates and environments. As with other nanostructured materials, defects and dimensionality play important roles in the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the monolayers. In this review, we discuss monolayer structures ranging from surfaces (two-dimensional) down to single molecules (zero-dimensional), with a focus on applications of each type of structure, and on techniques that enable characterization of monolayer physical properties down to the single-molecule scale.

Patterned assembly of quantum dots onto surfaces modified with click microcontact printing

The self-assembly of CdSe quantum dots (QDs) onto a patterned silica surface generated from surface microcontact click printing is presented. The mechanically robust self-assembly process produces patterns of QDs which remain steadfast, even as subsequent reactions are performed on the substrate, demonstrating the utility and ease of this self-assembly process.

Glyco-β-cyclodextrin capped quantum dots: synthesis, cytotoxicity and optical detection of carbohydrate-protein interactions

Highly fluorescent water soluble glyco-quantum dots were synthesized using a sonochemical procedure. The synthetic approach is based on specific host-guest interactions between β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO) surfactant on quantum dots. The modified QDs were analyzed by a combination of FT-IR, (1)H-NOESY NMR spectroscopy and by TEM. The high sugar density on QDs resulted in selective colloidal aggregation with ConcanavalinA (ConA), Galanthus nivalis lectin (GNA) and Peanut agglutinin (PNA) lectins. Subsequently, in vitro studies indicated that β-CD modification of QDs enabled good cell viability of human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2) cells. Finally, flow cytometry and confocal imaging studies revealed that βCDgal capped QDs undergo preferential binding with HepG2 cells. These results clearly demonstrate that β-CD capped QDs could be a promising candidate for further carbohydrate-based biomedical applications.

Phase transfer of CdS nanocrystals mediated by heptamine β-cyclodextrin

A fundamental and systematic study on the fabrication of a supramolecularly assembled nanostructure of an organic ligand-capped CdS nanocrystal (NC) and multiple heptamine β-cyclodextrin ((NH(2))(7)βCD) molecules in aqueous solution has been here reported. The functionalization process of presynthesized hydrophobic CdS NCs by means of (NH(2))(7)βCD has been extensively investigated by using different spectroscopic and structural techniques, as a function of different experimental parameters, such as the composition and the concentration of CD, the concentration of CdS NCs, the nature of the NC surface capping ligand (oleic acid and octylamine), and the organic solvent. The formation of a complex based on the direct coordination of the (NH(2))(7)βCD amine groups at the NC surface has been demonstrated and found responsible for the CdS NC phase transfer process. The amine functional group in (NH(2))(7)βCD and the appropriate combination of pristine capping agent coordinating the NC surface and a suitable solvent have been found decisive for the success of the CdS NC phase transfer process. Furthermore, a layer-by-layer assembly experiment has indicated that the obtained (NH(2))(7)βCD functionalized CdS NCs are still able to perform the host-guest chemistry. Thus, they offer a model of a nanoparticle-based material with molecular receptors, useful for bio applications.

Dual responsive supramolecular hydrogel with electrochemical activity

Supramolecular materials with reversible responsiveness to environmental changes are of particular research interest in recent years. Inclusion complexation between cyclodextrin (CD) and ferrocene (Fc) is well-known and extensively studied because of its reversible association-dissociation controlled by the redox state of Fc. Although there are quite a few reported nanoscale materials incorporating this host-guest pair, polymeric hydrogels with electrochemical activity based on this interactive pair are still rare. Taking advantage of our previous reported hybrid inclusion complex (HIC) hydrogel structure, a new Fc-HIC was designed and obtained with β-CD-modified quantum dots as the core and Fc-ended diblock co-polymer p(DMA-b-NIPAM) as the shell, to achieve an electrochemically active hydrogel at elevated temperatures. Considering the two independent cross-linking strategies in the network structure, i.e., the interchain aggregation of pNIPAM and inclusion complexation between CD and Fc on the surface of the quantum dots, the hydrogel was fully thermo-reversible and its gel-sol transition was achieved after the addition of either an oxidizing agent or a competitive guest to Fc.

Non-invasive tumor detection in small animals using novel functional Pluronic nanomicelles conjugated with anti-mesothelin antibody

In this study QDs were encapsulated in carboxylated PluronicF127 (F127COOH) triblock polymeric micelles and conjugated with anti-mesothelin antibody for the purpose of alleviating potential toxicity, enhancing the stability and improving targeting efficiency of CdTe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) in tumors. The amphiphilic triblock polymer of F127COOH contains hydrophilic carboxylated poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and hydrophobic poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) units. After encapsulating QDs into carboxylated F127 (F127COOH-QD) micelles, the particles were conjugated with anti-mesothelin antibodies to allow targeting of cancerous areas. The size of the monodispersed spherical QD-containing micelles was determined to be ∼120 nm by dynamic light scattering (DLS). The critical micelle concentration (CMC) was estimated to be 4.7 × 10(-7) M. In an in vitro study, the anti-methoselin antibody conjugated F127COOH (Me-F127COOH-QD) nanomicelles showed negligible cytotoxicity to pancreatic cancer cells (Panc-1). Confocal microscopy demonstrated that the Me-F127COOH-QD nanomicelles were taken up more efficiently by Panc-1 cells, due to antibody mediated targeting. An in vivo imaging study showed that Me-F127COOH-QD nanomicelles accumulated at the pancreatic tumor site 15 min after intravenous injection. In addition, the low in vivo toxicity of the nanomicellar formulation was evaluated by pathological assays. These results suggest that anti-mesothein antibody conjugated carboxylated F127 nanomicelles may serve as a promising nanoscale platform for early human pancreatic cancer detection and targeted drug delivery.