ToF-SIMS 3D imaging unveils important insights on the cellular microenvironment during biomineralization of gold nanostructures

Indocyanine green fluorescence applied to gynecologic oncology: beyond sentinel lymph node

Indocyanine green (ICG), a well-known molecule employed in medicine for over five decades, has emerged as a versatile dye widely embraced across various surgical disciplines. In gynecologic oncology, its prevalent use revolves around the detection of sentinel lymph nodes. However, the true potential of ICG extends beyond this singular application, owing to its pragmatic utility, cost-effectiveness, and safety profile. Furthermore, ICG has been introduced in the theranostic landscape, marking a significant juncture in the evolution of its clinical utility. This narrative review aims to describe the expanding horizons of ICG fluorescence in gynecologic oncology, beyond the sentinel lymph node biopsy. The manifold applications reported within this manuscript include: 1) lymphography; 2) angiography; 3) nerve visualization; 4) ICG-driven resections; and 5) theranostic. The extensive exploration across these numerous applications, some of which are still in the preclinical phase, serves as a hypothesis generator, aiming to stimulate the development of clinical studies capable of expanding the use of this drug in our field, enhancing the care of gynecological cancer patients.

Advancements in ToF-SIMS imaging for life sciences

In the last 2 decades, Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) has gained significant prominence as a powerful imaging technique in the field of life sciences. This comprehensive review provides an in-depth overview of recent advancements in ToF-SIMS instrument technology and its applications in metabolomics, lipidomics, and single-cell analysis. We highlight the use of ToF-SIMS imaging for studying lipid distribution, composition, and interactions in cells and tissues, and discuss its application in metabolomics, including the analysis of metabolic pathways. Furthermore, we review recent progress in single-cell analysis using ToF-SIMS, focusing on sample preparation techniques, in situ investigation for subcellular distribution of drugs, and interactions between drug molecules and biological targets. The high spatial resolution and potential for multimodal analysis of ToF-SIMS make it a promising tool for unraveling the complex molecular landscape of biological systems. We also discuss future prospects and potential advancements of ToF-SIMS in the research of life sciences, with the expectation of a significant impact in the field.

Digital Transformation in Toxicology: Improving Communication and Efficiency in Risk Assessment

Toxicology is undergoing a digital revolution, with mobile apps, sensors, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning enabling better record-keeping, data analysis, and risk assessment. Additionally, computational toxicology and digital risk assessment have led to more accurate predictions of chemical hazards, reducing the burden of laboratory studies. Blockchain technology is emerging as a promising approach to increase transparency, particularly in the management and processing of genomic data related with food safety. Robotics, smart agriculture, and smart food and feedstock offer new opportunities for collecting, analyzing, and evaluating data, while wearable devices can predict toxicity and monitor health-related issues. The review article focuses on the potential of digital technologies to improve risk assessment and public health in the field of toxicology. By examining key topics such as blockchain technology, smoking toxicology, wearable sensors, and food security, this article provides an overview of how digitalization is influencing toxicology. As well as highlighting future directions for research, this article demonstrates how emerging technologies can enhance risk assessment communication and efficiency. The integration of digital technologies has revolutionized toxicology and has great potential for improving risk assessment and promoting public health.

Discriminant Principal Component Analysis of ToF-SIMS Spectra for Deciphering Compositional Differences of MSC-Secreted Extracellular Matrices

Identifying characteristic extracellular matrix (ECM) variants is a key challenge in mechanistic biology, bioengineering, and medical diagnostics. The reported study demonstrates the potential of time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) to detect subtle differences between human mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)-secreted ECM types as induced by exogenous stimulation or emerging pathology. ToF-SIMS spectra of decellularized ECM samples are evaluated by discriminant principal component analysis (DPCA), an advanced multivariate analysis technique, to decipher characteristic compositional features. To establish the approach, signatures of major ECM proteins are determined from samples of pre-defined mixtures. Based on that, sets of ECM variants produced by MSCs in vitro are analyzed. Differences in the content of collagen, fibronectin, and laminin in the ECM resulting from the combined supplementation of MSC cultures with polymers that induce macromolecular crowding and with ascorbic acid are detected from the DPCA of ToF-SIMS spectra. The results are verified by immunostaining. Finally, the comparative ToF-SIMS analysis of ECM produced by MSCs of healthy donors and patients suffering from myelodysplastic syndrome display the potential of the novel methodology to reveal disease-associated alterations of the ECM composition.

Advances in mass spectrometry imaging for toxicological analysis and safety evaluation of pharmaceuticals

Safety issues caused by pharmaceuticals have frequently occurred worldwide, posing a tremendous threat to human health. As an essential part of drug development, the toxicological analysis and safety evaluation is of great significance. In addition, the risk of pharmaceuticals accumulation in the environment and the monitoring of the toxicity from natural medicines have also received ongoing concerns. Due to a lack of spatial distribution information provided by common analytical methods, analyses that provide spatial dimensions could serve as complementary safety evaluation methods for better prediction and evaluation of drug toxicity. With advances in technical solutions and software algorithms, mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) has received increasing attention as a popular analytical tool that enables the simultaneous implementation of qualitative, quantitative, and localization without complex sample pretreatment and labeling steps. In recent years, MSI has become more attractive, powerful, and sensitive and has been applied in several scientific fields that can meet the safety assessment requirements. This review aims to cover a detailed summary of the various MSI technologies utilized in the biomedical and pharmaceutical area, including technical principles, advantages, current status, and future trends. Representative applications and developments in the safety-related issues of different pharmaceuticals and natural medicines are also described to provide a reference for pharmaceutical research, improve rational clinical medicine use, and ensure public safety.

Nanoprojectile Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry for Nanometrology of Nanoparticles and Their Interfaces

Nanoscale molecular characterization plays a crucial role in enhancing our insights into fundamental and materials processes occurring at the nanoscale. However, for many traditional techniques, measurements on different ensembles are mixed and the analytical result reflects the average surface composition or arrangement. Advances in nanometrologies that allow for measurements to be differentiated based on the chemical environment examined are critical for accurate analysis. Here, we present a variant of secondary ion mass spectrometry, SIMS, termed nanoprojectile SIMS, NP-SIMS, capable of nanoscale molecular analysis. The technique examines the sample with a suite, 10⁶-10⁷, of individual gold nanoprojectiles (e.g., Au₄₀₀⁴⁺) which stochastically probe the surface. Analysis of coemitted ions from each impact allows for the inspection of colocalized moieties within the ejected volume of a single projectile impact (10-15 nm in diameter). If some of these 10⁶-10⁷ measurements arise from nanodomains of similar composition, data can be grouped based on the detected secondary ions. We applied the method to examine a mixture of three different-sized nanoparticles with identical metal cores (3-5 nm in diameter), differing in the length of the attached ligand (decanetiol, tetradecanethiol, and hexadecanethiol). Using NP-SIMS, we determined the relative abundance of the three particles on the surface and isolated measurements based on the impact parameter between the impacting nanoprojectile and the surface particle, demonstrating that measurements occurring near the center of the particle can be differentiated from those at the particle-particle and particle-substrate interfaces. The results suggest that the described methodology is well-suited for molecular analysis of nanoassemblies and may be applied for tracking defects. Here we demonstrate that, using NP-SIMS, ensemble averaging can be avoided and molecular analysis can be undertaken at a scale below 5 nm, allowing for nanoscale molecular analysis of nano-objects and their interfaces.

A Reliable Approach for Revealing Molecular Targets in Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry

Nano secondary ion mass spectrometry (nanoSIMS) imaging is a rapidly growing field in biological sciences, which enables investigators to describe the chemical composition of cells and tissues with high resolution. One of the major challenges of nanoSIMS is to identify specific molecules or organelles, as these are not immediately recognizable in nanoSIMS and need to be revealed by SIMS-compatible probes. Few laboratories have generated such probes, and none are commercially available. To address this, we performed a systematic study of probes initially developed for electron microscopy. Relying on nanoscale SIMS, we found that antibodies coupled to 6 nm gold particles are surprisingly efficient in terms of labeling specificity while offering a reliable detection threshold. These tools enabled accurate visualization and sample analysis and were easily employed in correlating SIMS with other imaging approaches, such as fluorescence microscopy. We conclude that antibodies conjugated to moderately sized gold particles are promising tools for SIMS imaging.

Cell and Tissue Imaging by TOF-SIMS and MALDI-TOF: An Overview for Biological and Pharmaceutical Analysis

The potential of mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) has been demonstrated in cell and tissue research since 1970. MSI can reveal the spatial distribution of a wide range of atomic and molecular ions detected from biological sample surfaces, it is a powerful and valuable technique used to monitor and detect diverse chemical and biological compounds, such as drugs, lipids, proteins, and DNA. MSI techniques, notably matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight (MALDI-TOF) and time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS), witnessed a dramatic upsurge in studying and investigating biological samples especially, cells and tissue sections. This advancement is attributed to the submicron lateral resolution, the high sensitivity, the good precision, and the accurate chemical specificity, which make these techniques suitable for decoding and understanding complex mechanisms of certain diseases, as well as monitoring the spatial distribution of specific elements, and compounds. While the application of both techniques for the analysis of cells and tissues is thoroughly discussed, a briefing of MALDI-TOF and TOF-SIMS basis and the adequate sampling before analysis are briefly covered. The importance of MALDI-TOF and TOF-SIMS as diagnostic tools and robust analytical techniques in the medicinal, pharmaceutical, and toxicology fields is highlighted through representative published studies.

Mussel-Inspired Gold Nanoparticle and PLGA/L-Lysine-g-Graphene Oxide Composite Scaffolds for Bone Defect Repair

PURPOSE

Insufficient biological activity heavily restricts the application and development of biodegradable bone implants. Functional modification of bone implants is critical to improve osseointegration and bone regeneration.

METHODS

In this study, L-lysine functionalized graphene oxide (Lys-g-GO) nanoparticles and polydopamine-assisted gold nanoparticle (AuNPs-PDA) coatings were applied to improve the biological function of PLGA scaffold materials. The effects of Lys-g-GO nanoparticles and AuNPs-PDA functionalized coatings on the physicochemical properties of PLGA scaffolds were detected with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), contact angle measurement, and mechanical testing instruments. In vitro, the effects of composite scaffolds on MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation, adhesion, and osteogenic differentiation were studied. Finally, a radial defect model was used to assess the effect of composite scaffolds on bone defect healing.

RESULTS

The prepared AuNPs-PDA@PLGA/Lys-g-GO composite scaffolds exhibited excellent mechanical strength, hydrophilicity and antibacterial properties. In vitro, this composite scaffold can significantly improve osteoblast adhesion, proliferation, osteogenic differentiation, calcium deposition, and other cell behaviour. In vivo, this composite scaffold can significantly promote the new bone formation and collagen deposition in the radial defect site and presented good biocompatibility.

CONCLUSION

The combination of bioactive nanoparticles and surface coatings shows considerable potential to enhance the osseointegration of bone implants.

Indocyanine Green-Based Theranostic Nanoplatform for NIR Fluorescence Image-Guided Chemo/Photothermal Therapy of Cervical Cancer

Purpose

Indocyanine green (ICG) is a favorable fluorescence nanoprobe for its strong NIR-I fluorescence emission and good photothermal capabilities. However, the stability and tumor targeting ability of ICG is poor, which limits its further applications. To further improve the photothermal and therapeutic efficiency of ICG, bovine serum albumin (BSA) was utilized to encapsulate the ICG and the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX) was loaded to form the BSA@ICG-DOX theranostic nanoplatform.

Methods

In this study, ICG-loaded BSA nanoparticles (NPs) and the BSA@ICG-DOX NPs were fabricated using reprecipitation methods. Next, the tumour inhibition ability and biocompatibility of the NPs were evaluated. A subcutaneous xenografted nude mice model was established and imaging guided synergetic therapy was performed with the assistance of BSA@ICG-DOX NPs under 808 nm laser irradiation.

Results

The BSA@ICG NPs exhibited strong NIR-I fluorescence emission, excellent photothermal properties, biocompatibility, and tumor targeting ability. To further improve the therapeutic efficiency, the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX) was loaded into the BSA@ICG NPs to form the BSA@ICG-DOX theranostic nanoplatform. The BSA@ICG-DOX NPs were spherical with an average size of ~194.7 nm. The NPs had high encapsulation efficiency (DOX: 19.96% and ICG: 60.57%), and drug loading content (DOX: 0.95% and ICG: 3.03%). Next, excellent NIR-I fluorescence and low toxicity of the BSA@ICG-DOX NPs were verified. Targeted NIR-I fluorescence images were obtained after intravenous injection of the NPs into the subcutaneous cervical tumors of the mice.

Conclusion

To improve the anti-tumor efficiency of the ICG@BSA NPs, the chemotherapeutic drug DOX was loaded into the BSA@ICG NPs. The NIR excitation/emission and targeted BSA@ICG-DOX NPs enables high-performance diagnosis and chemo/photothermal therapy of subcutaneous cervical tumors, providing a promising approach for further biomedical applications.

Recent developments in Raman spectral analysis of microbial single cells: Techniques and applications

The conventional microbial cell analyses are mostly population-averaged methods that conceal the characteristics of single-cell in the community. Single-cell analysis can provide information on the functional and structural variation of each cell, resulting in the elimination of long and tedious microbial cultivation techniques. Raman spectroscopy is a label-free, noninvasive, and in-vivo method ideal for single-cell measurement to obtain spatially resolved chemical information. In the current review, recent developments in Raman spectroscopic techniques for microbial characterization at the single-cell level are presented, focusing on Raman imaging of single cells to study the intracellular distribution of different components. The review also discusses the limitation and challenges of each technique and put forward some future outlook for improving Raman spectroscopy-based techniques for single-cell analysis. Raman spectroscopic methods at the single-cell level have potential in precision measurements, metabolic analysis, antibiotic susceptibility testing, resuscitation capability, and correlating phenotypic information to genomics for cells, the integration of Raman spectroscopy with other techniques such as microfluidics, stable isotope probing (SIP), and atomic force microscope can further improve the resolution and provide extensive information. Future focuses should be given to advance algorithms for data analysis, standardized reference libraries, and automated cell isolation techniques in future.

Intracellular Calcium Homeostasis and Kidney Disease

Kidney disease is a serious health problem that burdens our healthcare system. It is crucial to find the accurate pathogenesis of various types of kidney disease to provide guidance for precise therapies for patients suffering from these diseases. However, the exact molecular mechanisms underlying these diseases have not been fully understood. Disturbance of calcium homeostasis in renal cells plays a fundamental role in the development of various types of kidney disease, such as primary glomerular disease, diabetic nephropathy, acute kidney injury and polycystic kidney disease, through promoting cell proliferation, stimulating extracellular matrix accumulation, aggravating podocyte injury, disrupting cellular energetics as well as dysregulating cell survival and death dynamics. As a result, preventing the disturbance of calcium homeostasis in specific renal cells (such as tubular cells, podocytes and mesangial cells) is becoming one of the most promising therapeutic strategies in the treatment of kidney disease. The endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria are two vital organelles in this process. Calcium ions cycle between the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria at the conjugation of these two organelles known as the mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membrane, maintaining calcium homeostasis. The pharmacologic modulation of cellular calcium homeostasis can be viewed as a novel therapeutic method for renal diseases. Here, we will introduce calcium homeostasis under physiological conditions and the disturbance of calcium homeostasis in kidney diseases. We will focus on the calcium homeostasis regulation in renal cells (including tubular cells, podocytes and mesangial cells), especially in the mitochondria- associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes of these renal cells.

A Critical Review of the Use of Surfactant-Coated Nanoparticles in Nanomedicine and Food Nanotechnology

Surfactants, whose existence has been recognized as early as 2800 BC, have had a long history with the development of human civilization. With the rapid development of nanotechnology in the latter half of the 20th century, breakthroughs in nanomedicine and food nanotechnology using nanoparticles have been remarkable, and new applications have been developed. The technology of surfactant-coated nanoparticles, which provides new functions to nanoparticles for use in the fields of nanomedicine and food nanotechnology, is attracting a lot of attention in the fields of basic research and industry. This review systematically describes these "surfactant-coated nanoparticles" through various sections in order: 1) surfactants, 2) surfactant-coated nanoparticles, application of surfactant-coated nanoparticles to 3) nanomedicine, and 4) food nanotechnology. Furthermore, current progress and problems of the technology using surfactant-coated nanoparticles through recent research reports have been discussed.

Leveraging hallmark Alzheimer's molecular targets using phytoconstituents: Current perspective and emerging trends

Alzheimer's disease (AD), a type of dementia, severely distresses different brain regions. Characterized by various neuropathologies, it interferes with cognitive functions and neuropsychiatrical controls. This progressive deterioration has negative impacts not only on an individual's daily activity but also on social and occupational life. The pharmacological approach has always remained in the limelight for the treatment of AD. However, this approach is condemned with several side effects. Henceforth, a change in treatment approach has become crucial. Plant-based natural products are garnering special attention due to lesser side effects associated with their use. The current review emphasizes the anti-AD properties of phytoconstituents, throws light on those under clinical trials, and compiles information on their specific mode of actions against AD-related different neuropathologies. The phytoconstituents alone or in combinations will surely help discover new potent drugs for the effective treatment of AD with lesser side effects than the currently available pharmacological treatment.

Naphthoquinones and Their Derivatives: Emerging Trends in Combating Microbial Pathogens

In the current era, an ever-emerging threat of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens pose serious health challenges to mankind. Researchers are uninterruptedly putting their efforts to design and develop alternative, innovative strategies to tackle the antibiotic resistance displayed by varied pathogens. Among several naturally derived and chemically synthesized compounds, quinones have achieved a distinct position to defeat microbial pathogens. This review unleashes the structural diversity and promising biological activities of naphthoquinones (NQs) and their derivatives documented in the past two decades. Further, realizing their functional potentialities, researchers were encouraged to approach NQs as lead molecules. We have retrieved information that is dedicated on biological applications (antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic) of NQs. The multiple roles of NQs offer them a promising armory to combat microbial pathogens including MDR and the ESKAPE (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp.) group. In bacteria, NQs may exhibit their function in the following ways (1) plasmid curing, (2) inhibiting efflux pumps (EPs), (3) generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), (4) the inhibition of topoisomerase activity. Sparse but meticulous literature suggests the mechanistic roles of NQs. We have highlighted the possible mechanisms of NQs and how the targeted drug synthesis can be achieved via molecular docking analysis. This bioinformatics-oriented approach will explicitly lead to the development of effective and most potent drugs against targeted pathogens. The mechanistic approaches of emerging molecules like NQs might prove a milestone to defeat the battle against microbial pathogens.

Nanomedicine-Based Therapeutics to Combat Acute Lung Injury

Acute lung injury (ALI) or its aggravated stage acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) may lead to a life-threatening form of respiratory failure, resulting in high mortality of up to 30-40% in most studies. Although there have been decades of research since ALI was first described in 1967, the clinical therapeutic alternatives for ALI are still in a state of limited availability. Supportive treatment and mechanical ventilation still have priority. Despite some preclinical studies demonstrating the benefit of pharmacological interventions, none of these has been proved completely effective to date. Recent advances in nanotechnology may shed new light on the pharmacotherapy of ALI. Nanomedicine possesses targeting and synergistic therapeutic capability, thus boosting pharmaceutical efficacy and mitigating the side effects. Currently, a variety of nanomedicine with diverse frameworks and functional groups have been elaborately developed, in accordance with their lung targeting ability and the pathophysiology of ALI. The in-depth review of the current literature reveals that liposomes, polymers, inorganic materials, cell membranes, platelets, and other nanomedicine approaches have conferred attractive therapeutic benefits for ALI treatment. In this review, we explore the recent progress in the study of the nanomedicine-based therapy of ALI, presenting various nanomedical approaches, drug choices, therapeutic strategies, and outcomes, thereby providing insight into the trends.

TOF-SIMS Molecular Imaging and Properties of pMDI-Bonded Particleboards Made from Cup-Plant and Wood

Cup-plant (Silphium perfoliatum L.) stalks were investigated as a potential wood-replacement in particleboards (PBs). Two types of PBs were produced—(1) single-layer and (2) three-layer boards. In the three-layer cup-plant PB, the core layer was made from cup-plant, while the surface layer consisted of spruce particles. The cup-plant as well as spruce control panels were produced with polymeric methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (pMDI) as the adhesive, with the physical and mechanical properties measured to meet class P1 of the European EN 312 standard. For the intrinsic morphology of the particleboards, scanning electron microscopy was applied. Wood-based and cup-plant-based particleboards indicated significant differences in morphology that affect the resulting properties of particleboards. Furthermore, an innovative approach was used in the determination of the pMDI bondline morphology. With a compact Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass analyser, integrated in a multifunctional focused-ion beam scanning-electron-microscope, it was possible to show that the Ga+ ion source could be detect and visualize in 3D ion molecular clusters specific to pMDI adhesive and wood. Mechanical performance data showed that cup-plant particleboards performed well, even though their properties were below the spruce-made controls. Especially the modulus of rupture (MOR) of the cup-plant PB was lowered by 40%, as compared to the spruce-made control board. Likewise, thickness swelling of cup-plant made boards was higher than the control. Results were linked to the specific porous structure of the cup-plant material. In contrast, it was shown that three-layer cup-plant PB had a higher MOR and also a higher modulus of elasticity, along with lower thickness swelling, compared to its single-layer cup-plant counterpart. The industry relevant finding was that the three-layer PB made from cup-plant stalks fulfilled the EN 312 standard, class P1 (usage in dry conditions). It was shown that raw material mixtures could be useful to improve the mechanical panel performance, also with an altered vertical density profile.

Applications of stable isotopes in MALDI imaging: current approaches and an eye on the future

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation-imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI-IMS) is now an established imaging modality with particular utility in the study of biological, biomedical and pathological processes. In the first instance, the use of stable isotopically labelled (SIL) compounds in MALDI-IMS has addressed technical barriers to increase the accuracy and versatility of this technique. This has undoubtedly enhanced our ability to interpret the two-dimensional ion intensity distributions produced from biological tissue sections. Furthermore, studies using delivery of SIL compounds to live tissues have begun to decipher cell, tissue and inter-tissue metabolism while maintaining spatial resolution. Here, we review both the technical and biological applications of SIL compounds in MALDI-IMS, before using the uptake and metabolism of glucose in bovine ocular lens tissue to illustrate the current limitations of SIL compound use in MALDI-IMS. Finally, we highlight recent instrumentation advances that may further enhance our ability to use SIL compounds in MALDI-IMS to understand biological and pathological processes. Graphical Abstract.

Machine-Learning-Based Approach to Decode the Influence of Nanomaterial Properties on Their Interaction with Cells

In an in vitro nanotoxicity system, cell-nanoparticle (NP) interaction leads to the surface adsorption, uptake, and changes into nuclei/cell phenotype and chemistry, as an indicator of oxidative stress, genotoxicity, and carcinogenicity. Different types of nanomaterials and their chemical composition or "corona" have been widely studied in context with nanotoxicology. However, rare reports are available, which delineate the details of the cell shape index (CSI) and nuclear area factors (NAFs) as a descriptor of the type of nanomaterials. In this paper, we propose a machine-learning-based graph modeling and correlation-establishing approach using tight junction protein ZO-1-mediated alteration in the cell/nuclei phenotype to quantify and propose it as indices of cell-NP interactions. We believe that the phenotypic variation (CSI and NAF) in the epithelial cell is governed by the physicochemical descriptors (e.g., shape, size, zeta potential, concentration, diffusion coefficients, polydispersity, and so on) of the different classes of nanomaterials, which critically determines the intracellular uptake or cell membrane interactions when exposed to the epithelial cells at sub-lethal concentrations. The intrinsic and extrinsic physicochemical properties of the representative nanomaterials (NMs) were measured using optical (dynamic light scattering, NP tracking analysis) methods to create a set of nanodescriptors contributing to cell-NM interactions via phenotype adjustments. We used correlation function as a machine-learning algorithm to successfully predict cell and nuclei shapes and polarity functions as phenotypic markers for five different classes of nanomaterials studied herein this report. The CSI and NAF as nanodescriptors can be used as intuitive cell phenotypic parameters to define the safety of nanomaterials extensively used in consumer products and nanomedicine.

Spatially resolved 3D metabolomic profiling in tissues

Spatially resolved RNA and protein molecular analyses have revealed unexpected heterogeneity of cells. Metabolic analysis of individual cells complements these single-cell studies. Here, we present a three-dimensional spatially resolved metabolomic profiling framework (3D-SMF) to map out the spatial organization of metabolic fragments and protein signatures in immune cells of human tonsils. In this method, 3D metabolic profiles were acquired by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry to profile up to 189 compounds. Ion beams were used to measure sub-5-nanometer layers of tissue across 150 sections of a tonsil. To incorporate cell specificity, tonsil tissues were labeled by an isotope-tagged antibody library. To explore relations of metabolic and cellular features, we carried out data reduction, 3D spatial correlations and classifications, unsupervised K-means clustering, and network analyses. Immune cells exhibited spatially distinct lipidomic fragment distributions in lymphatic tissue. The 3D-SMF pipeline affects studying the immune cells in health and disease.

Nanomedicines: Redefining traditional medicine

Nanomedicines offer nanoscale drug delivery system. They offer ways of promising drug transportation, and address the issues of lack of targeting and permeability of traditional drugs. The physical and chemical properties in the domain of nanomedicine applications in vivo have not been sufficiently delivered. What's more, the metabolic of nanomedicines is not clear enough. Those factors which mentioned above determine that many nanomedicines have not yet realized clinical application due to their safety problems and in vivo efficacy. For example, they may cause immune response and cytotoxicity, as well as the ability to clear organs in vivo, the penetration ability of them and the lack of targeting ability may also cause poor efficacy of drugs in vivo. In this review, the new progresses of different kinds of nanomedicines (including gold nanoparticles, nanorobots, black phosphorus nanoparticles, brain diseases, gene editing and immunotherapy etc.) in anti-tumor, antibacterial, ocular diseases and arteriosclerosis in recent years were summarized. Their shortcomings were pointed out, and the new methods to improve the biosafety and efficacy were summarized.

Cloning, characterization, and functional analysis of chitinase-like protein 1 in the shell of Pinctada fucata

Biomineralization, especially shell formation, is a sophisticated process regulated by various matrix proteins. Pinctada fucata chitinase-like protein 1 (Pf-Clp1), which belongs to the GH18 family, was discovered by our group using in-depth proteomic analysis. However, its function is still unclear. In this study, we first obtained the full-length cDNA sequence of Pf-Clp1 by RACE. Real-time polymerase chain reaction results revealed that Pf-Clp1 was highly expressed in the important biomineralization tissues, the mantle edge and the mantle pallial. We expressed and purified recombinant protein rPf-Clp1 in vitro to investigate the function of Pf-Clp1 on CaCO3 crystallization. Scanning electron microscopy imaging and Raman spectroscopy revealed that rPf-Clp1 was able to affect the morphologies of calcite crystal in vitro. Shell notching experiments suggested that Pf-Clp1 might function as a negative regulator during shell formation in vivo. Knockdown of Pf-Clp1 by RNAi led to the overgrowth of aragonite tablets, further confirming its potential negative regulation on biomineralization, especially in the nacreous layer. Our work revealed the potential function of molluscan Clp in shell biomineralization for the first time and unveiled some new understandings toward the molecular mechanism of shell formation.

Inhibiting Cell Viability and Motility by Layer-by-Layer Assembly and Biomineralization

Herein, we proposed a drug-free strategy named cell surface shellization to inhibit the motility of SKOV-3 and HeLa cells. We alternately deposited two- or three-layer cationic polyelectrolyte (PE) and anionic PE films on the surface of SKOV-3 and HeLa cells. Then, a mineral shell (calcium carbonate, CaCO₃) was formed on the surface of polymer shells via electrostatic force and biomineralization. The CCK-8 assay results and live/dead staining showed that the surface shells strongly aggravated the cytotoxicity. The monolayer scratch wound migration assay results and immunofluorescence staining results showed that the shells, especially the mineral shells, could efficiently inhibit the migration of SKOV-3 and HeLa cells without any anticancer drugs. The immunofluorescence results of the three small G proteins of the cells showed that the immunofluorescence intensity in SKOV-3 did not change. Preliminary results from our laboratory showed an increase in MMP-9 secreted by cancer cells after coating with films or mineral shells. It suggests that mechanisms that inhibit cell migration are related to the MMP signaling pathway. All the results indicated that shellization (films or nanomineral shells) but not limited to calcification can be used as one of the tools to change the function of cells.

The Vitamin A and D Exposure of Cells Affects the Intracellular Uptake of Aluminum Nanomaterials and its Agglomeration Behavior: A Chemo-Analytic Investigation

Aluminum (Al) is extensively used for the production of different consumer products, agents, as well as pharmaceuticals. Studies that demonstrate neurotoxicity and a possible link to Alzheimer's disease trigger concern about potential health risks due to high Al intake. Al in cosmetic products raises the question whether a possible interaction between Al and retinol (vitamin A) and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) metabolism might exist. Understanding the uptake mechanisms of ionic or elemental Al and Al nanomaterials (Al NMs) in combination with bioactive substances are important for the assessment of possible health risk associated. Therefore, we studied the uptake and distribution of Al oxide (Al2O3) and metallic Al0 NMs in the human keratinocyte cell line HaCaT. Possible alterations of the metabolic pattern upon application of the two Al species together with vitamin A or D3 were investigated. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) imaging and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) were applied to quantify the cellular uptake of Al NMs.