Superparamagnetic gamma-Fe(2)O(3) nanoparticles with tailored functionality for protein separation

Anisotropic Heavy-Metal-Free Semiconductor Nanocrystals: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications

Heavy-metal (Cd, Hg, and Pb)-containing semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) have been explored widely due to their unique optical and electrical properties. However, the toxicity risks of heavy metals can be a drawback of heavy-metal-containing NCs in some applications. Anisotropic heavy-metal-free semiconductor NCs are desirable replacements and can be realized following the establishment of anisotropic growth mechanisms. These anisotropic heavy-metal-free semiconductor NCs can possess lower toxicity risks, while still exhibiting unique optical and electrical properties originating from both the morphological and compositional anisotropy. As a result, they are promising light-emitting materials in use various applications. In this review, we provide an overview on the syntheses, properties, and applications of anisotropic heavy-metal-free semiconductor NCs. In the first section, we discuss hazards of heavy metals and introduce the typical heavy-metal-containing and heavy-metal-free NCs. In the next section, we discuss anisotropic growth mechanisms, including solution-liquid-solid (SLS), oriented attachment, ripening, templated-assisted growth, and others. We discuss mechanisms leading both to morphological anisotropy and to compositional anisotropy. Examples of morphological anisotropy include growth of nanorods (NRs)/nanowires (NWs), nanotubes, nanoplatelets (NPLs)/nanosheets, nanocubes, and branched structures. Examples of compositional anisotropy, including heterostructures and core/shell structures, are summarized. Third, we provide insights into the properties of anisotropic heavy-metal-free NCs including optical polarization, fast electron transfer, localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPR), and so on, which originate from the NCs' anisotropic morphologies and compositions. Finally, we summarize some applications of anisotropic heavy-metal-free NCs including catalysis, solar cells, photodetectors, lighting-emitting diodes (LEDs), and biological applications. Despite the huge progress on the syntheses and applications of anisotropic heavy-metal-free NCs, some issues still exist in the novel anisotropic heavy-metal-free NCs and the corresponding energy conversion applications. Therefore, we also discuss the challenges of this field and provide possible solutions to tackle these challenges in the future.

A versatile magnetic bead-based flow cytometric assay for the detection of thyroid cancer related hsa-miR-221-3p in blood and tissues

In vitro detection of low abundance biomolecules including microRNAs (miRNAs) is essential to biological research and early clinical diagnosis. In this work, a versatile magnetic bead (MB)-based flow cytometric assay was developed for the detection of hsa-miR-221-3p, which is strongly associated with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). In the presence of hsa-miR-221-3p, the complementary DNA probe attached to the surface of MBs is hybridized with the target to form DNA/RNA heteroduplexes. After the recognition of the DNA/RNA heteroduplexes by PicoGreen, the fluorescence signals of each MB were readily detected using a flow cytometer. This assay can selectively detect hsa-miR-221-3p with a detection limit of 2.1 pM. The practicality of the assay is demonstrated by the discrimination of thyroid cancer tissues from normal tissues, and a satisfactory result is obtained. Moreover, this assay can be rapidly carried out in one step at room temperature, providing a generic method for the sensitive detection of miRNAs in molecular diagnosis.

Aptamer-Modified Magnetic Beads in Biosensing

Magnetic beads (MBs) are versatile tools for the purification, detection, and quantitative analysis of analytes from complex matrices. The superparamagnetic property of magnetic beads qualifies them for various analytical applications. To provide specificity, MBs can be decorated with ligands like aptamers, antibodies and peptides. In this context, aptamers are emerging as particular promising ligands due to a number of advantages. Most importantly, the chemical synthesis of aptamers enables straightforward and controlled chemical modification with linker molecules and dyes. Moreover, aptamers facilitate novel sensing strategies based on their oligonucleotide nature that cannot be realized with conventional peptide-based ligands. Due to these benefits, the combination of aptamers and MBs was already used in various analytical applications which are summarized in this article.

Magnetic separation: its application in mining, waste purification, medicine, biochemistry and chemistry

The use of strong magnetic field gradients and high magnetic fields generated by permanent magnets or superconducting coils has found applications in many fields such as mining, solid state chemistry, biochemistry and medical research.

High-performance TiO2 nanoparticle/DOPA-polymer composites

Many natural materials are complex composites whose mechanical properties are often outstanding considering the weak constituents from which they are assembled. Nacre, made of inorganic (CaCO3 ) and organic constituents, is a textbook example because of its strength and toughness, which are related to its hierarchical structure and its well-defined organic-inorganic interface. Emulating the construction principles of nacre using simple inorganic materials and polymers is essential for understanding how chemical composition and structure determine biomaterial functions. A hard multilayered nanocomposite is assembled based on alternating layers of TiO2 nanoparticles and a 3-hydroxy-tyramine (DOPA) substituted polymer (DOPA-polymer), strongly cemented together by chelation through infiltration of the polymer into the TiO2 mesocrystal. With a Young's modulus of 17.5 ± 2.5 GPa and a hardness of 1.1 ± 0.3 GPa the resulting material exhibits high resistance against elastic as well as plastic deformation. A key feature leading to the high strength is the strong adhesion of the DOPA-polymer to the TiO2 nanoparticles.

An acid functionalized MWCNT/PVP nanocomposite as a new additive for fabrication of an ultrafiltration membrane with improved anti-fouling resistance

Membrane fouling is one of the main challenges encountered in ultrafiltration (UF) processes and the use of nanoparticles for the improvement of UF performance is a recent trend in membrane technology.

Controlled protein separation based on pressure–voltage (P–V) coupling effects in a nanopore based device

A U-type device containing two cells connected by nanopore arrays was designed for controlled protein separation. By finding P–V equilibrium points for BSA and Hb, the separation ratios can be achieved as BSA : Hb = 12.5 and Hb : BSA = 14.3.

Multifunctional two-photon active silica-coated Au@MnO Janus particles for selective dual functionalization and imaging

Monodisperse multifunctional and nontoxic Au@MnO Janus particles with different sizes and morphologies were prepared by a seed-mediated nucleation and growth technique with precise control over domain sizes, surface functionalization, and dye labeling. The metal oxide domain could be coated selectively with a thin silica layer, leaving the metal domain untouched. In particular, size and morphology of the individual (metal and metal oxide) domains could be controlled by adjustment of the synthetic parameters. The SiO2 coating of the oxide domain allows biomolecule conjugation (e.g., antibodies, proteins) in a single step for converting the photoluminescent and superparamagnetic Janus nanoparticles into multifunctional efficient vehicles for theranostics. The Au@MnO@SiO2 Janus particles were characterized using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-)TEM, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), optical (UV-vis) spectroscopy, confocal laser fluorescence scanning microscopy (CLSM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The functionalized nanoparticles were stable in buffer solution or serum, showing no indication of aggregation. Biocompatibility and potential biomedical applications of the Au@MnO@SiO2 Janus particles were assayed by a cell viability analysis by coincubating the Au@MnO@SiO2 Janus particles with Caki 1 and HeLa cells. Time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy in combination with CLSM revealed the silica-coated Au@MnO@SiO2 Janus particles to be highly two-photon active; no indication for an electronic interaction between the dye molecules incorporated in the silica shell surrounding the MnO domains and the attached Au domains was found; fluorescence quenching was observed when dye molecules were bound directly to the Au domains.

Application of magnetic chitosan composites for the removal of toxic metal and dyes from aqueous solutions

Magnetic chitosan composites (MCCs) are a novel material that exhibits good sorption behavior toward various toxic pollutants in aqueous solution. These magnetic composites have a fast adsorption rate and high adsorption efficiency, efficient to remove various pollutants and they are easy to recover and reuse. These features highlight the suitability of MCCs for the treatment of water polluted with metal and organic materials. This review outlines the preparation of MCCs as well as methods to characterize these materials using FTIR, XRD, TGA and other microscopy-based techniques. Additionally, an overview of recent developments and applications of MCCs for metal and organic pollutant removal is discussed in detail. Based on current research and existing materials, some new and futuristic approaches in this fascinating area are also discussed. The main objective of this review is to provide up-to-date information about the most important features of MCCs and to show their advantages as adsorbents in the treatment of polluted aqueous solutions.

Fabrication of magnetic-antimicrobial-fluorescent multifunctional hybrid microspheres and their properties

Novel magnetic-antimicrobial-fluorescent multifunctional hybrid microspheres with well-defined nanostructure were synthesized by the aid of a poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) template. The hybrid microspheres were fully characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and digital fluorescence microscope. The as-synthesized microspheres PGMA, amino-modified PGMA (NH₂-PGMA) and magnetic PGMA (M-PGMA) have a spherical shape with a smooth surface and fine monodispersity. M-PGMA microspheres are super-paramagnetic, and their saturated magnetic field is 4.608 emu·g⁻¹, which made M-PGMA efficiently separable from aqueous solution by an external magnetic field. After poly(haxemethylene guanidine hydrochloride) (PHGH) functionalization, the resultant microspheres exhibit excellent antibacterial performance against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The fluorescence feature originating from the quantum dot CdTe endowed the hybrid microspheres with biological functions, such as targeted localization and biological monitoring functions. Combination of magnetism, antibiosis and fluorescence into one single hybrid microsphere opens up the possibility of the extensive study of multifunctional materials and widens the potential applications.

Magnetic nanoparticles for the manipulation of proteins and cells

In the rapidly developing areas of nanobiotechnology, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are one type of the most well-established nanomaterials because of their biocompatibility and the potential applications as alternative contrast enhancing agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). While the development of MNPs as alternative contrast agents for MRI application has moved quickly to testing in animal models and clinical trials, other applications of biofunctional MNPs have been explored extensively at the stage of qualitative or conceptual demonstration. In this critical review, we summarize the development of two straightforward applications of biofunctional MNPs--manipulating proteins and manipulating cells--in the last five years or so and hope to provide a relatively comprehensive assessment that may help the future developments. Specifically, we start with the examination of the strategy for the surface functionalization of MNPs because the applications of MNPs essentially depend on the molecular interactions between the functional molecules on the MNPs and the intended biological targets. Then, we discuss the use of MNPs for manipulating proteins since protein interactions are critical for biological functions. Afterwards, we evaluate the development of the use of MNPs to manipulate cells because the response of MNPs to a magnetic field offers a unique way to modulate cellular behavior in a non-contact or "remote" mode (i.e. the magnet exerts force on the cells without direct contact). Finally, we provide a perspective on the future directions and challenges in the development of MNPs for these two applications. By reviewing the examples of the design and applications of biofunctional MNPs, we hope that this article will provide a reference point for the future development of MNPs that address the present challenges and lead to new opportunities in nanomedicine and nanobiotechnology (137 references).

Single step hybrid coating process to enhance the electrosteric stabilization of inorganic particles

We report on a single-step coating process and the resulting colloidal stability of silica-coated spindle-type hematite nanoparticles (NPs) decorated with a layer of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) polyelectrolyte chains that are partially incorporated into the silica shell. The stability of PAA coated NPs as a function of pH and salt concentration in water was compared to bare hematite particles and simple silica-coated hematite NPs, studying their electrophoretic mobility and the hydrodynamic radius by dynamic light scattering. Particles coated with this method were found to be more stable upon the addition of salt at pH 7, and their aggregation at the pH of the isoelectric point is reversible. The hybrid coating appears to increase the colloidal stability in aqueous media due to the combination of the decrease of the isoelectric point and the electrosteric stabilization. This coating method is not limited to hematite particles but can easily be adapted to any silica-coatable particle.

Chemical mimicry: hierarchical 1D TiO2@ZrO2 core-shell structures reminiscent of sponge spicules by the synergistic effect of silicatein-α and silintaphin-1

In nature, mineralization of hard tissues occurs due to the synergistic effect of components present in the organic matrix of these tissues, with templating and catalytic effects. In Suberites domuncula, a well-studied example of the class of demosponges, silica formation is mediated and templated by an axial proteinaceous filament with silicatein-α, one of the main components. But so far, the effect of other organic constituents from the proteinaceous filament on the catalytic effect of silicatein-α has not been studied in detail. Here we describe the synthesis of core-shell TiO(2)@SiO(2) and TiO(2)@ZrO(2) nanofibers via grafting of silicatein-α onto a TiO(2) nanowire backbone followed by a coassembly of silintaphin-1 through its specifically interacting domains. We show for the first time a linker-free, one-step funtionalization of metal oxides with silicatein-α using glutamate tag. In the presence of silintaphin-1 silicatein-α facilitates the formation of a dense layer of SiO(2) or ZrO(2) on the TiO(2)@protein backbone template. The immobilization of silicatein-α onto TiO(2) probes was characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM), optical light microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The coassembly of silicatein-α and silintaphin-1 may contribute to biomimetic approaches that pursue a controlled formation of patterned biosilica-based biomaterials.

Magnetic properties of silica coated spindle-type hematite particles

Magnetic properties of particles are generally determined from randomly oriented ensembles and the influence of the particle orientation on the magnetic response is neglected. Here, we report on the magnetic characterization of anisotropic spindle-type hematite particles. The easy axis of magnetization is within the basal plane of hematite, which is oriented perpendicular to the spindle axis. Two standard synthesis routes are compared and the effects of silica coating and particle orientation on the magnetic properties are investigated. Depending on the synthesis route we find fundamentally different magnetic behavior compatible with either single domain particles or superparamagnetic sub-units. Furthermore, we show that silica coating reduces the mean blocking temperature to nearly room temperature. The mechanical stress induced by the silica coating appears to reduce the magnetic coupling between the sub-units.

A protein-coated magnetic beads as a tool for the rapid drug-protein binding study

A simple and fast method for the determination of the association constant (K(a)) of ligand to human serum albumin (HSA) has been developed by using human serum albumin-coated magnetic beads (HSA-MB). To date, magnetic beads (MB) have been increasingly used as a bioseparation tool, especially for DNA, RNA, protein, enzyme and cell isolation or purification. In this study, HSA-MB were used as a new tool to determine the affinity of known ligands to HSA. The K(a) for l-tryptofan, fenoprofen, ketoprofen, tolbutamide and warfarin obtained from Schathard analysis are consistent with previously reported values. The different K(a) values for ketoprofen after the acetylation of HSA-MB by preincubation with acetylosalicylic acid indicate that these beads can be successfully adapted in combined experiment. In addition, the HSA-MB experiment with phenytoin and valproic acid proved to be a simple method to examine drug displacement effect.

Magnetic particle-based hybrid platforms for bioanalytical sensors

Biomagnetic nano and microparticles platforms have attracted considerable interest in the field of biological sensors due to their interesting physico-chemical properties, high specific surface area, good mechanical stability and opportunities for generating magneto-switchable devices. This review discusses recent advances in the development and characterization of active biomagnetic nanoassemblies, their interaction with biological molecules and their use in bioanalytical sensors.

Rapid removal of heavy metal cations and anions from aqueous solutions by an amino-functionalized magnetic nano-adsorbent

A novel magnetic nano-adsorbent has been developed by the covalent binding of polyacrylic acid (PAA) on the surface of Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles and the followed amino-functionalization using diethylenetriamine (DETA) via carbodiimide activation. Transmission electron microscopy image showed that the amino-functionalized Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles were quite fine with a mean diameter of 11.2+/-2.8 nm. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that the binding process did not result in the phase change of Fe(3)O(4). Magnetic measurement revealed they were nearly superparamagnetic with a saturation magnetization of 63.2 emu/g Fe(3)O(4). The binding of DETA on the PAA-coated Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles was demonstrated by the analyses of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and zeta potential. After amino-functionalization, the isoelectric point of PAA-coated Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles shifted from 2.64 to 4.59. The amino-functionalized magnetic nano-adsorbent shows a quite good capability for the rapid and efficient adsorption of metal cations and anions from aqueous solutions via the chelation or ion exchange mechanisms. The studies on the adsorption of Cu(II) and Cr(VI) ions revealed that both obeyed the Langmuir isotherm equation. The maximum adsorption capacities and Langmuir adsorption constants were 12.43 mg/g and 0.06 L/mg for Cu(II) ions and 11.24 mg/g and 0.0165 L/mg for Cr(VI) ions, respectively.