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Leonardi AA, Battaglia R, Morganti D, Lo Faro MJ, Fazio B, De Pascali C, Francioso L, Palazzo G, Mallardi A, Purrello M, Priolo F, Musumeci P, Di Pietro C, Irrera A. A Novel Silicon Platform for Selective Isolation, Quantification, and Molecular Analysis of Small Extracellular Vesicles. Int J Nanomedicine 2021; 16:5153-5165. [PMID: 34611399 PMCID: PMC8487288 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s310896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), thanks to their cargo, are involved in cellular communication and play important roles in cell proliferation, growth, differentiation, apoptosis, stemness and embryo development. Their contribution to human pathology has been widely demonstrated and they are emerging as strategic biomarkers of cancer, neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases, and as potential targets for therapeutic intervention. However, the use of sEVs for medical applications is still limited due to the selectivity and sensitivity limits of the commonly applied approaches. Methods Novel sensing solutions based on nanomaterials are arising as strategic tools able to surpass traditional sensor limits. Among these, Si nanowires (Si NWs), realized with cost-effective industrially compatible metal-assisted chemical etching, are perfect candidates for sEV detection. Results In this paper, the realization of a selective sensor able to isolate, concentrate and quantify specific vesicle populations, from minimal volumes of biofluid, is presented. In particular, this Si NW platform has a detection limit of about 2×105 sEVs/mL and was tested with follicular fluid and blastocoel samples. Moreover, the possibility to detach the selectively isolated sEVs allowing further analyses with other approaches was demonstrated by SEM analysis and several PCRs performed on the RNA content of the detached sEVs. Discussion This platform overcomes the limit of detection of traditional methods and, most importantly, preserves the biological content of sEVs, opening the route toward a reliable liquid biopsy analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Alessio Leonardi
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università di Catania, Catania, 95123, Italy.,CNR-IPCF, Istituto per i Processi Chimico-Fisici, Messina, 98158, Italy.,CNR-IMM UoS Catania, Istituto per la Microelettronica e Microsistemi, Catania, 95123, Italy
| | - Rosalia Battaglia
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Dario Morganti
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università di Catania, Catania, 95123, Italy.,CNR-IPCF, Istituto per i Processi Chimico-Fisici, Messina, 98158, Italy
| | - Maria Josè Lo Faro
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università di Catania, Catania, 95123, Italy.,CNR-IMM UoS Catania, Istituto per la Microelettronica e Microsistemi, Catania, 95123, Italy
| | - Barbara Fazio
- CNR-IPCF, Istituto per i Processi Chimico-Fisici, Messina, 98158, Italy
| | - Chiara De Pascali
- CNR-IMM, Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems, Via Monteroni, University Campus, Lecce, 73100, Italy
| | - Luca Francioso
- CNR-IMM, Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems, Via Monteroni, University Campus, Lecce, 73100, Italy
| | - Gerardo Palazzo
- Chemistry Department, University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', Bari, 70125, Italy.,CSGI, Center for Colloid and Surface Science c/o Chemistry Department, Bari, 70125, Italy
| | - Antonia Mallardi
- CNR-IPCF, Institute for Chemical-Physical Processes, c/o Chemistry Department, Bari, 70125, Italy
| | - Michele Purrello
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Francesco Priolo
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università di Catania, Catania, 95123, Italy
| | - Paolo Musumeci
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università di Catania, Catania, 95123, Italy
| | - Cinzia Di Pietro
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Alessia Irrera
- CNR-IPCF, Istituto per i Processi Chimico-Fisici, Messina, 98158, Italy
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Courrol LC, de Oliveira Silva FR, Masilamani V. SARS-CoV-2, hemoglobin and protoporphyrin IX: Interactions and perspectives. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2021; 34:102324. [PMID: 33965601 PMCID: PMC8123386 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2021.102324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background SARS-CoV-2 attacks hemoglobin through its structural protein ORF3a, dissociating the iron from the heme, as iron is necessary by cell machinery for virus replication. In this process protoporphyrin (PpIX) is released. Methods The decrease in the hemoglobin levels observed in patients with Covid-19 is frequently accompanied by an increase in PpIX levels. This evidence was confirmed by the quantification of PpIX by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). PpIX emission is observed in its two characteristic bands at approximately 635 nm and 705 nm. Results This paper searches to understand the role of heme and PpIX inside the cells. Perspectives on the use of PpIX fluorescence as a sensor to monitor the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the tissue, blood, urine, or feces to map the evolution and severity of the disease or to monitor the response of the Covid-19 treatment modalities were described. Conclusion Fluorescence spectroscopy could be adopted as an excellent diagnostic technique for Covid-19, of low cost and high sensitivity. This method can potentially be used as a marker to monitor the response to the treatments. Photodynamic and sonodynamic therapies using the endogenous PpIX increased in the acute phase of the disease, could be employed for Covid-19 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Valdivel Masilamani
- King Saud University, Physics and Astronomy Department, Laser Group, College of Science, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Carrió I, Flotats A. Liquid biopsies and molecular imaging: friends or foes? Clin Transl Imaging 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s40336-019-00350-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Nanoengineering of Gold Nanoparticles: Green Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications. CRYSTALS 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/cryst9120612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The fundamental aspects of the manufacturing of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are discussed in this review. In particular, attention is devoted to the development of a simple and versatile method for the preparation of these nanoparticles. Eco-friendly synthetic routes, such as wet chemistry and biosynthesis with the aid of polymers, are of particular interest. Polymers can act as reducing and/or capping agents, or as soft templates leading to hybrid nanomaterials. This methodology allows control of the synthesis and stability of nanomaterials with novel properties. Thus, this review focus on a fundamental study of AuNPs properties and different techniques to characterize them, e.g., Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), UV-Visible spectroscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, Small-angle X-Ray Scattering (SAXS), and rheology. Recently, AuNPs obtained by “green” synthesis have been applied in catalysis, in medicine, and as antibacterials, sensors, among others.
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Khatami F, Larijani B, Nasiri S, Tavangar SM. Liquid Biopsy as a Minimally Invasive Source of Thyroid Cancer Genetic and Epigenetic Alterations. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR MEDICINE 2019; 8:19-29. [PMID: 32351906 PMCID: PMC7175608 DOI: 10.22088/ijmcm.bums.8.2.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In the blood of cancer patients, some nucleic acid fragments and tumor cells can be found that make it possible to trace tumor changes through a simple blood test called “liquid biopsy”. The main components of liquid biopsy are fragments of DNA and RNA shed by tumors into the bloodstream and circulate freely (ctDNAs and ctRNAs). Tumor cells which are shed into the blood (circulating tumor cells or CTCs), and exosomes that have been investigated for non-invasive detection and monitoring several tumors including thyroid cancer. Genetic and epigenetic alterations of a thyroid tumor can be a driver for tumor genesis or essential for tumor progression and invasion. Liquid biopsy can be real-time representative of such genetic and epigenetic alterations to trace tumors. In thyroid tumors, the circulating BRAF mutation is now taken into account for both thyroid cancer diagnosis and determination of the most effective treatment strategy. Several recent studies have indicated the ctDNA methylation pattern of some iodine transporters and DNA methyltransferase as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in thyroid cancer as well. There has been a big hope that the recent advances of genome sequencing together with liquid biopsy can be a game changer in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Khatami
- Chronic Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bagher Larijani
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shirzad Nasiri
- Departments of Surgery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Shariati Hospital, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Tavangar
- Chronic Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Departments of Pathology, Dr. Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Courrol LC, de Oliveira Gonçalves K, Vieira DP. Emerging Role of Aminolevulinic Acid and Gold Nanoparticles Combination in Theranostic Applications. Nanotheranostics 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-29768-8_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Gotardelo DR, Courrol LC, Bellini MH, de Oliveira Silva FR, Soares CRJ. Porphyrins are increased in the faeces of patients with prostate cancer: a case-control study. BMC Cancer 2018; 18:1090. [PMID: 30419859 PMCID: PMC6233593 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-018-5030-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Experimental models of prostate cancer have demonstrated increased levels of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) in the blood and faeces of mice. Hence, the quantification of these autofluorescent molecules could be hypothesized to be a potential marker for this type of tumour. In this case-control study, the autofluorescence of porphyrins in human faeces from patients with prostate cancer and control subjects was analysed using fluorescence spectroscopy. Methods First, 3 mL of analytical-grade acetone was added to 0.3 g of faeces, and the mixture was macerated and centrifuged at 4000 rpm for 15 min. The supernatant was analysed spectroscopically. The emission spectra from 550 to 750 nm were obtained by exciting the samples at 405 nm. Results A significant difference between the samples from control and cancer subjects was established in the spectral region of 670–675 nm (p = 0.000127), which corresponds to a significant increase in faecal porphyrins in patients with cancer. There was no statistically significant correlation between PSA levels and faecal porphyrins. Conclusion In this preliminary study conducted in humans, the results show a simple and non-invasive method to assess faecal porphyrins, which have the potential to function as a tumour biomarker in patients with prostate cancer. This approach has improved sensitivity and specificity over PSA testing. Additional prospective studies with larger sample sizes are required to validate these findings. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-018-5030-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Riani Gotardelo
- Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares, IPEN-CNEN/SP, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 2242- Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, 05508-000, Brazil. .,Instituto Tocantinense Presidente Antônio Carlos - ITPAC Palmas, Tocantins, Brazil.
| | - Lilia Coronato Courrol
- Instituto de Ciências Ambientais Químicas e Farmacêuticas (ICAQF), Departamento de Física (DF), UNIFESP, Campus Diadema, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Helena Bellini
- Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares, IPEN-CNEN/SP, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 2242- Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Flávia Rodrigues de Oliveira Silva
- Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares, IPEN-CNEN/SP, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 2242- Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Carlos Roberto Jorge Soares
- Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares, IPEN-CNEN/SP, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 2242- Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, 05508-000, Brazil
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Croce AC, Ferrigno A, Bertone V, Piccolini VM, Berardo C, Di Pasqua LG, Rizzo V, Bottiroli G, Vairetti M. Fatty liver oxidative events monitored by autofluorescence optical diagnosis: Comparison between subnormothermic machine perfusion and conventional cold storage preservation. Hepatol Res 2017; 47:668-682. [PMID: 27448628 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Revised: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Livers with moderate steatosis are currently recruited as marginal organs to face donor shortage in transplantation, even though lipid excess and oxidative stress increase preservation injury risk. Sensitive, real-time detection of liver metabolism engagement could help donor selection and preservation procedures, ameliorating the graft outcome. Hence, we investigated endogenous biomolecules with autofluorescence (AF) properties as biomarkers supporting the detection of liver oxidative events and the assessment of metabolic responses to external stimuli. METHODS Livers from male Wistar rats fed a 12-day methionine/choline-deficient (MCD) diet were subjected to AF spectrofluorometric analysis (fiber-optic probe, 366-nm excitation) before and after organ isolation, and following preservation (cold storage or 20°C machine perfusion) and reperfusion. RESULTS Innovative dynamic AF results on lipid oxidation to lipofuscin-like lipopigments, correlating with biochemical oxidative damage (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) and antioxidant defense (glutathione) parameters, suggested lipid engagement in MCD livers counteracting reactive oxidizing species. The maintained MCD liver functionality was supported by limited changes in bilirubin AF spectral profile, reflecting bile composition balance, despite their intrinsic mitochondrial weakness, confirmed by adenosine 5'-triphosphate levels, and regardless of different preservation effects on energy metabolism revealed by conventional reduced forms of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate and flavin AF data. CONCLUSION Autofluorescence showed that, after a relatively short time on an MCD diet, livers are still able to face oxidizing events and maintain a functional balance. These results strengthen AF as a supportive diagnostic tool in experimental hepatology, to characterize marginal livers in real time, monitor their response to ischemia/reperfusion, and investigate protective therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Cleta Croce
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IGM-CNR), San Matteo, Pavia, Italy.,Biology and Biotechnology Department, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Ferrigno
- Internal Medicine and Therapy Department, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Vittorio Bertone
- Biology and Biotechnology Department, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Valeria Maria Piccolini
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IGM-CNR), San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Clarissa Berardo
- Internal Medicine and Therapy Department, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Vittoria Rizzo
- Molecular Medicine Department, University of Pavia and Istituto Ricovero e Cura Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Bottiroli
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IGM-CNR), San Matteo, Pavia, Italy.,Biology and Biotechnology Department, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mariapia Vairetti
- Internal Medicine and Therapy Department, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Sicchieri LB, de Andrade Natal R, Courrol LC. Fluorescent lifetime imaging microscopy using Europium complexes improves atherosclerotic plaques discrimination. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2016; 32:1595-604. [PMID: 27412686 DOI: 10.1007/s10554-016-0936-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study is to characterize arterial tissue with and without atherosclerosis by fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) using Europium Chlortetracycline complex (EuCTc) as fluorescent marker. For this study, twelve rabbits were randomly divided into a control group (CG) and an experimental group (EG), where they were fed a normal and hypercholesterolemic diet, respectively, and were treated for 60 days. Cryosections of the aortic arch specimens were cut in a vertical plane, mounted on glass slides, and stained with Europium (Eu), Chlortetracycline (CTc), Europium Chlortetracycline (EuCTc), and Europium Chlortetracycline Magnesium (EuCTcMg) solutions. FLIM images were obtained with excitation at 405 nm. The average autofluorescence lifetime within plaque depositions was ~1.36 ns. Reduced plaque autofluorescence lifetimes of 0.23 and 0.31 ns were observed on incubation with EuCTc and EuCTcMg respectively. It was observed a quenching of collagen, cholesterol and TG emission spectra increasing EuCTc concentration. The drastic reduction in fluorescence lifetimes is due to a resonant energy transfer between collagen, triglycerides, cholesterol and europium complexes, quenching fluorescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letícia Bonfante Sicchieri
- Center of Lasers and Applications, Institute of Energy and Nuclear Research, São Paulo University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo de Andrade Natal
- Departments of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lilia Coronato Courrol
- Center of Lasers and Applications, Institute of Energy and Nuclear Research, São Paulo University, São Paulo, Brazil. .,Department of Exact and Earth Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Diadema, São Paulo, Brazil.
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de Oliveira Gonçalves K, da Silva MN, Sicchieri LB, de Oliveira Silva FR, de Matos RA, Courrol LC. Aminolevulinic acid with gold nanoparticles: a novel theranostic agent for atherosclerosis. Analyst 2015; 140:1974-80. [DOI: 10.1039/c4an02166e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
5-Aminolevulinic acid gold nanoparticles functionalized with polyethylene glycol were synthesized and administered to rabbits to evaluate their use in clinical practice as theranostic agents for atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina de Oliveira Gonçalves
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo
- Laboratório de Lasers e Óptica Biomédica Aplicada (LOBA) Instituto de Ciências Ambientais
- Químicas e Farmacêuticas (ICAQF)
- Departamento de Ciências Exatas e da Terra (DCET)
- 09972-270 – Diadema
| | - Monica Nascimento da Silva
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo
- Laboratório de Lasers e Óptica Biomédica Aplicada (LOBA) Instituto de Ciências Ambientais
- Químicas e Farmacêuticas (ICAQF)
- Departamento de Ciências Exatas e da Terra (DCET)
- 09972-270 – Diadema
| | | | | | - Ricardo Almeida de Matos
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo
- Laboratório de Lasers e Óptica Biomédica Aplicada (LOBA) Instituto de Ciências Ambientais
- Químicas e Farmacêuticas (ICAQF)
- Departamento de Ciências Exatas e da Terra (DCET)
- 09972-270 – Diadema
| | - Lilia Coronato Courrol
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo
- Laboratório de Lasers e Óptica Biomédica Aplicada (LOBA) Instituto de Ciências Ambientais
- Químicas e Farmacêuticas (ICAQF)
- Departamento de Ciências Exatas e da Terra (DCET)
- 09972-270 – Diadema
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