Nanotechnologies in protein microarrays

Nanotechnology's frontier in combatting infectious and inflammatory diseases: prevention and treatment

Inflammation-associated diseases encompass a range of infectious diseases and non-infectious inflammatory diseases, which continuously pose one of the most serious threats to human health, attributed to factors such as the emergence of new pathogens, increasing drug resistance, changes in living environments and lifestyles, and the aging population. Despite rapid advancements in mechanistic research and drug development for these diseases, current treatments often have limited efficacy and notable side effects, necessitating the development of more effective and targeted anti-inflammatory therapies. In recent years, the rapid development of nanotechnology has provided crucial technological support for the prevention, treatment, and detection of inflammation-associated diseases. Various types of nanoparticles (NPs) play significant roles, serving as vaccine vehicles to enhance immunogenicity and as drug carriers to improve targeting and bioavailability. NPs can also directly combat pathogens and inflammation. In addition, nanotechnology has facilitated the development of biosensors for pathogen detection and imaging techniques for inflammatory diseases. This review categorizes and characterizes different types of NPs, summarizes their applications in the prevention, treatment, and detection of infectious and inflammatory diseases. It also discusses the challenges associated with clinical translation in this field and explores the latest developments and prospects. In conclusion, nanotechnology opens up new possibilities for the comprehensive management of infectious and inflammatory diseases.

Development of practical techniques for simultaneous detection and distinction of current and emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants

Countless individuals have fallen victim to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and have generated antibodies, reducing the risk of secondary infection in the short term. However, with the emergence of mutated strains, the probability of subsequent infections remains high. Consequently, the demand for simple and accessible methods for distinguishing between different variants is soaring. Although monitoring viral gene sequencing is an effective approach for differentiating between various types of SARS-CoV-2 variants, it may not be easily accessible to the general public. In this article, we provide an overview of the reported techniques that use combined approaches and adaptable testing methods that use editable recognition receptors for simultaneous detection and distinction of current and emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. These techniques employ straightforward detection strategies, including tests capable of simultaneously identifying and differentiating between different variants. Furthermore, we recommend advancing the development of uncomplicated protocols for distinguishing between current and emerging variants. Additionally, we propose further development of facile protocols for the differentiation of existing and emerging variants.

Development of a Multiplex HIV/TB Diagnostic Assay Based on the Microarray Technology

Currently there are diagnostic tests available for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis (TB); however, they are still diagnosed separately, which can delay treatment in cases of co-infection. Here we report on a multiplex microarray technology for the detection of HIV and TB antibodies using p24 as well as TB CFP10, ESAT6 and pstS1 antigens on epoxy-silane slides. To test this technology for antigen-antibody interactions, immobilized antigens were exposed to human sera spiked with physiological concentrations of primary antibodies, followed by secondary antibodies conjugated to a fluorescent reporter. HIV and TB antibodies were captured with no cross-reactivity observed. The sensitivity of the slides was compared to that of high-binding plates. We found that the slides were more sensitive, with the detection limit being 0.000954 µg/mL compared to 4.637 µg/mL for the plates. Furthermore, stability studies revealed that the immobilized antigens could be stored dry for at least 90 days and remained stable across all pH and temperatures assessed, with pH 7.4 and 25 °C being optimal. The data collectively suggested that the HIV/TB multiplex detection technology we developed has the potential for use to diagnose HIV and TB co-infection, and thus can be developed further for the purpose.

Recent advancements of nanoparticles application in cancer and neurodegenerative disorders: At a glance

Nanoscale engineering is one of the innovative approaches to heal multitudes of ailments, such as varieties of malignancies, neurological problems, and infectious illnesses. Therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) may be modified in aspect because of their ability to stimulate physiological response while limiting negative consequences by interfacing and activating possible targets. Nanomaterials have been extensively studied and employed for cancerous therapeutic strategies since nanomaterials potentially play a significant role in medical transportation. When compared to conventional drug delivery, nanocarriers drug delivery offers various benefits, such as excellent reliability, bioactivity, improved penetration and retention impact, as well as precise targeting and administering. Upregulation of drug efflux transporters, dysfunctional apoptotic mechanisms, and a hypoxic atmosphere are all elements that lead to cancer treatment sensitivity in humans. It has been possible to target these pathways using nanoparticles and increase the effectiveness of multidrug resistance treatments. As innovative strategies of tumor chemoresistance are uncovered, nanomaterials are being developed to target specific pathways of tumor resilience. Scientists have recently begun investigating the function of nanoparticles in immunotherapy, a field that is becoming increasingly useful in the care of malignancies. Nanoscale therapeutics have been explored in this scientific literature and represent the most current approaches to neurodegenerative illnesses and cancer therapy. In addition, current findings and various biomedical nanomaterials' future promise for tissue regeneration, prospective medication design, and the synthesis of novel delivery approaches have been emphasized.

Fluorescence Enhancement on Silver-Plated Plasma Micro-Nanostructured 3D Polymeric Microarray Substrates for Multiplex Mycotoxin Detection

Oxygen plasma micro-nanostructured poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) slides were modified through silver microparticle deposition to create microarray substrates that enhance the emitted fluorescence intensity. Silver deposition relied on a commercially available reagent and was completed in two 30-min incubation cycles of the substrate with the reagent. The fluorescence enhancement achieved using these substrates over flat PMMA slides was determined through the development of a microarray for the multiplexed detection of four mycotoxins, aflatoxin B1, ochratoxin A, fumonisin B1, and deoxynivalenol. It was shown that the implementation of silver-plated oxygen plasma micro-nanotextured PMMA substrates increased the signals obtained for aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin A by approximately 2.8 times, 5.6 times for deoxynivalenol, and 16-times for fumonisin B1, compared to flat PMMA substrates. Most notably, this signal increase was not accompanied by a significant increase in the non-specific signal. In addition, the spot repeatability both across a single slide as well as between different slides was high, with coefficients of variation lower than 12%. The slides were also stable for at least three months, thus offering a microarray substrate with improved properties compared to standard glass slides, regarding both the absolute spot fluorescence intensity and between spots repeatability.

Anticancer Molecular Mechanism of Protocatechuic Acid Loaded on Folate Coated Functionalized Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite Delivery System in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Liver cancer is listed as the fifth-ranked cancer, responsible for 9.1% of all cancer deaths globally due to its assertive nature and poor survival rate. To overcome this obstacle, efforts have been made to ensure effective cancer therapy via nanotechnology utilization. Recent studies have shown that functionalized graphene oxide (GO)-loaded protocatechuic acid has shown some anticancer activities in both passive and active targeting. The nanocomposites’ physicochemical characterizations were conducted. A lactate dehydrogenase experiment was conducted to estimate the severity of cell damage. Subsequently, a clonogenic assay was carried out to examine the colony-forming ability during long-term exposure of the nanocomposites. The Annexin V/ propidium iodide analysis showed that nanocomposites induced late apoptosis in HepG2 cells. Following the intervention of nanocomposites, cell cycle arrest was ascertained at G2/M phase. There was depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential and an upregulation of reactive oxygen species when HepG2 cells were induced by nanocomposites. Finally, the proteomic profiling array and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction revealed the expression of pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins induced by graphene oxide conjugated PEG loaded with protocatechuic acid drug folic acid coated nanocomposite (GOP–PCA–FA) in HepG2 cells. In conclusion, GOP–PCA–FA nanocomposites treated HepG2 cells exhibited significant anticancer activities with less toxicity compared to pristine protocatechuic acid and GOP–PCA nanocomposites, due to the utilization of a folic acid-targeting nanodrug delivery system.

Technological Advances in Preclinical Drug Evaluation: The Role of -Omics Methods

Preclinical drug development is an essential step in the drug development process where the evaluation of new chemical entities occurs. In particular, preclinical drug development phases include deep analysis of drug candidates' interactions with biomolecules/targets, their safety, toxicity, pharmacokinetics, metabolism by use of assays in vitro and in vivo animal assays. Legal aspects of the required procedures are well-established. Herein, we present a comprehensive summary of current state-of-the art approaches and techniques used in preclinical studies. In particular, we will review the potential of new, -omics methods and platforms for mechanistic evaluation of drug candidates and speed-up of the preclinical evaluation steps.

Use of DosR Dormancy Antigens from Mycobacterium tuberculosis for Serodiagnosis of Active and Latent Tuberculosis

As more than two billion people possibly have a latent tuberculosis (LTB) infection, early LTB diagnosis is crucial for the efficient control and elimination of tuberculosis (TB). The aim of this study is to detect the serum antibody responses to dormancy-related DosR regulon antigens of Mycobacterium tuberculosis for the diagnosis of active and latent TB infections. A membrane array with 25 latency antigens detected by silver-enhanced gold nanoparticles was used to determine the corresponding cognate antibody levels in clinical serum samples from healthy controls, TB patients, and individuals with LTB. The array is sized to fit into a 24-well ELISA plate and follows an ELISA-like experimental procedure without expensive instrumentation. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) of the resulting antibody profiling data set identified a panel of nine DosR antigens with significant discriminatory capability among different subjects with ≥90% sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy. Furthermore, the high predictive performance validated by an independent test sample set reflects the robustness and reliability of the LDA classification model. Our current data demonstrate that the nine DosR antigen combination associated with the proposed membrane array platform is a clinically feasible approach for distinguishing different TB infection statuses. The proposed methodology in this study could be further developed for multiple disease serodiagnoses with high sensitivity and specificity.

Electrochemical Detection of ct-dsDNA on Nanomaterial-modified Carbon Based Electrodes

Background:

Nanomaterials have a significant role in improving the performance of electrochemical sensing systems. Unique physical and chemical properties have extended the application of nanomaterials in the fields of engineering, materials and biomedical science. In the last few years, these materials with unique properties have been preferred in the design of experimental approaches for the analysis of metal ions, proteins, biomarkers and pharmaceutical compounds. This paper reports preparation, characterization of two different nanomaterials and their electrochemical application on doublestranded calf-thymus DNA signals.

Methods:

The multi-walled carbon nanotubes were functionalized with amine groups (MWCNTs-NH2) by employing the dielectric barrier discharge plasma treatment and then applied as MWCNTs- NH2/glassy carbon electrode. Moreover, the synthesized mesoporous silica MCM-41 was chemically amine functionalized and used as MCM-41-NH2/carbon paste electrode. For biosensor preparation, a thin layer of calf thymus double stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (ct-dsDNA) was immobilized over the modified electrodes.

Results:

The influence of dsDNA immobilized substrate was investigated based on the electrochemical signals. While dsDNA/MCM-41-NH2/carbon paste biosensor showed a selective effect for guanine signals, the dsDNA/MWCNTs-NH2/glassy carbon biosensor presented electrocatalytic effect for dsDNA signals. Both dsDNA modified electrodes were employed to explore the interaction between the dsDNA and the anticancer drug etoposide (ETP) in aqueous solution through voltammetric techniques. By increasing the interaction time with ETP, the adenine peak current was quenched in the presence of MWCNTs-NH2 based glassy carbon electrode. Whereas, in the presence of MCM-41-NH2 based CP electrode, selective interaction with guanine occurred and oxidation peak intensity was diminished.

Conclusion:

The selective effect of MCM-41-NH2 can be used when the studied substances give a signal with the same potential of adenine.

A decade of Nucleic Acid Programmable Protein Arrays (NAPPA) availability: News, actors, progress, prospects and access

Understanding the dynamic of the proteome is a critical challenge because it requires high sensitive methodologies in high-throughput formats in order to decipher its modifications and complexity. While molecular biology provides relevant information about cell physiology that may be reflected in post-translational changes, High-Throughput (HT) experimental proteomic techniques are essential to provide valuable functional information of the proteins, peptides and the interconnections between them. Hence, many methodological developments and innovations have been reported during the last decade. To study more dynamic protein networks and fine interactions, Nucleic Acid Programmable Protein Arrays (NAPPA) was introduced a decade ago. The tool is rapidly maturing and serving as a gateway to characterize biological systems and diseases thanks primarily to its accuracy, reproducibility, throughput and flexibility. Currently, NAPPA technology has proved successful in several research areas adding valuable information towards innovative diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Here, the basic and latest advances within this modern technology in basic, translational research are reviewed, in addition to presenting its exciting new directions. Our final goal is to encourage more scientists/researchers to incorporate this method, which can help to remove bottlenecks in their particular research or biomedical projects. SIGNIFICANCE: Nucleic Acid Programmable Protein Arrays (NAPPA) is becoming an essential tool for functional proteomics and protein-protein interaction studies. The technology impacts decisively on projects aiming massive screenings and the latest innovations like the multiplexing capability or printing consistency make this a promising method to be integrated in novel and combinatorial proteomic approaches.

Probing the colorectal cancer proteome for biomarkers: Current status and perspectives

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide. Biomarkers that can facilitate better clinical management of CRC are in high demand to improve patient outcome and to reduce mortality. In this regard, proteomic analysis holds a promising prospect in the hunt of novel biomarkers for CRC and in understanding the mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis. This review aims to provide an overview of the current progress of proteomic research, focusing on discovery and validation of diagnostic biomarkers for CRC. We will summarize the contributions of proteomic strategies to recent discoveries of protein biomarkers for CRC and also briefly discuss the potential and challenges of different proteomic approaches in biomarker discovery and translational applications.

DNA microarray-based resonance light scattering assay for multiplexed detection of DNA mutation in papillary thyroid cancer

A DNA microarray-based resonance light scattering assay has been developed for multiplexed detection of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) related genic mutation.

Nanotechnologies for In Vitro IgE Testing

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review discusses the recent advances in the development of IgE antibody assays based on nanotechnologies. IgE blood testing is an important part of the diagnostic workup of IgE-mediated hypersentivity. We also address the challenges in moving from an academic proof-of-concept to a product routinely used by allergy experts.

RECENT FINDINGS

Several nanotechnologies have been applied to the field of IgE testing: nanoparticles are used either as a support to capture analytes or as a detection tool to enhance the measurement signal. Nanofluidics allows to reduce assay time by enhancing molecular interaction. Nanotechnologies bring forth new methods for in vitro IgE testing. Substantial advantages such as lower sample volume, shorter assay time, simplified procedures, and lower analytic sensitivity, without affecting test precision and accuracy, can be achieved thanks to nanotechnologies.

Liposomes and lipid bilayers in biosensors

Biosensors for the rapid, specific, and sensitive detection of analytes play a vital role in healthcare, drug discovery, food safety, and environmental monitoring. Although a number of sensing concepts and devices have been developed, many longstanding challenges to obtain inexpensive, easy-to-use, and reliable sensor platforms remain largely unmet. Nanomaterials offer exciting possibilities for enhancing the assay sensitivity and for lowering the detection limits down to single-molecule resolution. In this review, we present an overview of liposomes and lipid bilayers in biosensing applications. Lipid assemblies in the form of spherical liposomes or two-dimensional planar membranes have been widely used in the design of biosensing assays; in particular, we highlight a number of recent promising developments of biosensors based on liposomes in suspension, liposome arrays, and lipid bilayers arrays. Assay sensitivity and specificity are discussed, advantages and drawbacks are reviewed, and possible further developments are outlined.

Quantum dots: from fluorescence to chemiluminescence, bioluminescence, electrochemiluminescence, and electrochemistry

During the past decade, nanotechnology has become one of the major forces driving basic and applied research. As a novel class of inorganic fluorochromes, research into quantum dots (QDs) has become one of the fastest growing fields of nanotechnology today. QDs are made of a semiconductor material with tunable physical dimensions as well as unique optoelectronic properties, and have attracted multidisciplinary research efforts to further their potential bioanalytical applications. Recently, numerous optical properties of QDs, such as narrow emission band peaks, broad absorption spectra, intense signals, and remarkable resistance to photobleaching, have made them biocompatible and sensitive for biological assays. In this review, we give an overview of these exciting materials and describe their potential, especially in biomolecules analysis, including fluorescence detection, chemiluminescence detection, bioluminescence detection, electrochemiluminescence detection, and electrochemical detection. Finally, conclusions are made, including highlighting some critical challenges remaining and a perspective of how this field can be expected to develop in the future.