Dye-attached magnetic poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) nanospheres for albumin depletion from human plasma

Affinity-Based Magnetic Nanoparticle Development for Cancer Stem Cell Isolation

Cancer is still the leading cause of death in the world despite the developing research and treatment opportunities. Failure of these treatments is generally associated with cancer stem cells (CSCs), which cause metastasis and are defined by their resistance to radio- and chemotherapy. Although known stem cell isolation methods are not sufficient for CSC isolation, they also bring a burden in terms of cost. The aim of this study is to develop a high-efficiency, low-cost, specific method for cancer stem cell isolation with magnetic functional nanoparticles. This study, unlike the stem cell isolation techniques (MACS, FACS) used today, was aimed to isolate cancer stem cells (separation of CD133+ cells) with nanoparticles with specific affinity and modification properties. For this purpose, affinity-based magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized by providing surface activity and chemical reactivity, as well as making surface modifications necessary for both lectin affinity and metal affinity interactions. In the other part of the study, synthesized and characterized functional polymeric magnetic nanoparticles were used for the isolation of CSC from the human osteosarcoma cancer cell line (SAOS-2) with a cancer stem cell subpopulation bearing the CD133 surface marker. The success and efficiency of separation after stem cell isolation were evaluated via the MACS and FACS methods. As a result, when the His-graft-mg-p(HEMA) nanoparticle was used at a concentration of 0.1 µg/mL for 106 and 108 cells, superior separation efficiency to commercial microbeads was obtained.

A New Nanomaterial Based Biosensor for MUC1 Biomarker Detection in Early Diagnosis, Tumor Progression and Treatment of Cancer

Early detection of cancer disease is vital to the successful treatment, follow-up and survival of patients, therefore sensitive and specific methods are still required. Mucin 1 (MUC1) is a clinically approved biomarker for determining the cancer that is a type I transmembrane protein with a dense glycosylated extracellular domain extending from the cell surface to 200–500 nm. In this study, nanopolymers were designed with a lectin affinity-based recognition system for MUC1 detection as a bioactive layer on electrochemical biosensor electrode surfaces. They were synthesized using a mini emulsion polymerization method and derivatized with triethoxy-3-(2-imidazolin-1-yl) propylsilane (IMEO) and functionalized with Concanavalin a Type IV (Con A) lectin. Advanced characterization studies of nanopolymers were performed. The operating conditions of the sensor system have been optimized. Biosensor validation studies were performed. Real sample blood serum was analyzed and this new method compared with a commercially available medical diagnostic kit (Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay-ELISA). The new generation nanopolymeric material has been shown to be an affordable, sensitive, reliable and rapid device with 0.1–100 U/mL linear range and 20 min response time.

Mass Spectrometry-Based Plasma Proteomics: Considerations from Sample Collection to Achieving Translational Data

The proteomic analysis of human blood and blood-derived products (e.g., plasma) offers an attractive avenue to translate research progress from the laboratory into the clinic. However, due to its unique protein composition, performing proteomics assays with plasma is challenging. Plasma proteomics has regained interest due to recent technological advances, but challenges imposed by both complications inherent to studying human biology (e.g., interindividual variability) and analysis of biospecimens (e.g., sample variability), as well as technological limitations remain. As part of the Human Proteome Project (HPP), the Human Plasma Proteome Project (HPPP) brings together key aspects of the plasma proteomics pipeline. Here, we provide considerations and recommendations concerning study design, plasma collection, quality metrics, plasma processing workflows, mass spectrometry (MS) data acquisition, data processing, and bioinformatic analysis. With exciting opportunities in studying human health and disease though this plasma proteomics pipeline, a more informed analysis of human plasma will accelerate interest while enhancing possibilities for the incorporation of proteomics-scaled assays into clinical practice.

Purification of transferrin by magnetic immunoaffinity beads

Immunoaffinity adsorbent for transferrin (Tf) purification was prepared by immobilizing anti-transferrin (Anti-Tf) antibody on magnetic monosizepoly(glycidyl methacrylate) beads, which were synthesized by dispersion polymerization technique in the presence of Fe3 O4 nanopowder and obtained with an average size of 2.0 μm. The magnetic poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (mPGMA) beads were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, swelling tests, scanning electron microscopy, electron spin resonance spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and zeta sizing analysis. The density and swelling ratio of the beads were 1.08 g/cm(3) and 52%, respectively. Anti-Tf molecules were covalently coupled through epoxy groups of mPGMA. Optimum binding of anti-Tf was 2.0 mg/g. Optimum Tf binding from aqueous Tf solutions was determined as 1.65 mg/g at pH 6.0 and initial Tf concentration of 1.0 mg/mL. There was no remarkable loss in the Tf adsorption capacity of immunoaffinity beads after five adsorption-desorption cycles. Tf adsorption from artificial plasma was also investigated and the purity of the Tf molecules was shown with gel electrophoresis studies.

Affinity-recognition-based polymeric cryogels for protein depletion studies

Supermacroporous cryogels can be used for the depletion of highly abundant proteins prior to proteome investigations.