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Li T, Zhang Y, Wu F, Chen G, Li C, Wang Q. Rational Design of NIR-II Ratiometric Fluorescence Probes for Accurate Bioimaging and Biosensing In Vivo. Small Methods 2024:e2400132. [PMID: 38470209 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202400132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Intravital fluorescence imaging in the second near-infrared window (NIR-II, 900-1700 nm) has emerged as a promising method for non-invasive diagnostics in complex biological systems due to its advantages of less background interference, high tissue penetration depth, high imaging contrast, and sensitivity. However, traditional NIR-II fluorescence imaging, which is characterized by the "always on" or "turn on" mode, lacks the ability of quantitative detection, leading to low reproducibility and reliability during bio-detection. In contrast, NIR-II ratiometric fluorescence imaging can realize quantitative and reliable analysis and detection in vivo by providing reference signals for fluorescence correction, generating new opportunities and prospects during in vivo bioimaging and biosensing. In this review, the current design strategies and sensing mechanisms of NIR-II ratiometric fluorescence probes for bioimaging and biosensing applications are systematically summarized. Further, current challenges, future perspectives and opportunities for designing NIR-II ratiometric fluorescence probes are also discussed. It is hoped that this review can provide effective guidance for the design of NIR-II ratiometric fluorescence probes and promote its adoption in reliable biological imaging and sensing in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuanwei Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Key Laboratory of Functional Molecular Imaging Technology, Division of Nanobiomedicine and i-Lab, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Yejun Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Key Laboratory of Functional Molecular Imaging Technology, Division of Nanobiomedicine and i-Lab, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Feng Wu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Key Laboratory of Functional Molecular Imaging Technology, Division of Nanobiomedicine and i-Lab, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Guangcun Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Key Laboratory of Functional Molecular Imaging Technology, Division of Nanobiomedicine and i-Lab, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Chunyan Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Key Laboratory of Functional Molecular Imaging Technology, Division of Nanobiomedicine and i-Lab, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Qiangbin Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Key Laboratory of Functional Molecular Imaging Technology, Division of Nanobiomedicine and i-Lab, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, China
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Li MY, Wu H, Fan XC, Huang F, Yu J, Wang K, Zhang XH. Expanding Multiple-Resonance Structure of a Double-Borylated Skeleton by Fusing with Indolocarbazole a Multiple-Resonance Donor for Narrowband Green Emission. Small 2024:e2312098. [PMID: 38461523 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202312098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Double-borylated multiple-resonance (MR) skeletons are promising templates for high performance, while the chemical design space is relatively limited. Peripheral segments are often used to decorate/fuse MR skeletons and modulate the photophysics but they can also cause unwanted spectral broadening. Herein, a narrowband MR emitter ICzDBA by fusing an MR-featured donor segment indolocarbazole into a double-borylated MR skeleton is developed. In ICzDBA, the nitrogen atom located away from the core benzene ring can also contribute to the generation of the overall MR-featured distribution through the long-range conjugation effect, along with the other boron/nitrogen atoms on the phenyl center. Thus, ICzDBA in toluene displays a narrowband emission peaking at 507 nm with a full width at half maximum of merely 20 nm (0.09 eV). Moreover, organic light-emitting diode devices using ICzDBA emitter exhibit ultrapure green emission with Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) coordinates of (0.27, 0.70) and a high external quantum efficiency of 32.5%. These results manifest the importance of MR characters of peripheral decorations/fusions in preserving the narrowband features of MR skeletons, which provides a solution for further expanding MR structures with well-maintained narrowband characters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mo-Yuan Li
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Hao Wu
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Chun Fan
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Feng Huang
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Jia Yu
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Kai Wang
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Hong Zhang
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Negative Carbon Technologies, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, P. R. China
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Yang Y, Song S, Gu S, Gu Y, Zhao P, Li D, Cheng W, Liu C, Zhang H. Kisspeptin prevents pregnancy loss by modulating the immune microenvironment at the maternal-fetal interface in recurrent spontaneous abortion. Am J Reprod Immunol 2024; 91:e13818. [PMID: 38414308 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Immune factors are crucial in the development of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). This study aimed to investigate whether kisspeptin regulates immune cells at the maternal-fetal interface and whether G protein-coupled receptor 54 (GPR54) is involved in this process, through which it contributes to the pathogenesis of RSA. METHOD OF STUDY Normal pregnancy (NP) (CBA/J × BALB/c) and RSA (CBA/J × DBA/2) mouse models were established. NP mice received tail vein injections of PBS and KP234 (blocker of kisspeptin receptor), whereas RSA mice received PBS and KP10 (active fragment of kisspeptin). The changes in immune cells in mouse spleen and uterus were assessed using flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. The expression of critical cytokines was examined by flow cytometry, ELISA, Western blotting, and qPCR. Immunofluorescence was employed to detect the coexpression of FOXP3 and GPR54. RESULTS The findings revealed that the proportion of Treg cells, MDSCs, and M2 macrophages in RSA mice was lower than that in NP mice, but it increased following the tail vein injection of KP10. Conversely, the proportion of these cells was reduced in NP mice after the injection of KP234. However, the trend of γδT cell proportion change is contrary to these cells. Furthermore, FOXP3 and GPR54 were coexpressed in mouse spleen and uterus Treg cells as well as in the human decidua samples. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that kisspeptin potentially participates in the pathogenesis of RSA by influencing immune cell subsets at the maternal-fetal interface, including Treg cells, MDSC cells, γδT cells, and M2 macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhong Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Saizhe Song
- Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Shuting Gu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yanzheng Gu
- Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ping Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Dongxiao Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Wei Cheng
- Department of Dermatology, The Affiliated Changshu Hospital of Nantong University, Suzhou, China
| | - Cuiping Liu
- Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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Cheng Z, Wang Y, Jiang X, Ren W, Lei S, Deng F, Wu L. High sensitivity C-reactive protein and prediabetes progression and regression in middle-aged and older adults: A prospective cohort study. J Diabetes Investig 2024; 15:78-86. [PMID: 37803908 PMCID: PMC10759715 DOI: 10.1111/jdi.14090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to investigate the effect of systemic inflammation, assessed by high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels, on prediabetes progression and regression in middle-aged and older adults based on the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). METHODS Participants with prediabetes from CHARLS were followed up 4 years later with blood samples collected for measuring fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). The level of hs-CRP was assessed at baseline and categorized into tertiles (low, middle, and high groups). Prediabetes at baseline and follow-up was defined primarily according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs). We also performed stratified analyses according to age, gender, BMI, the presence of hypertension, and the disease history of heart disease and dyslipidemia and sensitivity analyses excluding a subset of participants with incomplete data. RESULTS Of the 2,874 prediabetes included at baseline, 834 participants remained as having prediabetes, 146 progressed to diabetes, and 1,894 regressed to normoglycemia based on ADA criteria with a 4 year follow-up. After multivariate logistics regression analysis, prediabetes with middle (0.67-1.62 mg/L) and high (>1.62 mg/L) hs-CRP levels had an increased incidence of progressing to diabetes compared with prediabetes with low hs-CRP levels (<0.67 mg/L; OR = 1.846, 95%CI: 1.129-3.018; and OR = 1.632, 95%CI: 0.985-2.703, respectively), and the incidence of regressing to normoglycemia decreased (OR = 0.793, 95%CI: 0.645-0.975; and OR = 0.769, 95%CI: 0.623-0.978, respectively). Stratified analyses and sensitivity analyses showed consistent results. CONCLUSIONS Low levels of hs-CRP are associated with a high incidence of regression from prediabetes to normoglycemia and reduced odds of progression to diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi‐Jian Cheng
- Center for Genetic Epidemiology and GenomicsSchool of Public Health, Medical College of Soochow UniversitySuzhouJiangsuChina
| | - Yan‐Fei Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric DiseasesSoochow UniversitySuzhouJiangsuChina
| | - Xi‐Yuan Jiang
- Center of OsteoporosisKunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese MedicineKunshanJiangsuChina
| | - Wen‐Yan Ren
- Cambridge‐Suda Genomic Resource Center, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric DiseasesMedical College of Soochow UniversitySuzhouJiangsuChina
| | - Shu‐Feng Lei
- Center for Genetic Epidemiology and GenomicsSchool of Public Health, Medical College of Soochow UniversitySuzhouJiangsuChina
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric DiseasesSoochow UniversitySuzhouJiangsuChina
| | - Fei‐Yan Deng
- Center for Genetic Epidemiology and GenomicsSchool of Public Health, Medical College of Soochow UniversitySuzhouJiangsuChina
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric DiseasesSoochow UniversitySuzhouJiangsuChina
| | - Long‐Fei Wu
- Center for Genetic Epidemiology and GenomicsSchool of Public Health, Medical College of Soochow UniversitySuzhouJiangsuChina
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric DiseasesSoochow UniversitySuzhouJiangsuChina
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Ge G, Guo Q, Zhou Y, Li W, Zhang W, Bai J, Wang Q, Tao H, Wang W, Wang Z, Gan M, Xu Y, Yang H, Li B, Geng D. GLI1 facilitates collagen-induced arthritis in mice by collaborative regulation of DNA methyltransferases. eLife 2023; 12:e92142. [PMID: 37929702 PMCID: PMC10627516 DOI: 10.7554/elife.92142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by joint synovitis and bone destruction, the etiology of which remains to be explored. Many types of cells are involved in the progression of RA joint inflammation, among which the overactivation of M1 macrophages and osteoclasts has been thought to be an essential cause of joint inflammation and bone destruction. Glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (GLI1) has been revealed to be closely linked to bone metabolism. In this study, GLI1 expression in the synovial tissue of RA patients was positively correlated with RA-related scores and was highly expressed in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse articular macrophage-like cells. The decreased expression and inhibition of nuclear transfer of GLI1 downregulated macrophage M1 polarization and osteoclast activation, the effect of which was achieved by modulation of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) via transcriptional regulation and protein interactions. By pharmacological inhibition of GLI1, the proportion of proinflammatory macrophages and the number of osteoclasts were significantly reduced, and the joint inflammatory response and bone destruction in CIA mice were alleviated. This study clarified the mechanism of GLI1 in macrophage phenotypic changes and activation of osteoclasts, suggesting potential applications of GLI1 inhibitors in the clinical treatment of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaoran Ge
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Orthopedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Qianping Guo
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Orthopedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
- Medical 3D Printing Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Biology & Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Wenming Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Orthopedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Orthopedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Jiaxiang Bai
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of ChinaAnhuiChina
| | - Qing Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Orthopedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Huaqiang Tao
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Orthopedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Orthopedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Zhen Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Suzhou Kowloon Hospital Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineSuzhouChina
| | - Minfeng Gan
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Orthopedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Yaozeng Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Orthopedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Huilin Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Orthopedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Orthopedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
- Medical 3D Printing Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Biology & Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Dechun Geng
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Orthopedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
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Shi X, Li W, Lan X, Guo Q, Zhu G, Du W, Wang T. Room-Temperature Polarized Light-Emitting Diode-Based on a 2D Monolayer Semiconductor. Small 2023; 19:e2301949. [PMID: 37357166 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202301949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD)-based 2D monolayer semiconductors, with the direct bandgap and the large exciton binding energy, are widely studied to develop miniaturized optoelectronic devices, e.g., nanoscale light-emitting diodes (LEDs). However, in terms of polarization control, it is still quite challenging to realize polarized electroluminescence (EL) from TMD monolayers, especially at room temperature. Here, by using Ag nanowire top electrode, polarized LEDs are demonstrated based on 2D monolayer semiconductors (WSe2 , MoSe2 , and WS2 ) at room temperature with a degree of polarization (DoP) ranging from 50% to 63%. The highly anisotropic EL emission comes from the 2D/Ag interface via the electron/hole injection and recombination process, where the EL emission is also enhanced by the polarization-dependent plasmonic resonance of the Ag nanowire. These findings introduce new insights into the design of polarized 2D LED devices at room temperature and may promote the development of miniaturized 2D optoelectronic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuqi Shi
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Wenfei Li
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Xinhui Lan
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Qianqian Guo
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Guangpeng Zhu
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Wei Du
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Tao Wang
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, P. R. China
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Xu W, Wang D, Guo Q, Zhu S, Zhang L, Wang T, Moloney MG, Du W. Robust Sub-5 Nanometer bis(Diarylcarbene)-Based Thin Film for Molecular Electronics and Plasmonics. Adv Mater 2023; 35:e2303057. [PMID: 37266891 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202303057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
In miniaturized electronic and optoelectronic circuits, molecular tunnel junctions have attracted enormous research interest due to their small footprint, low power consumption, and rich molecular functions. However, the most popular building blocks used in contemporary molecular tunnel junctions are thiol molecules, which attach to electrode surfaces via a metal-thiolate (MS) bond, showing low stability and usually quick degradation within several days. To pave the way for more widely applicable and stable molecular tunnel junctions, there is a need to develop new molecular anchoring groups. Here, this work demonstrates robust and air-stable molecular tunnel junctions with a sub-5 nanometer bis(diarylcarbene)-based thin film as the tunneling barrier, which anchors to the electrode surface via a AuC bond. The bis(diarylcarbene)-based molecular tunnel junctions exhibit high thermal stability against heating up to 200 °C and long storage lifetime over 5 months in an ambient environment. Both electrical and optical performance of these bis(diarylcarbene)-based molecular junctions are characterized systematically, showing similar behaviors to thiol-based junctions as well as largely improved emission stability. This research highlights the excellent performance of bis(diarylcarbene)-based molecular tunnel junctions, which could be useful for applications in molecular electronics and plasmonics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenrui Xu
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, 199 Ren'ai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Dandan Wang
- Oxford Suzhou Centre for Advanced Research, Building A, 388 Ruo Shui Road, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Qianqian Guo
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, 199 Ren'ai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Shu Zhu
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, 199 Ren'ai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Lan Zhang
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, 199 Ren'ai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Tao Wang
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, 199 Ren'ai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Mark G Moloney
- Oxford Suzhou Centre for Advanced Research, Building A, 388 Ruo Shui Road, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, P. R. China
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Wei Du
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, 199 Ren'ai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, P. R. China
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Shen H, Cui G, Li Y, Ye W, Sun Y, Zhang Z, Li J, Xu G, Zeng X, Zhang Y, Zhang W, Huang Z, Chen W, Shen Z. Follistatin-like 1 protects mesenchymal stem cells from hypoxic damage and enhances their therapeutic efficacy in a mouse myocardial infarction model. Stem Cell Res Ther 2019; 10:17. [PMID: 30635025 PMCID: PMC6330478 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-018-1111-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Revised: 12/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cell therapy remains the most promising approach against ischemic heart injury. However, poor survival of engrafted cells in ischemic sites diminishes its therapeutic efficacy. Follistatin-like 1 (Fstl1) is documented as a novel pro-survival cardiokine for cardiomyocytes, and it is protective during ischemic heart injury. In the present study, we characterize the potential of Fstl1 as an effective strategy to enhance hypoxia resistance of donor cells and optimize stem cell-based therapy. METHODS Murine bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were expanded in monolayer culture and characterized by flow cytometry. MSCs were subjected to hypoxia to mimic cardiac ischemic environment. Expression of Fstl1 was monitored 0, 24, and 48 h following hypoxia. Constitutive expression of Fstl1 in MSCs was achieved by lentivirus-mediated Fstl1 overexpression. Genetically modified MSCs were further collected for cell death and proliferation assay following 48 h of hypoxic treatment. Acute myocardial infarction (MI) model was created by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery, while control MSCs (MSCs-mCherry) or Fstl1-overexpressing MSCs (MSCs-Fstl1) were injected into the peri-infarct zone simultaneously. Subsequently, retention of the donor cells was evaluated on post-therapy 1, 3, & 7 days. Finally, myocardial function, infarct size, inflammation, and neovascularization of the infarcted hearts were calculated thereafter. RESULTS Expression of Fstl1 in hypoxic MSCs declines dramatically in a time-dependent manner. In vitro study further demonstrated that Fstl1 promotes survival and proliferation of hypoxic MSCs. Moreover, Fstl1 significantly prolongs MSC survival/retention after implantation. Finally, transplantation with Fstl1-overexpressing MSCs significantly improves post-MI cardiac function by limiting scar formation, reducing inflammatory response, and enhancing neovascularization. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest Fstl1 is an intrinsic cardiokine promoting survival and proliferation of MSCs, thereby optimizing their engraftment and therapeutic efficacy during cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Shen
- Institute for Cardiovascular Science and Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006 China
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital and Institute for Cardiovascular Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006 China
| | - Guanghao Cui
- Institute for Cardiovascular Science and Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006 China
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital and Institute for Cardiovascular Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006 China
| | - Yanqiong Li
- Institute for Cardiovascular Science and Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006 China
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital and Institute for Cardiovascular Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006 China
| | - Wenxue Ye
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital and Institute for Cardiovascular Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006 China
| | - Yimin Sun
- Institute for Cardiovascular Science and Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006 China
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital and Institute for Cardiovascular Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006 China
| | - Zihan Zhang
- Institute for Cardiovascular Science and Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006 China
| | - Jingjing Li
- Institute for Cardiovascular Science and Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006 China
| | - Guiying Xu
- Institute for Cardiovascular Science and Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006 China
| | - Xiansheng Zeng
- Department of Cardiology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006 China
| | - Yanxia Zhang
- Institute for Cardiovascular Science and Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006 China
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital and Institute for Cardiovascular Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006 China
| | - Wencheng Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Health, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zan Huang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Animal Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agriculture University, Nanjing, 210000 China
| | - Weiqian Chen
- Institute for Cardiovascular Science and Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006 China
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital and Institute for Cardiovascular Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006 China
| | - Zhenya Shen
- Institute for Cardiovascular Science and Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006 China
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital and Institute for Cardiovascular Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006 China
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