-
ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering Jan 2024Gold nanostars (AuNSs) are nanoparticles with intricate three-dimensional structures and shape-dependent optoelectronic properties. For example, AuNSs uniquely display... (Review)
Review
Gold nanostars (AuNSs) are nanoparticles with intricate three-dimensional structures and shape-dependent optoelectronic properties. For example, AuNSs uniquely display three distinct surface curvatures, i.e. neutral, positive, and negative, which provide different environments to adsorbed ligands. Hence, these curvatures are used to introduce different surface chemistries in nanoparticles. This review summarizes and discusses the role of surface curvature in AuNS properties and its impact on biomedical and chemical applications, including surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, contrast agent performance, and catalysis. We examine the main synthetic approaches to generate AuNSs, control their morphology, and discuss their benefits and drawbacks. We also describe the optical characteristics of AuNSs and discuss how these depend on nanoparticle morphology. Finally, we analyze how AuNS surface curvature endows them with properties distinctly different from those of other nanoparticles, such as strong electromagnetic fields at the tips and increased hydrophilic environments at the indentations, together making AuNSs uniquely useful for biosensing, imaging, and local chemical manipulation.
Topics: Gold; Nanoparticles; Spectrum Analysis, Raman
PubMed: 37249042
DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c00249 -
Analytical Biochemistry Jul 2023Exosomes are potential biomarkers for disease diagnosis and treatment, as well as drug carriers. However, as their isolation and detection remain critical issues,...
Exosomes are potential biomarkers for disease diagnosis and treatment, as well as drug carriers. However, as their isolation and detection remain critical issues, convenient, rapid, low-cost, and effective methods are necessary. In this study, we present a rapid and simple method for directly capturing and analyzing exosomes from complex cell culture media using CaTiO:Eu@FeO multifunctional nanocomposites. The CaTiO:Eu@FeO nanocomposites were prepared by high-energy ball-milling and used to isolate exosomes by binding CaTiO:Eu@FeO nanocomposites and the hydrophilic phosphate head of the exosome phospholipids. Notably, the developed CaTiO:Eu@FeO multifunctional nanocomposites achieved results comparable with those of commercially available TiO and were separated using a magnet within 10 min. Moreover, we report a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based immunoassay for detecting the exosome biomarker CD81. Gold nanorods (Au NRs) were modified with detection antibodies, and antibody-conjugated Au NRs were labeled with 3, 3, diethylthiatricarbocyanine iodide (DTTC) as the SERS tags. A method combining magnetic separation and SERS was developed to detect exosomal biomarker CD81. The results of this study demonstrate the feasibility of this new technique as a useful tool for exosome isolation and detection.
Topics: Exosomes; Nanocomposites; Gold; Spectrum Analysis, Raman; Magnetics
PubMed: 37201773
DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2023.115161 -
Environmental Research Aug 2023Rock particles from drilling and blasting during tunnel construction (DB particles) are released to the aquatic environment where they may cause negative toxicological...
Rock particles from drilling and blasting during tunnel construction (DB particles) are released to the aquatic environment where they may cause negative toxicological and ecological effects. However, there exists little research on the difference in morphology and structure of these particles. Despite this DB particles are assumed to be sharper and more angular than naturally eroded particles (NE particles), and in consequence cause greater mechanical abrasion to biota. Moreover, morphology of DB particles is assumed to depend on geology, thus depending on where construction takes place different morphologies may be emitted. The objectives in the current study were to investigate the morphological differences between DB and NE particles, and the influence of mineral and elemental content on DB particles. Particle geochemistry and morphology were characterized by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, micro-X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, environmental scanning electron microscope interfaced with energy dispersive X-ray, stereo microscope, dynamic image analysis and coulter counter. DB particles (61-91% < 63 μm) collected from five different tunnel construction locations in Norway were 8-15% more elongated (lower aspect ratio) than NE particles from river water and sediments, although their angularity was similar (solidity; diff 0.3-0.8%). Despite distinct mineral and elemental characteristics between tunnel construction locations, DB morphology was not explained by geochemical content since only 2-2.1% of the variance was explained. This suggests that particle formation mechanisms during drilling and blasting are more influential of morphology than mineralogy, when working in granite-gneiss terrain. When tunnelling in granite-gneiss terrain, particles with greater elongation than natural particles may enter aquatic systems.
Topics: Particle Size; Silicon Dioxide; Spectrum Analysis; Environmental Monitoring
PubMed: 37268214
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116250 -
The Analyst Dec 2023Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) derived from nature have received increasing attention and become more popular. Due to their diverse production processes, complex... (Review)
Review
Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) derived from nature have received increasing attention and become more popular. Due to their diverse production processes, complex ingredients, and different storage conditions, it is highly desirable to develop simple, rapid, efficient and trace detection methods to ensure the drug quality. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy has the advantages of being time-saving, non-destructive, usable in aqueous environments, and highly compatible with various biomolecular samples, providing a promising analytical method for CHM. In this review, we outline the major advances in the application of SERS to the identification of raw materials, detection of bioactive constituents, characterization of adulterants, and detection of contaminants. This clearly shows that SERS has strong potential in the quality control of CHM, which greatly promotes the modernization of CHM.
Topics: Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Spectrum Analysis, Raman; Quality Control; Water
PubMed: 37966012
DOI: 10.1039/d3an01466e -
Poultry Science Oct 2023The culling of day-old male chicks has caused ethical and economic concerns. Traditional approaches for detecting the in ovo sex of chicken embryos involve opening the... (Review)
Review
The culling of day-old male chicks has caused ethical and economic concerns. Traditional approaches for detecting the in ovo sex of chicken embryos involve opening the eggshell and inner membrane, which are destructive, time-consuming, and inefficient. Therefore, noncontact optical sensing techniques have been examined for the in ovo sexing of chicken embryos. Compared with traditional methods, optical sensing can increase determination throughput and frequency for the rapid sexing of chicken embryos. This paper presented a comprehensive review of the different optical sensing techniques used for the in ovo sexing of chicken embryos, including visible and near-infrared (Vis-NIR) spectroscopy, hyperspectral imaging, Raman spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and machine vision, discussing their advantages and disadvantages. In addition, the latest research regarding different detection algorithms and models for the in ovo sexing of chicken embryos was summarized. Therefore, this paper provides updated information regarding the optical sensing techniques that can be used in the poultry industry and related research.
Topics: Chick Embryo; Animals; Male; Chickens; Sex Determination Analysis; Ovum; Spectrum Analysis, Raman; Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared
PubMed: 37480656
DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.102906 -
Journal of Biomedical Optics Dec 2023Measuring hemodynamic function is crucial for health assessment. Optical signals provide relative hemoglobin concentration changes, but absolute measurements require...
SIGNIFICANCE
Measuring hemodynamic function is crucial for health assessment. Optical signals provide relative hemoglobin concentration changes, but absolute measurements require costly, bulky technology. Speckleplethysmography (SPG) uses coherent light to detect speckle fluctuations. Combining SPG with multispectral measurements may provide important physiological information on blood flow and absolute hemoglobin concentration.
AIM
To develop an affordable optical technology to measure tissue absorption, scattering, hemoglobin concentrations, tissue oxygen saturation (), and blood flow.
APPROACH
We integrated reflectance spectroscopy and laser speckle imaging to create coherent spatial imaging (CSI). CSI was validated against spatial frequency domain imaging (SFDI) using phantom-based measurements. arterial and venous occlusion experiments compared CSI with diffuse optical spectroscopy/diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DOS/DCS) measurements.
RESULTS
CSI and SFDI agreed on tissue absorption and scattering in phantom tests. CSI and DOS/DCS showed similar trends and agreement in arterial occlusion results. During venous occlusion, both uncorrected and corrected blood flow decreased with increasing pressure, with an difference in overall blood flow decrease between the methods. CSI and DOS/DCS data showed expected hemoglobin concentrations, , and blood flow trends.
CONCLUSIONS
CSI provides affordable and comprehensive hemodynamic information. It can potentially detect dysfunction and improve measurements, such as blood pressure, , and metabolism.
Topics: Humans; Diagnostic Imaging; Spectrum Analysis; Hemodynamics; Vascular Diseases; Hemoglobins
PubMed: 38116026
DOI: 10.1117/1.JBO.28.12.127001 -
Analytica Chimica Acta Aug 2023In this study, we propose an interference-free SERS-based aptasensor for trace detection of chlorpyrifos (CPF) in real samples. In the aptasensor, gold nanoparticles...
In this study, we propose an interference-free SERS-based aptasensor for trace detection of chlorpyrifos (CPF) in real samples. In the aptasensor, gold nanoparticles coated with Prussian blue (Au@PB NPs) were employed as SERS tags to provide a sole and intense Raman emission at 2160 cm, which could avoid overlapping with the Raman spectrum of the real samples in 600-1800 cm to improve the anti-matrix effect ability of the aptasensor. Under the optimum conditions, this aptasensor displayed a linear response for CPF detection in the range of 0.1-316 ng mL with a low detection limit of 0.066 ng mL. In addition, the prepared aptasensor shows excellent application to determine CPF in cucumber, pear and river water samples. The recovery rates were highly correlated with high-performance liquid chromatography‒mass spectrometry (HPLC‒MS/MS). This aptasensor shows interference-free, specific and sensitive detection for CPF and offers an effective strategy for other pesticide residue detection.
Topics: Chlorpyrifos; Gold; Tandem Mass Spectrometry; Metal Nanoparticles; Spectrum Analysis, Raman; Limit of Detection; Aptamers, Nucleotide; Biosensing Techniques
PubMed: 37268344
DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2023.341398 -
Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry May 2024The extensive application of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) in several fields has significantly impacted our daily lives. Nonetheless, uncertainties persist regarding the... (Review)
Review
The extensive application of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) in several fields has significantly impacted our daily lives. Nonetheless, uncertainties persist regarding the toxicity and potential risks associated with the vast number of NPs entering the environment and human bodies, so the performance of toxicological studies are highly demanded. While traditional assays focus primarily on the effects, the comprehension of the underlying processes requires innovative analytical approaches that can detect, characterize, and quantify NPs in complex biological matrices. Among the available alternatives to achieve this information, mass spectrometry, and more concretely, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), has emerged as an appealing option. This work critically reviews the valuable contribution of ICP-MS-based techniques to investigate NP toxicity and their transformations during in vitro and in vivo toxicological assays. Various ICP-MS modalities, such as total elemental analysis, single particle or single-cell modes, and coupling with separation techniques, as well as the potential of laser ablation as a spatially resolved sample introduction approach, are explored and discussed. Moreover, this review addresses limitations, novel trends, and perspectives in the field of nanotoxicology, particularly concerning NP internalization and pathways. These processes encompass cellular uptake and quantification, localization, translocation to other cell compartments, and biological transformations. By leveraging the capabilities of ICP-MS, researchers can gain deeper insights into the behaviour and effects of NPs, which can pave the way for safer and more responsible use of these materials.
Topics: Humans; Spectrum Analysis; Metal Nanoparticles; Mass Spectrometry; Laser Therapy; Nanoparticles
PubMed: 38329514
DOI: 10.1007/s00216-024-05181-4 -
Analytical Chemistry Jul 2023Bioaerosol transmission is one of the important transmission pathways of COVID-19 and other infectious respiratory diseases caused by viral infection. The ability to... (Review)
Review
Characterization of Bioaerosols at the Single-Particle Level Using Single-Particle Mass Spectrometry: A Promising Tool for Defending Human Health against Bioaerosol Transmission.
Bioaerosol transmission is one of the important transmission pathways of COVID-19 and other infectious respiratory diseases caused by viral infection. The ability to detect bioaerosols and characterize encapsulated pathogens both and in real time is crucial for early warning and monitoring of the progress of an epidemic or pandemic. The lack of a powerful analytical tool for distinguishing between bioaerosols and nonbioaerosols as well as for identification of pathogen species contained in the bioaerosols is the bottleneck in related fields. Herein, a promising solution for and real-time accurate and sensitive detection of bioaeorosols is proposed by integrating single-particle aerosol mass spectrometry, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and fluorescence spectroscopy. The proposed mass spectrometry aims at detecting bioaerosols in a range of 0.5-10 μm with adequate sensitivity and specificity. This single-particle bioaerosol mass spectrometry would not only be a powerful tool that can be useful for the authorities and public health monitoring but also would be an example of advances in mass spectrometry.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Respiratory Aerosols and Droplets; Mass Spectrometry; Spectrum Analysis
PubMed: 37401922
DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c05324 -
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton,... 2024Molecular manipulation by optical tweezers is a central technique to study the folded states of individual proteins and how they depend on interactions with molecules...
Molecular manipulation by optical tweezers is a central technique to study the folded states of individual proteins and how they depend on interactions with molecules including DNA, ligands, and other proteins. One of the key challenges of this approach is to stably attach DNA handles in an efficient manner. Here, we provide detailed descriptions of a universal approach to covalently link long DNA tethers of up to 5000 base pairs to proteins with or without native cysteines.
Topics: Proteins; DNA; Optical Tweezers; Single Molecule Imaging; Spectrum Analysis
PubMed: 37823999
DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3377-9_3