Synthesis and Characterization of Fe₃O₄Coated on APTES as Carriers for Morin-Anticancer Drug

Morin (MR) is an anticancer drug present in fruits and Chinese herbs. Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) coated on 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES) were synthesized (MNPs-APTES) as carriers for MR. The characterization of drug delivery system was confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The adsorbed APTES on the magnetite surface (MNPs-APTES) was examined by FTIR. The TEM image showed that the average particle size is obtained to be about 26.7 nm for MNPs-APTES. The MR loading and release behavior of MNPs-APTES were studied and the results showed that up to 60% of the adsorbed drug was released within 4 h. In summary, the MNPs-APTES nanocarriers are based on the results, promising for targeted morin drug delivery.

β-Cyclodextrin and Its Derivatives Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticles for Targeting Delivery of Curcumin and Cell Imaging

β-Cyclodextrin （β-CD） and its derivatives functionalized magnetic nanoparticles （MNPs） with high saturated magnetism were fabricated successfully by an effective grafting method. The resultant carboxymethyl/hydroxy- propyl/sulfobutyl ether-β-CD-MNPs （CM/HP/SBE-β-CD-MNPs） nanocomposites were characterized by the TEM, FTIR, DLS, Zeta potential, XRD and VSM. In addition, the loading and release performance of the as-prepared nanocarriers for the hydrophobic anti-cancer drug curcumin was also investigated. The results revealed that the SBE-fl-CD-MNPs possessed the highest loading and release capacity in comparison with other two nanosystems. Cellular uptake and imaging suggested that the SBE-β-CD-MNPs entered into the cell, and curcumin could be suc-cessfully delivered into the cell by SBE-β-CD-MNPs nanocarrier. Moreover, cell toxicity experiments demonstrated the SBE-β-CD-MNPs were non-toxic, while curcumin loaded SBE-β-CD-MNPs showed high potential to kill the HepG2 cells. The as-prepared magnetic composites were expected to expand their potential applications in bio- medical field.

A Mitochondria-Specific Orange/Near-Infrared-Emissive Fluorescent Probe for Dual-Imaging of Viscosity and H_(2)0_(2) in Inflammation and Tumor Models

Elucidating the intrinsic relationship between viscosity/H_(2)0_(2) and mitochondria-associated diseases remains a great challenge owing to the lack of research on multiple diseases models,such as inflammation and malignant tumor models.In this work,we have developed a mitochondria-specific orange/near-infrared-emissive fluorescent probe TTPB,for dual-imaging of viscosity and H_(2)0_(2) levels in two different channels.The probe exhibited a remarkable response to viscosity with NIR emission round 666 nm,and was highly sensitive to H_(2)0_(2) in orange channel with emission peak at 586 nm.Moreover,TTPB has good mitochondria-specific ability and permits individual detecting of viscosity in NIR channels and H_(2)0_(2) levels in orange channel in living cells.More notably,TTPB was successfully applied to simultaneously image the viscosity and H_(2)0_(2) levels in inflammation and cancer models.

Recent Advances in Carbon Nanodots:Properties and Applications in Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Cancer is a serious threat to human health.Survival rates of cancer patients are highly dependent on the early diagnosis and treatment.Carbon nanodots(CDs),a rising star of carbon nanomaterial family,can be developed as a promising terrace for cell labeling,bioimaging,drug delivery,diagnosis,and therapy by virtue of many superior properties including unique photo-luminescence properties,low toxicity,excellent biocompatibility,and easy functionalization.In this mini review,we present the recent progress in fundamental properties of CDs,and highlight their bioapplications in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

A Simple and Novel Electrochemical Sensor Based on Phosphomolybdic-Polypyrrole Film Modified Electrode for Highly Sensitive Detection of Cholic Acid

A simpe electrochemical sensor for detection of cholic acid （CA） was designed by modifying phosphomolybdate （PMol2） doped polypyrrole （PPy） film on glassy carbon electrode （PMo12-PPy/GCE）. The electrochemical behavior of CA on PMo12-PPy/GCE was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and 0.5 order differential voltammetry. The results indicated that CA had high inhibitory activity toward the peak currents of PMo12-PPy/GCE. The reduction peak currents were linearly related to the logarithmic value of the concentration of CA from 1.0 × 10^- 7 to 1.0 × 10^-3 mol/L with a low detection limit of 1.0 × 10^- 8 mol/L. The developed sensor exhibited excellent sensitivity, selectivity and stability for detection of CA, and it could be successfully applied to detect the level of CA in the urine samples. Moreover, the response mechanism of CA on the PMo12-PPy/GCE was discussed in detail.

β-Amyloid Biomarker Detection for Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease(AD)is a neurodegenerative disease.It is a type of dementia and it mainly deals with thinking,memory and behavioral aspects.It is a progressive disease,which in course of time damages most sections of the brain.Beta amyloid peptides(Aβ)have been recognized as potential biomarkers to monitor AD.The Ab protein is made up of 39–42 amino acids,which are the main components of the plaques found in the AD brain.This beta amyloid is toxic to the neurons and causes degeneration.In order to measure these biomarkers,nanobiosensing techniques are used.Timely monitoring of Ab levels helps in the detection of the irreversible disease called AD.These techniques fall in two categories,viz.,in vitro and in vivo.Several techniques like electrochemical techniques,cantilever-based liposome biosensor,ELISA,PET scan,microdialysis,etc.,are discussed further in the article.These techniques can prove to be effective methods for quantifying amyloid deposition within specific brain regions.