Many studies have recently attempted to develop multifunctional nanoconstructs by integrating the superior fluores- cence properties of quantum dots (QD) with therapeutic capabilities into a single vesicle for cance...Many studies have recently attempted to develop multifunctional nanoconstructs by integrating the superior fluores- cence properties of quantum dots (QD) with therapeutic capabilities into a single vesicle for cancer theranostics. Liposome- quantum dot (L-QD) hybrid vesicles have shown promising potential for the construction of multifunctional nanoconstructs for cancer imaging and therapy. To fulfil such a potential, we report here the further functionalization of L-QD hybrid vesi- cles with therapeutic capabilities by loading anticancer drug doxorubicin (Dox) into their aqueous core. L-QD hybrid vesi- cles are first engineered by the incorporation of TOPO-capped, CdSe/ZnS QD into the lipid bilayers of DSPC:Chol:DSPE- PEG2000, followed by Dox loading using the pH-gradient technique. The loading efficiency of Dox into L-QD hybrid vesicles is achieved up to 97%, comparable to liposome control. All these evidences prove that the incorporation of QD into the lipid bilayer does not affect Dox loading through the lipid membrane of liposomes using the pH-gradient technique. Moreover, the release study shows that Dox release profile can be modulated simply by changing lipid composition. In conclusion, the Dox-loaded L-QD hybrid vesicles presented here constitute a promising multifunctional nanoconstruct capable of transporting combinations of therapeutic and diagnostic modalities.展开更多
细胞内肌动蛋白(actin)通过与actin结合蛋白(actin binding proteins,ABPs)相互作用,形成以F-actin为基础多种ABPs参与装配的高度有序的超分子聚合结构,行使各种重要生理功能。在体外聚合条件下,不存在F-actin稳定剂时纯化的actin主要...细胞内肌动蛋白(actin)通过与actin结合蛋白(actin binding proteins,ABPs)相互作用,形成以F-actin为基础多种ABPs参与装配的高度有序的超分子聚合结构,行使各种重要生理功能。在体外聚合条件下,不存在F-actin稳定剂时纯化的actin主要通过自装配形成大尺度的聚集堆积结构;这种表观无序的结构体系由于被认为不具备细胞功能活性而受到忽视。利用激光原子力显微镜(atomic force microscope,AFM)和透射电子显微镜(transmission electron microscope,TEM)技术,对actin体外通过自装配过程形成的大尺度聚集结构进行了细致的观察和分析。研究发现,actin在体外通过自装配过程除了形成无序的蛋白堆积物之外,还能够聚合形成复杂的离散结构,包括树状分支的纤维丛、无规卷曲的纤维簇以及具有不同直径的长纤维等;这些大尺度纤维复合物明显不同于在ABPs或过量F-actin稳定剂参与下形成的由单根微丝和微丝束构成的聚合结构。表明无ABPs或F-actin稳定剂存在的情况下,体外聚合的F-actin在一定条件下可进一步聚集缠绕形成复杂的纤维结构或无序的蛋白堆积物。事实上,actin自装配过程反映了其固有的聚合热力学特性,深入探索将有助于理解ABPs在体内actin超分子聚合结构体系装配中的调控作用及其分子机制。展开更多
基金Project partially supported by the School of Pharmacy,University College London
文摘Many studies have recently attempted to develop multifunctional nanoconstructs by integrating the superior fluores- cence properties of quantum dots (QD) with therapeutic capabilities into a single vesicle for cancer theranostics. Liposome- quantum dot (L-QD) hybrid vesicles have shown promising potential for the construction of multifunctional nanoconstructs for cancer imaging and therapy. To fulfil such a potential, we report here the further functionalization of L-QD hybrid vesi- cles with therapeutic capabilities by loading anticancer drug doxorubicin (Dox) into their aqueous core. L-QD hybrid vesi- cles are first engineered by the incorporation of TOPO-capped, CdSe/ZnS QD into the lipid bilayers of DSPC:Chol:DSPE- PEG2000, followed by Dox loading using the pH-gradient technique. The loading efficiency of Dox into L-QD hybrid vesicles is achieved up to 97%, comparable to liposome control. All these evidences prove that the incorporation of QD into the lipid bilayer does not affect Dox loading through the lipid membrane of liposomes using the pH-gradient technique. Moreover, the release study shows that Dox release profile can be modulated simply by changing lipid composition. In conclusion, the Dox-loaded L-QD hybrid vesicles presented here constitute a promising multifunctional nanoconstruct capable of transporting combinations of therapeutic and diagnostic modalities.
文摘细胞内肌动蛋白(actin)通过与actin结合蛋白(actin binding proteins,ABPs)相互作用,形成以F-actin为基础多种ABPs参与装配的高度有序的超分子聚合结构,行使各种重要生理功能。在体外聚合条件下,不存在F-actin稳定剂时纯化的actin主要通过自装配形成大尺度的聚集堆积结构;这种表观无序的结构体系由于被认为不具备细胞功能活性而受到忽视。利用激光原子力显微镜(atomic force microscope,AFM)和透射电子显微镜(transmission electron microscope,TEM)技术,对actin体外通过自装配过程形成的大尺度聚集结构进行了细致的观察和分析。研究发现,actin在体外通过自装配过程除了形成无序的蛋白堆积物之外,还能够聚合形成复杂的离散结构,包括树状分支的纤维丛、无规卷曲的纤维簇以及具有不同直径的长纤维等;这些大尺度纤维复合物明显不同于在ABPs或过量F-actin稳定剂参与下形成的由单根微丝和微丝束构成的聚合结构。表明无ABPs或F-actin稳定剂存在的情况下,体外聚合的F-actin在一定条件下可进一步聚集缠绕形成复杂的纤维结构或无序的蛋白堆积物。事实上,actin自装配过程反映了其固有的聚合热力学特性,深入探索将有助于理解ABPs在体内actin超分子聚合结构体系装配中的调控作用及其分子机制。