Gelatin-coated gold nanoparticles as an effective pH-sensitive methotrexate drug delivery system for breast cancer treatment

The present study investigates the synthesis and effectiveness of gold/gelatin nanoparticles (NPs) biopolymer as a carrier for methotrexate (MTX) drug. Two different shapes of gold particles, including spherical AuNPs (50 & 100 nm) and gold nanorods (AuNRs) with three different sizes (20, 50 and 100 nm length) were synthesized using the chemical reduction method. The effect of AuNPs size and shape on the entrapment efficiency (E.E), the release rate of the drug, and cellular uptake were investigated. The surfaces of both AuNPs and AuNRs were coated with a gelatin biopolymer, and the stability and property of the generated compounds were studied. Moreover, MTX as a chemotherapeutic agent was loaded on the gelatin-coated AuNPs/AuNRs complexes. The physicochemical properties of the gelatin-coated AuNPs/AuNRs complexes were studied using ultraviolet-visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The E.E and MTX release behavior from the complexes at pH values of 7.4 and 5.4 and temperatures of 37 and 40 °C were investigated in vitro. The cytotoxic effects of AuNPs, AuNPs-Gelatin, AuNPs-Gelatin-MTX, AuNRs, AuNRs-Gelatin, AuNRs-Gelatin-MTX and free MTX were studied. The results indicated that the E.E of AuNPs was higher than that of AuNRs. The highest release rate of the drug was related to the AuNR1-gelatin complex (pH 5.4 and temperature of 40 °C). In addition, MTX loaded AuNR2-gelatin showed the highest cytotoxic effect on the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line so that even its cell cytotoxicity was more than that of the free drug.     

原位液体室透射电镜观察金纳米棒/石墨烯复合物的形成和运动过程

本文利用原位液体室透射电子显微镜实时观察了液态下金纳米棒/石墨烯复合物的动态自组装行为。结果表明,由于电荷吸引力,金纳米棒倾向于通过尖端接近方式靠近石墨烯的边缘。组装结构形成以后,金纳米棒与石墨烯边缘可以发生相对旋转,其中金纳米棒边缘贴合石墨烯边缘的结构更稳定,并且没有显示金纳米棒与石墨烯边缘之间的相对角度随时间的变化。观察到了自组装结构的漂移运动,与较小尺寸的自组装结构相比,较大尺寸的结构显得更难以通过液体流动推动运动,并且其运动更容易因为来自液体室窗口基底的阻力而慢下来。利用液体室透射电镜进一步观察石墨烯折叠结构,观察结果表明折叠结构可随时间在液体中打开和闭合,导致固定在石墨烯层上的金纳米棒表现出与石墨烯之间的明显相对位置变化。总体上,自组装结构非常稳定,并且在液体中没有表现出任何的分离行为。进一步,将金纳米棒/石墨烯复合物用作催化剂,在4-硝基苯酚催化还原实验中显示出比单纯金纳米棒更好的催化性能。投料质量比为1:5的金纳米棒/石墨烯复合物表现出最佳性能,表观速率常数值为0.5570min~(-1),是单纯金纳米棒的8倍。这一显著改善与优化稳定的金纳米棒/石墨烯复合物结构密切相关。原位液体室透射电镜为分析液体中复杂的自组装行为,及未来的高性能复合催化剂材料的开发,提供了一种强有力的表征方法。     

The Early Life of Gold Nanorods: Temporal Separation of Anisotropic and Isotropic Growth Modes

Gold nanorods (AuNRs) are a particularly interesting class of nanomaterials because their dimensions and size-dependent optical properties make them ideally suited for many applications. AuNRs are typically synthesized using seeded growth approaches, in which a small spherical gold nanoparticle seed grows anisotropically into a rod-shaped particle. Using AuNRs themselves as seeds for the growth of other anisotropic shapes has been demonstrated but is relatively little-explored. In this study, we show that AuNRs grown using a common method (silver-assisted seeded growth) cannot be used as seeds in the synthesis of higher aspect ratio AuNRs. Instead, the seed AuNRs grow isotropically, providing a new synthetic approach to precisely tune the absolute dimensions of the final AuNRs. We furthermore show that the dimensions of the AuNRs are determined by the reaction conditions at very early times (<10?min), and that perturbing the growth solution beyond these times has little influence on the final AuNR properties. The observation of these behaviors may be relevant to ongoing investigations of AuNR growth mechanisms.     

DNA directed self-assembly of anisotropic plasmonic nanostructures

Programmable positioning of one-dimensional (1D) gold nanorods (AuNRs) was achieved by DNA directed self-assembly. AuNR dimer structures with various predetermined inter-rod angles and relative distances were constructed with high efficiency. These discrete anisotropic metallic nanostructures exhibit unique plasmonic properties, as measured experimentally and simulated by the discrete dipole approximation method.     

In situ assembly, regeneration and plasmonic immunosensing of a Au nanorod monolayer in a closed-surface flow channel

Herein, a simple and effective approach is reported for the in situ generation and regeneration of a Au nanorod (AuNR) monolayer inside a glass/silica-based, closed-surface flow channel. The density of the AuNR monolayer in the flow channel can be easily modified by varying the concentration of the AuNR and the cetyltrimethylammonium bromide as well as the incubation time. The fabricated AuNR monolayer in the flow channels was stable under harsh conditions, such as in extreme pH, organic solvents and at a fast flow rate. In addition, the flow channel could be reused by removing the immobilized AuNRs via the injection of diluted aqua regia or potassium iodide; the AuNR monolayer can subsequently be regenerated. The AuNRs in the closed flow channel were further exploited as a label-free detection method for a clinical biomarker, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), based on single-nanoparticle plasmonic assay. The corresponding limit of detection for NGAL was measured to be 8.5 ng mL(-1) (~340 pM) based on a signal-to-noise ratio of 3. The estimated recovery of NGAL in human serum and urine was higher than 80%, which indicates that this technique could potentially be used for the diagnosis of acute kidney injury.     

Direct Observation of the Orientation Dynamics of Single Protein‐Coated Nanoparticles at Liquid/Solid Interfaces

We have observed the rotational dynamics of single protein‐coated gold nanorods (AuNRs) on C₁₈‐modified silica surfaces in real time by dual‐channel polarization dark‐field microscopy. Four different rotational states were identified, depending on the apparent strength of interactions between the AuNRs and the surface. The distributions of the states could be regulated by adjusting the salt concentration, and the state transitions were verified by monitoring the entire desorption process of a single AuNR. Our study provides insight into the interfacial orientation and dynamics of nanoparticles and could be useful for in vitro biophysics and the separation of proteins.     

Platelet‐Facilitated Photothermal Therapy of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Here, we present a platelet‐facilitated photothermal tumor therapy (PLT‐PTT) strategy, in which PLTs act as carriers for targeted delivery of photothermal agents to tumor tissues and enhance the PTT effect. Gold nanorods (AuNRs) were first loaded into PLTs by electroporation and the resulting AuNR‐loaded PLTs (PLT‐AuNRs) inherited long blood circulation and cancer targeting characteristics from PLTs and good photothermal property from AuNRs. Using a gene‐knockout mouse model, we demonstrate that the administration of PLT‐AuNRs and localizing laser irradiation could effectively inhibit the growth of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). In addition, we found that the PTT treatment augmented PLT‐AuNRs targeting to the tumor sites and in turn, improved the PTT effects in a feedback manner, demonstrating the unique self‐reinforcing characteristic of PLT‐PTT in cancer therapy.     

In situ reversible tuning of chemical interface damping in single gold nanorod-based recyclable platforms through manipulation of supramolecular host–guest interactions

Recently, chemical interface damping (CID) has been proposed as a new plasmon damping pathway based on interfacial hot-electron transfer from metal to adsorbate molecules. It has been considered essential, owing to its potential implications in efficient photochemical processes and sensing experiments. However, thus far, studies focusing on controlling CID in single gold nanoparticles have been very limited, and in situ reversible tuning has remained a considerable challenge. In these scanning electron microscopy-correlated dark-field spectroscopic measurements and density functional theory calculations, cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7])-based host–guest supramolecular interactions were employed to examine and control the CID process using monoamine-functionalized CB[7] (CB[7]-NH₂) attached to single gold nanorods (AuNRs). In situ tuning of CID through the CB[7]–oxaliplatin complexation, which can result in the variation of the chemical nature and electronic properties of adsorbates, was presented. In addition, in situ tuning of CID was demonstrated through the competitive release of the oxaliplatin guest from the oxaliplatin@CB[7] complex, which was then replaced by a competitor guest of spermine in sufficient amounts. Furthermore, nuclear magnetic resonance experiments confirmed that the release of the guest is the consequence of adding salt (NaCl). Thus, in situ reversible tuning of CID in single AuNRs was achieved through successive steps of encapsulation and release of the guest on the same AuNR in a flow cell. Finally, single CB[7]-NH₂@AuNRs were presented as a recyclable platform for CID investigations after the complete release of guest molecules from their host–guest inclusion complexes. Therefore, this study has paved a new route to achieve in situ reversible tuning of CID in the same AuNR and to investigate the CID process using CB-based host–guest chemistry with various guest molecules in single AuNRs for efficient hot-electron photochemistry and biosensing applications.

This study has paved a new route to achieve in situ reversible tuning of chemical interface damping (CID) in the same gold nanorod (AuNR) and to investigate the CID process using cucurbituril (CB)-based host–guest chemistry with various guest molecules in single AuNRs.     

Effects of intensity and energy of CW UV light on the growth of gold nanorods

Growth of gold nanorods (AuNRs) by photochemical reduction of HAuCl4 in a micelle solution of hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and tetraoctylammonium bromide (TOAB) is studied. The effects of 300 and 254 nm UV light sources and their photon flux on the anisotropic growth of gold nanoparticles are investigated by controlling duration of irradiation and the number of lamps within a photochemical reactor. The resulting AuNRs were characterized by absorption spectroscopy, FTIR, and TEM. Experimental results indicate that a higher density of longer colloidal AuNRs form by increasing the number of incident photons (lamps) at 300 nm while the 254 nm lights produce a lower yield of shorter AuNRs. The yield of AuNRs also depends on the duration of irradiation which was found to be 6.00 h for 300 nm and 5.00 h for 254 nm radiation. Acetone is found to play a major role in the synthesis of AuNRs. Two mechanisms are proposed for the synthesis of Au nanoparticles in the presence and absence of acetone. Irradiation of samples for an excess time produces a lower concentration of AuNRs and a higher yield of spherical particles. This effect is attributed to atom-by-atom dissolution of AuNRs into Au-spherical particles.     

Measurement Bias on Nanoparticle Size Characterization by Asymmetric Flow Field-Flow Fractionation Using Dynamic Light-Scattering Detection

In this work, we highlight the influence of the particle–particle interaction on the retention behavior in asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation (A4F) and the misunderstanding considering the size determination by a light-scattering detector (static and dynamic light scattering) by comparing fullerene nanoparticles to similar sized polystyrene nanoparticle standards. The phenomena described here suggest that there are biases in the hydrodynamic size and diffusion determination induced by particle–particle interactions, as characterized by their virial coefficient. The dual objectives of this paper are to (1) demonstrate the uncertainties resulting from the current practice of size determination by detectors coupled to an A4F system and (2) initiate a discussion of the effects of particle–particle interactions using fullerene nanoparticles on their characterization as well as their origins. The results presented here clearly illustrate that the simple diffusion coefficient equation that is generally used to calculate the hydrodynamic size of nanoparticles (NPs) cannot be considered for whole fractograms according to their size distribution. We tried to identify particle interactions that appear during fractionation and demonstrated using the fully developed diffusion coefficient equation. We postulate that the observed interaction-dependent retention behavior may be attributed to differences in the virial coefficient between NPs and between NPs and the accumulation wall (membrane surface) without quantifying it. We hope that our results will stimulate discussion and a reassessment of the size determination procedure by A4F-LS to more fully account for all the influential material parameters that are relevant to the fractionation of nanoscale particles by A4F.     

Single Pt–Pd Bimetallic Nanoparticle Electrode: Controllable Fabrication and Unique Electrocatalytic Performance for the Methanol Oxidation Reaction

Understanding the electrocatalytic activity at single nanoparticles/nanoclusters level is extremely important. In this work, a method for the electro-deposition of single Pt–Pd nanoparticles (NPs) is described using a single nanopore electrode as a template. The electro-deposition process was investigated carefully and the results show that the process is controlled by diffusion and electro-crystallization process, simultaneously, and the glass sheath property around the nanopore has a large impact on the formation of single Pt–Pd NPs due to the “edge effect”. The prepared single Pt–Pd NPs exhibit excellent electrocatalytic activity in the methanol oxidation reaction, which can be used to screen electrocatalysts with high efficiency for utility in the energy field.     

Investigation of the direct electrochemistry and electrocatalysis of myoglobin on gold nanorods modified electrode

Direct electrochemistry and electrocatalysis of myoglobin (Mb) on a gold nanorod (AuNR)‐decorated carbon ionic liquid electrode (CILE) were studied in this article. The fabricated Nafion/Mb/AuNRs/CILE was used as an electrochemical biosensor for determining trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and sodium nitrite (NaNO₂). AuNRs exhibited high metal conductivity, and acted as the bridge between electrochemical active centers of Mb and the substrate electrode with the electron transfer rate accelerated. Electrochemical performances of Nafion/Mb/AuNRs/CILE were checked in pH 3.0 phosphate buffer solution with the electrochemical parameters calculated. Low detection limits and wide linear ranges were obtained in electrocatalytic investigations of different catalytic substrates including TCA and NaNO₂, which exhibited potential applications in actual sample detection.     

Selective surface patterning for the coadsorption of self-assembled gold and semiconductor nanoparticles

The predetermined patterned adsorption of two types of nanoparticles on the same substrate may be of considerable importance in various applications, among others, to enhance the absorption of semiconductor nanoparticles by the plasmonic effect of metal NPs. We describe here a simple method for self-assembling 2D lateral patterns in which both gold and semiconductor nanoparticles are adsorbed, each in a predesigned area. Our method is based on a one-step lithographic process and the adsorption of two distinct self-assembled monolayers that can selectively bind only one type of nanoparticle.     

Monitoring human telomere DNA hybridization and G-quadruplex formation using gold nanorods

A facile and multi-response strategy for studying the transformations of human telomere DNA from single strand (ss) to double strand (ds) and G-quadruplex has been established by using positively charged gold nanorod (AuNR) as an optical label. The conformation change information of the telomere DNA was transferred into multiple optical signals, including changes in fluorescence emission, near infrared (NIR) absorption, plasma resonance light scattering (PRLS) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) response. The formations of dsDNA and G-quadruplex DNA induced fluorescence quenching of dye on DNA, and were accompanied by the intensity decrease and blue shift of the longitudinal absorption peak of AuNRs. Meanwhile, PRLS and DLS results revealed slightly increased AuNR aggregation due to increased charge density of dsDNA and G-quadruplex DNA as compared to ssDNA. Control experiment suggests that the AuNR-based assay is highly sequence specific; and the high sensitivity allows the study of human telomere DNA at a concentration as low as 58 nM.     

Conjugated Polymer Nanoparticles for Cell Membrane Imaging

The outstanding optical properties and biocompatibility of fluorescent conjugated polymer nanoparticles (CPNs) make them favorable for bioimaging application. However, few CPNs could achieve stable cell membrane labeling due to cell endocytosis. In this work, conjugated polymer nanoparticles (PFPNP‐PLE) encapsulated with PFP and PLGA‐PEG‐N₃ in the matrix and functionalized with the small‐molecule drug plerixafor (PLE) on the surface were prepared by a mini‐emulsion method. PFPNP‐PLE exhibits excellent photophysical properties, low cytotoxicity, and specific cytomembrane location, which makes it a potential cell membrane labeling reagent with blue fluorescence emission, an important component for multilabel/multicolor bioimaging.     

NaBH4-induced assembly of immobilized Au nanoparticles into chainlike structures on a chemically modified glass surface

A facile method of obtaining chainlike assemblies of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on a chemically modified glass surface based on NaBH(4) treatment is developed. Citrate-stabilized AuNPs (17 nm) are immobilized on a glutaraldehyde-functionalized glass surface and assembled into chainlike structures after treatment with aqueous sodium borohydride (NaBH(4)) solution. The production and morphology of the AuNP chainlike assemblies are controlled by the density of the immobilized NPs, the concentration of NaBH(4) solution, and the treatment time. The AuNP assemblies are stable in water and can undergo drying. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic data show that the number of citrate ions on the AuNPs decreased by 43% after treatment with 5 mg/mL NaBH(4) solution. The NaBH(4)-induced partial removal of the citrate ions and the roughness of the glass surface greatly affect the binding force of AuNPs on the substrate. The immobilized AuNPs begin to move at the solid-liquid interface without desorbing when the strength of the binding force was decreased. These mobile NPs form chainlike assemblies under the driving force of van der Waals interaction and diffusion. This interface-based formation of chainlike assemblies of AuNPs may provide a simple protocol for the 1D assembly of other Au-coated colloidal nanoparticles.     

纳米雄黄与脂质体仿生膜的相互作用研究

本工作以卵磷脂与胆固醇组成的磷脂小单层脂质体（small unilamelarvesicles,suv）作为仿生膜的简单模型,采用表面等离子共振技术（SPR）、荧光偏振、拉曼（Raman）光谱、核磁共振（NMR）及原子力显微镜（AFM）研究纳米雄黄与SUV仿生膜的相互作用,证实了磷脂是纳米雄黄作用的关键靶分子．随纳米雄黄结合,SUV仿生膜的相对粘度聃值增大,膜的流动性减小．Raman光谱数据计算表明,作用后膜的纵向有序性参数s。。及横向有序性参数Slat值增大,说明纳米雄黄的结合使磷脂膜的脂酰基链全反式构型比例上升,膜的流动性减小．由Raman光谱和引PNMR结果推测,磷脂极性头部是纳米雄黄与磷脂的主要结合位点。AFM实时观测,纳米雄黄通过在膜表面打“孔”或“洞”的方式,损坏磷脂膜．     

Synthesis of CuS and ZnO/Zn(OH)2 nanoparticles and their evaluation for in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activities

In this study, the copper sulfide nanoparticles (CuS‐NPs) and the zinc oxide/zinc hydroxide nanoparticles ((ZnO/Zn(OH)₂‐NPs) were synthesized by a simple and low‐cost method, and the synthesized nanoparticles were characterized and identified by UV–Vis, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The antimicrobial activity of the CuS‐NPs and the ZnO/Zn(OH)₂‐NPs were examined by broth dilution to determine the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of antibacterial agent required to inhibit the growth of a pathogen and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) required to kill a particular bacterium. Agar disc diffusion method was used to determine the zone of inhibition. The nanoparticles demonstrated potent antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumonia (ATCC 1827), Acinetobacter baumannii (ATCC 150504), Escherichia coli (ATCC 33218) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25293). Antifungal activity against Aspergillus oryzae (PTCC 5164) was also obtained. The data obtained from antimicrobial activities by broth dilution and agar disc diffusion methods exhibited the CuS‐NPs were more effective than the ZnO/Zn(OH)₂‐NPs. A good correlation was observed between the data obtained by both methods.     

Studies on green synthesized silver nanoparticles using Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) pulp extract having anticancer (in vitro) and antimicrobial applications

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were successfully synthesized using AgNO₃ via an eco-friendly and simple green route using Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) pulp extract at room temperature. The phytochemicals present in A. esculentus (L.) pulp extract were used both as a reducing and a stabilizing agent for the synthesis of Ag NPs. The stabilization of Ag NPs with phytochemicals was justified using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The size of the as-synthesized Ag NPs was examined using dynamic light scattering and confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. The crystalline nature of Ag NPs had been identified using X-ray diffraction. The present study demonstrated the efficacy of Ag NPs against Jurkat cells in vitro. Our study also showed that the IC₅₀ dose of Ag NPs leads to the increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species and significantly diminished mitochondrial membrane potential, indicating the effective involvement of apoptosis in cell death. The synthesized Ag NPs also exhibited good antimicrobial activity against different gram class bacteria.     

Interaction between oxide nanoparticles and biomolecules of the bacterial cell envelope as examined by infrared spectroscopy

The effects of Al(2)O(3), TiO(2), and ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) on bacteria cells and bacterial surface biomolecules were studied by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. All the examined biomolecules showed IR spectral changes after NP exposure. Lipopolysaccharide and lipoteichoic acid could bind to oxide NPs through hydrogen bonding and ligand exchange, but the cytotoxicity of NPs seemed largely related to the function-involved or devastating changes to proteins and phospholipids of bacteria. The three NPs decreased the intensity ratio of β-sheets/α-helices, indicating protein structure change, which may affect cell physiological activities. The phosphodiester bond of L-α-phosphatidylethanolamine was broken by ZnO NPs, forming phosphate monoesters and resulting in the highly disordered alkyl chain. Such damage to phospholipid molecular structure may lead to membrane rupture and cell leaking, which is consistent with the fact that ZnO is the most toxic of the three NPs. The cell surface biomolecular changes revealed by FTIR spectra provide a better understanding of the cytotoxicity of oxide NPs.