Abstract The increasing molecular understanding of many diseases today permits the development of new diagnostic methods. However, few easy-to-handle and inexpensive tools exist for common diseases ...such as food disorders. Here we present a living material based analytical sensor (LiMBAS) containing genetically modified bacteria ( Escherichia coli ) immobilized and protected in a thin layer between a nanoporous and support polymer membrane for a facile quantification of disease-relevant oligosaccharides. The bacteria were engineered to fluoresce in response to the analyte to reveal its diffusion behavior when using a blue-light source and optical filter. We demonstrated that the diffusion zone diameter was related semi-logarithmically to the analyte concentration. LiMBAS could accurately quantify lactose or galactose in undiluted food samples and was able to measure food intolerance relevant concentrations in the range of 1–1000 mM requiring a sample volume of 1–10 μ L. LiMBAS was storable for at least seven days without losing functionality at 4 °C. A wide range of genetic tools for E. coli are readily available thus allowing the reprogramming of the material to serve as biosensor for other molecules. In combination with smartphones, an automated diagnostic analysis becomes feasible which would also allow untrained people to use LiMBAS.
The count of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) has been associated with a worse prognosis in different types of cancer. Perioperatively, CTCs detach due to mechanical forces. Diagnostic tools exist to ...detect and isolate CTCs, but no therapeutic technique is currently available to remove CTCs in vivo from unprocessed blood. The aim of this study was to design and test new magnetic nanoparticles to purify whole blood from CTCs. Novel magnetic carbon-coated cobalt (C/Co) nanoparticles conjugated with anti-epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) antibodies were synthesized, and their antifouling and separation properties were determined. The newly developed C/Co nanoparticles showed excellent separation and antifouling properties. They efficiently removed tumor cells that were added to healthy subjects’ blood samples, through an anti-EpCAM antibody interaction. The nanoparticles did not interact with other blood components, such as lymphocytes or the coagulation system. In blood samples of carcinoma patients suffering from metastatic disease, on average, ≥68% of CTCs were removed. These nanoparticles could prompt the development of a blood purification technology, such as a dialysis-like device, to perioperatively remove CTCs from the blood of cancer patients in vivo and potentially improve their prognosis.
The use of a p‐nitrobenzyloxycarbonyl (pNZ) protecting group on the FDA‐approved lung cancer drug gemcitabine affords a caged drug with very low in vitro toxicity in a human model cell line (A549). ...To activate this type of caged potent drug, simultaneous presence of two items is needed: platinum nanoparticles and hydrogen‐containing gas mixtures. This combination may later allow a more precise and controlled local delivery of highly potent cytostatic compounds, and may eventually permit reduction of the severe side effects of such chemotherapy treatments. Hydrogen, though an unusual medical agent, is well tolerated, and here used mixtures are derived from diving (deep diving gas). Pt nanoparticles at here used concentrations may eventually be locally deposited into the lungs through minimal invasive inhalation. We demonstrate the use of hydrogen as an on/off uncaging switch and show repeated use of the Pt nanoparticles for a series of uncaging events.
Selective dealloying of metal nanoparticles results in rattle-type hollow carbon nanoshells enclosing platinum nanoparticles, which are able to perform size-selective catalysis. Selective ...functionalization of the outer graphene-like carbon surface prevents agglomeration and leads to well dispersible nanocatalysts in aqueous solutions. The synthesis starts with the production of nanoparticles with a cobalt-platinum-alloy core surrounded by graphene-like carbon
reducing flame spray synthesis. After surface functionalization, simultaneous pore formation in the shell-wall and dissolution of the cobalt results in platinum encapsulated in hollow carbon nanospheres. Catalytic oxidation of differently sized sugars (glucose and maltoheptaose) reveales size-selective catalytic properties of these platinum nanorattles.
Selective dealloying of metal nanoparticles results in rattle-type hollow carbon nanoshells enclosing platinum nanoparticles, which are able to perform size-selective catalysis. Selective ...functionalization of the outer graphene-like carbon surface prevents agglomeration and leads to well dispersible nanocatalysts in aqueous solutions. The synthesis starts with the production of nanoparticles with a cobalt-platinum-alloy core surrounded by graphene-like carbon
via
reducing flame spray synthesis. After surface functionalization, simultaneous pore formation in the shell-wall and dissolution of the cobalt results in platinum encapsulated in hollow carbon nanospheres. Catalytic oxidation of differently sized sugars (glucose and maltoheptaose) reveales size-selective catalytic properties of these platinum nanorattles.
Surface-functionalized hollow carbon nanobubbles containing platinum in their interior perform size-selective catalysis.
Surface-functionalized hollow carbon nanobubbles containing platinum in their interior perform size-selective catalysis.
Selective dealloying of metal nanoparticles results in rattle-type hollow ...carbon nanoshells enclosing platinum nanoparticles, which are able to perform size-selective catalysis. Selective functionalization of the outer graphene-like carbon surface prevents agglomeration and leads to well dispersible nanocatalysts in aqueous solutions. The synthesis starts with the production of nanoparticles with a cobalt–platinum-alloy core surrounded by graphene-like carbon
via
reducing flame spray synthesis. After surface functionalization, simultaneous pore formation in the shell-wall and dissolution of the cobalt results in platinum encapsulated in hollow carbon nanospheres. Catalytic oxidation of differently sized sugars (glucose and maltoheptaose) reveales size-selective catalytic properties of these platinum nanorattles.
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