ORCID Profile
0000-0003-3627-7397
Current Organisations
University of Technology Sydney
,
Macquarie University
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Research Topics
In Research Link Australia (RLA), "Research Topics" refer to ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes. These topics are either sourced from ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes listed in researchers' related grants or generated by a large language model (LLM) based on their publications.
Top 5 Research Topics
ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)
Nanotechnology | Nanobiotechnology | Immunological and Bioassay Methods | Analytical Biochemistry | Sensor Technology (Chemical aspects) | Biologically Active Molecules | Nanophotonics | Analytical Chemistry | Biochemistry and Cell Biology | Optical Properties of Materials | Medicinal and Biomolecular Chemistry | Nanoscale Characterisation | Optical Physics not elsewhere classified | Epigenetics (incl. Genome Methylation and Epigenomics) | Proteomics and Intermolecular Interactions (excl. Medical Proteomics) | Functional Materials | Bioprocessing, Bioproduction and Bioproducts | Medical Biotechnology Diagnostics (incl. Biosensors) | Photonics, Optoelectronics and Optical Communications |
ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)
Expanding Knowledge in Technology | Expanding Knowledge in the Biological Sciences | Expanding Knowledge in the Chemical Sciences | Service Industries Standards and Calibrations | Nutraceuticals and Functional foods | Diagnostic Methods | Expanding Knowledge in the Physical Sciences | Scientific Instruments | Expanding Knowledge in Engineering | Infectious Diseases
Related Links
Publications
Nucleic acid purification from plants, animals and microbes in under 30 seconds
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 21-11-2017
Research Directions for Leveraging and Supporting the Lived Experience of Mental Illness within Psychology
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 17-08-2023
DOI: 10.3390/HEALTHCARE11162318
Abstract: This paper explores the lived experience of mental illness within the field of psychology across higher education and the mental health workforce. There is a high prevalence of mental health issues among psychology students and practitioners, and it is critical not only to provide support for these populations, but also to acknowledge the value of leveraging their lived experience within their education and practice. There has been increased interest in and advocacy for the involvement of those with lived experience of mental illness within mental healthcare service provision to improve patient experiences and outcomes. However, there have been limited acknowledgement and research regarding the role of psychologists with personal lived experiences of mental illness, and how to leverage this experience. Further, there are challenges faced by both psychology students and practising psychologists with lived experience that act as barriers to leveraging their unique skills and experiences. Psychology students with lived experience face stigma, inadequate support, and incongruence between the course material and their personal experiences. Similarly, practising psychologists with lived experience encounter stigma and isolation, indicating the need for a culture change that promotes transparency and understanding. The paper calls for research in five key directions to provide evidence that can be used to support and leverage lived experience in psychology.
“Mix-to-Go” Silver Colloidal Strategy for Prostate Cancer Molecular Profiling and Risk Prediction
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 27-09-2018
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.ANALCHEM.8B02959
Abstract: Molecular profiling via analysis of multiple disease biomarkers is a powerful tool for disease diagnosis and risk prediction. Due to simplicity and minimal instrumentation requirement, colloidal-based colorimetric DNA/RNA assays are attractive for driving molecular profiling toward widespread clinical usage. Still, the reliability and speed of current colorimetric assays need to be further improved upon for eventual clinical use. Herein, we propose a "mix-to-go" colloidal strategy that utilizes the electrostatic attraction between negatively charged target sequences and positively charged silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to induce aggregation of AgNPs to profile a panel of clinically validated urinary prostate cancer (PCa) RNA biomarkers ( TMPRSS2:ERG, T2:ERG prostate cancer antigen 3, PCA3 and kallikrein-related peptidase 2, KLK2). Our strategy is unique in inducing a rapid (10 s), unambiguous solution color change in the presence of target sequences, without the additional NP aggregation agents that are used in existing electrostatic-mediated aggregation assays. Our strategy is analytically specific and sensitive for the detection of 10
Design and Clinical Verification of Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Diagnostic Technology for Individual Cancer Risk Prediction
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 20-07-2018
Abstract: The use of emerging nanotechnologies, such as plasmonic nanoparticles in diagnostic applications, potentially offers opportunities to revolutionize disease management and patient healthcare. Despite worldwide research efforts in this area, there is still a dearth of nanodiagnostics which have been successfully translated for real-world patient usage due to the predominant sole focus on assay analytical performance and lack of detailed investigations into clinical performance in human s les. In a bid to address this pressing need, we herein describe a comprehensive clinical verification of a prospective label-free surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanodiagnostic assay for prostate cancer (PCa) risk stratification. This contribution depicts a roadmap of (1) designing a SERS assay for robust and accurate detection of clinically validated PCa RNA targets (2) employing a relevant and proven PCa clinical biomarker model to test our nanodiagnostic assay and (3) investigating the clinical performance on independent training ( n = 80) and validation ( n = 40) cohorts of PCa human patient s les. By relating the detection outcomes to gold-standard patient biopsy findings, we established a PCa risk scoring system which exhibited a clinical sensitivity and specificity of 0.87 and 0.90, respectively [area-under-curve of 0.84 (95% confidence interval: 0.81-0.87) for differentiating high- and low-risk PCa] in the validation cohort. We envision that our SERS nanodiagnostic design and clinical verification approach may aid in the in idualized prediction of PCa presence and risk stratification and may overall serve as an archetypical strategy to encourage comprehensive clinical evaluation of nanodiagnostic innovations.
Adsorption of 4,4 '-thiobisbenzenethiol on silver surfaces: surface-enhanced Raman scattering study
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-11-2008
DOI: 10.1002/JRS.1836
Silver nanoparticles coated with adenine: preparation, self-assembly and application in surface-enhanced Raman scattering
Publisher: IOP Publishing
Date: 02-04-2007
One-step preparation and characterization of PDDA-protected gold nanoparticles
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2006
Community workshops increase advance care planning knowledge, appointment of legal proxies and completion of end-of life written plans.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 28-12-2023
Studies of interaction between iron (III) and intermediates of synthetic neuromelanin by means of cyclic voltammetry of Fe (CN)6 3 - and dopamine
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2006
Fabrication and characterization of SERS-active silver clusters on glassy carbon
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2007
DOI: 10.1002/JRS.1674
Cytochrome c Superstructure Biocomposite Nucleated by Gold Nanoparticle: Thermal Stability and Voltammetric Behavior
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 26-08-2005
DOI: 10.1021/BM050345F
Abstract: The thermal stability of cytochrome c (cyt c) after Au-nanoparticle-directed association has been studied by various spectroscopic (electronic absorption, resonance Raman, and circular dichroism) and electrochemical methods. The results show that the thermal stability of the Au-cyt c superstructure biocomposite formed by the electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions among the associated proteins increases significantly. It is mainly caused by strong hydrophobicity of the associated cyt c in Au-cyt c superstructure at high temperature, which results from the compact secondary structure and the packing of hydrophobic side chains around the Trp 59 and heme. In addition, the formation of bis-His configuration of heme is facilitated by the tightly self-associated state of cyt c in the Au-cyt c superstructure. The electrostatic coupling of the opposite charges among shells of the adsorbed proteins due to the formation of the superstructure biocomposite can reduce repulsions among the same charges in protein. These factors are also important for enhancing the stability of the associated cyt c. Furthermore, the voltammetric behavior of Au-cyt c at DNA modified glassy carbon electrode has been investigated for extending the application of Au-cyt c.
Shape dependent protein induced stabilization of gold nanoparticles: from protein corona perspective.
Publisher: Authorea, Inc.
Date: 10-12-2022
DOI: 10.22541/AU.167068494.48215272/V1
Abstract: Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are promising materials for many bioapplications. However, upon contacting with biological media, GNPs undergo changes. The interaction with proteins results in the so-called protein corona (PC) around GNPs, leading to the new bioidentity and optical properties. Understanding the mechanisms of PC formation and its functions can help us to utilise its benefits and avoid its drawbacks. To date, most of the previous works aimed to understand the mechanisms governing PC formation and focused on the spherical nanoparticles although non-spherical nanoparticles are designed for a wide range of applications in biosensing. In this work, we investigated the differences in PC formation on spherical and anisotropic GNPs (nanostars in particular) from the joint experimental (extinction spectroscopy, zeta potential and surface enhanced Raman scattering [SERS]) and computational methods (the finite element method and molecular dynamics [MD] simulations). We discovered that protein does not fully cover the surface of anisotropic nanoparticles, leaving SERS hot-spots at the tips and high curvature edges “available” for analyte binding (no SERS signal after pre-incubation with protein) while providing protein-induced stabilization (indicated by extinction spectroscopy) of the GNPs by providing a protein layer around the particle’s core. The findings are confirmed from our MD simulations, the adsorption energy significantly decreases with the increased radius of curvature, so that tips (adsorption energy: 2762.334 kJ/mol) would be the least preferential binding site compared to core (adsorption energy: 11819.263 kJ/mol). These observations will help the development of new nanostructures with improved sensing and targeting ability.
Three interpenetrated frameworks constructed by long flexible N,N′-bipyridyl and dicarboxylate ligands
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2005
Self-assembled silver nanoparticle monolayer on glassy carbon: an approach to SERS substrate
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2007
DOI: 10.1002/JRS.1792
Rapid and sensitive SERS detection of the cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (tnf-α) in a magnetic bead pull-down assay with purified and highly Raman-active gold nanoparticle clusters
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 30-06-2018
DOI: 10.1007/S00216-018-1218-0
Abstract: Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is a cytokine with significance in early diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases, obesity and insulin resistance. We demonstrate the proof of concept for a rapid and sensitive detection of TNF-α using a magnetic bead pull-down assay in combination with surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). The use of purified and highly SERS-active small clusters of gold nanoparticles (AuNP) provides the high sensitivity of the assay with a limit of detection of ca. 1 pg/mL. Continuous density gradient centrifugation was employed for separating the very bright silica-encapsulated AuNP dimers and trimers from the significantly weaker AuNP monomers. Negative control experiments with other cytokines (IL-6, IL-8) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) confirm the high specificity of the assay, but indicate also space for future improvements by further reducing non-specific binding between proteins and the SERS nanotags. The multiplexing potential of this SERS-based detection scheme is exemplarily demonstrated by using a set of three spectrally distinct and highly SERS-active AuNP clusters with unique spectral barcodes. Graphical abstract ᅟ.
Microspectroscopic SERS detection of interleukin-6 with rationally designed gold/silver nanoshells
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2013
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN36610C
Abstract: Rationally designed gold/silver nanoshells (Au/Ag-NS) with plasmon resonances optimized for red laser excitation in order to minimize autofluorescence from clinical s les exhibit scattering cross-sections, which are ca. one order of magnitude larger compared with solid quasi-spherical gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) of the same size. Hydrophilic stabilization and sterical accessibility for subsequent bioconjugation of Au/Ag-NS is achieved by coating their surface with a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of rationally designed Raman reporter molecules comprising terminal mono- and tri-ethylene glycol (EG) spacers, respectively. The stability of the hydrophilically stabilized metal colloid was tested under different conditions. In contrast to metal colloids coated with a SAM without terminal EG spacers, the hydrophilically stabilized SERS particles do not aggregate under physiologically relevant conditions, i.e., buffer solutions with high ionic strength. Using these rationally designed SERS particles in conjunction with a microspectroscopic acquisition scheme, a sandwich immunoassay for the sensitive detection of interleukin-6 (IL-6) was developed. Several control experiments demonstrate the high specificity of the assay towards IL-6, with a lowest detectable concentration of ca. 1 pg mL(-1). The signal strength of the Au/Ag-NS is at least one order of magnitude higher compared with hydrophilically stabilized, non-aggregated solid quasi-spherical Au-NPs of the same size.
What accounts for turnover intention in the Australian public mental health workforce?
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-10-2023
DOI: 10.1111/INM.13233
Beliefs and Emotions Underpin Community Attitudes Towards Voluntary Assisted Dying in Australia
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 13-10-2022
DOI: 10.1177/00302228221133414
Abstract: Assisted dying refers to the steps of the administration of a voluntary assisted dying substance and the administration of the substance. In Australia, assisted dying is now legal in all states. However, there is limited knowledge of what underpins the community’s attitudes toward assisted dying. It is important for health professionals to understand what underpins attitudes toward assisted dying when navigating the option with patients and family members. We used a survey based on the Tripartite Model of Attitudes to examine the degree to which beliefs, emotions, and experiences, as well as knowledge, underpinned attitudes towards assisted dying. With a s le of 108, we found emotions and beliefs to significantly explain attitudes towards assisted dying. Knowledge of assisted dying practices was low amongst the s le. Our findings suggest that education of assisted dying is required, and that attitudes towards assisted dying in the Australian community are underpinned by beliefs and emotions.
Investigating Attraction and Retention of Staff Within Public Mental Health Services in Victoria, Australia: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 31-10-2023
DOI: 10.2196/48855
Multidimensionality in Executive Function Profiles in Schizophrenia: a Computational Approach Using the Wisconsin Card Sorting Task
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 14-04-2021
Enabling Sensitive Phenotypic Profiling of Cancer-Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles Using Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Nanotags
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 05-03-2020
Emerging SERS biosensors for the analysis of cells and extracellular vesicles
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2022
DOI: 10.1039/D2NR03005E
Abstract: This article reviews the fundamentals of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and nanomaterials that have been used to design SERS biosensors for the analysis of surface biomarkers on cells and extracellular vesicles.
Surface enhanced Raman scattering of p-aminothiophenol self-assembled monolayers in sandwich structure fabricated on glass
Publisher: AIP Publishing
Date: 17-02-2006
DOI: 10.1063/1.2172591
Abstract: A sandwich structure consisting of Ag nanoparticles (NPs), p-aminothiophenol (p-ATP) self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), and Ag NPs was fabricated on glass and characterized by surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). The SERS spectrum of a p-ATP SAM in such sandwich structure shows that the electromagnetic enhancement is greater than that on Ag NPs assembled on glass. The obtained enhancement factors (EF) on solely one sandwich structure were as large as 6.0±0.62×104 and 1.2±0.62×107 for the 7a and 3b(b2) vibration modes, respectively. The large enhancement effect of p-ATP SAMs is likely a result of plasmon coupling between the two layers of Ag NP (localized surface plasmon) resonance, creating a large localized electromagnetic field at their interface, where p-ATP resides. Moreover, the fact that large EF values (∼1.9±0.7×104 and 9.4±0.7×106 for the 7a- and b2-type vibration modes, respectively) were also obtained on a single sandwich structure of Au NPs∕p-ATPSAMs∕Ag NPs in the visible demonstrates that the electromagnetic coupling does not exist only between Ag NPs but also between Au and Ag NPs. The lower EF values on Au-to-Ag NPs compared to those on Ag-to-Ag NPs demonstrate that the Au-to-Ag coupling must be less effective than the Ag-to-Ag coupling for the induction of SERS in the visible.
Rapid, Single-Cell Electrochemical Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Using Colloidal Gold Nanoparticles
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 02-10-2015
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.ANALCHEM.5B03121
Abstract: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health threat, with over a third of the world population suffering from the disease, and 1.5 million deaths due to the disease in 2013 alone. Despite significant advances in TB detection strategies in recent years, a bigger push toward detecting TB in the shortest and easiest way possible at the point-of-care (POC) is still in demand. To this end, we have designed a simple yet rapid and sensitive bioassay that detects Mtb DNA electrochemically using colloidal gold nanoparticles. This assay couples rapid isothermal lification of target DNA that is specific to Mtb with gold nanoparticle electrochemistry on disposable screen printed carbon electrodes. The assay is capable of detecting a positive differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) response from as low as 1 CFU of Mtb bacilli DNA input material, having shown its exquisite sensitivity over a conventional gel based readout. The translation of our assay onto a portable potentiostat was also demonstrated, with promising results. We believe that our assay has significant potential for translation into broader bioassay applications or development as a POC diagnostic tool.
Parallel profiling of cancer cells and proteins using a graphene oxide functionalized ac-EHD SERS immunoassay
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2018
DOI: 10.1039/C8NR02886A
Abstract: Monitoring of circulating cancer biomarkers was enabled in a graphene oxide functionalised ac-EHD microfluidic device with SERS barcoding.
Biocompatibility and Biodistribution of Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Nanoprobes in Zebrafish Embryos: In vivo and Multiplex Imaging
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 16-06-2010
DOI: 10.1021/NN100351H
Abstract: Nanoparticles are increasingly being used to investigate biological processes in various animal models due to their versatile chemical, unique optical, and multifunctional properties. In this report we address the biocompatibility and biodistribution of nanoparticle sensors used for Raman chemical imaging in live zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanoprobes (NPs) comprising gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as enhancing substrate and nonfluorescent Raman labels were synthesized and microinjected into zebrafish embryos at the one-cell stage. Raman mapping was performed to assess their distribution in various cell-types and tissues of developing embryo at five different stages between 6 and 96 hpf (hours post-fertilization). Biocompatibility and toxicity studies indicate that the NPs are not toxic and the embryos were found to exhibit normal morphological and gene expression in addition to the proper form and function of major organs such as the heart and vasculature (of 7 day old NPs injected zebrafish embryos). A multiplex in vivo detection protocol was developed by SERS imaging to demonstrate that multiple labels can be detected by Raman mapping in undifferentiated cells as they develop into distinct cell- and tissue-types. The present work is the first to report on multiplex Raman imaging of zebrafish embryos with potential implications in tracking tissue development and biological processes at single molecule sensitivity using appropriate target molecules in vivo.
Characterising the phenotypic evolution of circulating tumour cells during treatment
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 16-04-2018
DOI: 10.1038/S41467-018-03725-8
Abstract: Real-time monitoring of cancer cells’ phenotypic evolution during therapy can provide vital tumour biology information for treatment management. Circulating tumour cell (CTC) analysis has emerged as a useful monitoring tool, but its routine usage is restricted by either limited multiplexing capability or sensitivity. Here, we demonstrate the use of antibody-conjugated and Raman reporter-coated gold nanoparticles for simultaneous labelling and monitoring of multiple CTC surface markers (named as “cell signature”), without the need for isolating in idual CTCs. We observe cell heterogeneity and phenotypic changes of melanoma cell lines during molecular targeted treatment. Furthermore, we follow the CTC signature changes of 10 stage-IV melanoma patients receiving immunological or molecular targeted therapies. Our technique maps the phenotypic evolution of patient CTCs sensitively and rapidly, and shows drug-resistant clones having different CTC signatures of potential clinical value. We believe our proposed method is of general interest in the CTC relevant research and translation fields.
Synthesis and characterization of reporter molecules embedded core-shell nanoparticles as SERS nanotags
Publisher: World Scientific Pub Co Pte Ltd
Date: 07-2021
DOI: 10.1142/S1793545821410078
Abstract: Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy is presented as a sensitive and specific molecular tool for clinical diagnosis and prognosis monitoring of various diseases including cancer. In order for clinical application of SERS technique, an ideal method of bulk synthesis of SERS nanoparticles is necessary to obtain sensitive, stable and highly reproducible Raman signals. In this contribution, we determined the ideal conditions for bulk synthesis of Raman reporter (Ra) molecules embedded silver-gold core-shell nanoparticles (Au@Ra@ AgNPs) using hydroquinone as reducing agent of silver nitrate. By using UV-Vis spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), we found that a 2:1 ratio of silver nitrate to hydroquinone is ideal for a uniform silver coating with a strong and stable Raman signal. Through stability testing of the optimized Au@Ra@AgNPs over a two-week period, these SERS nanotags were found to be stable with minimal signal change occurred. The stability of antibody linked SERS nanotags is also crucial for cancer and disease diagnosis, thus, we further conjugated the as-prepared SERS nanotags with anti-EpCAM antibody, in which the stability of bioconjugated SERS nanotags was tested over eight days. Both UV-Vis and SERS spectroscopy showed stable absorption and Raman signals on the anti-EpCAM conjugated SERS nanotags, indicating the great potential of the synthesized SERS nanotags for future applications which require large, reproducible and uniform quantities in order for cancer biomarker diagnosis and monitoring.
Effect of Cetuximab-Conjugated Gold Nanoparticles on the Cytotoxicity and Phenotypic Evolution of Colorectal Cancer Cells
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 22-01-2021
DOI: 10.3390/MOLECULES26030567
Abstract: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is estimated to be overexpressed in 60~80% of colorectal cancer (CRC), which is associated with a poor prognosis. Anti-EGFR targeted monoclonal antibodies (cetuximab and panitumumab) have played an important role in the treatment of metastatic CRC. However, the therapeutic response of anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies is limited due to multiple resistance mechanisms. With the discovery of new functions for gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), we hypothesize that cetuximab-conjugated AuNPs (cetuximab-AuNPs) will not only improve the cytotoxicity for cancer cells, but also introduce expression change of the related biomarkers on cancer cell surface. In this contribution, we investigated the size-dependent cytotoxicity of cetuximab-AuNPs to CRC cell line (HT-29), while also monitored the expression of cell surface biomarkers in response to treatment with cetuximab and cetuximab-AuNPs. AuNPs with the size of 60 nm showed the highest impact for cell cytotoxicity, which was tested by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Three cell surface biomarkers including epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), melanoma cell adhesion molecule (MCAM), and human epidermal growth factor receptor-3 (HER-3) were found to be expressed at higher heterogeneity when cetuximab was conjugated to AuNPs. Both surface-enhanced Raman scattering/spectroscopy (SERS) and flow cytometry demonstrated the correlation of cell surface biomarkers in response to the drug treatment. We thus believe this study provides powerful potential for drug-conjugated AuNPs to enhance cancer prognosis and therapy.
Rapid fabrication of Au nanoparticle films with the aid of centrifugal force
Publisher: IOP Publishing
Date: 12-01-2009
DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/20/5/055609
Abstract: In this work, rapid fabrication of Au nanoparticle (Au NP) films has been simply achieved by alternate adsorption of citrate-stabilized Au NPs and poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) with the aid of centrifugal force. In contrast to conventional electrostatic assembly, we carried out the assembly process in a centrifuge with a rotating speed of 4000 rpm, where centrifugal force can be imposed on Au NPs. Scanning electron microscopy and cyclic voltammetry were employed to characterize the assembly procedure and the thus-prepared thin solid films. Our results demonstrate that centrifugal force can promote the assembly of Au NPs and therefore enable the rapid fabrication of functional Au NP films. The thus-prepared Au NP films can serve as surface enhanced Raman scatting (SERS) substrates with tunable SERS signal intensity. This method is simple, rapid, and can be used as a general method to rapidly assemble other charged nanoparticles.
Multiplex detection of ctdna mutations in plasma of colorectal cancer patients by pcr/sers assay
Publisher: Ivyspring International Publisher
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.7150/NTNO.48905
Nuclear Targeting Dynamics of Gold Nanoclusters for Enhanced Therapy of HER2+ Breast Cancer
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 11-11-2011
DOI: 10.1021/NN2032177
Abstract: Recent advances in fluorescent metal nanoclusters have spurred tremendous interest in nanomedicine due to the ease of fabrication, excellent biocompatibility, and, more importantly, excellent wavelength-dependent tunability. Herein, we report our findings on fluorescent BSA-protected gold nanoclusters (AuNCs), ∼2 nm in size conjugated with Herceptin (AuNCs-Her), for specific targeting and nuclear localization in ErbB2 over-expressing breast cancer cells and tumor tissue as a novel fluorescent agent for simultaneous imaging and cancer therapy. More interestingly, we found that AuNCs-Her could escape the endolysosomal pathway and enter the nucleus of cancer cells to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of Herceptin. We elucidate the diffusion characteristics (diffusion time and number of diffusers) and concentration of the fluorescing clusters in the nucleus of live cells. Our findings also suggest that the nuclear localization effect of AuNCs-Her enhances the anticancer therapeutic efficacy of Herceptin as evidenced by the induction of DNA damage. This study not only discusses a new nanomaterial platform for nuclear delivery of drugs but also provides important insights on nuclear targeting for enhanced therapy.
Structure and identity of 4,4 '-thiobisbenzenethiol self-assembled monolayers
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 21-09-2006
DOI: 10.1021/JP062422M
Abstract: Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of 4,4'-thiobisbenzenethiol (TBBT) can be formed on Au surface spontaneously. The structural characteristics and adsorption behavior of TBBT SAMs on Au have been investigated by surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), electrochemical cyclic voltammetry (CV), ac impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). It is demonstrated that TBBT adsorbed on Au by losing a H atom, forming one Au-S bond, and the other mercapto group is free at the surface of the monolayer owing to the presence of the nu(S-H) at 2513 cm(-1) and the delta(C-S-H) at 910 cm(-1) in SERS. The enhancement of the vibration of C-S (1064 cm(-1)), the aromatic C-H vibration (3044 cm(-1)), and the absence of the vibration of S-S illustrate TBBT adsorbed on Au forming a monolayer with one benzene ring tilted with respect to the Au surface. The interpretation of the observed frequencies is aided by ab initio molecular orbital (MO) calculations at the HF/6-31G level of theory. Electrochemical CV and EIS indicate TBBT monolayers can passivate the Au effectively for its low ratio of pinhole defects (theta = 99.6%). AFM studies give details about the surface morphology. The applications of TBBT SAMs have been extensively investigated by exposure of Cu2+ ion to TBBT SAMs on Au and covalent adsorption of metal nanoparticles. Electrochemical, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic, and SERS results indicate that Cu2+ can react with TBBT SAMs and present on TBBT SAMs as Cu(I). A scanning electron microscopic image of Ag nanoparticles on TBBT/Au and the Raman spectrum of TBBT in smooth macroscopic Au/TBBT SAMs/Ag nanoparticle sandwich structure indicate that metal nanoparticles can be adsorbed on TBBT SAMs effectively through covalent linkage.
Biomimetic Crystallization of Unusual Macroporous Calcium Carbonate Spherules in the Presence of Phosphatidylglycerol Vesicles
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 09-02-2008
DOI: 10.1021/CG060812S
Effect of buffer capacity on electrochemical behavior of dopamine and ascorbic acid
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2007
Do Dimensional Measures of Mental Health Symptoms Predict Level of Alcohol Involvement in the General Population?
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 15-02-2023
World Scientific Reference on Plasmonic Nanomaterials
Publisher: World Scientific
Date: 02-09-2021
DOI: 10.1142/12236-VOL5
NaV3O8/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) composites as high-rate and long-lifespan cathode materials for reversible sodium storage
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 18-06-2020
Syntheses and crystal structures of three new Zn(II) complexes constructed by homophthalate and diimine ligands
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2006
Preparation of a phosphopolyoxomolybdate P2Mo18O626− doped polypyrrole modified electrode and its catalytic properties
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2004
Rates and Reasons for Clozapine Treatment Interruptions
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 05-2023
SERS Multiplex Profiling of Melanoma Circulating Tumor Cells for Predicting the Response to Immune Checkpoint Blockade Therapy
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 12-10-2022
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.ANALCHEM.2C02398
Abstract: Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy has achieved remarkable success in many cancers including melanoma. However, ICB therapy benefits only a small proportion of patients and produces severe side effects for some patients. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify patients who are more likely to respond to ICB therapy to improve outcomes and minimize side effects. To predict ICB therapy responses, we design a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) assay for multiplex profiling of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) under basal and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) stimulation. Through simultaneous ensemble and single-cell measurements of CTCs, the SERS assay can reveal tumor heterogeneity and offer a comprehensive CTC phenotype for decision-making. Anisotropic gold-silver alloy nanoboxes are utilized as SERS plasmonic substrates for improved signal readouts of CTC surface biomarkers. By generating a unique CTC signature with four surface biomarkers, the developed assay enables the differentiation of CTCs from three different patient-derived melanoma cell lines. Significantly, in a cohort of 14 melanoma patients who received programmed cell death-1 blockade therapy, the changes of CTC signature induced by IFN-γ stimulation to CTCs show the potential to predict responders. We expect that the SERS assay can help select patients for receiving ICB therapy in other cancers.
Large-scale, rapid synthesis and application in surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy of sub-micrometer polyhedral gold nanocrystals
Publisher: IOP Publishing
Date: 17-09-2007
Sensitive and selective detection of Mucin1 in pancreatic cancer using hybridization chain reaction with the assistance of Fe3O4@polydopamine nanocomposites
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-02-2022
DOI: 10.1186/S12951-022-01289-W
Abstract: Pancreatic cancer is characterized as the worst for diagnosis lacking symptoms at the early stage, which results in a low overall survival rate. The frequently used techniques for pancreatic cancer diagnosis rely on imaging and biopsy, which have limitations in requiring experienced personnel to operate the expensive instruments and analyze the results. Therefore, there is a high demand to develop alternative tools or methods to detect pancreatic cancer. Herein, we propose a new strategy to enhance the detection sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells both in biofluids and on tissues by combining the unique property of dopamine coated Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles (Fe 3 O 4 @DOP NPs) to specifically quench and separate free 6-carboxyfluorescein (FAM) labeled DNA (H 1 -FAM/H 2 -FAM), and the key feature of hybridization chain reaction (HCR) lification. We have determined the limit of detection (LOD) to be 21 ~ 41 cells/mL for three different pancreatic cancer cell lines. It was also discovered that the fluorescence intensity of pancreatic cancer cells was significantly higher than that of HPDE-C7 and HepG-2 cells (control cell lines), which express lower MUC1 protein. Moreover, the HCR lification system was used to identify the cancer cells on pancreatic tissue, which indicated the versatility of our strategy in clinical application. Therefore, the presented detection strategy shows good sensitivity, specificity and has great potential for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Graphical Abstract
Polyaniline-coated carbon particles and their electrode behavior in organic carbonate electrolyte
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2004
What Accounts for the Factors of Psychopathology? An Investigation of the Neurocognitive Correlates of Internalising, Externalising, and the p-Factor
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 22-03-2022
Abstract: Neurocognitive deficits have been consistently associated with a wide range of psychopathology and are proposed to not only be a consequence of the development of psychopathology but also directly involved in its aetiology. However, there is no clear understanding of what neurocognitive processes are particularly important to mental health. In this paper, we explored the association between neurocognitive abilities and the factors derived from structural models of psychopathology. Four hundred participants from a representative community s le completed measures of symptomology and substance use, as well as 8 neurocognitive tasks. We found a correlated-factors model, with internalising and externalising as the higher-order factors, and a single-factor model with only the p-factor, to be good fits for the data. Tasks that measured the speed of processing were significantly associated with internalising, externalising, and the p-factor, and accounted for significant amounts of unique variance in the factors after accounting for the common variance of the other tasks. Tasks that measured working memory, shifting, and inhibition were not significantly associated with psychopathology factors. Our findings suggest that neurocognitive abilities may not be differentially associated with psychopathology factors, but that speed of processing is a common correlate of the factors. We emphasise the importance of examining neurocognitive abilities and psychopathology on the in idual level.
Multiplexed SERS Detection of Soluble Cancer Protein Biomarkers with Gold–Silver Alloy Nanoboxes and Nanoyeast Single-Chain Variable Fragments
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 07-08-2088
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.ANALCHEM.8B02216
Abstract: Highly sensitive, multiplexed detection of soluble cancer protein biomarkers can facilitate early cancer screening as well as enable real-time monitoring of patients' sensitivity and resistance to therapy. Current technologies for detection of soluble cancer protein biomarkers, e.g., enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, however, suffer from limited sensitivity, as well as the requirement of expensive monoclonal antibodies, which undergo the quality variability. Herein, we propose a sensitive, cheap, and robust surface-enhanced Raman scattering technology to detect a panel of soluble cancer protein biomarkers, including soluble programmed death 1 (sPD-1), soluble programmed death-ligand 1 (sPD-L1) and soluble epithermal growth factor receptor (sEGFR), which are related to disease progression and treatment efficacy. In this assay, gold-silver alloy nanoboxes that have strong Raman signal enhancement capability were used as plasmonic nanostructures to facilitate highly sensitive detection. In addition, nanoyeast single-chain variable fragments were utilized as mAb alternatives to allow specific and stable protein capture performance. We successfully detected sPD-1, sPD-L1, and sEGFR with a limit of detection of 6.17 pg/mL, 0.68 pg/mL, and 69.86 pg/mL, respectively. We further tested the detection of these three soluble cancer protein biomarkers in human serum and achieved recovery rates between 82.99% and 101.67%. We believe our novel platform that achieves sensitive, multiplexed, and specific detection of soluble cancer protein biomarkers could greatly benefit cancer treatment and improve patient outcome.
Folic Acid Protected Silver Nanocarriers for Targeted Drug Delivery
Publisher: American Scientific Publishers
Date: 10-2012
Abstract: A one-step approach towards the synthesis of folic acid (FA) coated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and doxorubicin (DOX) for drug delivery is proposed. The FA-AgNPs were 23 +/- 2 nm in diameter and showed good monodispersity with a characteristic surface plasmon peak at 409 nm. Taking advantage of the enhanced Raman signal of FA on AgNPs and targeting specificity of FA to folate-receptor expressing cancer cells, the as-prepared FA-AgNPs showed excellent receptor-mediated cellular uptake, as demonstrated both by surface enhanced raman scattering (SERS) imaging and fluorescent lifetime imaging (FLIM). Next, a chemotherapeutic drug, DOX was attached to the FA-AgNPs surface through electrostatic bonding and the release of DOX from FA-AgNPs was monitored by FLIM. The release of DOX into the cytoplasm after 4 hours of incubation was clearly seen by FLIM. After 8 hours, the cells underwent cell death due to the release of DOX from nanoparticles. However, in control cell lines with low-expression levels of the FA receptor, no scattering signal from AgNPs could be observed from within the cells even after an incubation period of 24 hours. Our study shows that nanocarriers can be designed with various chemistries to study targeting and release of disease-specific drugs.
Shape-Induced Variations in Aromatic Thiols Adsorption on Gold Nanoparticle: A Novel Method for Accurate Evaluation of Adsorbed Molecules
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 30-10-2023
Mental health consequences of COVID-19 suppression strategies in Victoria, Australia: a narrative review
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 11-2022
DOI: 10.1177/03000605221134466
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed significant mental health burdens upon the general population worldwide, either directly owing to the disease or indirectly through aggressive public health measures to control spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. In this narrative review, we used a systematic approach to summarize the impact of restrictive lockdown measures on the general mental health of people living in Victoria, Australia during 2020 and to identify the groups with an increased risk of adverse mental health outcomes. A systematic database search (Ovid Medline, PsycINFO, Embase) for articles examining the mental health of Victorians in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic during 2020 yielded 88 articles, of which 15 articles were finally included in this review. We found that the general mental health of Victorians was negatively affected by COVID-19 restrictions during 2020. Although studies reported heterogeneous mental health outcomes, we found that the general population consistently used coping strategies and demonstrated mental health help-seeking behaviors in response to the restrictions. Women, children, young people, carers, people who became unemployed owing to the pandemic, and those with pre-existing psychiatric conditions had a higher risk of adverse mental health consequences during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Simple, Sensitive and Accurate Multiplex Detection of Clinically Important Melanoma DNA Mutations in Circulating Tumour DNA with SERS Nanotags
Publisher: Ivyspring International Publisher
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.7150/THNO.15871
Emerging integrated SERS-microfluidic devices for analysis of cancer-derived small extracellular vesicles
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2023
DOI: 10.1039/D3LC00156C
Abstract: This tutorial review has comprehensively discussed the design of microfluidic device to integrate SERS with it, and addressed the key features and challenges of the integrated platform in the study of cancer-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs).
The Growing Impact of Micro/Nanomaterial‐Based Systems in Precision Oncology: Translating “Multiomics” Technologies
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-02-2020
Abstract: The field of precision oncology is rapidly progressing toward integrated “multiomics” analysis of multiple molecular species (such as DNA, RNA, or proteins) to provide a more complete profile of tumor heterogeneity. Micro/nanomaterial‐based systems, which leverage the unique properties of miniature materials, are currently well positioned to expand beyond rudimentary biomarker detection toward multiomics signature analysis. To enable clinical translation, the rational design and implementation of miniaturized systems should be driven by the unique clinical challenges present at various crucial cancer stages. This review features micro/nanomaterial‐based systems that are robustly tested on real patient s les for molecular biomarker detection at i) initial cancer screening and/or diagnosis, ii) cancer prognosis and risk stratification, and iii) longitudinal treatment/recurrence monitoring. Furthermore, this review discusses the use of micro/nanomaterials to facilitate s le preparation for different molecular biomarker species. Finally, this review deliberates on the recent paradigm shift of micro/nanomaterial‐based system innovation toward integrated multiomics cancer signature analysis and puts forth insights and perspectives on existing challenges. It is anticipated that this review could stimulate the propagation of new concepts and approaches to kick‐start a new generation of clinically translational technologies that capitalize on multiomics cancer signatures.
Syntheses and Characterizations of Two Palladium(II) Complexes of 5‐Mercapto‐1‐methyltetrazole
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-12-2005
SERS aptasensor from nanorod–nanoparticle junction for protein detection
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2010
DOI: 10.1039/B919607B
Abstract: A multicomponent nanostructure comprising of gold nanorod-nanoparticle (AuNR-AuNP) composites was fabricated to detect thrombin at subnanomolar concentrations in diluted human blood serum. Simulation and experiments revealed that the strong electromagnetic coupling resonance at the nanorod-nanoparticle junction of these probes can be used to construct highly sensitive SERS aptasensors.
SERS characterization of colorectal cancer cell surface markers upon anti‐EGFR treatment
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-05-2022
DOI: 10.1002/EXP.20210176
Abstract: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most diagnosed and the second lethal cancer worldwide. Approximately 30–50% of CRC are driven by mutations in the KRAS oncogene, which is a strong negative predictor for response to anti‐epidermal growth factor receptor (anti‐EGFR) therapy. Examining the phenotype of KRAS mutant and wild‐type (WT) CRC cells in response to anti‐EGFR treatment may provide significant insights into drug response and resistance. Herein, surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) assay was applied to phenotype four cell surface proteins (EpCAM, EGFR, HER2, HER3) in KRAS mutant (SW480) and WT (SW48) cells over a 24‐day time course of anti‐EGFR treatment with cetuximab. Cell phenotypes were obtained using Raman reporter‐coated and antibody‐conjugated gold nanoparticles (SERS nanotags), where a characteristic Raman spectrum was generated upon single laser excitation, reflecting the presence of the targeted surface marker proteins. Compared to the KRAS mutant cells, KRAS WT cells were more sensitive to anti‐EGFR treatment and displayed a significant decrease in HER2 and HER3 expression. The SERS results were validated with flow cytometry, confirming the SERS assay is promising as an alternative method for multiplexed characterization of cell surface biomarkers using a single laser excitation system.
Inertial separation of particles assisted by symmetrical sheath flows in a straight microchannel
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 17-07-2023
Direct electrochemistry and electrocatalysis of horseradish peroxidase immobilized in Nafion-RTIL composite film
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2007
Correction: SERS-based nanostrategy for rapid anemia diagnosis
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2021
DOI: 10.1039/D1NR90196F
Abstract: Correction for ‘SERS-based nanostrategy for rapid anemia diagnosis’ by Pir Muhammad et al. , Nanoscale , 2020, 12 , 1948–1957, DOI: 10.1039/C9NR09152A.
Toward Precision Medicine: A Cancer Molecular Subtyping Nano‐Strategy for RNA Biomarkers in Tumor and Urine
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 26-09-2016
Abstract: Cancer is a heterogeneous disease which manifests as different molecular subtypes due to the complex nature of tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. The concept of precision medicine aims to exploit this cancer heterogeneity by incorporating diagnostic technology to characterize each cancer patient's molecular subtype for tailored treatments. To characterize cancer molecular subtypes accurately, a suite of multiplexed bioassays have currently been developed to detect multiple oncogenic biomarkers. Despite the reliability of current multiplexed detection techniques, novel strategies are still needed to resolve limitations such as long assay time, complex protocols, and difficulty in interpreting broad overlapping spectral peaks of conventional fluorescence readouts. Herein a rapid (80 min) multiplexed platform strategy for subtyping prostate cancer tumor and urine s les based on their RNA biomarker profiles is presented. This is achieved by combining rapid multiplexed isothermal reverse transcription-recombinase polymerase lification (RT-RPA) of target RNA biomarkers with surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) nanotags for "one-pot" readout. This is the first translational application of a RT-RPA/SERS-based platform for multiplexed cancer biomarker detection to address a clinical need. With excellent sensitivity of 200 zmol (100 copies) and specificity, we believed that this platform methodology could be a useful tool for rapid multiplexed subtyping of cancers.
SERS Nanotags and Their Applications in Biosensing and Bioimaging
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2018
In Situ Single Cell Proteomics Reveals Circulating Tumor Cell Heterogeneity during Treatment
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 06-07-0016
Abstract: Cancer is a dynamic disease with heterogenic molecular signatures and constantly evolves during the course of the disease. Single cell proteomic analysis could offer a suitable pathway to monitor cancer cell heterogeneity and deliver critical information for the diagnosis, recurrence, and drug-resistant mechanisms in cancer. Current standard techniques for proteomic analysis such as ELISA, mass spectrometry, and Western blots are time-consuming, expensive, and often require fluorescence labeling that fails to provide accurate information about the multiple protein expression changes at the single cell level. Herein, we report a surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy-based simple microfluidic device that enables the screening of single circulating tumor cells (CTC) in a dynamic state to precisely understand the heterogeneous expression of multiple protein biomarkers in response to therapy. It further enables identifying intercellular heterogeneous expression of CTC surface proteins which would be highly informative to identify the cancer cells surviving treatment and potentially responsible for drug resistance. Using a bead and cell line-based model system, we successfully detect single bead and single cell spectra when flowed through the device. Using SK-MEL-28 melanoma cells, we demonstrate that our system is capable of monitoring heterogeneous expressions of multiple surface protein markers (MCSP, MCAM, and LNGFR) before and during drug treatment. Integrating a label-free electrochemical system with the device, we also monitor the expression of an intracellular protein (here, BRAF V600E ) under drug treatment. Finally, we perform a longitudinal study with 15 s les from five different melanoma patients who underwent therapy. We find that the average expression of receptor proteins in a patient fails to determine the therapy response particularly when the disease progresses. However, single CTC analysis with our device shows a high level of intercellular heterogeneity in the receptor expression profiles of patient-derived CTCs and identifies heterogeneity within CTCs. More importantly, we find that a fraction of CTCs still shows a high expression of these receptor proteins during and after therapy, indicating the presence of resistant CTCs which may evolve after a certain time and progress the disease. We believe this automated assay will have high clinical importance in disease diagnosis and monitoring treatment and will significantly advance the understanding of cancer heterogeneity on the single cell level.
Weight bias among health care professionals: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-09-2021
DOI: 10.1002/OBY.23266
Abstract: Weight‐biased attitudes and views held by health care professionals can have a negative impact on the patient‐provider relationship and the provision of care, but studies have found mixed results about the extent and nature of bias, which warrants a review of the evidence. A systematic review and random‐effects meta‐analysis were conducted by including studies up to January 12, 2021. A total of 41 studies met inclusion criteria, with 17 studies providing sufficient data to be meta‐analyzed. A moderate pooled effect (standardized mean difference = 0.66 95% CI: 0.37‐0.96) showed that health care professionals demonstrate implicit weight bias. Health care professionals also report explicit weight bias on the Fat Phobia Scale, Antifat Attitudes Scale, and Attitudes Towards Obese Persons Scale. Findings show that medical doctors, nurses, dietitians, psychologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, podiatrists, and exercise physiologists hold implicit and/or explicit weight‐biased attitudes toward people with obesity. A total of 27 different outcomes were used to measure weight bias, and the overall quality of evidence was rated as very low. Future research needs to adopt more robust research methods to improve the assessment of weight bias and to inform future interventions to address weight bias among health care professionals.
Native MicroRNA Targets Trigger Self‐Assembly of Nanozyme‐Patterned Hollowed Nanocuboids with Optimal Interparticle Gaps for Plasmonic‐Activated Cancer Detection
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-11-2019
Abstract: The modernized use of nucleic acid (NA) sequences to drive nanostructure self-assembly has given rise to a new class of designed nanomaterials with controllable plasmonic functionalities for broad surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based bioanalysis applications. Herein, dual usage of microRNAs (miRNAs) as both valuable cancer biomarkers and direct self-assembly triggers is identified and capitalized upon for custom-designed plasmonic nanostructures. Through strict NA hybridization of miRNA targets, Au nanospheres selectively self-assemble onto hollowed Au/Ag alloy nanocuboids with ideal interparticle distances (≈2.3 nm) for optimal SERS signaling. The intrinsic material properties of the self-assembled nanostructures further elevate miRNA detection performance via nanozyme catalytic SERS signaling cascades. This enables fM-level miR-107 detection limit within a clinically-relevant range without any molecular target lification. The miRNA-triggered nanostructure self-assembly approach is further applied in clinical patient s les, and showcases the potential of miR-107 as a non-invasive prostate cancer diagnostic biomarker. The use of miRNA targets to drive nanostructure self-assembly holds great promise as a practical tool for miRNA detection in disease applications.
Direct electrochemistry of cytochrome c at gold electrode modified with fumed silica
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-2005
The impact of COVID‐19 on the mental health workforce: A rapid review
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-12-2023
DOI: 10.1111/INM.13097
Abstract: The COVID‐19 pandemic led to significant adaptations to healthcare. Provision of mental healthcare in a changing environment presented healthcare workers with unique challenges and demands, including changes in workload and expectations. To inform current and future healthcare service responses, and adaptations, the current review aimed to collate and examine the impact of the pandemic on mental healthcare workers (MHWs). We conducted a rapid systematic review to examine the overall impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on MHWs. Searches were conducted in Ovid Medline and PsycInfo and restricted to articles published from 2020. Inclusion criteria specified articles written in English, published in peer‐reviewed journals, and that examined any outcome of the impact of COVID‐19 on MHWs 55 articles fulfilled these criteria. Outcomes were categorized into ‘work‐related outcomes’ and ‘personal outcomes’. Mental healthcare workers worldwide experienced a range of work‐related and personal adversities during the pandemic. Key work‐related outcomes included increased workload, changed roles, burnout, decreased job satisfaction, telehealth challenges, difficulties with work‐life balance, altered job performance, vicarious trauma and increased workplace violence. Personal outcomes included decreased well‐being, increased psychological distress and psychosocial difficulties. These outcomes differed between inpatient, outpatient and remote settings. The COVID‐19 pandemic significantly altered the delivery of mental healthcare and MHWs experienced both work‐related and personal adversities during the COVID‐19 pandemic. With the continuation of changes introduced to healthcare in the initial stages of the pandemic, it will be important to maintain efforts to monitor negative outcomes and ensure supports for MHWs, going forward.
A Conceptual Model of Long-Term Weight Loss Maintenance: The Importance of Cognitive, Empirical and Computational Approaches
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 13-01-2021
Abstract: Living with obesity is related to numerous negative health outcomes, including various cancers, type II diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Although much is known about the factors associated with obesity, and a range of weight loss interventions have been established, changing health-related behaviours to positively affect obesity outcomes has proven difficult. In this paper, we first draw together major factors that have emerged within the literature on weight loss to describe a new conceptual framework of long-term weight loss maintenance. Key to this framework is the suggestion that increased positive social support influences a reduction in psychosocial stress, and that this has the effect of promoting better executive functioning which in turn facilitates the development of healthy habits and the breaking of unhealthy habits, leading to improved ongoing maintenance of weight loss. We then outline how the use of computational approaches are an essential next step, to more rigorously test conceptual frameworks, such as the one we propose, and the benefits that a mixture of conceptual, empirical and computational approaches offer to the field of health psychology.
Nanoparticle SERS Substrates
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 15-12-2010
Training Health Professionals in the Use of Behaviour Change Techniques to Optimise Patient Care (Preprint)
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 18-08-2022
Abstract: ates of non-communicable diseases continue to rise worldwide. Many of these diseases are a result of engaging in behavioural risk factors. Without lifestyle and behavioural intervention, non-communicable diseases can worsen and develop into more debilitating diseases. Behavioural interventions are an effective strategy to reduce the burden of disease. Behaviour change techniques can be described as the ‘active ingredients’ in behaviour change and address the components that need to be altered in order for the target behaviour to change. Health professionals, such as pharmacists and nurses, can engage in opportunistic behaviour change with their patients, to encourage positive health behaviours. he objective of this study was to develop, implement and evaluate a behaviour change workshop targeted at health professionals in Australia, with the goal of increasing knowledge of behaviour change techniques and psychological variables. prospective study design was used to develop and evaluate a 2-hour behaviour change workshop targeted at health professionals. The workshop was developed based on the COM-B model and had 5 core objectives: To (1) detail the role of health professionals in delivering optimal care (2) demonstrate opportunities to change behaviour (3) describe principles of behaviour change (4) explain behaviour change techniques, and (5) determine the most appropriate behaviour change techniques to use and when. A total of 10 workshops were conducted. To evaluate the workshop and identify any potential long-term changes in behaviour, data on knowledge and psychological constructs were collected from the attendees pre- and post-workshop. final s le of 41 health professionals comprising of general practitioners, nurses, and pharmacists completed the pre and post-workshop survey. Following the workshops there was a significant improvement in knowledge of behavioural change techniques (t(40) = -5.11, P .001), subjective norms (t(40) = -3.49, P = .001), descriptive norms (t(40) = -3.65, P .001), perceived behavioural control (t(40) = -3.30, P = .002), and intention (t(36) = -3.32, P = .002). Each having a large effect. There was no significant difference in attitude post workshop (t(40) = .78, P = .44). The workshops were also found to be highly feasible and acceptable. ltimately, a 2-hour theoretically informed workshop, designed to facilitate the use of behavioural change techniques within health professionals, was shown to be largely effective. The workshops resulted in an increase in knowledge, descriptive norms, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, and intention. The intervention was also shown to be highly feasible and acceptable with the large majority of participants deeming the intervention to be needed, useful, appropriate, and applicable, as well as interesting and worth their time. Future research should examine the lasting impacts of the workshop on health professionals’ practice.
Correction to Novel Noncentrosymmetric Zinc Coordination Polymer Containing an Unusual Zinc Carboxylate−Sulfonate Substructure with a (10,3)-d Topology and Its Second-Harmonic-Generation Properties
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 27-09-2010
DOI: 10.1021/IC101921C
Bifunctional Au@Pt hybrid nanorods
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2007
DOI: 10.1016/J.JCIS.2007.06.022
Abstract: The controlled synthesis of bifunctional Au@Pt hybrid nanorods has been realized through a simple wet chemical approach. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and UV-vis-near infrared spectroscopy (UV-vis-NIR) were employed to characterize the obtained hybrid nanorods. TEM results indicate that the thickness of Pt nanoislands on the surfaces of gold nanorods can be easily tunable via controlling the molar ratio of Au nanorods to the H(2)PtCl(6). These Au@Pt hybrid nanorods have dual functions, which can be used not only for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), but also to exhibit good catalytic activity for O(2) reduction. It is expected that these hybrid nanorods can be used as new functional building blocks to assemble novel three-dimensional (3D) complex multicomponent nanostructures, which are believed to be useful for electrochemical nanodevices.
Silver Nanosphere SERS Probes for Sensitive Identification of Pathogens
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 09-09-2010
DOI: 10.1021/JP1015406
Surface-enhanced resonance Raman spectroscopy and spectroscopy study of redox-induced conformational equilibrium of cytochrome c adsorbed on DNA-modified metal electrode
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2006
DOI: 10.1016/J.BIOS.2005.11.026
Abstract: The redox-induced conformational equilibrium of cytochrome c (cyt c) adsorbed on DNA-modified metal electrode and the interaction mechanism of DNA with cyt c have been studied by electrochemical, spectroscopic and spectroelectrochemical techniques. The results indicate that the external electric field induces potential-dependent coordination equilibrium of the adsorbed cyt c between its oxidized state (with native six-coordinate low-spin and non-native five-coordinate high-spin heme configuration) and its reduced state (with native six-coordinate low-spin heme configuration) on DNA-modified metal electrode. The strong interactions between DNA and cyt c induce the self-aggregation of cyt c adsorbed on DNA. The orientational distribution of cyt c adsorbed on DNA-modified metal electrode is potential-dependent, which results in the deviation from an ideal Nernstian behavior of the adsorbed cyt c at high electrode potentials. The electric-field-induced increase in the activation barrier of proton-transfer steps attributed to the rearrangement of the hydrogen bond network and the self-aggregation of cyt c upon adsorption on DNA-modified electrode strongly decrease the interfacial electron transfer rate. In addition, the strongly Coulombic interactions between DNA and cyt c only disturb the microenvironment of the heme, and do not affect the states of heme ligation and spin. The secondary structure of the adsorbed cyt c is retained, while the conformation of DNA is changed from the B form DNA to A form DNA.
SERS opens a new way in aptasensor for protein recognition with high sensitivity and selectivity
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2007
DOI: 10.1039/B709492B
Abstract: SERS aptasensors for protein recognition based on Au nanoparticles labeled with aptamers and Raman reporters have been developed, which opens a new way for protein recognition of high sensitivity and selectivity.
A nanoplasmonic label-free surface-enhanced Raman scattering strategy for non-invasive cancer genetic subtyping in patient samples
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2017
DOI: 10.1039/C6NR09928A
Abstract: Simple nucleic acid detection methods could facilitate the progress of disease diagnostics for clinical uses. An attractive strategy is label-free surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) due to its capability of providing structural fingerprinting of analytes that are close to or on nanomaterial surfaces. However, current label-free SERS approaches for DNA/RNA biomarker detection are limited to short and synthetic nucleic acid targets and have not been fully realized in clinical s les due to two possible reasons: (i) low target copies in limited patient s les and (ii) poor capability in identifying specific biomarkers from complex s les. To resolve these limitations and enable label-free SERS for clinical applications, we herein present a novel strategy based on multiplex reverse transcription-recombinase polymerase lification (RT-RPA) to enrich multiple RNA biomarkers, followed by label-free SERS with multivariate statistical analysis to directly detect, identify and distinguish between these long licons (∼200 bp). As a proof-of-concept clinical demonstration, we employed this strategy for non-invasive subtyping of prostate cancer (PCa). In a training cohort of 43 patient urinary s les, we achieved 93.0% specificity, 95.3% sensitivity, and 94.2% accuracy. We believe that our proposed assay could pave the way for simple and direct label-free SERS detection of multiple long nucleic acid sequences in patient s les, and thus facilitate rapid cancer molecular subtyping for personalized therapies.
Field Demonstration of a Multiplexed Point-of-Care Diagnostic Platform for Plant Pathogens
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 27-07-2016
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.ANALCHEM.6B01551
Abstract: Effective disease management strategies to prevent catastrophic crop losses require rapid, sensitive, and multiplexed detection methods for timely decision making. To address this need, a rapid, highly specific and sensitive point-of-care method for multiplex detection of plant pathogens was developed by taking advantage of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) labeled nanotags and recombinase polymerase lification (RPA), which is a rapid isothermal lification method with high specificity. In this study, three agriculturally important plant pathogens (Botrytis cinerea, Pseudomonas syringae, and Fusarium oxysporum) were used to demonstrate potential translation into the field. The RPA-SERS method was faster, more sensitive than polymerase chain reaction, and could detect as little as 2 copies of B. cinerea DNA. Furthermore, multiplex detection of the three pathogens was demonstrated for complex systems such as the Arabidopsis thaliana plant and commercial tomato crops. To demonstrate the potential for on-site field applications, a rapid single-tube RPA/SERS assay was further developed and successfully performed for a specific target outside of a laboratory setting.
Shape dependent protein-induced stabilization of gold nanoparticles: From a protein corona perspective Special Collection: Distinguished Australian Researchers
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 22-02-2023
DOI: 10.1002/AGT2.323
Abstract: Abstract Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are promising materials for many bioapplications. However, upon contacting with biological media, AuNPs undergo changes. The interaction with proteins results in the so‐called protein corona (PC) around AuNPs, leading to the new bioidentity and optical properties. Understanding the mechanisms of PC formation and its functions can help us to utilise its benefits and avoid its drawbacks. To date, most of the previous works aimed to understand the mechanisms governing PC formation and focused on the spherical nanoparticles, although non‐spherical nanoparticles are designed for a wide range of applications in biosensing. In this work, we investigated the differences in PC formation on spherical and anisotropic AuNPs (nanostars in particular) from the joint experimental (extinction spectroscopy, zeta potential and surface‐enhanced Raman scattering [SERS]) and computational methods (the finite element method and molecular dynamics [MD] simulations). We discovered that protein does not fully cover the surface of anisotropic nanoparticles, leaving SERS hot‐spots at the tips and high curvature edges ‘available’ for analyte binding (no SERS signal after pre‐incubation with protein) while providing protein‐induced stabilization (indicated by extinction spectroscopy) of the AuNPs by providing a protein layer around the particle's core. The findings are confirmed from our MD simulations, the adsorption energy significantly decreases with the increased radius of curvature, so that tips (adsorption energy: 2762.334 kJ/mol) would be the least preferential binding site compared to core (adsorption energy: 11819.263 kJ/mol). These observations will help the development of new nanostructures with improved sensing and targeting ability.
Oncology healthcare professionals' perceptions and experiences of 'chemobrain' in cancer survivors and persons undergoing cancer treatment.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2023
Facile One-Pot Synthesis of Nanodot-Decorated Gold–Silver Alloy Nanoboxes for Single-Particle Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Activity
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 31-08-2018
Abstract: Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is an important, highly sensitive technique for chemical and biological analysis, which is critically dependent upon high-performance metallic substrates. Anisotropic gold (Au)-silver (Ag) alloy nanoboxes are attractive SERS substrates because of the greatly enhanced Raman signals from the strong electromagnetic fields on the sharp corners. Yet, the routine approach of Au-Ag alloy nanobox synthesis is still challenging because of the complicated procedures and use of biologically/environmentally unfriendly reagents. To facilitate the usage of Au-Ag alloy nanoboxes for broad SERS applications, we propose a facile green strategy to synthesize Au-Ag alloy nanoboxes with superior single-particle SERS sensitivity. Our novel straightforward strategy involves HAuCl
Highly sensitive DNA methylation analysis at CpG resolution by surface-enhanced Raman scattering via ligase chain reaction
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1039/C5CC03921E
Abstract: Highly sensitive DNA methylation analysis at CpG resolution is demonstrated by employing SERS nanotags via ligase chain reaction (LCR) and validated with sequencing.
Neurocognitive Artificial Neural Network Models Are Superior to Linear Models at Accounting for Dimensional Psychopathology
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 10-08-2022
Abstract: In recent years, there has been debate about the optimal conceptualisation of psychopathology. Structural models of psychopathology have been developed to counter issues, including comorbidity and poor diagnostic stability prevalent within the traditional nosological approach. Regardless of the conceptualisation of psychological dysfunction, deficits in neurocognitive abilities have been claimed to be an aetiological feature of psychopathology. Explorations of the association between neurocognition and psychopathology have typically taken a linear approach, overlooking the potential interactive dynamics of neurocognitive abilities. Previously, we proposed a multidimensional hypothesis, where within-person interactions between neurocognitive domains are fundamental to understanding the role of neurocognition within psychopathology. In this study, we used previously collected psychopathology data for 400 participants on psychopathological symptoms, substance use, and performance on eight neurocognitive tasks and compared the predictive accuracy of linear models to artificial neural network models. The artificial neural network models were significantly more accurate than the traditional linear models at predicting actual (a) lower-level and (b) high-level dimensional psychopathology. These results provide support for the multidimensional hypothesis: that the study of non-linear interactions and compensatory neurocognitive profiles are integral to understanding the functional associations between neurocognition and of psychopathology.
Plasmon-Enhanced Four-Wave Mixing Imaging for Microdroplet-Based Single-Cell Analysis
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 15-06-2020
Synthesis of different gold nanostructures by solar radiation and their SERS spectroscopy
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 26-05-2009
DOI: 10.1002/JRS.2259
Facile fabrication of large area of aggregated gold nanorods film for efficient surface-enhanced Raman scattering
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2008
DOI: 10.1016/J.JCIS.2007.09.057
Abstract: An effective and facile method for fabrication of large area of aggregated gold nanorods (AuNRs) film was proposed by self-assembly of AuNRs at a toluene/water interface for the first time. It was found that large area of aggregated AuNRs film could be formed at the interface of toluene and water due to the interfacial tension between the two phases. The obtained large area of aggregated AuNRs film exhibits strong surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) activity with 4-aminothiophenol (4-ATP) and 2-aminothiophenol (2-ATP) as the probe molecules based on the strong electromagnetic coupling effect between the very adjacent AuNRs. Enhancement factors (EF) were used to estimate the SERS activity of the aggregated AuNRs film, which is obtained to be 1.7x10(5) for 7a vibration of 4-ATP. SERS intensity is compared with AuNRs deposited directly on glass, indicating high SERS activity and reproducibility of the aggregated AuNRs film. In addition, SERS activity has also been successfully demonstrated for dye molecule (Rhodamin 6G (R6G)) and biological small molecule (adenine) on the aggregated AuNRs film, showing great potential of the aggregated AuNRs film as a convenient and powerful SERS substrate for biological tags and biological molecular detection.
Raman-encoded microbeads for spectral multiplexing with SERS detection
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1039/C4RA16163G
Abstract: Spectral multiplexing on polystyrene beads by SERS was demonstrated by encoding the silica-encapsulated self-assembled monolayers of Raman reporter-coated gold nanoparticles.
Self-assembly of Au nano-islands with tuneable organized disorder for highly sensitive SERS
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.1039/C9TC01231A
Abstract: A thermophoretically driven Au aerosol deposition process is used for the self-assembly of thin films consisting of plasmonic nano-islands (NIs) with a controllable and highly reproducible degree of disorder resulting in long-range periodicity with self-similar properties and stochastically distributed hot-spots, benefitting their applications as SERS substrates.
Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy at single-molecule scale and its implications in biology
Publisher: The Royal Society
Date: 05-02-2013
Abstract: Single-molecule (SM) spectroscopy has been an exciting area of research offering significant promise and hope in the field of sensor development to detect targets at ultra-low levels down to SM resolution. To the experts and developers in the field of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), this has often been a challenge and a significant opportunity for exploration. Needless to say, the opportunities and excitement of this multidisciplinary area impacts span the fields of physics, chemistry and engineering, along with a significant thrust in applications constituting areas in medicine, biology, environment and agriculture among others. In this review, we will attempt to provide a quick snapshot of the basics of SM-SERS, nanostructures and devices that can enable SM Raman measurement. We will conclude with a discussion on SERS implications in biomedical sciences.
Surface-enhanced Raman scattering of silver-gold bimetallic nanostructures with hollow interiors
Publisher: AIP Publishing
Date: 27-07-2006
DOI: 10.1063/1.2216694
Abstract: Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) activity of silver-gold bimetallic nanostructures (a mean diameter of ∼100nm) with hollow interiors was checked using p-aminothiophenol (p-ATP) as a probe molecule at both visible light (514.5nm) and near-infrared (1064nm) excitation. Evident Raman peaks of p-ATP were clearly observed, indicating the enhancement Raman scattering activity of the hollow nanostructure to p-ATP. The enhancement factors (EF) at the hollow nanostructures were obtained to be as large as (0.8±0.3)×106 and (2.7±0.5)×108 for 7a and 19b (b2) vibration mode, respectively, which was 30–40 times larger than that at silver nanoparticles with solid interiors at 514.5nm excitation. EF values were also obtained at 1064nm excitation for 7a and b2-type vibration mode, which were estimated to be as large as (1.0±0.3)×106 and (0.9±0.2)×107, respectively. The additional EF values by a factor of ∼10 for b2-type band were assumed to be due to the chemical effect. Large electromagnetic EF values were presumed to derive from a strong localized plasmas electromagnetic field existed at the hollow nanostructures. SERS activity of hollow nanostructures with another size (a mean diameter of ∼80nm) was also investigated and large EF for 7a and b2-type band are obtained to be (0.6±0.3)×106 and (1.7±0.7)×108, respectively, at 514.5nm excitation and (0.2±0.1)×106 and (0.6±0.2)×107, respectively, at 1064nm excitation. Although the optical properties of the hollow nanostructures have not yet been well studied, high SERS activities of the nanostructures with hollow interiors have been exhibited in our report.
Multifunctional Label-Free Electrochemical Biosensor Based on an Integrated Aptamer
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 04-06-2008
DOI: 10.1021/AC800303C
Abstract: Aptamers, which are in vitro selected functional oligonucleotides, have been employed to design novel biosensors (i.e., aptasensors) due to their inherent selectivity, affinity, and their multifarious advantages over traditional recognition elements. In this work, we reported a multifunctional reusable label-free electrochemical biosensor based on an integrated aptamer for parallel detection of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and alpha-thrombin, by using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). A Au electrode as the sensing surface was modified with a part DNA duplex which contained a 5'-thiolated partly complementary strand (PCS) and a mixed aptamer (MBA). The unimolecular MBA contained small-molecule ATP binding aptamer (ABA) and also protein alpha-thrombin binding aptamer (TBA). Thus, the aptasensor could be used for detection of ATP and alpha-thrombin both. The detection limit of ATP was 1 x 10(-8) M, and its detection range could extend up to 10(-4) M, whereas the detection limit of alpha-thrombin was 1 x 10(-11) M, and its detection range was from 1 x 10(-11) to 1 x 10(-7) M. Meanwhile, after detecting alpha-thrombin, the sensing interface could be used for ATP recognition as well. The aptasensor regeneration could be realized by rehybridizing of the MBA strand with the partly complementary strand immobilized on the Au surface after ATP detection or by treating with a large amount of ATP and then rehybridizing the MBA strand with the partly complementary strand immobilized on the Au surface after alpha-thrombin detection. The aptasensor fabricated exhibited several advantages such as label-free detection, high sensitivity, regeneration, and multifunctional recognition. It also showed the detectability in biological fluid. Therein it held promising potential for integration of the sensing ability such as the simultaneous detection for multianalysis in the future.
Sensitive and Direct DNA Mutation Detection by Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Using Rational Designed and Tunable Plasmonic Nanostructures
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 30-03-2020
Sensitive and Multiplexed SERS Nanotags for the Detection of Cytokines Secreted by Lymphoma
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 22-08-2019
DOI: 10.1021/ACSSENSORS.9B01211
Abstract: The sensitive and simultaneous detection of cytokines will provide new insights into the physiological process and disease pathways due to the complex nature of cytokine networks. However, the key challenge is the lack of probes that can simultaneously detect multiple cytokines in a single s le. In this contribution, we proposed an alternative approach for sensitive cytokine detection in a multiplex manner by the use of a new set of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) nanotags. Typically, the newly designed SERS nanotags are composed of gold nanoparticles as the core, tuneable Raman molecules as the reporters, and a thin silver layer as the shell. As demonstrated through rigorous numerical simulations, enhanced Raman signal is achieved due to a strong localization of light in the 0.2 nm thin, optically deep-subwavelength region between the Au core and the Ag shell. Sensitive detection of cytokines is realized by forming a sandwich immunoassay. The detection limit is down to 4.5 pg mL
Nanosupernova: a new anisotropic nanostructure for SERS
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2023
DOI: 10.1039/D2NR05287C
Abstract: We develop a simple synthesis method that results in the formation of quasi-spherical SERS nanotags and larger highly anisotropic nanoparticles with a novel structure, which we have designated nanosupernova.
A microfluidic-SERSplatform for isolation and immuno-phenotyping of antigen specific T-cells
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2019
Gold Nanostars with Reduced Fouling Facilitate Small Molecule Detection in the Presence of Protein
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 29-09-2021
DOI: 10.3390/NANO11102565
Abstract: Gold nanoparticles have the potential to be used in biomedical applications from diagnostics to drug delivery. However, interactions of gold nanoparticles with different biomolecules in the cellular environment result in the formation of a “protein corona”—a layer of protein formed around a nanoparticle, which induces changes in the properties of nanoparticles. In this work we developed methods to reproducibly synthesize spheroidal and star-shaped gold nanoparticles, and carried out a physico-chemical characterization of synthesized anionic gold nanospheroids and gold nanostars through transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential (ZP), nanoparticles tracking analysis (NTA), ultraviolet-visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy and estimates of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) signal enhancement ability. We analyzed how they interact with proteins after pre-incubation with bovine serum albumin (BSA) via UV–Vis, DLS, ZP, NTA, SERS, cryogenic TEM (cryo-TEM) and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. The tests demonstrated that the protein adsorption on the particles’ surfaces was different for spheroidal and star shaped particles. In our experiments, star shaped particles limited the protein corona formation at SERS “hot spots”. This benefits the small-molecule sensing of nanostars in biological media. This work adds more understanding about protein corona formation on gold nanoparticles of different shapes in biological media, and therefore guides design of particles for studies in vitro and in vivo.
Rapid and Sensitive Fusion Gene Detection in Prostate Cancer Urinary Specimens by Label-Free Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering
Publisher: American Scientific Publishers
Date: 09-2016
Abstract: Recurrent chromosomal rearrangements such as fusion genes are associated with cancer initiation and progression. Prostate cancer (PCa) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and the TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusion is a recurrent biomarker in about 50% of all prostate cancers. However, current screening tools for TMPRSS2-ERG are generally confined to research settings and hence, the development of a rapid, sensitive and accurate assay for TMPRSS2-ERG detection may aid in clinical PCa diagnosis and treatment. Herein, we described a new strategy for non-invasive TMPRSS2-ERG detection in patient urinary s les by coupling of isothermal reverse transcription-recombinase polymerization lification (RT-RPA) to lify TMPRSS2-ERG transcripts and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) to directly detect the licons. This novel coupling of both techniques allows rapid and quantitative TMPRSS2-ERG detection. Our assay can specifically detect as low as 103 copies input of TMPRSS2-ERG transcripts and was successfully applied to clinical PCa urinary s les. Hence, we believe our assay is a potential clinical screening tool for TMPRSS2-ERG in PCa and may have broad applications in detecting other gene fusion transcripts in other diseases.
Simple and rapid colorimetric detection of melanoma circulating tumor cells using bifunctional magnetic nanoparticles
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2017
DOI: 10.1039/C7AN01102D
Abstract: The rapid and sensitive detection of melanoma circulating tumor cells was achieved utilizing the nanozyme activity and separation property of magnetic nanoparticles.
SERS driven cross-platform based multiplex pathogen detection
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2011
Exploring the synthesis of infinite helical chains with 2-carboxycinnamic acid
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2005
DOI: 10.1039/B505920H
Separation and detection of multiple pathogens in a food matrix by magnetic SERS nanoprobes
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-12-2010
DOI: 10.1007/S00216-010-4453-6
Abstract: A rapid and sensitive method was developed here for separation and detection of multiple pathogens in food matrix by magnetic surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanoprobes. Silica-coated magnetic probes (MNPs@SiO(2)) of ~100 nm in diameter were first prepared via the reverse microemulsion method using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide as a surfactant and tetraethyl orthosilicate as the silica precursor. The as-prepared MNPs@SiO(2) were functionalized with specific pathogen antibodies to first capture threat agents directly from a food matrix followed by detection using an optical approach enabled by SERS. In this scheme, pathogens were first immuno-magnetically captured with MNPs@SiO(2), and pathogen-specific SERS probes (gold nanoparticles integrated with a Raman reporter) were functionalized with corresponding antibodies to allow the formation of a sandwich assay to complete the sensor module for the detection of multiple pathogens in selected food matrices, just changing the kinds of Raman reporters on SERS probes. Here, up to two key pathogens, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus, were selected as a model to illustrate the probability of this scheme for multiple pathogens detection. The lowest cell concentration detected in spinach solution was 10(3) CFU/mL. A blind test conducted in peanut butter validated the limit of detection as 10(3) CFU/mL with high specificity, demonstrating the potential of this approach in complex matrices.
Investigating Attraction and Retention of Staff Within Public Mental Health Services in Victoria, Australia: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 09-05-2023
Abstract: large proportion of Australians are affected by mental illness each year, and treatment gaps are well known. To meet current and future demands and enable access to treatment which is safe, effective, and acceptable, a robust and sustainable mental health workforce is required. Factors reported to attract people to work within the mental health sector include aspirations to help others, having an interest in mental health and human behaviour, desires to make a difference and do something worthwhile, personal lived experience, recognition and value of discipline-specific roles, and being able to use skills and knowledge within their professional framework. However, despite the various reasons people choose to enter the public mental health workforce, recruitment and retention continue to be ongoing challenges. his study aims to explore factors related to attraction, recruitment, and retention of the public mental health workforce in Victoria, Australia. The information obtained will be used to provide specific strategies that will aid in addressing the identified challenges. he study is a multi-site, mixed methods, cross-sectional study to be conducted at four public hospital services within Victoria, Australia: two in metropolitan and two in regional/rural locations. Current, previous and non-mental health workers will be asked to complete a 20-25 minute online survey, and offered participation in an optional 30-60 minute qualitative interview. Both aspects of the project will examine factors related to attraction, recruitment, and retention in the public mental health workforce. Differences between groups (i.e., current, past, and non-mental health workers), as well as location, discipline and health setting will be examined. Regression analyses will be performed to determine the factors most strongly associated with retention (i.e., job satisfaction), and turnover intention. Qualitative data will be transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed to identify common themes. s of May 2023, we enrolled 539 participants in the online survey, and 27 participants in the qualitative interview. o understand issues of attraction, recruitment, and retention specifically within Victoria, Australia, this project seeks to build on current knowledge from within Australia, as well as consider available evidence from international sources. The current project also supports several recommendations made by the Royal Commission in Victoria’s Mental Health System, and results will enable critical workforce planning to ensure alignment of job supply with the demand required by the mental health system, in order to create a sustainable mental health workforce.
Characterization and optimization of AuNPs labeled by Raman reporters on glass based on silver enhancement
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-12-2009
DOI: 10.1002/JRS.2170
A call for action: Educating pharmacists and pharmacy students in behaviour change techniques
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2023
A paper-based SERS assay for sensitive duplex cytokine detection towards the atherosclerosis-associated disease diagnosis
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.1039/C9TB02469G
Abstract: Novel SERS based sensing assay was built by combining nanoporous membrane with sandwich immunoassay for duplex cytokines detection. It can be used as a promising candidate for clinical application due to its excellent performance in human serum.
Controlled Synthesis of Large‐Area and Patterned Electrochemically Reduced Graphene Oxide Films
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-06-2009
A digital single-molecule nanopillar SERS platform for predicting and monitoring immune toxicities in immunotherapy
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 17-02-2021
DOI: 10.1038/S41467-021-21431-W
Abstract: The introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors has demonstrated significant improvements in survival for subsets of cancer patients. However, they carry significant and sometimes life-threatening toxicities. Prompt prediction and monitoring of immune toxicities have the potential to maximise the benefits of immune checkpoint therapy. Herein, we develop a digital nanopillar SERS platform that achieves real-time single cytokine counting and enables dynamic tracking of immune toxicities in cancer patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment - broader applications are anticipated in other disease indications. By analysing four prospective cytokine biomarkers that initiate inflammatory responses, the digital nanopillar SERS assay achieves both highly specific and highly sensitive cytokine detection down to attomolar level. Significantly, we report the capability of the assay to longitudinally monitor 10 melanoma patients during immune inhibitor blockade treatment. Here, we show that elevated cytokine concentrations predict for higher risk of developing severe immune toxicities in our pilot cohort of patients.
Atomic Force Microscopic and Electrochemical Investigations of an Electrostatically Fabricated Single‐Wall Carbon Nanotubes Modified Electrode
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2005
Phenotypic profiling of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma plasma-derived small extracellular vesicles for cancer diagnosis and cancer stage prediction: a proof-of-concept study
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2022
DOI: 10.1039/D2AY00536K
Abstract: Phenotype profiling of plasma-derived sEVs using SERS based assay for PDAC diagnosis and cancer stage prediction.
A SERS DNAzyme biosensor for lead ion detection
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2011
DOI: 10.1039/C0CC04140H
Abstract: SERS biosensor for sensitive and selective detection of lead ions (Pb(2+)) based on DNAzyme was developed by taking advantage of the specific catalytic reaction of DNAzyme upon binding to Pb(2+) ions. Detection was accomplished by SERS nanoprobe labeled with DNA and Raman reporters for signal lification.
Facile fabrication of gold nanoparticle arrays for efficient surface-enhanced Raman scattering
Publisher: IOP Publishing
Date: 14-02-2008
DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/19/10/105604
Abstract: An effective and facile method for the fabrication of a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-active film with closely packed gold nanoparticle (AuNP) arrays is proposed by self-assembly of different sizes (16, 25, 40 and 70 nm) of AuNPs at a toluene/water interface with ethanol as the inducer. The as-prepared AuNP arrays exhibit efficient Raman scattering enhancement, and the enhancement factors estimated using p-aminothiophenol as a probe molecule range from 10(5) to 10(7). This is attributed to the coupling electromagnetic SERS enhancement mechanism with additional localization field within closely packed AuNPs, which have greater SERS activity and reproducibility than that on aggregates and on self-assembled monolayers of isolated AuNPs on glass.
Positively charged gold–silver nanostar enabled molecular characterization of cancer associated extracellular vesicles
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.1039/D0AY01770A
Abstract: Direct surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has contributed to characterizing extracellular vesicles (EVs) by providing molecular signatures.
Highly specific detection of KRAS single nucleotide polymorphism by asymmetric PCR/SERS assay
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2021
DOI: 10.1039/D1AN01108A
Abstract: Integrating asymmetric PCR with surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (Asy-PCR/SERS) demonstrated detection of clinically important KRAS G12V mutation in a simple, sensitive, and specific manner.
A call for the increased education and use of behaviour change techniques in mental health services
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2023
“It’s Always Been a Second Class Cancer”: An Exploration of the Experiences and Journeys of Bereaved Family Carers of People with Sarcoma
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 28-05-2021
Abstract: Sarcomas are a group of rare and aggressive cancers, which develop in bones and connective tissue throughout the body. Sarcomas account for only 1–2% of all cancers worldwide however, mortality rates for sarcoma are high with approximately two in four sarcoma patients dying following a diagnosis. Delays in diagnosis, poor management of symptoms, patients’ high symptom loads and high carer burden are all associated with carer distress, which may lead to complications after bereavement. The experience of having a family member referred for palliative care is also distressing for carers, with the realisation that their family member is dying. This study aimed to explore the experiences of bereaved family carers of people diagnosed with sarcoma. A qualitative descriptive design using a social constructionist framework was adopted. Interviews were conducted with sixteen participants, and thematic analysis was used to identify patterns in the data. Four overarching themes emerged: beginning the journey moving through treatment transitioning to palliative care and experiencing bereavement. The narratives were coherent and potent, and people reflected on their journeys. Interventions and supports for bereaved carers could include opportunities for counselling to support reflections, supports for developing a narrative such as writing therapy, and preparation for the death of the family member.
Functionalized single-walled carbon nanohorns for electrochemical biosensing
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.BIOS.2010.02.027
Abstract: Single-walled carbon nanohorns (SWNHs), distinguished by their high purity and distinct structure, were noncovalently functionalized with poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate). The functionalized SWNHs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and thermogravimetry. Heme protein myoglobin was adsorbed onto surface of functionalized SWNHs to prepare electrochemical biosensor. Surface assembly process and direct electrochemistry of immobilized myoglobin were investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry, respectively. The proposed biosensor exhibited good electrocatalysis to the reduction of hydrogen peroxide. The response was linear over the range 3-350 microM with a detection limit of 0.5 microM. Good reproducibility and stability of the biosensor were obtained toward hydrogen peroxide detection.
Tracking extracellular vesicle phenotypic changes enables treatment monitoring in melanoma
Publisher: American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Date: 28-02-2020
Abstract: An extracellular vesicle phenotype analyzer chip shines a light on patients’ responses to targeted therapy in cancer.
Duplex Microfluidic SERS Detection of Pathogen Antigens with Nanoyeast Single-Chain Variable Fragments
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 18-09-2014
DOI: 10.1021/AC5027012
Effect of silver nanoplates on Raman spectra of p-aminothiophenol assembled on smooth macroscopic gold and silver surface
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 02-02-2007
DOI: 10.1021/JP066444K
New Dual-Spectroscopic Strategy for the Direct Detection of Aristolochic Acids in Blood and Tissue
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 29-05-2019
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.ANALCHEM.9B00442
Abstract: Aristolochic acids (AAs) contained in herbal plants are implicated in multiple organ injuries and have a high mutational burden in upper tract urothelial cancers. The currently available techniques for monitoring AAs include LC (liquid chromatography) and LC/MS (mass spectrometry), but the application of these approaches are limited due to the complex s le preparation and derivatization steps. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop efficient methods for identifying and quantifying AAs. Here, we present a new dual-spectroscopic approach for the direct detection of AAs from blood and tissue s les the detection of aristolochic acid I (AAI) is performed by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), and its bioproduct, aristololactam (AAT), is detected by fluorescence spectroscopy based on their distinctive spectral response. Furthermore, a graphene assisted enrichment coupled with a magnetic retrieval strategy was developed to enhance SERS sensitivity toward AAI. Our method was successfully applied to directly determine both AAI and AAT from the blood, liver, and kidney of rats. The potential for real-world application was demonstrated by continuously monitoring AAI and AAT in rat blood and tissues after AAI feeding. The results showed that AAI was gradually metabolized to AAT and transported to different organs. It was found that the metabolism of AAI took place in the kidney, but AAT residue was detected in both liver and kidney, which might be related to long-term toxicity and gene mutation. The proposed dual-spectroscopic strategy is applicable to long-term toxicology research and to the direct diagnosis of AAI-induced organ injury.
Enabling spectral barcoding of SERS nanotags using gold nanostars
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2023
DOI: 10.1039/D2ME00180B
Abstract: Gold nanostars have shown the great potential in design of SERS nanotags for optical spectral barcoding technology.
Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering of Brilliant Green on Ag Nanoparticles and Applications in Living Cells as Optical Probes
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 11-10-2007
DOI: 10.1021/JP074519U
Syntheses and Characterizations of Two 3D Cobalt−Organic Frameworks from 2D Honeycomb Building Blocks
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 21-06-2005
DOI: 10.1021/CG0501128
What Accounts for the Factors of Psychopathology? An Investigation of the Neurocognitive Correlates of Internalising, Externalising, and the p-Factor
Publisher: Center for Open Science
Date: 27-01-2022
Abstract: Neurocognitive deficits have been consistently associated with a wide range of psychopathology and are proposed to not only be a consequence of the development of psychopathology, but also directly involved in its aetiology. However, there is no clear understanding of what neurocog-nitive processes are particularly important to mental health. In this paper we explored the association between neurocognitive abilities and the factors derived from structural models of psychopathology. Four hundred participants from a representative community s le completed measures of symptomology and substance use, as well as 8 neurocognitive tasks. We found a correlated-factors model, with internalising and externalising as the higher-order factors, and a single-factor model, with only the p-factor, were both good fits for the data. Tasks that measured speed of processing were significantly associated to internalising, externalising and the p¬factor, and accounted for significant amounts of unique variance in the factors after accounting for the common variance of the other tasks. Tasks that measured working memory, shifting, and inhibition were not significantly associated to the factors of psychopathology. Our findings suggest that neurocognitive abilities may not be differentially associated with the factors of psychopathology, but that speed of processing is a common correlate of the factors. We emphasise the importance of examining neurocognitive abilities and psychopathology on the in idual level.
In situ synthesis of gold nanoparticles on layered double hydroxide nanoparticles for multiplexing molecular imaging of single cells
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2023
Engineering State‐of‐the‐Art Plasmonic Nanomaterials for SERS‐Based Clinical Liquid Biopsy Applications
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 30-09-2019
Behavior Change Training for Health Professionals: Evaluation of a 2-Hour Workshop
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 18-11-2022
DOI: 10.2196/42010
Abstract: Rates of noncommunicable diseases continue to rise worldwide. Many of these diseases are a result of engaging in risk behaviors. Without lifestyle and behavioral intervention, noncommunicable diseases can worsen and develop into more debilitating diseases. Behavioral interventions are an effective strategy to reduce the burden of disease. Behavior change techniques can be described as the “active ingredients” in behavior change and address the components that need to be altered in order for the target behavior to change. Health professionals, such as pharmacists and nurses, can engage in opportunistic behavior change with their patients, to encourage positive health behaviors. We aimed to develop, implement, and evaluate a behavior change workshop targeted at health professionals in Australia, with the goal of increasing knowledge of behavior change techniques and psychological variables. A prospective study design was used to develop and evaluate a 2-hour behavior change workshop targeted at health professionals. The workshop was developed based on the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behavior Model and had five core objectives: (1) to detail the role of health professionals in delivering optimal care, (2) to demonstrate opportunities to change behavior, (3) to describe principles of behavior change, (4) to explain behavior change techniques, and (5) to determine the most appropriate behavior change techniques to use and when to use them. A total of 10 workshops were conducted. To evaluate the workshops and identify any potential long-term changes in behavior, we collected pre- and postworkshop data on knowledge and psychological constructs from the attendees. A final s le of 41 health professionals comprising general practitioners, nurses, and pharmacists completed the pre- and postworkshop surveys. Following the workshops, there were significant improvements in knowledge of behavior change techniques (t40=–5.27, P .001), subjective norms (t40=–3.49, P=.001), descriptive norms (t40=–3.65, P .001), perceived behavioral control (t40=–3.30, P=.002), and intention (t36=–3.32, P=.002) each had a large effect size. There was no significant difference in postworkshop attitude (t40=0.78, P=.44). The participants also found the workshops to be highly acceptable. A 2-hour, theoretically informed workshop designed to facilitate the use of behavior change techniques by health professionals was shown to be largely effective. The workshops resulted in increases in knowledge, descriptive and subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and intention, but not in attitude. The intervention was also shown to be highly acceptable, with the large majority of participants deeming the intervention to be needed, useful, appropriate, and applicable, as well as interesting and worth their time. Future research should examine the lasting impacts of the workshop on health professionals’ practices.
An effective hydrothermal route for the synthesis of multiple PDDA-protected noble-metal nanostructures
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 14-11-2007
DOI: 10.1021/IC7009572
Abstract: In this article, we demonstrate an effective hydrothermal route for the synthesis of multiple PDDA-protected (PDDA = poly(diallyl dimethylammonium) chloride) noble-metal (including silver, platinum, palladium, and gold) nanostructures in the absence of any seeds and surfactants, in which PDDA, an ordinary and water-soluble polyelectrolyte, acts as both a reducing and a stabilizing agent. Under optimal experimental conditions, Ag nanocubes, Pt and Pd nanopolyhedrons, and Au nanoplates can be obtained, which were characterized by transmission electron microscopy , scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. More importantly, the nanostructures synthesized show potential applications in surface-enhanced Raman scattering and electrocatalysis, in which Ag nanocubes and Pt nanopolyhedrons were chosen as the ex les, respectively.
Engineered Cancer-Derived Small Extracellular Vesicle-Liposome Hybrid Delivery System for Targeted Treatment of Breast Cancer
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 24-03-2023
Ultrasensitive colorimetric detection of protein by aptamer–Au nanoparticles conjugates based on a dot-blot assay
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2008
DOI: 10.1039/B801055B
Abstract: A simple, rapid and ultrasensitive colorimetric detection of protein using aptamer-Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) conjugates based on a dot-blot array has been developed, which was combined with the unique optical properties of AuNPs, enabling the visual detection of protein within minutes without any instrument.
Solvent effects on spectrophotometric titrations and vibrational spectroscopy of 5,10,15-triphenyl-20-(4-hydroxyphenyl)porphyrin in aqueous DMF
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2007
DOI: 10.1016/J.SAA.2006.06.040
Abstract: The spectrophotometric titration by sodium hydroxide of 5,10,15-triphenyl-20-(4-hydroxyphenyl)porphyrin ((OH)(1)PH(2)) is studied as a function of solvent composition of DMF-H(2)O binary solvent mixture ([OH(-)]=0.04 M). Combining the structure changes of the porphyrin and the "four orbital" model of Gouterman, many features of the optical spectra of this deprotonated para-hydroxy-substituted tetraphenylporphyrin in different composition of binary solvent mixtures can be rationalized. In highly aqueous solvents, the changes of the titration curves are shown to be mainly due to hydrogen-bonding of the oxygen of the phenoxide anion group by the hydroxylic solvent, Which decreases the energy of the phenoxide anion pi orbital. Thus the phenoxide anion pi orbital cannot cross over the porphyrin pi orbital being a different HOMO. However, its energy is close to that of the porphyrin pi orbitals. As a result, in the visible region, no charge-transfer band is observed, while in the visible-near region, the Soret peak split into two components. In nonaqueous solvents, the changes are mainly attributed to further deprotonation of pyrrolic-Hs of (OH)(1)PH(2) by NaOH and coordination with two sodium ions to form the sodium complex of (OH)(1)PH(2), which turns hyperporphyrin spectra of deprotonated of phenolic-H of (OH)(1)PH(2) into three-banded spectra of regular metalloporphyrin.
Femtogram detection of cytokines in a direct dot-blot assay using SERS microspectroscopy and hydrophilically stabilized Au-Ag nanoshells
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2014
DOI: 10.1039/C3CC48633H
Abstract: Rapid duplex detection of cytokines at femtogram levels in a direct dot-blot assay is demonstrated by using hydrophilically stabilized Au–Ag nanoshells and SERS.
A high-resolution study of in situ surface-enhanced Raman scattering nanotag behavior in biological systems
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.JCIS.2018.11.035
Abstract: The colloidal stability of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanotags (Raman reporter-conjugated plasmonic nanoparticles) significantly affects the accuracy and reproducibility of SERS measurements, particularly in biological systems. Limited understanding of SERS nanotag stability may partly h er the translation of SERS nanotags from the laboratory to their use in the clinic. In this contribution, we utilized differential centrifugal sedimentation (DCS), a reliable and straightforward technique to comprehensively analyze the colloidal stability of SERS nanotags in biological systems. Compared with other particle characterization techniques, DCS has been shown to have a unique advantage for high-resolution and high-throughput polydisperse particle characterization. DCS data revealed that the universal aggregation prevention practice of coating SERS nanotags with silica or bovine serum albumin layers did not sufficiently stabilize them in common measurement environments (e.g., 1 × PBS). Combined DCS and SERS measurements established a strong correlation between the degrees of nanotag aggregation and signal intensities, further reinforcing the necessity of characterizing SERS nanotag stability for every condition in which they are used. We also found that increasing the protein thickness by the inclusion of extra protein components in the detection environments and antibody functionalization can improve the stability of SERS nanotags. We believe that this study can provide guidelines on appropriate measurement techniques and particle design considerations to assess and improve SERS nanotag stability in complex biological systems.
Preparation of DNA−Silver Nanohybrids in Multilayer Nanoreactors by in Situ Electrochemical Reduction, Characterization, and Application
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 07-06-2007
DOI: 10.1021/LA700700E
Abstract: Novel nanocomposite films containing DNA-silver nanohybrids have been successfully fabricated by combined use of the layer-by-layer self-assembly technique and an in situ electrochemical reduction method with the DNA-Ag+ complex as one of the building blocks. UV-vis absorption spectroscopy was employed to monitor the buildup of the multilayer films, which suggested a progressive deposition with almost an equal amount of the DNA-Ag+ complex in each cycle. The following electrochemical reduction of silver resulted in the formation of metal nanoparticles in the film, which was evidenced by the evolution of the intense plasmon absorption band originating from silver. Scanning electron microscopy indicated that the particles formed in the multilayer films possessed good monodispersity and stability, thanks to the surrounding polymers. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy further confirmed the presence of the main components (such as DNA and metallic silver) of the nanocomposite films. In addition, we show that the size of the metal nanoparticles and the optical property of the film could be readily tuned by manipulating the assembly conditions. Furthermore, the feasibility of the as-prepared nanocomposite films functioning as a surface-enhanced Raman scattering active substrate for sensing purposes was investigated, and the results showed great enhancement of the Raman signal of two probe molecules, Rhodamine 6G and 4-aminothiophenol.
Fabrication of Iron Oxide Core/Gold Shell Submicrometer Spheres with Nanoscale Surface Roughness for Efficient Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 07-04-2009
DOI: 10.1021/JP810561Q
Comprehensive evaluation of molecular enhancers of the isothermal exponential amplification reaction
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-12-2016
DOI: 10.1038/SREP37837
Abstract: The exponential lification reaction (EXPAR) is an emerging isothermal nucleic acid lification method with high potential for molecular diagnostics due to its isothermal nature and high lification efficiency. However, the use of EXPAR is limited by the high levels of non-specific lification. Hence, methods that can improve the specificity of EXPAR are desired to facilitate its widespread adoption in practice. Herein, we proposed a strategy to improve EXPAR performance by using molecular enhancers. Eight small molecules were investigated, including ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, betaine, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), trehalose, tetramethylammonium chloride (TMAC), bovine serum albumin (BSA) and single-stranded binding (SSB) proteins. A combination of kinetic and end-point analysis was adopted to investigate how these molecules affected EXPAR performance. Trehalose, TMAC, BSA and SSB proteins were found to have positive effects on EXPAR with trehalose being able to increase the efficiency of EXPAR. In contrast, TMAC, BSA and SSB proteins were shown to increase the specificity of EXPAR. We applied our findings to demonstrate the combination of trehalose and TMAC could simultaneously improve both the efficiency and specificity of an EXPAR-based miRNA detection method. The information provided in this study may serve as a reference to benefit the wider isothermal lification community.
An approach for fabricating self-assembled monolayer of Ag nanoparticles on gold as the SERS-active substrate
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2006
DOI: 10.1016/J.SAA.2005.07.058
Abstract: In this paper, an approach for fabricating an active surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate is adopted. This approach is based on the assembling of silver nanoparticles film on gold substrate. Rhodamine 6G (R6G) and p-aminothiophenol (p-ATP) were used as probe molecules for SERS experiments, showing that this new active substrate has sensitivity to SERS response. Tapping-mode atomic force microscopy (AFM) was also used to investigate the surface morphology following the fabricating process of the active SERS substrate, which showed that large quantities of silver nanoparticles were uniformly coated on the substrate.
Going “Up” to Move Forward: S-1 Bifactor Models and the Study of Neurocognitive Abilities in Psychopathology
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 11-07-2021
Abstract: Recently, structural models of psychopathology, that address the diagnostic stability and comorbidity issues of the traditional nosological approach, have dominated much of the psychopathology literature. Structural approaches have given rise to the p-factor, which is claimed to reflect an in idual’s propensity toward all common psychopathological symptoms. Neurocognitive abilities are argued to be important to the development and maintenance of a wide range of disorders, and have been suggested as an important driver of the p-factor. However, recent evidence argues against p being an interpretable substantive construct, limiting conclusions that can be drawn from associations between p, the specific factors of a psychopathology model, and neurocognitive abilities. Here, we argue for the use of the S-1 bifactor approach, where the general factor is defined by neurocognitive abilities, to explore the association between neurocognitive performance and a wide range of psychopathological symptoms. We use simulation techniques to give ex les of how S-1 bifactor models can be used to examine this relationship, and how the results can be interpreted.
Improving SERS biosensors for the analysis of ovarian cancer-derived small extracellular vesicles
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2023
DOI: 10.1039/D3AN00398A
Abstract: An improved SERS assay was reported to detect ovarian cancer derived-small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) down to 1.5 × 10 5 particles per μL. The surface protein biomarkers on sEVs were profiled, showing high sensitivity and specificity of the SERS assay.
Formation of a sandwich-type supercomplex through second-sphere coordination of functionalized macrocyclic polyamines
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2008
DOI: 10.1039/B710633E
Rapid and sensitive glycan targeting by lectin-SERS assay
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.1039/C9MO00181F
Abstract: The fabrication of lectin-SERS nanotags and the assay designed for rapid glycoprotein identification and quantification.
Rational design and synthesis of SERS labels
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2013
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN36866A
Abstract: SERS labels are a new class of nanotags for optical detection based on Raman scattering. Central advantages include their spectral multiplexing capacity due to the small line width of vibrational Raman bands, quantification based on spectral intensities, high photostability, minimization of autofluorescence from biological specimens via red to near-infrared (NIR) excitation, and the need for only a single laser excitation line. Current concepts for the rational design and synthesis of SERS labels are summarized in this review. Chemical constituents of SERS labels are the plasmonically active metal colloids for signal enhancement upon resonant laser excitation, organic Raman reporter molecules for adsorption onto the metal surface for identification, and an optional protective shell. Different chemical approaches towards the synthesis of rationally designed SERS labels are highlighted, including also their subsequent bioconjugation.
Psychopathology and Neurocognition in the Era of the p-Factor: The Current Landscape and the Road Forward
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 23-06-2021
DOI: 10.3390/PSYCHIATRYINT2030018
Abstract: Neurocognitive abilities have frequently been claimed to be involved in the aetiology of psychopathology. Neurocognitive deficits have been reported across many disorders, and theoretical perspectives associate these deficits to the onset and maintenance of the symptomology. Recently, the heterogeneity of symptoms, and comorbidity of disorders, have motivated the development of structural models of psychopathology. Structural models indicate that factors such as internalising, externalising, thought disorder and the p-factor account for a wide variety of symptomology. It is unclear how neurocognitive abilities are best examined within these structures to advance our understanding of psychopathology. In this paper, we use Caspi et al.’s seminal writings as a framework to describe how neurocognitive abilities have been previously associated with categorical disorders and recently associated, and claimed to drive, the factors of psychopathology. We discuss the implications of the p-factor as a substantive construct or statistical artefact, and how this impacts the exploration of neurocognitive abilities and psychopathology. Further, we provide the case for alternative structural approaches, describe an innovative hypothesis of neurocognitive functioning, the multidimensional hypothesis, and explain how this may further our understanding of the heterogeneity of neurocognitive performance and psychopathology at the in idual level. Finally, we provide a road forward for the future examination of neurocognitive abilities in psychopathology.
Emerging Microfluidic Devices for Sample Preparation of Undiluted Whole Blood to Enable the Detection of Biomarkers
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 03-04-2023
Lipid‐Coated Gold Nanoparticles Functionalized by Folic Acid as Gene Vectors for Targeted Gene Delivery in vitro and in vivo
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-10-2017
Abstract: Lipid-based nanoparticles as gene vectors have attracted considerable attention for their high gene transfection efficiency and low cytotoxicity. In our previous work, we synthesized gold nanoparticles/dimethyldioctadecylammonium bromide (DODAB)/dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE) (GDD) as anionic lipid- and pH-sensitive gene vectors. To further realize targeted gene transfection, a series of gold nanoparticles/DODAB/DOPE/DOPE-folic acid (DOPE-FA) with various ratios of DOPE-FA were prepared and termed as GFn (for which n=1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, or 10.0 %). The gene transfection efficiency mediated by GF2.5 can reach about 85 % for MCF-7 (FA-receptor-positive cells), higher than those of the negative control (GDD, 35 %) and positive control (Lipofectamine 2000, 65 %). However, GF2.5 does not further promote gene transfection into A549 (FA-receptor-negative cells). The higher gene transfection efficiency for MCF-7 cells can be attributed to enhanced cellular uptake efficiency mediated by the FA targeting ability. Furthermore, GF2.5 was also found to accumulate at the specific tumor site and showed enhanced in vivo gene delivery ability. In addition, no significant harm was observed for the main tissues of the mice after treatment with GF2.5. Therefore, GF2.5, with the targeting ability and improved transfection efficiency, shows promise for its utility in gene therapy for tumor cells that overexpress FA receptors. We believe the results of this study will find more broad applications in gene therapy.
Electrohydrodynamic-Induced SERS Immunoassay for Extensive Multiplexed Biomarker Sensing
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 22-12-2017
Abstract: Cancer diagnosis and patient monitoring require sensitive and simultaneous measurement of multiple cancer biomarkers considering that single biomarker analysis present inadequate information on the underlying biological transformations. Thus, development of sensitive and selective assays for multiple biomarker detection might improve clinical diagnosis and expedite the treatment process. Herein, a microfluidic platform for the rapid, sensitive, and parallel detection of multiple cancer-specific protein biomarkers from complex biological s les is presented. This approach utilizes alternating current electrohydrodynamic-induced surface shear forces that provide exquisite control over fluid flow thereby enhancing target-sensor interactions and minimizing non-specific binding. Further, the use of surface-enhanced Raman scattering-based spectral encoding with in idual barcodes for different targets enables specific and simultaneous detection of captured protein biomarkers. Using this approach, the specific and sensitive detection of clinically relevant biomarkers including human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) Mucin 1, cell surface associated (MUC1) epidermal growth factor receptor and Mucin 16, cell surface associated (MUC16) at concentrations as low as 10 fg mL
Cancer-derived small extracellular vesicles: emerging biomarkers and therapies for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma diagnosis/prognosis and treatment
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 14-10-2022
DOI: 10.1186/S12951-022-01641-0
Abstract: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most fatal cancers worldwide with high mortality, which is mainly due to the lack of reliable biomarkers for PDAC diagnosis rognosis in the early stages and effective therapeutic strategies for the treatment. Cancer-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), which carry various messages and signal biomolecules (e.g. RNAs, DNAs, proteins, lipids, and glycans) to constitute the key features (e.g. genetic and phenotypic status) of cancer cells, are regarded as highly competitive non-invasive biomarkers for PDAC diagnosis rognosis. Additionally, new insights on the biogenesis and molecular functions of cancer-derived sEVs pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies based on cancer-derived sEVs for PDAC treatment such as inhibition of the formation or secretion of cancer-derived sEVs, using cancer-derived sEVs as drug carriers and for immunotherapy. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the most recent scientific and clinical research on the discovery and involvement of key molecules in cancer-derived sEVs for PDAC diagnosis rognosis and strategies using cancer-derived sEVs for PDAC treatment. The current limitations and emerging trends toward clinical application of cancer-derived sEVs in PDAC diagnosis rognosis and treatment have also been discussed.
Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy for circulating biomarkers detection in clinical diagnosis
Publisher: Elsevier
Date: 2022
Fabrication, Characterization, and Application in SERS of Self-Assembled Polyelectrolyte−Gold Nanorod Multilayered Films
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 22-09-2005
DOI: 10.1021/JP052706R
Abstract: An effective and facile approach for the preparation of multilayered nanostructure of gold nanorods (Au NRs) has been demonstrated. Linear polyethylenimine (LPEI) was selected as a polymeric adhesive layer, and an anionic polyelectrolyte poly(sodium styrenesulfonate) (PSS) was used as the linker of the positively charged Au NRs in multilayered nanostructure. They were deposited onto the LPEI-modified indium-doped tin oxide (ITO) substrate alternately using the layer-by-layer assembly technique via electrostatic interactions. The plasmonic property of the multilayered nanostructure of Au NRs is tunable by the controlled self-assembly process. FE-SEM was used to study the morphologies of the resulted substrates with Au NRs monolayer membrane and with Au NRs multilayered membrane. More importantly, it was found that the multilayered NRs films could be used as a surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrate for probing 4-aminothiophenol (4-ATP).
Specific and Sensitive Isothermal Electrochemical Biosensor for Plant Pathogen DNA Detection with Colloidal Gold Nanoparticles as Probes
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 17-01-2017
DOI: 10.1038/SREP38896
Abstract: Developing quick and sensitive molecular diagnostics for plant pathogen detection is challenging. Herein, a nanoparticle based electrochemical biosensor was developed for rapid and sensitive detection of plant pathogen DNA on disposable screen-printed carbon electrodes. This 60 min assay relied on the rapid isothermal lification of target pathogen DNA sequences by recombinase polymerase lification (RPA) followed by gold nanoparticle-based electrochemical assessment with differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Our method was 10,000 times more sensitive than conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/gel electrophoresis and could readily identify P. syringae infected plant s les even before the disease symptoms were visible. On the basis of the speed, sensitivity, simplicity and portability of the approach, we believe the method has potential as a rapid disease management solution for applications in agriculture diagnostics.
Design and synthesis of boron complexes as new Raman reporter molecules for sensitive SERS nanotags
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-11-2020
DOI: 10.1002/JRS.6020
Enabling Rapid and Specific Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Immunoassay Using Nanoscaled Surface Shear Forces
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 22-05-2015
Abstract: A rapid and simple approach is presented to address two critical issues of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based immunoassay such as removal/avoiding nonspecific adsorption and reducing assay time. The approach demonstrated involves rationally designed fluorophore-integrated gold/silver nanoshells as SERS nanotags and utilizes alternative current electrohydrodynamic (ac-EHD)-induced nanoscaled surface shear forces to enhance the capture kinetics. The assay performance was validated in comparison with hydrodynamic flow and conventional immunoassay-based devices. These nanoscaled physical forces acting within nanometer distances from the electrode surface enabled rapid (40 min), sensitive (10 fg/mL), and highly specific detection of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 in breast cancer patient s les. We believe this approach presents potential for the development of rapid and sensitive SERS immunoassays for routine clinical diagnosis.
In situ synthesis of a three-dimensional supramolecular architecture from modified flexible ligand
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2006
Australian Health Professionals’ Attitudes toward Voluntary Assisted Dying: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 07-11-2021
Abstract: Voluntary assisted dying (VAD) is when a terminally ill person with decision-making capacity consensually ends their life with assistance from an authorised professional. Many countries have legalised VAD, and health professionals’ roles within VAD frameworks are varied. Health professionals must be well informed of their legal obligations to ensure they practice within the legal boundaries, and those professionals with objections toward VAD should ensure that their eligible patients have equitable access. Given the current landscape of VAD, it is important to understand different health professionals’ attitudes toward VAD and what may underpin these attitudes. We explored (a) Australian health professionals’ attitudes toward VAD (b) the psychological components that underpin those attitudes (c) health professionals’ level of knowledge about VAD (d) health professionals’ most common beliefs, emotions, and experiences related to VAD. A cross-sectional correlational survey design was used. A total of 182 Australian health professionals participated in the online survey based on a tripartite model of attitudes. We conducted a binomial logistic regression through a Generalised Linear Mixed Model and found polarised attitudes toward VAD between health professionals. Attitudes were accounted for by beliefs, emotions, education, and strength of religious beliefs. Knowledge of VAD was low, but not associated with overall attitude in our model. We highlight the importance of reflexive practice to help health professionals identify their values and feelings related to VAD, and to understand how these may affect their clinical practice. Low knowledge of VAD suggests that legislative and procedural training should be mandatory.
Sequential deprotonation of meso-(p-hydroxyphenyl)porphyrins in DMF
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 08-12-2006
DOI: 10.1021/JP0523827
Abstract: Sequential deprotonations of meso-(p-hydroxyphenyl)porphyrins (p-OHTPPH2) in DMF + H2O (V/V = 1:1) mixture have been verified to result in the appearance of hyperporphyrin spectra. However, when the deprotonations of these p-OHTPPH2 are carried out in DMF, the spectral changes differ considerably from those in the mixture mentioned above. At low [OH-], the optical spectra in the visible region are still considered to have characteristics of hyperporphyrin spectra. Further deprotonation at much higher basicity makes the optical spectra form three-banded spectra similar to those in the acidic solution. To clarify the molecular origins of these changes, UV-vis, resonance Raman (RR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) experiments are carried out. Our data give evidence that p-OHTPPH2 in DMF can be further deprotonated of pyrrolic-H by higher concentrated NaOH, due to an aprotic medium like DMF effectively weakening the basicity of the porphyrin relative to that of the NaOH, and coordinates with two sodium ions (except the sodium ions that interact with the peripherial phenoxide anions) to form the sodium complexes of p-OHTPPH2 (Na2P, to lay a strong emphasis on the sodium ions that coordinate with the central nitrogen atom), which can be regarded as the porphyrin anions being perturbed by the sodium cations due to their highly ionic character. The negative centers generated by deprotonation of pyrrolic-H and phenolic-H are not thoroughly delocalized between the substituents and the porphyrin ring. Thus the negative centers generated by deprotonation of pyrrolic-H only act as electron-donating groups on the porphyrin pi system, and the negative charges of the phenoxide anion are also mainly localized on the peripheral substituents. As a result, the porphyrin pi orbitals cross over the phenoxide anion pi orbital and turn into HOMOs, which turns hyperporphyrin spectra of deprotonated phenolic-H of p-OHTPPH2 into three-banded spectra of regular metalloporphyrins.
Going “Up” to Move Forward: S-1 Bifactor Models and the Study of Neurocognitive Abilities in Psychopathology
Publisher: Center for Open Science
Date: 05-02-2021
Abstract: Recently, structural models of psychopathology, that address the diagnostic stability and comorbidity issues of the nosological approach, have dominated much of the literature. Structural approaches have given rise to the p factor, which is claimed to reflect an in idual’s propensity toward all common psychopathological symptoms. Neurocognitive abilities are argued to be important to the development and maintenance of a wide range of disorders, and have between suggested as an important driver of the p factor. However, recent evidence argues against p being an interpretable substantive construct, limiting conclusions that can be drawn from associations between p and neurocognitive abilities. Here, we argue for the use of the S-1 bifactor approach, where the general factor is defined by neurocognitive abilities, to explore the association. We use simulation techniques to give ex les of how S-1 bifactor models can be used to examine the relationship, and how the results can be interpreted.
Accurate and sensitive total genomic DNA methylation analysis from sub-nanogram input with embedded SERS nanotags
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1039/C6CC00547K
Abstract: Accurate and sensitive total genomic DNA methylation analysis from sub-nanogram input was demonstrated by using embedded SERS nanotags.
Enabling miniaturised personalised diagnostics: from lab-on-a-chip to lab-in-a-drop
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2017
DOI: 10.1039/C7LC00587C
Abstract: “Lab-in-a-drop”: a miniaturised fabrication-free diagnostics platform by which traditional bioassays are downsized into a droplet and programmed for convenient detection.
Amplified electrochemical aptasensor taking AuNPs based sandwich sensing platform as a model
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2008
DOI: 10.1016/J.BIOS.2007.09.019
Abstract: Here, we report a sensitive lified electrochemical impedimetric aptasensor for thrombin, a kind of serine protease that plays important role in thrombosis and haemostasis. For improving detection sensitivity, a sandwich sensing platform is fabricated, in which the thiolated aptamers are firstly immobilized on a gold substrate to capture the thrombin molecules, and then the aptamer functionalized Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) are used to lify the impedimetric signals. Such designed aptamer/thrombin/AuNPs sensing system could not only improve the detection sensitivity compared to the reported impedimetric aptasensors but also provide a promising signal lified model for aptamer-based protein detection. In this paper, we realize a sensitive detection limit of 0.02 nM, with a linear range of 0.05-18 nM. Meanwhile, the effect of 6-mercaptohexanol (MCH) and 2-mercaptoethanol (MCE) on the modification of the electrode is investigated.
SERS-based nanostrategy for rapid anemia diagnosis
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.1039/C9NR09152A
Abstract: A novel multimodal anemia diagnosis assay was developed using the SERS and compared with the routinely used clinical assays. The dual-target (iron ion/metalloprotein) capturing efficiency via strong organic cyanide affinity was utilized for whole blood analyses.
Synthesis of Chiral Coordination Polymers by Spontaneous Resolution
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 19-05-2006
DOI: 10.1021/CG0600905
Multifunctional gold nanorod theragnostics probed by multi-photon imaging
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.EJMECH.2011.12.036
Abstract: This study exhibits the fabrication of target-specific Gold nanorods (GNRs) coupled with an anti-tumorigenic apoptotic drug and provides tracking of the labeled particles as they migrate through cells and release their drug-load to targeted cancer cells. We utilize the photoluminescence property of GNRs and their ability to be conjugated with multiple agents to transform facile rods to a targeted drug delivery vehicle. GNRs of aspect ratio 2.8 were conjugated with a targeting ligand, folic acid and an anthracycline drug, Doxorubicin. The multifunctional nanorods were then used to target folate receptor expressing cancers cells for the delivery of a concentration dependent dosage of Doxorubicin (DOX). By utilizing the photoluminescence of GNRs and the innate fluorescence of DOX, multi-photon fluorescence lifetime imaging was utilized to monitor the uptake of functionalized nanorods, the release of the drug and its localization in living cells. We show that these nano-vehicles successfully targeted cancer cells over expressing folate receptors and showed low toxicity to control cell lines. Release of DOX was observed in the cytoplasmic region and after 16 h was found to be redistributed in the nucleus resulting in cell death. Our theragnostic approach demonstrates the fabrication of multifunctional GNRs for targeted drug delivery and monitoring of the drug and the vehicle by multi-photon microscopy using fluorescence intensity and lifetime imaging.
Multidimensionality in Executive Function Profiles in Schizophrenia: A Computational Approach Using the Wisconsin Card Sorting Task
Publisher: Center for Open Science
Date: 21-10-2020
Abstract: Deficits in executive functions (EF) are frequently implicated in the aetiology of schizophrenia. However, no consensus exists regarding the contribution of EF to the dysfunctions observed in these in iduals, with competing accounts arguing a primary role for deficits in inhibition, shifting and updating. We examine an alternative proposal referred to as the multidimensional hypothesis – rather than performance on cognitive tasks being primarily dependent on a single EF, the performance is multiply realised by a range of uneven EF profiles. We describe a computational approach, using the WCST, that allows manipulations to ability levels of processes relating to each EF component to be explicitly assessed. Our central objective is to determine whether models exhibiting unique profiles of EF abilities may simulate the performance of three target groups: in iduals with schizophrenia, healthy first–degree relatives, and controls. For each target group, we show that of the performance measures yielded by the WCST, perseverative errors (PE commonly assumed to rely heavily on EF) are simulated by multiple models. For a range of secondary measures (cards sorted, categories completed and non-perseverative errors assumed less specific to EF abilities) our manipulations show little resemblance to the target groups. We view these results to support the multidimensional hypothesis, in that (1) no single EF process accounts for the poorer performance of the schizophrenic group, and (2) performance of PE in the target groups is achieved in models of erse EF profiles. The implications of these findings for the study of EF in neuropsychological disorders are discussed
Rapid and specific duplex detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus genes by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.1039/C9AN01959F
Abstract: A highly specific method for rapid detection of MRSA genes has been proposed by combining surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy nanotags and magnetic isolation, which shows great potential for accurate identification of MRSA at an early-diagnosis stage.
One p-Factor for All? Exploring the Applicability of Structural Models of Psychopathology within Subgroups of a Population
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 02-07-2021
Abstract: Structural models of psychopathology have emerged as an alternative to traditional categorical approaches. The bifactor model, which incorporates a general p-factor, has become the preferred structure. The p-factor is claimed to represent a substantive construct or property of the system however, recent evidence suggests that it may be without substantive meaning. If a universal substantive p, and associated specific factors, is to be developed they not only must be applicable and consistent between populations but also must be applicable and consistent within subgroups of a population. This consistency needs to include not only factor loadings but also factor correlates. We used a simulated data approach to explore the applicability and consistency of four popular models of psychopathology to a range of heterogeneous subgroups and examined the consistency of their neurocognitive correlates. We found that only eight out of sixty-three subgroups fitted any of the models with all significant loadings, no negative loadings, no non-positive-definite identification issues, and no negative variance. All eight of these subgroups fit the correlated factors model, none fit the original bifactor model, four subgroups fit the revised bifactor model, and one subgroup fit the single-factor model. Correlates of the factors also varied substantially between the subgroups fitted to the same model. We discuss the implications of the findings, including the implications for the development of universal substantive factors of psychopathology.
Detection of rare prostate cancer cells in human urine offers prospect of non-invasive diagnosis
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-11-2022
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-022-21656-9
Abstract: Two molecular cytology approaches, (i) time-gated immunoluminescence assay (TGiA) and (ii) Raman-active immunolabeling assay (RiA), have been developed to detect prostate cancer (PCa) cells in urine from five prostate cancer patients. For TGiA, PCa cells stained by a biocompatible europium chelate antibody-conjugated probe were quantitated by automated time-gated microscopy (OSAM). For RiA, PCa cells labeled by antibody-conjugated Raman probe were detected by Raman spectrometer. TGiA and RiA were first optimized by the detection of PCa cultured cells (DU145) spiked into control urine, with TGiA-OSAM showing single-cell PCa detection sensitivity, while RiA had a limit of detection of 4–10 cells/mL. Blinded analysis of each patient urine s le, using MIL-38 antibody specific for PCa cells, was performed using both assays in parallel with control urine. Both assays detected very low abundance PCa cells in patient urine (3–20 PCa cells per mL by TGiA, 4–13 cells/mL by RiA). The normalized mean of the detected PCa cells per 1 ml of urine was plotted against the clinical data including prostate specific antigen (PSA) level and Clinical Risk Assessment for each patient. Both cell detection assays showed correlation with PSA in the high risk patients but aligned with the Clinical Assessment rather than with PSA levels of the low/intermediate risk patients. Despite the limited available urine s les of PCa patients, the data presented in this proof-of-principle work is promising for the development of highly sensitive diagnostic urine tests for PCa.
Related Organisations
Changchun Institute Of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy Of Sciences
Location: China
University Of Queensland Australian Institute For Bioengineering And Nanotechnology
Location: Australia
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End Date: 2024
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityRapid And Quantitative Immunoassay For Multiplexed And Highly Sensitive Point-of-care Diagnostics Using Rationally Designed, Self-assembled, SERS-active 3D Superstructures
Start Date: 2013
End Date: 2018
Funder: German Research Foundation
View Funded ActivityRapid Pathogen Detection Using Super-sensitive Multiplexing Nanophotonic Probes
Start Date: 2014
End Date: 2017
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityARC Training Centre For Facilitated Advancement Of Australia's Bioactives (FAAB)
Start Date: 2022
End Date: 2027
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityARC Centre Of Excellence For Nanoscale BioPhotonics
Start Date: 2014
End Date: 2020
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityARC Future Fellowships - Grant ID: FT210100737
Start Date: 04-2022
End Date: 03-2026
Amount: $913,000.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityDiscovery Projects - Grant ID: DP200102004
Start Date: 05-2020
End Date: 05-2023
Amount: $411,079.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityDiscovery Projects - Grant ID: DP220102086
Start Date: 05-2023
End Date: 05-2026
Amount: $390,000.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityDiscovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE140101056
Start Date: 06-2014
End Date: 11-2018
Amount: $380,156.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityARC Centres Of Excellence - Grant ID: CE140100003
Start Date: 10-2014
End Date: 12-2020
Amount: $23,000,000.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityLinkage Projects - Grant ID: LP140100462
Start Date: 04-2015
End Date: 12-2020
Amount: $370,000.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityDiscovery Projects - Grant ID: DP160102836
Start Date: 2016
End Date: 12-2018
Amount: $315,000.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityIndustrial Transformation Training Centres - Grant ID: IC210100040
Start Date: 02-2022
End Date: 02-2027
Amount: $4,997,903.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded Activity