Name: microfluidic on-chip capture-cycloaddition reaction to reversibly immobilize small molecules or multi-component structures for biosensor applications
Uploaded: 2013-09-23T18:15:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Microfluidic On-chip Capture-cycloaddition Reaction to Reversibly Immobilize Small Molecules or Multi-component Structures for Biosensor Applications at JoVE.

We acknowledge funding from NIH (NHLBI Contract No. HHSN268201000044C to R.W., S.H. and S.Y.S.).

1. Preparation of GST and Nanoparticle (NP) Conjugates
<ol>
	<li>GST-TCO preparation:
	<ol>
		<li>Add 8 &#956;l of TCO-NHS solution (50 mM in DMSO) to 100 &#956;l of GST (1 mg/ml in PBS) and shake mixture at RT for 1 hr.</li>
		<li>Remove excess reagent using a Zeba spin desalting column. The recovered filtrate containing the GST-TCO conjugate is stored at 4 &#176;C prior to use.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>GST-Tz preparation:
	<ol>
		<li>Add 6 &#956;l of Tz-NHS solution (25 mM in DMF) to 75 &#956;l of GST (1 mg/ml in PBS)...

<ol>
	<li>Devaraj, N. K., Upadhyay, R., Haun, J. B., Hilderbrand, S. A., Weissleder, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Fast+and+sensitive+pretargeted+labeling+of+cancer+cells+through+a+tetrazine/trans-cyclooctene+cycloaddition.">Fast and sensitive pretargeted labeling of cancer cells through a tetrazine/trans-cyclooctene cycloaddition.</a> Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 48, 7013-7016 (2009).</li><li>Seitchik, J. L., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Genetically+encoded+tetrazine+amino+acid+directs+rapid+site-specific+in+vivo+bioorthogonal+ligation+with+trans-cyclooctenes.">Genetically encoded tetrazine amino acid directs rapid site-specific in vivo bioorthogonal ligation with trans-cyclooctenes.</a> J Am Chem Soc. 134, 2898-2901 (2012).</li><li>Haun, J. B., Devaraj, N. K., Marinelli, B. S., Lee, H., Weissleder, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Probing+intracellular+biomarkers+and+mediators+of+cell+activation+using+nanosensors+and+bioorthogonal+chemistry.">Probing intracellular biomarkers and mediators of cell activation using nanosensors and bioorthogonal chemistry.</a> ACS Nano. 5, 3204-3213 (2011).</li><li>Budin, G., Yang, K. S., Reiner, T., Weissleder, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Bioorthogonal+probes+for+polo-like+kinase+1+imaging+and+quantification.">Bioorthogonal probes for polo-like kinase 1 imaging and quantification.</a> Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 50, 9378-9381 (2011).</li><li>Liu, D. S., Tangpeerachaikul, A., Selvaraj, R., Taylor, M. T., Fox, J. M., Ting, A. Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Diels-Alder+cycloaddition+for+fluorophore+targeting+to+specific+proteins+inside+living+cells.">Diels-Alder cycloaddition for fluorophore targeting to specific proteins inside living cells.</a> J Am Chem Soc. 134, 792-795 (2012).</li><li>Haun, J. B., Devaraj, N. K., Hilderbrand, S. A., Lee, H., Weissleder, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Bioorthogonal+chemistry+amplifies+nanoparticle+binding+and+enhances+the+sensitivity+of+cell+detection.">Bioorthogonal chemistry amplifies nanoparticle binding and enhances the sensitivity of cell detection.</a> Nat Nanotechnol. 5, 660-665 (2010).</li><li>Liong, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Specific+pathogen+detection+using+bioorthogonal+chemistry+and+diagnostic+magnetic+resonance.">Specific pathogen detection using bioorthogonal chemistry and diagnostic magnetic resonance.</a> Bioconjug Chem. 22, 2390-2394 (2011).</li><li>Tassa, C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=On-chip+bioorthogonal+chemistry+enables+immobilization+of+in+situ+modified+nanoparticles+and+small+molecules+for+label-free+monitoring+of+protein+binding+and+reaction+kinetics.">On-chip bioorthogonal chemistry enables immobilization of in situ modified nanoparticles and small molecules for label-free monitoring of protein binding and reaction kinetics.</a> Lab Chip. 12, 3103-3110 (2012).</li><li>Pol, E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+importance+of+correct+protein+concentration+for+kinetics+and+affinity+determination+in+structure-function+analysis.">The importance of correct protein concentration for kinetics and affinity determination in structure-function analysis.</a> J Vis Exp. (37), e1746 (2010).</li><li>MacBeath, G., Schreiber, S. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Printing+proteins+as+microarrays+for+high-throughput+function+determination.">Printing proteins as microarrays for high-throughput function determination.</a> Science. 289, 1760-1763 (2000).</li><li>Ong, S. E., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Identifying+the+proteins+to+which+small-molecule+probes+and+drugs+bind+in+cells.">Identifying the proteins to which small-molecule probes and drugs bind in cells.</a> Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 106, 4617-4622 (2009).</li><li>Tassa, C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Binding+affinity+and+kinetic+analysis+of+targeted+small+molecule-modified+nanoparticles.">Binding affinity and kinetic analysis of targeted small molecule-modified nanoparticles.</a> Bioconjug Chem. 21, 14-19 (2010).</li><li>Weissleder, R., Kelly, K., Sun, E. Y., Shtatland, T., Josephson, L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cell-specific+targeting+of+nanoparticles+by+multivalent+attachment+of+small+molecules.">Cell-specific targeting of nanoparticles by multivalent attachment of small molecules.</a> Nat Biotechnol. 23, 1418-1423 (2005).</li><li>Yuan, J., Oliver, R., Aguilar, M. I., Wu, Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Surface+plasmon+resonance+assay+for+chloramphenicol.">Surface plasmon resonance assay for chloramphenicol.</a> Anal Chem. 80, 8329-8333 (2008).</li><li>Myung, J. H., Gajjar, K. A., Saric, J., Eddington, D. T., Hong, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Dendrimer-mediated+multivalent+binding+for+the+enhanced+capture+of+tumor+cells.">Dendrimer-mediated multivalent binding for the enhanced capture of tumor cells.</a> Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 50, 11769-11772 (2011).</li><li>Keelan, J. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Nanotoxicology:+nanoparticles+versus+the+placenta.">Nanotoxicology: nanoparticles versus the placenta.</a> Nat Nanotechnol. 6, 263-264 (2011).</li><li>Lundqvist, M., Stigler, J., Elia, G., Lynch, I., Cedervall, T., Dawson, K. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Nanoparticle+size+and+surface+properties+determine+the+protein+corona+with+possible+implications+for+biological+impacts.">Nanoparticle size and surface properties determine the protein corona with possible implications for biological impacts.</a> Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 105, 14265-14270 (2008).</li><li>Lundqvist, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+evolution+of+the+protein+corona+around+nanoparticles:+a+test+study.">The evolution of the protein corona around nanoparticles: a test study.</a> ACS Nano. 5, 7503-7509 (2011).</li><li>Mammen, M., Choi, S. -. K., Whitesides, G. 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A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Small-molecule+inhibitors+of+protein-protein+interactions:+progressing+towards+the+dream.">Small-molecule inhibitors of protein-protein interactions: progressing towards the dream.</a> Nat Rev Drug Discov. 3, 301-317 (2004).</li><li>Giannetti, A. M., Koch, B. D., Browner, M. F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Surface+plasmon+resonance+based+assay+for+the+detection+and+characterization+of+promiscuous+inhibitors.">Surface plasmon resonance based assay for the detection and characterization of promiscuous inhibitors.</a> J Med Chem. 51, 574-580 (2008).</li><li>Kimple, A. J., Willard, F. S., Giguere, P. M., Johnston, C. A., Mocanu, V., Siderovski, D. 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The capture-cycloaddition method described here enables rapid, reversible immobilization of modified nanoparticles and small molecules for label-free chip-based interaction and kinetic studies. The immobilization protocol can be performed in minutes requiring &#60;10 &#956;M concentrations of small-molecule ligands. By modulating ligand concentration and contact time immobilization densities can be closely controlled. Our data show that on-chip bioorthogonal reactions preserve the ability of in situ functionaliz...

Efficient conjugation reactions are valuable tools for attaching bioactive molecules to surfaces for a variety of biotechnology applications. Recently, the very fast bioorthogonal [4+2] cycloaddition reaction between trans-cyclooctene (TCO) and 1,2,4,5-tetrazine (Tz) has been used to label cell surfaces, subcellular structures, antibodies and nanoparticles.1-7 Here, we use the [4+2] cycloaddition reaction in combination with antigen/antibody capture (GST/anti-GST) for reversible on-chip synthesis of multi-component structures for Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) interaction analysis and monitor the process in real-time (Figure 1).8,9 Notably, the capture-cycloaddition strategy enables surface regeneration using an established protocol.8 As a consequence, assembly of stable sensor surfaces with control over ligand orientation and density for variety of new assay formats is now possible. Using this strategy we demonstrate the immobilization of TCO/Tz-derivatized small molecules and characterize the cycloaddition rates in a variety of buffer conditions. We chose the well-known interaction between FKBP12 and a molecule AP1497 that binds FKBP1210-12 as an example to verify that the capture-cycloaddition strategy preserves the ability of the small molecule to interact with its target when either directly attached to immobilized GST antigens or to immobilized nanoparticles (NPs).
This method offers several benefits. First, the reversible immobilization of small molecules on sensor chips is now possible. Second, TCO/Tz immobilization of small molecules also enables label-free interaction studies that reverse the orientation of canonical SPR studies, and may provide a complementary view of a binding interaction. Third, this method enables the microfluidic synthesis of targeted nanoparticles, and immediate evaluation of their binding properties. This promises to improve the efficiency of evaluating or screening targeted nanoparticles, and also decrease the amounts of nanoparticles required.13-15 Fourth, this approach can measure the reaction kinetics of bioorthogonal cycloaddition reactions in real-time under continuous flow. Finally, the TCO/Tz immobilization chemistry is robust in the presence of serum. Taken together, we anticipate that this versatile approach will broadly facilitate construction of stable sensor surfaces for a wide variety of microfluidic studies with relevance to in vitro and in vivo cellular applications.

<table border="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Reagent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sensor Chip CM5</td>
			<td>GE Healthcare</td>
			<td>BR-1005-30</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Amine coupling kit</td>
			<td>GE Healthcare</td>
			<td>BR-1000-50</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>GST capture kit</td>
			<td>GE Healthcare</td>
			<td>BR-1002-23</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>NAP-10 Columns</td>
			<td>GE Healthcare</td>
			<td>17-0854-01</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>GST, lyophilized in 1X PBS</td>
			<td>Genscript</td>
			<td>Z02039</td>
			<td>1 mg/ml</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>rhFKBP12</td>
			<td>R&#38;D Systems</td>
			<td>3777-FK</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Surfactant P-20</td>
			<td>GE Healthcare</td>
			<td>BR-1000-54</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Glycine 2.0</td>
			<td>GE Healthcare</td>
			<td>BR-1003-55</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Zeba spin desalting column</td>
			<td>Thermo</td>
			<td>89882</td>
			<td>7 K MWCO</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Amicon Ultra 4</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>UFC810096</td>
			<td>100 K centrifugal filter</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>TCO-OH</td>
			<td>Ref. 8</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Synthesized in-house</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>TCO-NHS</td>
			<td>Ref. 8</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Synthesized in-house, *Commercially available from Click Chemistry Tools # 1016-25</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tz-BnNH2</td>
			<td>Ref. 8</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Synthesized in-house</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tz-NHS</td>
			<td>Ref. 8</td>
			<td>764701</td>
			<td>Synthesized in-house, *Commercially available from Sigma Aldrich # 764701</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>NP-NH2 = CLIO-NH2</td>
			<td>Ref. 8</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Synthesized in-house</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>AP1497, AP1497-Tz</td>
			<td>Ref. 8</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Synthesized in-house</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Equipment</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>SPR Biosensor</td>
			<td>GE Healthcare</td>
			<td>Biacore T100</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

microfluidic on-chip capture-cycloaddition reaction to reversibly immobilize small molecules or multi-component structures for biosensor applications

Methods for rapid surface immobilization of bioactive small molecules with control over orientation and immobilization density are highly desirable for biosensor and microarray applications. In this Study, we use a highly efficient covalent bioorthogonal [4+2] cycloaddition reaction between trans-cyclooctene (TCO) and 1,2,4,5-tetrazine (Tz) to enable the microfluidic immobilization of TCO/Tz-derivatized molecules. We monitor the process in real-time under continuous flow conditions using surface plasmon resonance (SPR). To enable reversible immobilization and extend the experimental range of the sensor surface, we combine a non-covalent antigen-antibody capture component with the cycloaddition reaction. By alternately presenting TCO or Tz moieties to the sensor surface, multiple capture-cycloaddition processes are now possible on one sensor surface for on-chip assembly and interaction studies of a variety of multi-component structures. We illustrate this method with two different immobilization experiments on a biosensor chip; a small molecule, AP1497 that binds FK506-binding protein 12 (FKBP12); and the same small molecule as part of an immobilized and in situ-functionalized nanoparticle.

Data and figures have been adapted from reference 8. 
 Efficient reversible immobilization of bioactive small molecules with control over orientation and density plays a key role in development of new biosensor applications. Using the fast bioorthogonal reaction between TCO and Tz, we describe a method for the stepwise assembly and regeneration of ligand surfaces with retention of biological activity. Figure 2 shows the real-time monitoring of Tz-BnNH2 immobil...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Microfluidic On-chip Capture-cycloaddition Reaction to Reversibly Immobilize Small Molecules or Multi-component Structures for Biosensor Applications at JoVE.

Microfluidic On-chip Capture-cycloaddition Reaction to Reversibly Immobilize Small Molecules or Multi-component Structures for Biosensor Applications

We present a method for rapid, reversible immobilization of small molecules and functionalized nanoparticle assemblies for Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) studies, using sequential on-chip bioorthogonal cycloaddition chemistry and antibody-antigen capture.

Methods  for rapid surface immobilization of bioactive small molecules with control over  orientation and immobilization density are highly desirable for ...

microfluidic-on-chip-capture-cycloaddition-reaction-to-reversibly

Research

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Chemistry

Formation of Ordered Biomolecular Structures by the Self-assembly of Short Peptides

In nature, complex functional structures are formed by the self-assembly of biomolecules under mild conditions. Understanding the forces that control self-assembly and mimicking this process in vitro will bring about major advances in the areas of materials science and nanotechnology. Among the available biological building blocks, peptides have several advantages as they present substantial diversity, their synthesis in large scale is straightforward, and they can easily be modified with biological and chemical entities1,2. Several classes of designed peptides such as cyclic peptides, amphiphile peptides and peptide-conjugates self-assemble into ordered structures in solution. Homoaromatic dipeptides, are a class of short self-assembled peptides that contain all the molecular information needed to form ordered structures such as nanotubes, spheres and fibrils3-8. A large variety of these peptides is commercially available.
This paper presents a procedure that leads to the formation of ordered structures by the self-assembly of homoaromatic peptides. The protocol requires only commercial reagents and basic laboratory equipment. In addition, the paper describes some of the methods available for the characterization of peptide-based assemblies. These methods include electron and atomic force microscopy and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). Moreover, the manuscript demonstrates the blending of peptides (coassembly) and the formation of a &#34;beads on a string&#34;-like structure by this process.9 The protocols presented here can be adapted to other classes of peptides or biological building blocks and can potentially lead to the discovery of new peptide-based structures and to better control of their assembly.

This paper describes the formation of highly ordered peptide-based structures by the spontaneous process of self-assembly. The method utilizes commercially available peptides and common lab equipment. This technique can be applied to a large variety of peptides and may lead to the discovery of new peptide-based assemblies.

In nature, complex functional structures are formed by the self-assembly of biomolecules under mild conditions. Understanding the forces that control ...

Preparation of Hydrophobic Metal-Organic Frameworks via Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition of Perfluoroalkanes for the Removal of Ammonia

Plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) of perfluoroalkanes has long been studied for tuning the wetting properties of surfaces. For high surface area microporous materials, such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), unique challenges present themselves for PECVD treatments. Herein the protocol for development of a MOF that was previously unstable to humid conditions is presented. The protocol describes the synthesis of Cu-BTC (also known as HKUST-1), the treatment of Cu-BTC with PECVD of perfluoroalkanes, the aging of materials under humid conditions, and the subsequent ammonia microbreakthrough experiments on milligram quantities of microporous materials. Cu-BTC has an extremely high surface area (~1,800 m2/g) when compared to most materials or surfaces that have been previously treated by PECVD methods. Parameters such as chamber pressure and treatment time are extremely important to ensure the perfluoroalkane plasma penetrates to and reacts with the inner MOF surfaces. Furthermore, the protocol for ammonia microbreakthrough experiments set forth here can be utilized for a variety of test gases and microporous materials.

Herein the procedures for plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition of perfluoroalkanes on microporous materials such as metal-organic frameworks to enhance their stability and hydrophobicity are described. Furthermore, breakthrough testing of milligram quantities of samples is described in detail.

Plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) of perfluoroalkanes has long been studied for tuning the wetting properties of surfaces. For high ...

Activating Molecules, Ions, and Solid Particles with Acoustic Cavitation

The chemical and physical effects of ultrasound arise not from a direct interaction of molecules with sound waves, but rather from the acoustic cavitation: the nucleation, growth, and implosive collapse of microbubbles in liquids submitted to power ultrasound. The violent implosion of bubbles leads to the formation of chemically reactive species and to the emission of light, named sonoluminescence. In this manuscript, we describe the techniques allowing study of extreme intrabubble conditions and chemical reactivity of acoustic cavitation in solutions. The analysis of sonoluminescence spectra of water sparged with noble gases provides evidence for nonequilibrium plasma formation. The photons and the "hot" particles generated by cavitation bubbles enable to excite the non-volatile species in solutions increasing their chemical reactivity. For example the mechanism of ultrabright sonoluminescence of uranyl ions in acidic solutions varies with uranium concentration: sonophotoluminescence dominates in diluted solutions, and collisional excitation contributes at higher uranium concentration. Secondary sonochemical products may arise from chemically active species that are formed inside the bubble, but then diffuse into the liquid phase and react with solution precursors to form a variety of products. For instance, the sonochemical reduction of Pt(IV) in pure water provides an innovative synthetic route for monodispersed nanoparticles of metallic platinum without any templates or capping agents. Many studies reveal the advantages of ultrasound to activate the divided solids. In general, the mechanical effects of ultrasound strongly contribute in heterogeneous systems in addition to chemical effects. In particular, the sonolysis of PuO2 powder in pure water yields stable colloids of plutonium due to both effects.

Acoustic cavitation in liquids submitted to power ultrasound creates transient extreme conditions inside the collapsing bubbles, which are the origin of unusual chemical reactivity and light emission, known as sonoluminescence. In the presence of noble gases, nonequilibrium plasma is formed. The "hot" particles and the photons generated by collapsing bubbles are able to excite species in solution.

The chemical and physical effects of ultrasound arise not from a direct interaction of molecules with sound waves, but rather from the acoustic ...

Synthesis of Cd-free InP/ZnS Quantum Dots Suitable for Biomedical Applications

Fluorescent nanocrystals, specifically quantum dots, have been a useful tool for many biomedical applications. For successful use in biological systems, quantum dots should be highly fluorescent and small/monodisperse in size. While commonly used cadmium-based quantum dots possess these qualities, they are potentially toxic due to the possible release of Cd2+ ions through nanoparticle degradation. Indium-based quantum dots, specifically InP/ZnS, have recently been explored as a viable alternative to cadmium-based quantum dots due to their relatively similar fluorescence characteristics and size. The synthesis presented here uses standard hot-injection techniques for effective nanoparticle growth; however, nanoparticle properties such as size, emission wavelength, and emission intensity can drastically change due to small changes in the reaction conditions. Therefore, reaction conditions such temperature, reaction duration, and precursor concentration should be maintained precisely to yield reproducible products. Because quantum dots are not inherently soluble in aqueous solutions, they must also undergo surface modification to impart solubility in water. In this protocol, an amphiphilic polymer is used to interact with both hydrophobic ligands on the quantum dot surface and bulk solvent water molecules. Here, a detailed protocol is provided for the synthesis of highly fluorescent InP/ZnS quantum dots that are suitable for use in biomedical applications.

In this protocol, the synthesis of Cd-free InP/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) is detailed. InP-based QDs are gaining popularity due to the toxicity of Cd2+ ions that may be released through nanoparticle degradation. After synthesis, QDs are solubilized in water using an amphiphilic polymer for use in biomedical applications.

Fluorescent nanocrystals, specifically quantum dots, have been a useful tool for many biomedical applications. For successful use in biological systems, ...

Highly Stable, Functional Hairy Nanoparticles and Biopolymers from Wood Fibers: Towards Sustainable Nanotechnology

Nanoparticles, as one of the key materials in nanotechnology and nanomedicine, have gained significant importance during the past decade. While metal-based nanoparticles are associated with synthetic and environmental hassles, cellulose introduces a green, sustainable alternative for nanoparticle synthesis. Here, we present the chemical synthesis and separation procedures to produce new classes of hairy nanoparticles (bearing both amorphous and crystalline regions) and biopolymers based on wood fibers. Through periodate oxidation of soft wood pulp, the glucose ring of cellulose is opened at the C2-C3 bond to form 2,3-dialdehyde groups. Further heating of the partially oxidized fibers (e.g., T = 80 &#176;C) results in three products, namely fibrous oxidized cellulose, sterically stabilized nanocrystalline cellulose (SNCC), and dissolved dialdehyde modified cellulose (DAMC), which are well separated by intermittent centrifugation and co-solvent addition. The partially oxidized fibers (without heating) were used as a highly reactive intermediate to react with chlorite for converting almost all aldehyde to carboxyl groups. Co-solvent precipitation and centrifugation resulted in electrosterically stabilized nanocrystalline cellulose (ENCC) and dicarboxylated cellulose (DCC). The aldehyde content of SNCC and consequently surface charge of ENCC (carboxyl content) were precisely controlled by controlling the periodate oxidation reaction time, resulting in highly stable nanoparticles bearing more than 7 mmol functional groups per gram of nanoparticles (e.g., as compared to conventional NCC bearing &#60;&#60; 1 mmol functional group/g). Atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) attested to the rod-like morphology. Conductometric titration, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), electrokinetic-sonic-amplitude (ESA) and acoustic attenuation spectroscopy shed light on the superior properties of these nanomaterials.

Synthesis schemes to prepare highly stable wood fiber-based hairy nanoparticles and functional cellulose-based biopolymers have been detailed.

Nanoparticles, as one of the key materials in nanotechnology and nanomedicine, have gained significant importance during the past decade. While ...

Low-energy Cathodoluminescence for (Oxy)Nitride Phosphors

Nitride and oxynitride (Sialon) phosphors are good candidates for the ultraviolet and visible emission applications. High performance, good stability and flexibility of their emission properties can be achieved by controlling their composition and dopants. However, a lot of work is still required to improve their properties and to reduce the production cost. A possible approach is to correlate the luminescence properties of the Sialon particles with their local structural and chemical environment in order to optimize their growth parameters and find novel phosphors. For such a purpose, the low-voltage cathodoluminescence (CL) microscopy is a powerful technique. The use of electron as an excitation source allows detecting most of the luminescence centers, revealing their luminescence distribution spatially and in depth, directly comparing CL results with the other electron-based techniques, and investigating the stability of their luminescence properties under stress. Such advantages for phosphors characterization will be highlighted through examples of investigation on several Sialon phosphors by low-energy CL.

Low-energy Cathodoluminescence for OxyNitride Phosphors

An excellent chemical and luminescence stabilities of (oxy)nitride phosphors present it as an promising alternative to currently used sulfide and oxide phosphors. In this paper, we present the way to investigate its local luminescence properties using low-energy cathodoluminescence (CL).

Nitride and oxynitride (Sialon) phosphors are good candidates for the ultraviolet and visible emission applications. High performance, good stability and ...

The Preparation and Properties of Thermo-reversibly Cross-linked Rubber Via Diels-Alder Chemistry

A method for using Diels Alder thermo-reversible chemistry as cross-linking tool for rubber products is demonstrated. In this work, a commercial ethylene-propylene rubber, grafted with maleic anhydride, is thermo-reversibly cross-linked in two steps. The pending anhydride moieties are first modified with furfurylamine to graft furan groups to the rubber backbone. These pendant furan groups are then cross-linked with a bis-maleimide via a Diels-Alder coupling reaction. Both reactions can be performed under a broad range of experimental conditions and can easily be applied on a large scale. The material properties of the resulting Diels-Alder cross-linked rubbers are similar to a peroxide-cured ethylene/propylene/diene rubber (EPDM) reference. The cross-links break at elevated temperatures (&#62; 150 &#176;C) via the retro-Diels-Alder reaction and can be reformed by thermal annealing at lower temperatures (50-70 &#176;C). Reversibility of the system was proven with infrared spectroscopy, solubility tests and mechanical properties. Recyclability of the material was also shown in a practical way, i.e., by cutting a cross-linked sample into small parts and compression molding them into new samples displaying comparable mechanical properties, which is not possible for conventionally cross-linked rubbers.

A simple two-step approach involving rubber modification and cross-linking yields fully reworkable, elastic rubber products.

A method for using Diels Alder thermo-reversible chemistry as cross-linking tool for rubber products is demonstrated. In this work, a commercial ...

From Molecules to Materials: Engineering New Ionic Liquid Crystals Through Halogen Bonding

Herein, we demonstrate that a bottom-up approach, based on halogen bonding (XB), can be successfully applied for the design of a new type of ionic liquid crystals (ILCs). Taking advantages of the high specificity of XB for haloperfluorocarbons and the ability of anions to act as XB-acceptors, we obtained supramolecular complexes based on 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium iodides and iodoperfluorocarbons, overcoming the well-known immiscibility between hydrocarbons (HCs) and perfluorocarbons (PFCs). The high directionality of the XB combined with the fluorophobic effect, allowed us to obtain enantiotropic liquid crystals where a rigid, non-aromatic, XB supramolecular anion acts as mesogenic core.
X-ray structure analysis of the complex between 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium iodide and iodoperfluorooctane showed the presence of a layered structure, which is a manifestation of the well-known tendency to segregation of perfluoroalkyl chains. This is consistent with the observation of smectic mesophases. Moreover, all the reported complexes melt below 100 &#176;C, and most are mesomorphic even at room temperature, despite that the starting materials were non-mesomorphic in nature.
The supramolecular strategy reported here provides new design principles for mesogen design allowing a totally new class of functional materials.

A protocol for the synthesis of a new type of mesogens, based on the halogen-bonded supramolecular anion [CnF2n+1-I&#183;&#183;&#183;I&#183;&#183;&#183;I-CnF2n+1]&#8722;, is reported.

Herein, we demonstrate that a bottom-up approach, based on halogen bonding (XB), can be successfully applied for the design of a new type of ionic liquid ...

Application and Methodology of the Non-destructive 19F Time-domain NMR Technique to Measure the Content in Fluorine-containing Drug Products

Here, we describe a protocol developed by our group that uses low-field fluorine-19 (19F) time-domain (TD) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to measure the average content of fluorinated drugs in their formulated drug product forms: tablets or capsules. This method is specific to fluorinated drugs because it detects only the content of fluorine, avoiding interference from the excipients that lack fluorine. The advantages of measuring the active content of fluorinated drugs using low-field 19F TD-NMR versus high-field 19F solid-state (SS) NMR are the simplicity of the method; the low cost; and the non-destructive nature of the technique, with all samples recoverable in intact forms (e.g., powders, tablets, and capsules), making this technique affordable for any laboratory.
We have tested the method with three fluorinated drug products available on the market - cinacalcet, lansoprazole, and ciprofloxacin - with doses ranging from 15 to 500 mg. The results of the analyses, measured by low-field 19F TD-NMR, supported the reported label claims for the average drug content.
Based on the simplicity and reproducibility of the analysis, we envision this methodology being implemented in any laboratory, including manufacturing plants, as a process analytical technology (PAT) tool in the pharmaceutical industry.

Application and Methodology of the Non-destructive 19F Time-domain NMR Technique to Measure the Content in Fluorine-containing Drug Products

A simple and non-destructive technique that measures the average content of drug substances in formulated drug products containing fluorine using low-field fluorine-19 (19F) time-domain (TD) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is presented here. The technique can be applied to the development and manufacturing of drugs in the pharmaceutical industry.

Here, we describe a protocol developed by our group that uses low-field fluorine-19 (19F) time-domain (TD) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to measure the ...

Stable DNA Motifs, 1D and 2D Nanostructures Constructed from Small Circular DNA Molecules

This article presents a detailed protocol for synthesis of small circular DNA molecules, annealing of circular DNA motifs, and construction of 1D and 2D DNA nanostructures. Over decades, the rapid development of DNA nanotechnology is attributed to the use of linear DNAs as the source materials. For example, the DAO (double crossover, antiparallel, odd half-turns) tile is well-known as a building block for construction of 2D DNA lattices; the core structure of DAO is made from two linear single-stranded (ss) oligonucleotides, like two ropes making a right hand granny&#160;knot. Herein, a new type of DNA tiles called cDAO (coupled DAO) are built using a small circular ss-DNA of c64nt or c84nt (circular 64 or 84 nucleotides) as the scaffold strand and several linear ss-DNAs as the staple strands. Perfect 1D and 2D nanostructures are assembled from cDAO tiles: infinite nanowires, nanospirals, nanotubes, nanoribbons; and finite nano-rectangles. Detailed protocols are described: 1) preparation by T4 ligase and purification by denaturing PAGE (polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) of small circular oligonucleotides, 2) annealing of stable circular tiles, followed by native PAGE analysis, 3) assembling of infinite 1D nanowires, nanorings, nanospirals, infinite 2D lattices of nanotubes and nanoribbons, and finite 2D nano-rectangles, followed by AFM (Atomic Force Microscopy) imaging. The method is simple, robust, and affordable for most labs.

This article presents a detailed protocol for T4 ligation and denaturing PAGE purification of small circular DNA molecules, annealing and native PAGE analysis of circular tiles, assembling and AFM imaging of 1D and 2D DNA nanostructures, as well as agarose gel electrophoresis and centrifugation purification of finite DNA nanostructures.

This article presents a detailed protocol for synthesis of small circular DNA molecules, annealing of circular DNA motifs, and construction of 1D and 2D ...