This work was funded in part by the Texas Emerging Technology Fund (Startup to TB), the Texas State University Research Enhancement Program, the Texas State University Doctoral Research Fellowship (to TC), the NSF Partnership for Research and Education in Materials (PREM, DMR-1205670), The Welch Foundation (AI-0045), and National Institutes of Health (R01CA032132).

<ol>
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The authors have nothing to disclose.

In this work, electroactive polymer NPs have been synthesized as potential PTT agents for cancer treatment. The preparation of the NPs is described, starting with the synthesis of the monomers followed by emulsion polymerization. While the preparation of NPs using electroactive polymers such as EDOT and pyrrole has been described before, this paper describes the preparation of polymeric NPs starting with unique extended conjugation monomers, demonstrating that this process can be extended to larger, more complex monomers...

Electroactive polymers change their properties (color, conductivity, reactivity, volume, etc.) in the presence of an electric field. The rapid switching times, tunability, durability, and lightweight characteristics of electroactive polymers have led to many proposed applications, including alternative energy, sensors, electrochromics, and biomedical devices. Electroactive polymers are potentially useful as flexible, light-weight battery and capacitor electrodes.1 Applications of electroactive polymers in electrochromic devices include glare-reduction systems for buildings and automobiles, sunglasses, protective eyewear, optical storage devices, and smart textiles.2-5 Smart windows can reduce energy requirements by blocking specific wavelengths of light on-demand and protecting interiors of homes and automobiles. Smart textiles can be used in clothing to help protect against UV radiation.6 Electroactive polymers have also begun to be used in medical devices. Among electroactive polymers used in biomedical devices, polypyrrole (PPy), polyaniline (PANI), and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) are among the most common. For example, these types of polymers are commonly used as transducers in biosensor devices.7 Applications in therapeutic delivery have also shown promise; studies have demonstrated the release of drugs and therapeutic proteins from devices prepared from electroactive polymers.8-12 More recently, electroactive polymers have been used as therapeutic agents in photothermal therapy.13-15 In photothermal therapy, photothermal agents must absorb light in the near-infrared (NIR) region (~ 700&#8722;900 nm), also known as the therapeutic window, where light has the maximum depth of penetration in tissue, typically up to 1 cm.16,17 In this range, biological chromophores such as hemoglobin, oxygenated hemoglobin, lipids, and water have little-to-no absorbance, which enables light to penetrate easily. When photothermal agents absorb light in this therapeutic window, the photoenergy is converted to photothermal energy.
Irvin and co-workers have previously reported alkoxy-substituted bis-EDOT benzene monomers that were synthesized using Negishi coupling.18 Negishi coupling is a preferred method for carbon-carbon bond formation. This process has many advantages, including the use of organozinc intermediates, which are less toxic and tend to have higher reactivity than other organometallics used.19,20 Organozinc compounds are also compatible with a wide range of functional groups on the organohalides.20 In the Negishi coupling reaction, an organohalide and organometal are coupled through the use of a palladium(0) catalyst.20 In the work presented herein, this cross coupling method is utilized in the synthesis of 1,4-dialkoxy-2,5-bis(3,4-ethylenedioxythienyl) benzene (BEDOT-B(OR)2) monomers. These monomers can then be easily polymerized electrochemically or chemically to yield polymers that are promising candidates for use in biomedical applications.
Conventional methods for preparation of colloidal polymeric suspensions in aqueous solutions for biomedical applications typically involve the dissolution of bulk polymers followed by nanoprecipitation or emulsion-solvent evaporation techniques.21,22 In order to produce NPs of poly(BEDOT-B(OR)2), a bottom-up approach is demonstrated here where the NPs are synthesized via in situ emulsion polymerization. Emulsion polymerization is a process that is easily scalable and is a relatively fast method for NP preparation.22 Studies using emulsion polymerization to produce NPs of other electroactive polymers have been reported for PPy and PEDOT.15,23,24 PEDOT NPs, for example, have been prepared using spray emulsion polymerization.24 This method is difficult to reproduce, and typically yields larger, micron-sized particles. The protocol described in this article explores the use of a drop-sonication method to reproducibly prepare 100-nm polymer NPs.
In this protocol, electroactive polymers tailored to absorb light in the NIR region similar to previously reported poly(BEDOT-B(OR)2) are synthesized and characterized to demonstrate their potential in electrochromic devices and as PTT agents. First, the protocol for the synthesis of the monomers via Negishi coupling is described. The monomers are characterized using NMR and UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy. The preparation of NP colloid suspensions via oxidative emulsion polymerization in aqueous media is also described. The procedure is based on a two-step emulsion polymerization process previously described by Han et al. that is applied to the different monomers. A two-surfactant system is used to control the NP monodispersity. A cell viability assay is used to evaluate cytocompatibility of the NPs. Lastly, the potential of these NPs to act as PTT transducers is demonstrated by irradiation with a NIR laser.

<table><tbody><tr><td>2 mm diameter platinum working electrode</td><td>CH Instruments</td><td>CH102</td><td>Polished using very fine sandpaper</td></tr><tr><td>3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene</td><td>Sigma-Aldrich</td><td>483028</td><td>Purified by vacuum distillation</td></tr><tr><td>3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT) 98%</td><td>Alfa Aesar</td><td>L11939</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>505 Sonic Dismembrator</td><td>Fisher Scientific&amp;trade;&amp;nbsp;</td><td>FB505110</td><td>1/8&amp;ldquo; tip and rated at 500&amp;nbsp;watts</td></tr><tr><td>808 nm laser diode</td><td>ThorLabs</td><td>L808P1WJ</td><td>Rated at 1 W</td></tr><tr><td>Acetonitrile anhydrous 99%</td><td>Acros</td><td>61022-0010</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Avanti J-26 XPI</td><td>Beckman Coulter</td><td>393127</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Bromohexane 98%</td><td>MP Biomedicals</td><td>202323</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Dialysis (100,000) MWCO</td><td>SpectrumLabs</td><td>G235071</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Dimethyl sulfoxide 99% (DMSO)</td><td>BDH</td><td>BDH1115</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Dimethylformamide anhydrous (DMF) 99%</td><td>Acros</td><td>326870010</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Dodecyl benzenesulfonate (DBSA)&amp;nbsp;</td><td>TCI</td><td>D0989</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Dulbecco&amp;rsquo;s modified eagle medium (DMEM)&amp;nbsp;</td><td>Corning</td><td>10-013 CV</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>EMS 150 TES sputter coater</td><td>Electron Microscopy Sciences</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Ethanol (EtOH) 100%</td><td>BDH</td><td>BDH1156</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>ethyl 4-bromobutyrate (98%)</td><td>Acros</td><td>173551000</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Ethyl acetate 99%</td><td>Fisher</td><td>UN1173</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Fetal bovine serum (FBS)</td><td>Corning</td><td>35-010-CV</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Helios NanoLab 400</td><td>FEI</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Hexane</td><td>Fisher</td><td>H306-4</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Hydrochloric acid (HCl)</td><td>Fisher</td><td>A142-212</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Hydroquinone 99.5%</td><td>Acros</td><td>120915000</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Hydrozine anhydrous 98%</td><td>Sigma-Aldrich</td><td>215155</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Indium tin oxide (ITO) coated galss</td><td>Delta Technologies</td><td>CG-41IN-CUV</td><td>4-8 &amp;Omega;/sq</td></tr><tr><td>Iron chloride 97% FeCl&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt;</td><td>Sigma-Aldrich</td><td>157740</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Magnesium sulfate (MgSO&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt;)</td><td>Fisher</td><td>593295</td><td>Dried at 100 &amp;#176;C</td></tr><tr><td>SKOV-3</td><td>ATCC</td><td>HTB-26</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Methanol</td><td>BDH</td><td>BHD1135</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>n-Butlithium (2.5 M)&amp;nbsp;</td><td>Sigma-Aldrich</td><td>230707</td><td>Pyrophoric</td></tr><tr><td>Poly(styrenesulfonate-co-malic acid) (PSS-co-MA) 20,000 MW</td><td>Sigma-Aldrich</td><td>434566</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Potassium carbonate</td><td>Sigma-Aldrich</td><td>209619</td><td>Dried at 100 &amp;#176;C</td></tr><tr><td>Potassium hydroxide</td><td>Alfa Aesar</td><td>A18854</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Potassium iodide</td><td>Fisher</td><td>P410-100</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>RO-5 stirplate</td><td>IKA-Werke</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>SC4000 IR camera</td><td>FLIR</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Synergy H4 Hybrid Reader</td><td>Biotek</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Tetrabutylammonium perchlorate (TBAP) 99%</td><td>Sigma-Aldrich</td><td>3579274</td><td>Purified by recrystallization in ethyl acetate</td></tr><tr><td>Tetrahydrofuran anhydrous (THF) 99%</td><td>Sigma-Aldrich</td><td>401757</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>tetrakis(triphenylphosphine) palladium(0)</td><td>Sigma-Aldrich</td><td>216666</td><td>Moisture sensitive</td></tr><tr><td>Thermomixer</td><td>Eppendorf</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>USB potentiostat/galvanostat</td><td>WaveNow</td><td>AFTP1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Zetasizer Nano Zs</td><td>Malvern</td><td></td><td>Optical Arrangment 175&amp;#176;</td></tr><tr><td>Zinc chloride (1 M) ZnCl&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;</td><td>Acros</td><td>370057000</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

electroactive polymer nanoparticles exhibiting photothermal properties

A method for the synthesis of electroactive polymers is demonstrated, starting with the synthesis of extended conjugation monomers using a three-step process that finishes with Negishi coupling. Negishi coupling is a cross-coupling process in which a chemical precursor is first lithiated, followed by transmetallation with ZnCl2. The resultant organozinc compound can be coupled to a dibrominated aromatic precursor to give the conjugated monomer. Polymer films can be prepared via electropolymerization of the monomer and characterized using cyclic voltammetry and ultraviolet-visible-near infrared (UV-Vis-NIR) spectroscopy. Nanoparticles (NPs) are prepared via emulsion polymerization of the monomer using a two-surfactant system to yield an aqueous dispersion of the polymer NPs. The NPs are characterized using dynamic light scattering, electron microscopy, and UV-Vis-NIR-spectroscopy. Cytocompatibility of NPs is investigated using the cell viability assay. Finally, the NP suspensions are irradiated with a NIR laser to determine their effectiveness as potential materials for photothermal therapy (PTT).

The reaction protocol yielding M1 and M2 is shown in Figure 1. The monomers can be characterized by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, melting point, and elemental analysis. The 1H NMR spectrum provides information regarding the connectivity of atoms and their electronic environments; thus, it is routinely used to verify that reactions have been completed successfully. Negishi coupling reactions involve coupling of the phenyl ring to the EDOT, c...

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Electroactive Polymer Nanoparticles Exhibiting Photothermal Properties

A protocol is presented for the synthesis and preparation of nanoparticles consisting of electroactive polymers.

A method for the synthesis of electroactive polymers is demonstrated, starting with the synthesis of extended conjugation monomers using a three-step ...

electroactive-polymer-nanoparticles-exhibiting-photothermal-properties

Research

JoVE Journal

Engineering

13.7K Views.  Texas State University. A protocol is presented for the synthesis and preparation of nanoparticles consisting of electroactive polymers. 

Video: Electroactive Polymer Nanoparticles Exhibiting Photothermal Properties

A 'Plug and Play' Method to Create Water-dispersible Nanoassemblies Containing an Amphiphilic Polymer, Organic Dyes and Upconverting Nanoparticles

In this protocol, we first describe a procedure to synthesize lanthanide doped upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs). We then demonstrate how to generate amphiphilic polymers in situ, and describe a protocol to encapsulate the prepared UCNPs and different organic dye molecules (porphyrins and diarylethenes) using polymer shells to form stable water-dispersible nanoassemblies. The nanoassembly samples containing both the UCNPs and the diarylethene organic dyes have interesting photochemical and photophysical properties. Upon 365 nm UV irradiation, the diarylethene group undergoes a visual color change. When the samples are irradiated with visible light of another specific wavelength, the color fades and the samples return to the initial colorless state. The samples also emit visible light from the UCNPs upon irradiation with 980 nm near-infrared light. The emission intensity of the samples can be tuned through alternate irradiation with UV and visible light. Modulation of fluorescence can be performed for many cycles without observable degradation of the samples. This versatile encapsulation procedure allows for the transfer of hydrophobic molecules and nanoparticles from an organic solvent to an aqueous medium. The polymer helps to maintain a lipid-like microenvironment for the organic molecules to aid in preservation of their photochemical behavior in water. Thus this method is ideal to prepare water-dispersible photoresponsive systems. The use of near-infrared light to activate upconverting nanoparticles allows for lower energy light to be used to activate photoreactions instead of more harmful ultraviolet light.

Organic dye molecules and oleic acid coated upconverting nanoparticles are not water-soluble. This protocol describes a &#8216;plug and play&#8217; method that enables the transfer of organic dye molecules and upconverting particles from their initial hydrophobic solvent to water.

In this protocol, we first describe a procedure to synthesize lanthanide doped upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs). We then demonstrate how to generate ...

Chemistry

Photodynamic Therapy with Blended Conducting Polymer/Fullerene Nanoparticle Photosensitizers

In this article a method for the fabrication and reproducible in-vitro evaluation of conducting polymer nanoparticles blended with fullerene as the next generation photosensitizers for Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is reported. The nanoparticles are formed by hydrophobic interaction of the semiconducting polymer MEH-PPV (poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene]) with the fullerene PCBM (phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester) in the presence of a non-compatible solvent. MEH-PPV has a high extinction coefficient that leads to high rates of triplet formation, and efficient charge and energy transfer to the fullerene PCBM. The latter processes enhance the efficiency of the PDT system through fullerene assisted triplet and radical formation, and ultrafast deactivation of MEH-PPV excited stated. The results reported here show that this nanoparticle PDT sensitizing system is highly effective and shows unexpected specificity to cancer cell lines.

This protocol describes a method for the fabrication of conducting polymer nanoparticles blended with fullerene. These nanoparticles were investigated for their potential use as a next generation photosensitizers for Photodynamic Therapy (PDT).

In this article a method for the fabrication and reproducible in-vitro evaluation of conducting polymer nanoparticles blended with fullerene as the next ...

Multifunctional Hybrid Fe2O3-Au Nanoparticles for Efficient Plasmonic Heating

One of the most widely used methods for manufacturing colloidal gold nanospherical particles involves the reduction of chloroauric acid (HAuCl4) to neutral gold Au(0) by reducing agents, such as sodium citrate or sodium borohydride. The extension of this method to decorate iron oxide or similar nanoparticles with gold nanoparticles to create multifunctional hybrid Fe2O3-Au nanoparticles is straightforward. This approach yields fairly good control over Au nanoparticle dimensions and loading onto Fe2O3. Additionally, the Au metal size, shape, and loading can easily be tuned by changing experimental parameters (e.g., reactant concentrations, reducing agents, surfactants, etc.). An advantage of this procedure is that the reaction can be done in air or water, and, in principle, is amenable to scaling up. The use of such optically tunable Fe2O3-Au nanoparticles for hyperthermia studies is an attractive option as it capitalizes on plasmonic heating of gold nanoparticles tuned to absorb light strongly in the VIS-NIR region. In addition to its plasmonic effects, nanoscale Au provides a unique surface for interesting chemistries and catalysis. The Fe2O3 material provides additional functionality due to its magnetic property. For example, an external magnetic field could be used to collect and recycle the hybrid Fe2O3-Au nanoparticles after a catalytic experiment, or alternatively, the magnetic Fe2O3 can be used for hyperthermia studies through magnetic heat induction. The photothermal experiment described in this report measures bulk temperature change and nanoparticle solution mass loss as functions of time using infrared thermocouples and a balance, respectively. The ease of sample preparation and the use of readily available equipment are distinct advantages of this technique. A caveat is that these photothermal measurements assess the bulk solution temperature and not the surface of the nanoparticle where the heat is transduced and the temperature is likely to be higher.

Multifunctional Hybrid Fe2O3-Au Nanoparticles for Efficient Plasmonic Heating

We describe the synthesis and properties of multifunctional Fe2O3-Au nanoparticles produced by a wet chemical approach and investigate their photothermal properties using laser irradiation. The composite Fe2O3-Au nanoparticles retain the properties of both materials, creating a multifunctional structure with excellent magnetic and plasmonic properties.

One of the most widely used methods for manufacturing colloidal gold nanospherical particles involves the reduction of chloroauric acid (HAuCl4) to ...

Facile Synthesis of Worm-like Micelles by Visible Light Mediated Dispersion Polymerization Using Photoredox Catalyst

Presented herein is a protocol for the facile synthesis of worm-like micelles by visible light mediated dispersion polymerization. This approach begins with the synthesis of a hydrophilic poly(oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate) (POEGMA) homopolymer using reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Under mild visible light irradiation (&#955; = 460 nm, 0.7 mW/cm2), this macro-chain transfer agent (macro-CTA) in the presence of a ruthenium based photoredox catalyst, Ru(bpy)3Cl2 can be chain extended with a second monomer to form a well-defined block copolymer in a process known as Photoinduced Electron Transfer RAFT (PET-RAFT). When PET-RAFT is used to chain extend POEGMA with benzyl methacrylate (BzMA) in ethanol (EtOH), polymeric nanoparticles with different morphologies are formed in situ according to a polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) mechanism. Self-assembly into nanoparticles presenting POEGMA chains at the corona and poly(benzyl methacrylate) (PBzMA) chains in the core occurs in situ due to the growing insolubility of the PBzMA block in ethanol. Interestingly, the formation of highly pure worm-like micelles can be readily monitored by observing the onset of a highly viscous gel in situ due to nanoparticle entanglements occurring during the polymerization. This process thereby allows for a more reproducible synthesis of worm-like micelles simply by monitoring the solution viscosity during the course of the polymerization. In addition, the light stimulus can be intermittently applied in an ON/OFF manner demonstrating temporal control over the nanoparticle morphology.

This article describes a process for producing polymeric self-assembled nanoparticles using visible light mediated dispersion polymerization. Using low energy visible light to control the polymerization allows for the reproducible formation of self-assembled worm-like micelles at high solids content.

Presented herein is a protocol for the facile synthesis of worm-like micelles by visible light mediated dispersion polymerization. This approach begins ...

One Minute, Sub-One-Watt Photothermal Tumor Ablation Using Porphysomes, Intrinsic Multifunctional Nanovesicles

We recently developed porphysomes as intrinsically multifunctional nanovesicles. A photosensitizer, pyropheophorbide &alpha;, was conjugated to a phospholipid and then self-assembled to liposome-like spherical vesicles. Due to the extremely high density of porphyrin in the porphyrin-lipid bilayer, porphysomes generated large extinction coefficients, structure-dependent fluorescence self-quenching, and excellent photothermal efficacy. In our formulation, porphysomes were synthesized using high pressure extrusion, and displayed a mean particle size around 120 nm. Twenty-four hr post-intravenous injection of porphysomes, the local temperature of the tumor increased from 30 &deg;C to 62 &deg;C rapidly upon one minute exposure of 750 mW (1.18 W/cm2), 671 nm laser irradiation. Following the complete thermal ablation of the tumor, eschars formed and healed within 2 weeks, while in the control groups the tumors continued to grow and all reached the defined end point within 3 weeks. These data show how porphysomes can be used as potent photothermal therapy (PTT) agents.

We developed novel intrinsic multifunctional nanovesicles called porphysomes, which have structure-dependent fluorescence self-quenching and unique photothermal properties, thus functioning as potent photothermal therapy agents. We formulated porphysomes using high pressure extrusion and investigated their photothermal therapy efficacy in a xenograft tumor model.

We recently developed porphysomes as intrinsically multifunctional nanovesicles. A photosensitizer, pyropheophorbide &alpha;, was conjugated to a ...

Bioengineering

Optical Control of Living Cells Electrical Activity by Conjugated Polymers

Hybrid interfaces between organic semiconductors and living tissues represent a new tool for in-vitro and in-vivo applications. In particular, conjugated polymers display several optimal properties as substrates for biological systems, such as good biocompatibility, excellent mechanical properties, cheap and easy processing technology, and possibility of deposition on light, thin and flexible substrates. These materials have been employed for cellular interfaces like neural probes, transistors for excitation and recording of neural activity, biosensors and actuators for drug release. Recent experiments have also demonstrated the possibility to use conjugated polymers for all-optical modulation of the electrical activity of cells. Several in-vitro study cases have been reported, including primary neuronal networks, astrocytes and secondary line cells. Moreover, signal photo-transduction mediated by organic polymers has been shown to restore light sensitivity in degenerated retinas, suggesting that these devices may be used for artificial retinal prosthesis in the future. All in all, light sensitive conjugated polymers represent a new approach for optical modulation of cellular activity.
In this work, all the steps required to fabricate a bio-polymer interface for optical excitation of living cells are described. The function of the active interface is to transduce the light stimulus into a modulation of the cell membrane potential. As a study case, useful for in-vitro studies, a polythiophene thin film is used as the functional, light absorbing layer, and Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK-293) cells are employed as the biological component of the interface. Practical examples of successful control of the cell membrane potential upon stimulation with light pulses of different duration are provided. In particular, it is shown that both depolarizing and hyperpolarizing effects on the cell membrane can be achieved depending on the duration of the light stimulus. The reported protocol is of general validity and can be straightforwardly extended to other biological preparations.

A method for stimulation of in-vitro cell cultures electrical activity with visible light, based on the use of organic semiconducting polymers is described.

Hybrid interfaces between organic semiconductors and living tissues represent a new tool for in-vitro and in-vivo applications. In particular, conjugated ...

Magnetic and Thermal-sensitive Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based Microgels for Magnetically Triggered Controlled Release

Magnetically and thermally sensitive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm)/Fe3O4-NH2 microgels with the encapsulated anti-cancer drug curcumin (Cur) were designed and fabricated for magnetically triggered release. PNIPAAm-based magnetic microgels with a spherical structure were produced via a temperature-induced emulsion followed with physical-crosslinking by mixing PNIPAAm, polyethylenimine (PEI), and Fe3O4-NH2 magnetic nanoparticles. Because of their dispersity, the Fe3O4-NH2 nanoparticles were embedded inside the polymer matrix. The amine groups exposed on the Fe3O4-NH2 and PEI surface supported the spherical structure by physically crosslinking with the amide groups of the PNIPAAm. The hydrophobic anti-cancer drug curcumin can be dispersed in water after encapsulation into the microgels. The microgels were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and UV-Vis spectral analysis. Furthermore, magnetically triggered release was studied under an external high frequency magnetic field (HFMF). A significant &#34;burst release&#34; of curcumin was observed after applying the HFMF to the microgels due to the magnetic inductive heating (hyperthermia) effect. This manuscript describes the magnetically triggered controlled release of Cur-PNIPAAm/Fe3O4-NH2 encapsulated curcumin, which can be potentially applied for tumor therapy.

Magnetic and Thermal-sensitive PolyN-isopropylacrylamide-based Microgels for Magnetically Triggered Controlled Release

This manuscript describes the preparation of magnetic and thermal-sensitive microgels via a temperature-induced emulsion without chemical reaction. These sensitive microgels were synthesized by mixing poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm), polyethylenimine (PEI) and Fe3O4-NH2 nanoparticles for the potential use in magnetically and thermally triggered drug-release.

Magnetically and thermally sensitive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm)/Fe3O4-NH2 microgels with the encapsulated anti-cancer drug curcumin (Cur) were ...

Gold Nanorod-assisted Optical Stimulation of Neuronal Cells

Recent studies have demonstrated that nerves can be stimulated in a variety of ways by the transient heating associated with the absorption of infrared light by water in neuronal tissue. This technique holds great potential for replacing or complementing standard stimulation techniques, due to the potential for increased localization of the stimulus and minimization of mechanical contact with the tissue. However, optical approaches are limited by the inability of visible light to penetrate deep into tissues. Moreover, thermal modelling suggests that cumulative heating effects might be potentially hazardous when multiple stimulus sites or high laser repetition rates are used. The protocol outlined below describes an enhanced approach to the infrared stimulation of neuronal cells. The underlying mechanism is based on the transient heating associated with the optical absorption of gold nanorods, which can cause triggering of neuronal cell differentiation and increased levels of intracellular calcium activity. These results demonstrate that nanoparticle absorbers can enhance and/or replace the process of infrared neural stimulation based on water absorption, with potential for future applications in neural prostheses and cell therapies.

This protocol outlines how to use the transient heating associated with the optical absorption of gold nanorods to stimulate differentiation and intracellular calcium activity in neuronal cells. These results potentially open up new applications in neural prostheses and fundamental studies in neuroscience.

Recent studies have demonstrated that nerves can be stimulated in a variety of ways by the transient heating associated with the absorption of infrared ...

Neuroscience

Hydrothermal Synthesis of Persistent Luminescent Nanoparticles

Synthesis of Persistent Luminescent Nanoparticles for Rewritable Displays and Illumination Applications

Persistent luminescent nanoparticles (PLNPs) possess the capabilities to maintain extended longevity and robust emission even after the excitation has ceased. PLNPs have been widely used across various domains, including information displays, data encryption, biological imaging, and artistic decoration with sustained and vivid luminosity, providing boundless possibilities for a variety of innovative technology and artistic projects. This protocol focuses on an experimental procedure for the hydrothermal synthesis of PLNPs. The successful synthesis of enduring luminescent nanomaterials with Mn2+ or Cr3+ serving as a luminescent center in Zn2GeO4: Mn (ZGO: Mn) or ZnGa2O4: Cr highlights the universality of this synthetic method. On the other hand, the optical properties of ZGO: Mn can be changed by adjusting the pH of precursor solutions, demonstrating the tunability of the protocol. When charged with ultraviolet (UV) at a wavelength of 365 nm for 3 min and then stopped, PLNPs exhibit the remarkable capacity to generate afterglow efficiently and consistently, which makes them ideal for making two-dimensional rewritable displays and three-dimensional transparent, luminous artworks. This protocol outlined in this paper provides a feasible method for the synthesis of persistent luminescent nanoparticles for further illumination and imaging applications, opening up novel prospects for the fields of science and art.

Author Spotlight: Advancing Bioimaging and Therapy with Functional Nanomaterials

A protocol is presented for the synthesis of persistent luminescent nanomaterials (PLNPs) and their potential applications in rewritable displays and artistic processing utilizing the afterglow effect under ultraviolet light (365 nm) irradiation.

Persistent luminescent nanoparticles (PLNPs) possess the capabilities to maintain extended longevity and robust emission even after the excitation has ...

Vapor Phase Deposition of Electroactive Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) onto Electrospun Commodity Polymer Nanofibers

This study investigates the preparation of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers through electrospinning to create highly porous and strong materials for applications in water purification, electrocatalysis, and biomedicine. The uniformly white PAN nanofiber mats were cut into 2 cm x 2 cm coupons to ensure consistency. After electrospinning, these nanofibers were coated with an electroactive polymer (EAP) using chemical vapor deposition, with iron (III) chloride (FeCl3) serving as an oxidant for polymerizing 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) into poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT). The study examined the impact of different FeCl3 concentrations on PEDOT deposition on the PAN coupons. PEDOT deposition led to an increase in coupon weight. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed increases in the diameter of the nanofibers treated with increasing FeCl3 oxidant concentration, although higher FeCl3&#160;concentrations caused inter-fiber bridging, implying a concomitant decrease in inter-fiber spacing. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) was used to confirm the presence of Fe, Cl, and S in the nanofibers, with sulfur content rising with FeCl3&#160;concentration used, suggesting increased PEDOT deposition efficiency with increasing oxidant concentration. Mechanical testing showed that PEDOT-coated PAN fibers had improved tensile strength and toughness in the hydrated state compared to pure PAN nanofibers. These results highlight the crucial role of FeCl3&#160;concentration in influencing the morphology and properties of PAN-PEDOT composites, enhancing their suitability for applications such as water purification, tissue engineering, biosensing, catalysis, and energy storage.

This paper describes a simple technique for coating electrospun PAN nanofibers with electroactive polymers using vapor deposition. The effects of the oxidant FeCl&#8323; on the deposition of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) coatings on PAN were investigated to understand and optimize polymer growth, fiber diameter, and overall mechanical strength of the nanofiber mats.

This study investigates the preparation of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers through electrospinning to create highly porous and strong materials for ...