Editorial

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Open AccessEditorial

by Yurii K. Gun’ko

Nanomaterials 2016, 6(6), 105; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano6060105 - 06 Jun 2016

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 4556

This Special Issue of Nanomaterials is dedicated to the application of nanoparticulate materials in biological imaging.[...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanoparticles in Bioimaging)

Research

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5217 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Noise Removal with Maintained Spatial Resolution in Raman Images of Cells Exposed to Submicron Polystyrene Particles

by Linnea Ahlinder, Susanne Wiklund Lindström, Christian Lejon, Paul Geladi and Lars Österlund

Nanomaterials 2016, 6(5), 83; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano6050083 - 29 Apr 2016

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5027

Abstract

The biodistribution of 300 nm polystyrene particles in A549 lung epithelial cells has been studied with confocal Raman spectroscopy. This is a label-free method in which particles and cells can be imaged without using dyes or fluorescent labels. The main drawback with Raman [...] Read more.

The biodistribution of 300 nm polystyrene particles in A549 lung epithelial cells has been studied with confocal Raman spectroscopy. This is a label-free method in which particles and cells can be imaged without using dyes or fluorescent labels. The main drawback with Raman imaging is the comparatively low spatial resolution, which is aggravated in heterogeneous systems such as biological samples, which in addition often require long measurement times because of their weak Raman signal. Long measurement times may however induce laser-induced damage. In this study we use a super-resolution algorithm with Tikhonov regularization, intended to improve the image quality without demanding an increased number of collected pixels. Images of cells exposed to polystyrene particles have been acquired with two different step lengths, i.e., the distance between pixels, and compared to each other and to corresponding images treated with the super-resolution algorithm. It is shown that the resolution after application of super-resolution algorithms is not significantly improved compared to the theoretical limit for optical microscopy. However, to reduce noise and artefacts in the hyperspectral Raman images while maintaining the spatial resolution, we show that it is advantageous to use short mapping step lengths and super-resolution algorithms with appropriate regularization. The proposed methodology should be generally applicable for Raman imaging of biological samples and other photo-sensitive samples. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanoparticles in Bioimaging)

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2443 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Automatic Echographic Detection of Halloysite Clay Nanotubes in a Low Concentration Range

by Francesco Conversano, Paola Pisani, Ernesto Casciaro, Marco Di Paola, Stefano Leporatti, Roberto Franchini, Alessandra Quarta, Giuseppe Gigli and Sergio Casciaro

Nanomaterials 2016, 6(4), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano6040066 - 11 Apr 2016

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4830

Abstract

Aim of this work was to investigate the automatic echographic detection of an experimental drug delivery agent, halloysite clay nanotubes (HNTs), by employing an innovative method based on advanced spectral analysis of the corresponding “raw” radiofrequency backscatter signals. Different HNT concentrations in a [...] Read more.

Aim of this work was to investigate the automatic echographic detection of an experimental drug delivery agent, halloysite clay nanotubes (HNTs), by employing an innovative method based on advanced spectral analysis of the corresponding “raw” radiofrequency backscatter signals. Different HNT concentrations in a low range (5.5–66 × 10¹⁰ part/mL, equivalent to 0.25–3.00 mg/mL) were dispersed in custom-designed tissue-mimicking phantoms and imaged through a clinically-available echographic device at a conventional ultrasound diagnostic frequency (10 MHz). The most effective response (sensitivity = 60%, specificity = 95%), was found at a concentration of 33 × 10¹⁰ part/mL (1.5 mg/mL), representing a kind of best compromise between the need of enough particles to introduce detectable spectral modifications in the backscattered signal and the necessity to avoid the losses of spectral peculiarity associated to higher HNT concentrations. Based on theoretical considerations and quantitative comparisons with literature-available results, this concentration could also represent an optimal concentration level for the automatic echographic detection of different solid nanoparticles when employing a similar ultrasound frequency. Future dedicated studies will assess the actual clinical usefulness of the proposed approach and the potential of HNTs for effective theranostic applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanoparticles in Bioimaging)

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Open AccessArticle

Facile Synthesis of Gd-Functionalized Gold Nanoclusters as Potential MRI/CT Contrast Agents

by Wenjun Le, Shaobin Cui, Xin Chen, Huanhuan Zhu, Bingdi Chen and Zheng Cui

Nanomaterials 2016, 6(4), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano6040065 - 09 Apr 2016

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 6508

Abstract

Multi-modal imaging plays a key role in the earlier detection of disease. In this work, a facile bioinspired method was developed to synthesize Gd-functionalized gold nanoclusters (Gd-Au NCs). The Gd-Au NCs exhibit a uniform size, with an average size of 5.6 nm in [...] Read more.

Multi-modal imaging plays a key role in the earlier detection of disease. In this work, a facile bioinspired method was developed to synthesize Gd-functionalized gold nanoclusters (Gd-Au NCs). The Gd-Au NCs exhibit a uniform size, with an average size of 5.6 nm in dynamic light scattering (DLS), which is a bit bigger than gold clusters (3.74 nm, DLS), while the fluorescent properties of Gd-Au NCs are almost the same as that of Au NCs. Moreover, the Gd-Au NCs exhibit a high longitudinal relaxivity value (r1) of 22.111 s⁻¹ per mM of Gd in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), which is six times higher than that of commercial Magnevist (A complex of gadolinium with a chelating agent, diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid, Gd-DTPA, r1 = 3.56 mM⁻¹·s⁻¹). Besides, as evaluated by nano single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and computed tomography (CT) the Gd-Au NCs have a potential application as CT contrast agents because of the Au element. Finally, the Gd-Au NCs show little cytotoxicity, even when the Au concentration is up to 250 μM. Thus, the Gd-Au NCs can act as multi-modal imaging contrast agents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanoparticles in Bioimaging)

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1679 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Selective Labeling of Proteins on Living Cell Membranes Using Fluorescent Nanodiamond Probes

by Shingo Sotoma, Jun Iimura, Ryuji Igarashi, Koichiro M. Hirosawa, Hidenori Ohnishi, Shin Mizukami, Kazuya Kikuchi, Takahiro K. Fujiwara, Masahiro Shirakawa and Hidehito Tochio

Nanomaterials 2016, 6(4), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano6040056 - 25 Mar 2016

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 8038

Abstract

The impeccable photostability of fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) is an ideal property for use in fluorescence imaging of proteins in living cells. However, such an application requires highly specific labeling of the target proteins with FNDs. Furthermore, the surface of unmodified FNDs tends to [...] Read more.

The impeccable photostability of fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) is an ideal property for use in fluorescence imaging of proteins in living cells. However, such an application requires highly specific labeling of the target proteins with FNDs. Furthermore, the surface of unmodified FNDs tends to adsorb biomolecules nonspecifically, which hinders the reliable targeting of proteins with FNDs. Here, we combined hyperbranched polyglycerol modification of FNDs with the β-lactamase-tag system to develop a strategy for selective imaging of the protein of interest in cells. The combination of these techniques enabled site-specific labeling of Interleukin-18 receptor alpha chain, a membrane receptor, with FNDs, which eventually enabled tracking of the diffusion trajectory of FND-labeled proteins on the membrane surface. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanoparticles in Bioimaging)

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Open AccessArticle

Synthesis of Nickel Nanowires with Tunable Characteristics

by Zengzilu Xia and Weijia Wen

Nanomaterials 2016, 6(1), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano6010019 - 15 Jan 2016

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 7924

Abstract

A one-step synthesis of magnetic nickel nanowires (NiNWs) with tunable characteristics is reported. The method is simple and easy to be conducted, leading to high compatibility with scaling-up. It is discovered that the size and morphology of NiNWs can be adjusted by tuning [...] Read more.

A one-step synthesis of magnetic nickel nanowires (NiNWs) with tunable characteristics is reported. The method is simple and easy to be conducted, leading to high compatibility with scaling-up. It is discovered that the size and morphology of NiNWs can be adjusted by tuning the reaction temperature, time length, as well as surfactant concentration. It is found that the products have shown high purity which remained after being stored for several months. A remarkable enhanced saturation magnetization of the product was also observed, compared to that of bulk nickel. By providing both practical experimental details and in-depth mechanism, the work introduced in this paper may advance the mass production and further applications of NiNWs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanoparticles in Bioimaging)

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Review

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Open AccessReview

Dye-Doped Fluorescent Silica Nanoparticles for Live Cell and In Vivo Bioimaging

by Wen-Han Zhang, Xiao-Xiao Hu and Xiao-Bing Zhang

Nanomaterials 2016, 6(5), 81; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano6050081 - 27 Apr 2016

Cited by 64 | Viewed by 10714

Abstract

The need for novel design strategies for fluorescent nanomaterials to improve our understanding of biological activities at the molecular level is increasing rapidly. Dye-doped fluorescent silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) emerge with great potential for developing fluorescence imaging techniques as a novel and ideal platform [...] Read more.

The need for novel design strategies for fluorescent nanomaterials to improve our understanding of biological activities at the molecular level is increasing rapidly. Dye-doped fluorescent silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) emerge with great potential for developing fluorescence imaging techniques as a novel and ideal platform for the monitoring of living cells and the whole body. Organic dye-containing fluorescent SiNPs exhibit many advantages: they have excellent biocompatibility, are non-toxic, highly hydrophilic, optically transparent, size-tunable and easily modified with various biomolecules. The outer silica shell matrix protects fluorophores from outside chemical reaction factors and provides a hydrophilic shell for the insoluble nanoparticles, which enhances the photo-stability and biocompatibility of the organic fluorescent dyes. Here, we give a summary of the synthesis, characteristics and applications of fluorescent SiNPs for non-invasive fluorescence bioimaging in live cells and in vivo. Additionally, the challenges and perspectives of SiNPs are also discussed. We prospect that the further development of these nanoparticles will lead to an exciting breakthrough in the understanding of biological processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanoparticles in Bioimaging)

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2131 KiB

Open AccessReview

Multifunctional Inorganic Nanoparticles: Recent Progress in Thermal Therapy and Imaging

by Kondareddy Cherukula, Kamali Manickavasagam Lekshmi, Saji Uthaman, Kihyun Cho, Chong-Su Cho and In-Kyu Park

Nanomaterials 2016, 6(4), 76; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano6040076 - 18 Apr 2016

Cited by 102 | Viewed by 10619

Abstract

Nanotechnology has enabled the development of many alternative anti-cancer approaches, such as thermal therapies, which cause minimal damage to healthy cells. Current challenges in cancer treatment are the identification of the diseased area and its efficient treatment without generating many side effects. Image-guided [...] Read more.

Nanotechnology has enabled the development of many alternative anti-cancer approaches, such as thermal therapies, which cause minimal damage to healthy cells. Current challenges in cancer treatment are the identification of the diseased area and its efficient treatment without generating many side effects. Image-guided therapies can be a useful tool to diagnose and treat the diseased tissue and they offer therapy and imaging using a single nanostructure. The present review mainly focuses on recent advances in the field of thermal therapy and imaging integrated with multifunctional inorganic nanoparticles. The main heating sources for heat-induced therapies are the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) in the near infrared region and alternating magnetic fields (AMFs). The different families of inorganic nanoparticles employed for SPR- and AMF-based thermal therapies and imaging are described. Furthermore, inorganic nanomaterials developed for multimodal therapies with different and multi-imaging modalities are presented in detail. Finally, relevant clinical perspectives and the future scope of inorganic nanoparticles in image-guided therapies are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanoparticles in Bioimaging)

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2863 KiB

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Upconverting NIR Photons for Bioimaging

by Zhanjun Li, Yuanwei Zhang, Hieu La, Richard Zhu, Ghida El-Banna, Yuzou Wei and Gang Han

Nanomaterials 2015, 5(4), 2148-2168; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano5042148 - 04 Dec 2015

Cited by 59 | Viewed by 10384

Abstract

Lanthanide-doped upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) possess uniqueanti-Stokes optical properties, in which low energy near-infrared (NIR) photons can beconverted into high energy UV, visible, shorter NIR emission via multiphoton upconversionprocesses. Due to the rapid development of synthesis chemistry, lanthanide-doped UCNPscan be fabricated with narrow distribution [...] Read more.

Lanthanide-doped upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) possess uniqueanti-Stokes optical properties, in which low energy near-infrared (NIR) photons can beconverted into high energy UV, visible, shorter NIR emission via multiphoton upconversionprocesses. Due to the rapid development of synthesis chemistry, lanthanide-doped UCNPscan be fabricated with narrow distribution and tunable multi-color optical properties. Theseunique attributes grant them unique NIR-driven imaging/drug delivery/therapeuticapplications, especially in the cases of deep tissue environments. In this brief review, weintroduce both the basic concepts of and recent progress with UCNPs in material engineeringand theranostic applications in imaging, molecular delivery, and tumor therapeutics. The aimof this brief review is to address the most typical progress in basic mechanism, materialdesign as bioimaging tools. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanoparticles in Bioimaging)

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