Publications
181 results found
Luongo G, Perez JE, Kosel J, et al., 2017, Scalable high-affinity stabilization of magnetic iron oxide nanostructures by a biocompatible antifouling homopolymer, ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, Vol: 9, Pages: 40059-40069, ISSN: 1944-8244
Iron oxide nanostructures have been widely developed for biomedical applications, due to their magnetic properties and biocompatibility. In clinical application, the stabilization of these nanostructures against aggregation and non-specific interactions is typically achieved using weakly anchored polysaccharides, with better-defined and more strongly anchored synthetic polymers not commercially adopted due to complexity of synthesis and use. Here, we show for the first time stabilization and biocompatibilization of iron oxide nanoparticles by a synthetic homopolymer with strong surface anchoring and a history of clinical use in other applications, poly(2-methacryloyloxyethy phosphorylcholine) (poly(MPC)). For the commercially important case of spherical particles, binding of poly(MPC) to iron oxide surfaces and highly effective individualization of magnetite nanoparticles (20 nm) are demonstrated. Next-generation high-aspect ratio nanowires (both magnetite/maghemite and core-shell iron/iron oxide) are furthermore stabilized by poly(MPC)-coating, with nanowire cytotoxicity at large concentrations significantly reduced. The synthesis approach is exploited to incorporate functionality into the poly(MPC) chain is demonstrated by random copolymerization with an alkyne-containing monomer for click-chemistry. Taking these results together, poly(MPC) homopolymers and random copolymers offer a significant improvement over current iron oxide nanoformulations, combining straightforward synthesis, strong surface-anchoring and well-defined molecular weight.
Theodorou IG, Muller KH, Chen S, et al., 2017, Silver Nanowire Particle Reactivity with Human Monocyte-Derived Macrophage Cells: Intracellular Availability of Silver Governs Their Cytotoxicity, ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING, Vol: 3, Pages: 2336-2347, ISSN: 2373-9878
Silver nanowires (AgNWs) are increasingly being used in the production of optoelectronic devices, with manufacturing processes posing a risk for occupational exposures via inhalation. Although some studies have explored the environmental effects of AgNWs, few data exist on human health effects. Alveolar macrophages are central in the clearance of inhaled fibers from the lungs, with frustrated phagocytosis often stated as a key determinant for the onset of inflammatory reactions. However, the mechanisms through which fully ingested AgNWs interact with, degrade, and transform within primary macrophages over time, and whether the reactivity of the AgNWs arises due to ionic or particulate effects, or both, are poorly understood. Here, a combination of elemental quantification, 3D tomography, analytical transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and confocal microscopy were employed to monitor the uptake, intracellular Ag+ availability, and processing of AgNWs of two different lengths (1 and 10 μm) inside human monocyte-derived macrophages (HMMs). Using AgNO3 and spherical silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as a comparison, the amount of total bioavailable/intracellular Ag highly correlated to the cytotoxicity of AgNWs. The 10 μm AgNWs were completely internalized in HMMs, with numerous lysosomal vesicles observed in close vicinity to the AgNWs. Following cellular uptake, AgNWs dissolved and transformed intracellularly, with precipitation of AgCl as well as Ag2S. These transformation processes were likely due to AgNW degradation in the acidic environment of lysosomes, leading to the release of Ag+ ions that rapidly react with Cl– and SH– species of the cell microenvironment. Our data suggest that, in HMMs, not only frustrated phagocytosis but also the extent of intracellular uptake and dissolution of AgNWs dictates their cytotoxicity.
Theodorou I, Jawad Z, Jiang Q, et al., 2017, Gold Nanostar Substrates for Metal Enhanced Fluorescence through the First and Second Near-Infrared Windows, Chemistry of Materials, Vol: 29, Pages: 6916-6926, ISSN: 1520-5002
Gold nanostars (AuNSs) are receiving increasing attention for their potential applications in bionanotechnology because of their unique optical properties related to their complex branched morphology. Their sharp features allow strong localized surface plasmon resonances, tunable in the near-infrared (NIR) region, and large enhancements of local electromagnetic fields. Here, the application of AuNSs in metal-enhanced fluorescence (MEF) in the NIR and second NIR (NIR-II) biological windows is explored for the first time. NIR/NIR-II fluorophores are incorporated onto monolayers of AuNSs with tunable plasmonic responses. Over 320-fold fluorescence enhancement is achieved in the NIR, confirming that AuNS substrates are promising NIR-MEF platforms for the development of ultrasensitive biosensing applications. Using fluorescence lifetime measurements to semiquantitatively deconvolute the excitation enhancement from emission enhancement, as well as modeling to simulate the electric field enhancement, we show that a combination of enhanced excitation and an increased radiative decay rate, accompanied by an increase in the quantum yield, contribute to the observed large enhancement. AuNSs with different morphological features exhibit significantly different excitation enhancements, indicating the important role of the particle morphology on the magnitude of electromagnetic field enhancement and the resulting enhancement factor. Importantly, enhancement factors of up to 50-fold are also achieved in the NIR-II region, suggesting that this system holds promise for the future development of bright probes for NIR/NIR-II biosensing and bioimaging.
Foglia F, Karan S, Nania M, et al., 2017, Neutron Reflectivity and Performance of Polyamide Nanofilms for Water Desalination, ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Vol: 27, ISSN: 1616-301X
The structure and hydration of polyamide (PA) membranes are investigated with a combination of neutron and X-ray reflectivity, and their performance is benchmarked in reverse osmosis water desalination. PA membranes are synthesized by the interfacial polymerization of m-phenylenediamine (MPD) and trimesoyl chloride (TMC), varying systematically reaction time, concentration, and stoichiometry, to yield large-area exceptionally planar films of ≈10 nm thickness. Reflectivity is employed to precisely determine membrane thickness and roughness, as well as the (TMC/MPD) concentration profile, and response to hydration in the vapor phase. PA film thickness is found to increase linearly with reaction time, albeit with a nonzero intercept, and the composition cross-sectional profile is found to be uniform, at the conditions investigated. Vapor hydration with H2O and D2O from 0 to 100% relative humidity results in considerable swelling (up to 20%), but also yields uniform cross-sectional profiles. The resulting film thickness is found to be predominantly set by the MPD concentration, while TMC regulates water uptake. A favorable correlation is found between higher swelling and water uptake with permeance. The data provide quantitative insight into the film formation mechanisms and correlate reaction conditions, cross-sectional nanostructure, and performance of the PA active layer in RO membranes for desalination.
Robinson RK, Birrell MA, Adcock JJ, et al., 2017, Mechanistic link between diesel exhaust particles and respiratory reflexes, Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Vol: 141, Pages: 1074-1084.e9, ISSN: 1097-6825
BackgroundDiesel exhaust particles (DEPs) are a major component of particulate matter in Europe's largest cities, and epidemiologic evidence links exposure with respiratory symptoms and asthma exacerbations. Respiratory reflexes are responsible for symptoms and are regulated by vagal afferent nerves, which innervate the airway. It is not known how DEP exposure activates airway afferents to elicit symptoms, such as cough and bronchospasm.ObjectiveWe sought to identify the mechanisms involved in activation of airway sensory afferents by DEPs.MethodsIn this study we use in vitro and in vivo electrophysiologic techniques, including a unique model that assesses depolarization (a marker of sensory nerve activation) of human vagus.ResultsWe demonstrate a direct interaction between DEP and airway C-fiber afferents. In anesthetized guinea pigs intratracheal administration of DEPs activated airway C-fibers. The organic extract (DEP-OE) and not the cleaned particles evoked depolarization of guinea pig and human vagus, and this was inhibited by a transient receptor potential ankyrin-1 antagonist and the antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, major constituents of DEPs, were implicated in this process through activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor and subsequent mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production, which is known to activate transient receptor potential ankyrin-1 on nociceptive C-fibers.ConclusionsThis study provides the first mechanistic insights into how exposure to urban air pollution leads to activation of guinea pig and human sensory nerves, which are responsible for respiratory symptoms. Mechanistic information will enable the development of appropriate therapeutic interventions and mitigation strategies for those susceptible subjects who are most at risk.
Li Y, Klosowski MM, McGilvery CM, et al., 2017, Probing flow activity in polyamide layer of reverse osmosis membrane with nanoparticle tracers, JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE, Vol: 534, Pages: 9-17, ISSN: 0376-7388
We investigate the flow activity of the nanostructured polyamide layer in reverse osmosis (RO) membrane, using gold nanoparticle (NP) tracers of 1–40 nm diameter. Following a detailed structural examination of a commercial SW30RH membrane selected for this study, NP solutions were infiltrated from either the polyamide front or the polysulfone support side. The permeate was then analyzed spectroscopically while the entrapment of NPs within the membrane was mapped by high resolution electron microscopy. Results show that back-filtered NPs exhibited a fractionated distribution according to size: 1 nm nanoparticles permeate across the polyamide-polysulfone interface reaching the interior of the polyamide corrugations, while the larger ones (>10 nm) are retained within the polysulfone and gradually arrested at approximately 100 nm below the polyamide-polysulfone interface. Intermediate-sized 5 nm nanoparticles reached the undulating folds just below the polyamide layer. Permeation pathways across polyamide layer appear to exclude all tracers above 1 nm, which become selectively distributed across the polyamide layer: positively charged NPs label the outer surface of the polyamide film (expected to be carboxylate-rich), while negatively charged particles are uniformly distributed within the layer. Diafiltration measurements quantify the transient kinetics of NP retention and permeation. Overall, our results establish the flow activity of the polyamide nodular surface and provide estimates for the dimensions of permeation pathways.
Chung KF, Seiffert J, Chen S, et al., 2017, Inactivation, clearance, and functional effects of lung-instilled short and long silver nanowires in rats, ACS Nano, Vol: 11, Pages: 2652-2664, ISSN: 1936-086X
There is a potential for silver nanowires (AgNWs) to be inhaled, but there is little information on their health effects and their chemical transformation inside the lungs in vivo. We studied the effects of short (S-AgNWs; 1.5 μm) and long (L-AgNWs; 10 μm) nanowires instilled into the lungs of Sprague–Dawley rats. S- and L-AgNWs were phagocytosed and degraded by macrophages; there was no frustrated phagocytosis. Interestingly, both AgNWs were internalized in alveolar epithelial cells, with precipitation of Ag2S on their surface as secondary Ag2S nanoparticles. Quantitative serial block face three-dimensional scanning electron microscopy showed a small, but significant, reduction of NW lengths inside alveolar epithelial cells. AgNWs were also present in the lung subpleural space where L-AgNWs exposure resulted in more Ag+ve macrophages situated within the pleura and subpleural alveoli, compared with the S-AgNWs exposure. For both AgNWs, there was lung inflammation at day 1, disappearing by day 21, but in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), L-AgNWs caused a delayed neutrophilic and macrophagic inflammation, while S-AgNWs caused only acute transient neutrophilia. Surfactant protein D (SP-D) levels in BALF increased after S- and L-AgNWs exposure at day 7. L-AgNWs induced MIP-1α and S-AgNWs induced IL-18 at day 1. Large airway bronchial responsiveness to acetylcholine increased following L-AgNWs, but not S-AgNWs, exposure. The attenuated response to AgNW instillation may be due to silver inactivation after precipitation of Ag2S with limited dissolution. Our findings have important consequences for the safety of silver-based technologies to human health.
Gonzalez Carter DA, Leo BF, Ruenraroengsak P, et al., 2017, Silver nanoparticles reduce brain inflammation and related neurotoxicity through induction of H2S-synthesizing enzymes, Scientific Reports, Vol: 7, ISSN: 2045-2322
Silver nanoparticles (AgNP) are known to penetrate into the brain and cause neuronal death. However, there is a paucity in studies examining the effect of AgNP on the resident immune cells of the brain, microglia. Given microglia are implicated in neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease (PD), it is important to examine how AgNPs affect microglial inflammation to fully assess AgNP neurotoxicity. In addition, understanding AgNP processing by microglia will allow better prediction of their long term bioreactivity. In the present study, the in vitro uptake and intracellular transformation of citrate-capped AgNPs by microglia, as well as their effects on microglial inflammation and related neurotoxicity were examined. Analytical microscopy demonstrated internalization and dissolution of AgNPs within microglia and formation of non-reactive silver sulphide (Ag2S) on the surface of AgNPs. Furthermore, AgNP-treatment up-regulated microglial expression of the hydrogen sulphide (H2S)-synthesizing enzyme cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE). In addition, AgNPs showed significant anti-inflammatory effects, reducing lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated ROS, nitric oxide and TNFα production, which translated into reduced microglial toxicity towards dopaminergic neurons. Hence, the present results indicate that intracellular Ag2S formation, resulting from CSE-mediated H2S production in microglia, sequesters Ag+ ions released from AgNPs, significantly limiting their toxicity, concomitantly reducing microglial inflammation and related neurotoxicity.
Calderon L, Han TT, McGilvery CM, et al., 2017, Release of airborne particles and Ag and Zn compounds from nanotechnology-enabled consumer sprays: Implications for inhalation exposure, ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT, Vol: 155, Pages: 85-96, ISSN: 1352-2310
The increasing prevalence and use of nanotechnology-enabled consumer products have increased potential consumer exposures to nanoparticles; however, there is still a lack of data characterizing such consumer exposure. The research reported here investigated near-field airborne exposures due to the use of 13 silver (Ag)-based and 5 zinc (Zn)-based consumer sprays. The products were sprayed into a specially designed glove box, and all products were applied with equal spraying duration and frequency. Size distribution and concentration of the released particles were assessed using a Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer and an Aerodynamic Particle Sizer. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to investigate the presence of metals in all investigated products. Spray liquids and airborne particles from select products were examined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). We found that all sprays produced airborne particles ranging in size from nano-sized particles (<100 nm) to coarse particles (>2.5 μm); however, there was a substantial variation in the released particle concentration depending on a product. The total aerosol mass concentration was dominated by the presence of coarse particles, and it ranged from ∼30 μg/m3 to ∼30,000 μg/m3. The TEM verified the presence of nanoparticles and their agglomerates in liquid and airborne states. The products were found to contain not only Ag and Zn compounds - as advertised on the product labeling - but also a variety of other metals including lithium, strontium, barium, lead, manganese and others. The results presented here can be used as input to model population exposures as well as form a basis for human health effects studies due to the use nanotechnology-enabled products.
Constantinou A, Zhao H, McGilvery C, et al., 2017, A comprehensive systematic study on thermoresponsive gels: beyond the common architectures of linear terpolymers, Polymers, Vol: 9, ISSN: 2073-4360
In this study, seven thermoresponsive methacrylate terpolymers with the same molar mass (MM) and composition but various architectures were successfully synthesized using group transfer polymerization (GTP). These terpolymers were based on tri(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (TEGMA, A unit), n-butyl methacrylate (BuMA, B unit), and 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA, C unit). Along with the more common ABC, ACB, BAC, and statistical architectures, three diblock terpolymers were also synthesized and investigated for the first time, namely (AB)C, A(BC), and B(AC); where the units in the brackets are randomly copolymerized. Two BC diblock copolymers were also synthesized for comparison. Their hydrodynamic diameters and their effective pKas were determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and hydrogen ion titrations, respectively. The self-assembly behavior of the copolymers was also visualized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Both dilute and concentrated aqueous copolymer solutions were extensively studied by visual tests and their cloud points (CP) and gel points were determined. It is proven that the aqueous solution properties of the copolymers, with specific interest in their thermoresponsive properties, are influenced by the architecture, with the ABC and A(BC) ones to show clear sol-gel transition.
Sweeney S, Hu S, Ruenraroengsak P, et al., 2016, Carboxylation of multiwalled carbon nanotubes reduces their toxicity in primary human alveolar macrophages, Environmental Science: Nano, Vol: 3, Pages: 1340-1350, ISSN: 2051-8153
Surface functionalisation of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) is commonly used to facilitate their various and diverse applications. Inhaled nanomaterials, such as MWCNTs, have a high deposition rate in the alveolar units of the deep lung, where alveolar macrophages (AM) provide the front line of cellular immune defence by removing foreign matter (microbes, particles etc.). The toxicity of MWCNTs (with or without functionalisation) towards primary human AMs is not known. We investigated the physicochemical characteristics and toxicity of two MWCNT materials: acid purified ‘Purified-MWCNT’ and concentrated acid functionalised ‘COOH-MWCNT’. We hypothesised that the bioreactivity with primary human AM would differ between the materials. Full characterisation of the MWCNTs revealed that –COOH functionalisation yielded shorter MWCNTs, accompanied by a greater occurrence of framework defects, in comparison to Purified-MWCNT. In agreement with our hypothesis that the bioreactivity would differ, Purified-MWCNT were significantly more toxic as measured by reduced cell viability and increased inflammatory mediator release. For example, IL-1β and IL-8 release by AMs significantly increased 3.5- and 2.4-fold, respectively (P < 0.05), 24 hours after treatment with Purified-MWCNT. In contrast, IL-1β and IL-8 release by AMs did not significantly change 24 hours after treatment with COOH-MWCNT. We determined that the mechanism of this toxicity is likely due to activation of the inflammasome, as lipopolysaccharide priming of primary human AMs was necessary to see the inflammatory response and this was accompanied by lysosomal disruption and increased generation of reactive oxygen species. This study contributes further to our understanding of the effects of MWCNTs and surface modification on highly relevant human lung AMs; the findings have important implications for the manufacture, application and use of MWCNTs. In particular, this is
Kłosowski MM, Carzaniga R, Abellan P, et al., 2016, Electron microscopy reveals structural and chemical changes at the nanometer scale in the osteogenesis imperfecta murine pathology, ACS biomaterials science & engineering, Vol: 3, Pages: 2788-2797, ISSN: 2373-9878
Alternations of collagen and mineral at the molecular level may have a significant impact on the strength and toughness of bone. In this study, scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) were employed to study structural and compositional changes in bone pathology at nanometer spatial resolution. Tail tendon and femoral bone of osteogenesis imperfecta murine (oim, brittle bone disease) and wild type (WT) mice were compared to reveal defects in the architecture and chemistry of the collagen and collagen-mineral composite in the oim tissue at the molecular level. There were marked differences in the substructure and organization of the collagen fibrils in the oim tail tendon; some regions have clear fibril banding and organization, while in other regions fibrils are disorganized. Malformed collagen fibrils were loosely packed, often bent and devoid of banding pattern. In bone, differences were detected in the chemical composition of mineral in oim and WT. While mineral present in WT and oim bone exhibited the major characteristics of apatite, examination in EELS of the fine structure of the carbon K ionization edge revealed a significant variation in the presence of carbonate in different regions of bone. Variations have been also observed in the fine structure and peak intensities of the nitrogen K-edge. These alterations are suggestive of differences in the maturation of collagen nucleation sites or cross-links. Future studies will aim to establish the scale and impact of the modifications observed in oim tissues. The compositional and structural alterations at the molecular level cause deficiencies at larger length scales. Understanding the effect of molecular alterations to pathologic bone is critical to the design of effective therapeutics.
Zhang JJ, Lee KB, He L, et al., 2016, Effects of a nanoceria fuel additive on the physicochemical properties of diesel exhaust particles., Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts, Vol: 18, Pages: 1333-1342, ISSN: 2050-7887
Nanoceria (i.e., CeO2 nanoparticles) fuel additives have been used in Europe and elsewhere to improve fuel efficiency. Previously we have shown that the use of a commercial fuel additive Envirox™ in a diesel-powered electricity generator reduced emissions of diesel exhaust particle (DEP) mass and other pollutants. However, such additives are currently not permitted for use in on-road vehicles in North America, largely due to limited data on the potential health impact. In this study, we characterized a variety of physicochemical properties of DEPs emitted from the same engine. Our methods include novel techniques such as Raman spectrometry for analyzing particle surface structure and an assay for DEP oxidative potential. Results show that with increasing Envirox™ concentrations in the fuel (0×, 0.1×, 1×, and 10× of manufacturer recommended 0.5 mL Envirox™ per liter fuel), DEP sizes decreased from 194.6 ± 20.1 to 116.3 ± 14.8 nm; the zeta potential changed from -28.4 mV to -22.65 mV; DEP carbon content decreased from 91.8% to 79.4%; cerium and nitrogen contents increased from 0.3% to 6.5% and 0.2% to 0.6%, respectively; the ratio of organic carbon (OC) to elemental carbon (EC) increased from 22.9% to 38.7%; and the ratio of the disordered carbon structure to the ordered carbon structure (graphitized carbon) in DEPs decreased. Compared to DEPs emitted from 0×, 0.1×, and 1× fuels, DEPs from the 10× fuel had a lower oxidative potential likely due to the increased ceria content because pure ceria nanoparticles exhibited the lowest oxidative potential compared to all the DEPs. Since the physicochemical parameters tested here are among the determinants of particle toxicity, our findings imply that adding ceria nanoparticles into diesel may alter the toxicity of DEPs. The findings from the present study, hence, can help future studies that will examine the impact of nanoceria additives on DEP to
Robinson R, Birrell M, Wortley M, et al., 2016, Direct activation of sensory afferents by diesel exhaust particles can trigger respiratory symptoms, Publisher: EUROPEAN RESPIRATORY SOC JOURNALS LTD, ISSN: 0903-1936
Theodorou IG, Ruenraroengsak P, Gow A, et al., 2016, Effect of pulmonary surfactant on the dissolution, stability and uptake of zinc oxide nanowires by human respiratory epithelial cells., Nanotoxicology, Vol: 10, Pages: 1351-1362, ISSN: 1743-5404
Inhaled nanoparticles (NPs) have high-deposition rates in the alveolar region of the lung but the effects of pulmonary surfactant (PS) on nanoparticle bioreactivity are unclear. Here, the impact of PS on the stability and dissolution of ZnO nanowires (ZnONWs) was investigated, and linked with their bioreactivity in vitro with human alveolar epithelial type 1-like cells (TT1). Pre-incubation of ZnONWs with Curosurf® (a natural porcine PS) decreased their dissolution at acidic pH, through the formation of a phospholipid corona. Confocal live cell microscopy confirmed that Curosurf® lowered intracellular dissolution, thus delaying the onset of cell death compared to bare ZnONWs. Despite reducing dissolution, Curosurf® significantly increased the uptake of ZnONWs within TT1 cells, ultimately increasing their toxicity after 24 h. Although serum improved ZnONW dispersion in suspension similar to Curosurf®, it had no effect on ZnONW internalization and toxicity, indicating a unique role of PS in promoting particle uptake. In the absence of PS, ZnONW length had no effect on dissolution kinetics or degree of cellular toxicity, indicating a less important role of length in determining ZnONW bioreactivity. This work provides unique findings on the effects of PS on the stability and toxicity of ZnONWs, which could be important in the study of pulmonary toxicity and epithelial-endothelial translocation of nanoparticles in general.
Klosowski MM, McGilvery CM, Li Y, et al., 2016, Micro-to nano-scale characterisation of polyamide structures of the SW30HR RO membrane using advanced electron microscopy and stain tracers, Journal of Membrane Science, Vol: 520, Pages: 465-476, ISSN: 1873-3123
The development of new reverse osmosis (RO) membranes with enhanced performance would benefit from a detailed knowledge of the membrane structures which participate in the filtration process. Here, we examined the hierarchical structures of the polyamide (PA) active layer of the SW30HR RO membrane. Scanning electron microscopy combined with focused ion beam milling (FIB-SEM) was used to obtain the 3-D reconstructions of membrane morphology with 5 nm cross-sectional resolution (comparable with the resolution of low magnification TEM imaging in 2D) and 30 nm slice thickness. The complex folding of the PA layer was examined in 3 dimensions, enabling the quantification of key structural properties of the PA layer, including the local thickness, volume, surface area and their derivatives. The PA layer was found to exhibit a much higher and convoluted surface area than that estimated via atomic force microscopy (AFM). Cross-sectional scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) was used to observe the distribution of a tracer stain under various conditions. The behaviour of stain in dry and wet PA indicated that the permeation pathways have a dynamic nature and are activated by water. High resolution STEM imaging of the stained PA nano-films revealed the presence of <1 nm pore-like structures with a size compatible with free volume estimations by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS). This study presents a comprehensive map of the active PA layer across different length scales (from micro- to sub-nanometre) and mechanistic insight into their role in the permeation process.
Seiffert J, Buckley A, Leo B, et al., 2016, Pulmonary effects of inhalation of spark-generated silver nanoparticles in Brown-Norway and Sprague-Dawley rats, Respiratory Research, Vol: 17, ISSN: 1465-993X
BackgroundThe increasing use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in consumer products is concerning. Weexamined the potential toxic effects when inhaled in Brown-Norway (BN) rats with a preinflammatorystate compared to Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats.MethodsWe determined the effect of AgNPs generated from a spark generator (mass concentration:600-800 µg/mm3; mean diameter: 13-16 nm; total lung doses: 8 [Low] and 26-28 [High] µg)inhaled by the nasal route in both rat strains. Rats were sacrificed at day 1 and day 7 afterexposure and measurement of lung function.ResultsIn both strains, there was an increase in neutrophils in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid at24 hours at the high dose, with concomitant eosinophilia in BN rats. While BAL inflammatorycells were mostly normalised by Day 7, lung inflammation scores remained increasedalthough not the tissue eosinophil scores. Total protein levels were elevated at both lungdoses in both strains. There was an increase in BAL IL-1β, KC, IL-17, CCL2 and CCL3 levels inboth strains at Day 1, mostly at high dose. Phospholipid levels were increased at the highdose in SD rats at Day 1 and 7, while in BN rats, this was only seen at Day 1; surfactantprotein D levels decreased at day 7 at the high dose in SD rats, but was increased at Day 1 atthe low dose in BN rats. There was a transient increase in central airway resistance and intissue elastance in BN rats at Day 1 but not in SD rats. Positive silver-staining was seenparticularly in lung tissue macrophages in a dose and time-dependent response in bothstrains, maximal by day 7. Lung silver levels were relatively higher in BN rat and present atday 7 in both strains.ConclusionsPresence of cellular inflammation and increasing silver-positive macrophages in lungs at day7, associated with significant levels of lung silver indicate that lung toxicity is persistent evenwith the absence of airway luminal inflammation at that time-point. The higher levels andpersistence of lung silve
Theodorou IG, Jawad Z, Qin H, et al., 2016, Significant metal enhanced fluorescence of Ag2S quantum dots in the second near-infrared window, Nanoscale, Vol: 8, Pages: 12869-12873, ISSN: 2040-3372
The amplification of light in NIR-II from Ag2S QDs via metal enhanced fluorescence (MEF) is reported for the first time. Significant fluorescence enhancement of over 100 times for Ag2S QDs deposited on Au-nanostructured arrays, paves the way for novel sensing and imaging applications based on Ag2S QDs, with improved detection sensitivity and contrast enhancement.
Nitiputri K, Ramasse QM, Autefage H, et al., 2016, Nanoanalytical Electron Microscopy Reveals a Sequential Mineralization Process Involving Carbonate-Containing Amorphous Precursors, ACS Nano, Vol: 10, Pages: 6826-6835, ISSN: 1936-086X
A direct observation and an in-depth characterization of the steps by which bone mineral nucleates and grows in the extracellular matrix during the earliest stages of maturation, using relevant biomineralization models as they grow into mature bone mineral, is an important research goal. To better understand the process of bone mineralization in the extracellular matrix, we used nanoanalytical electron microscopy techniques to examine an in vitro model of bone formation. This study demonstrates the presence of three dominant CaP structures in the mineralizing osteoblast cultures: <80 nm dense granules with a low calcium to phosphate ratio (Ca/P) and crystalline domains; calcium phosphate needles emanating from a focus: “needle-like globules” (100–300 nm in diameter) and mature mineral, both with statistically higher Ca/P compared to that of the dense granules. Many of the submicron granules and globules were interspersed around fibrillar structures containing nitrogen, which are most likely the signature of the organic phase. With high spatial resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) mapping, spatially resolved maps were acquired showing the distribution of carbonate within each mineral structure. The carbonate was located in the middle of the granules, which suggested the nucleation of the younger mineral starts with a carbonate-containing precursor and that this precursor may act as seed for growth into larger, submicron-sized, needle-like globules of hydroxyapatite with a different stoichiometry. Application of analytical electron microscopy has important implications in deciphering both how normal bone forms and in understanding pathological mineralization.
Gonzalez-Carter D, Goode A, Fiammengo R, et al., 2016, Inhibition of leptin-ObR interaction does not prevent leptin translocation across a human blood-brain barrier model, Journal of Neuroendocrinology, Vol: 28, ISSN: 1365-2826
The adipocyte-derived hormone leptin regulates appetite and energy homeostasis through activation of leptin receptors (ObR) on hypothalamic neurons, hence leptin must be transported through the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to reach its CNS target sites. During obesity however, leptin BBB transport is decreased, in part precluding leptin as a viable clinical therapy against obesity. Though the short isoform of the ObR (ObRa) has been implicated in the transport of leptin across the BBB due to its elevated expression in cerebral microvessels, accumulating evidence indicates leptin BBB transport is independent of ObRa. Here, we employed an ObR-neutralizing antibody (9F8) to directly examine the involvement of endothelial ObR in leptin transport across an in vitro human BBB model composed of the human endothelial cell line hCMEC/D3. Our results indicate that, while leptin transport across the endothelial monolayer was non-paracellular, and energy- and endocytosis-dependent, it was not inhibited by pre-treatment with 9F8, despite the latter’s ability to recognize hCMEC/D3-expressed ObR, prevent leptin-ObR binding and inhibit leptin-induced STAT-3 phosphorylation in hCMEC/D3 cells. Furthermore, hCMEC/D3 cells expressed the transporter protein LRP-2, capable of binding and endocytosing leptin. In conclusion, our results demonstrate leptin binding to and signalling through ObR is not required for efficient transport across human endothelial monolayers, indicating ObR is not the primary leptin transporter at the human BBB, a role which may fall upon LRP-2. A deeper understanding of leptin BBB transport will help elucidate the exact causes for leptin resistance seen in obesity and aid in the development of more efficient BBB-penetrating leptin analogues.
Othman BA, Greenwood C, Abuelela AF, et al., 2016, Targeted Cancer Therapy: Correlative Light-Electron Microscopy Shows RGD-Targeted ZnO Nanoparticles Dissolve in the Intracellular Environment of Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells and Cause Apoptosis with Intratumor Heterogeneity (Adv. Healthcare Mater. 11/2016)., Advanced Healthcare Materials, Vol: 5, Pages: 1248-1248, ISSN: 2192-2640
On page 1310 J. S. Merzaban, A. E. Porter, and co-workers present fluorescently labeled RGD-targeted ZnO nanoparticles (NPs; green) for the targeted delivery of cytotoxic ZnO to integrin αvβ3 receptors expressed on triple negative breast cancer cells. Correlative light-electron microscopy shows that NPs dissolve into ionic Zn(2+) (blue) upon uptake and cause apoptosis (red) with intra-tumor heterogeneity, thereby providing a possible strategy for targeted breast cancer therapy. Cover design by Ivan Gromicho.
Ruenraromgsak P, Chen S, Hu S, et al., 2016, Translocation of functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes across human pulmonary alveolar epithelium: dominant role of epithelial type 1 cells, ACS Nano, Vol: 10, Pages: 5070-5085, ISSN: 1936-0851
Uptake and translocation of short functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (short-fMWCNTs) through the pulmonary respiratory epithelial barrier depend on physicochemical property and cell type. Two monoculture models, immortalized human alveolar epithelial type 1 (TT1) cells and primary human alveolar epithelial type 2 cells (AT2), which constitute the alveolar epithelial barrier, were employed to investigate the uptake and transport of 300 and 700 nm in length, poly(4-vinylpyridine)-functionalized, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (p(4VP)-MWCNTs) using quantitative imaging and spectroscopy techniques. The p(4VP)-MWCNT exhibited no toxicity on TT1 and AT2 cells, but significantly decreased barrier integrity (*p < 0.01). Uptake of p(4VP)-MWCNTs was observed in 70% of TT1 cells, correlating with compromised barrier integrity and basolateral p(4VP)-MWCNT translocation. There was a small but significantly greater uptake of 300 nm p(4VP)-MWCNTs than 700 nm p(4VP)-MWCNTs by TT1 cells. Up to 3% of both the 300 and 700 nm p(4VP)-MWCNTs reach the basal chamber; this relatively low amount arose because the supporting transwell membrane minimized the amount of p(4VP)-MWCNT translocating to the basal chamber, seen trapped between the basolateral cell membrane and the membrane. Only 8% of AT2 cells internalized p(4VP)-MWCNT, accounting for 17% of applied p(4VP)-MWCNT), with transient effects on barrier function, which initially fell then returned to normal; there was no MWCNT basolateral translocation. The transport rate was MWCNT length modulated. The comparatively lower p(4VP)-MWCNT uptake by AT2 cells is proposed to reflect a primary barrier effect of type 2 cell secretions and the functional differences between the type 1 and type 2 alveolar epithelial cells.
Sarkar S, Carranza C, Theodorou I, et al., 2016, Impact of Silver and Carbon Nanoparticle Exposures on Macrophage Responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb), Annual Meeting of the American-Association-of-Immunologists (AAI), Publisher: AMER ASSOC IMMUNOLOGISTS, ISSN: 0022-1767
Sweeney S, Leo BF, Chen S, et al., 2016, Pulmonary surfactant mitigates silver nanoparticle toxicity in human alveolar type-I-like epithelial cells., Colloids and Surfaces B - Biointerfaces, Vol: 145, Pages: 167-175, ISSN: 1873-4367
Accompanying increased commercial applications and production of silver nanomaterials is an increased probability of human exposure, with inhalation a key route. Nanomaterials that deposit in the pulmonary alveolar region following inhalation will interact firstly with pulmonary surfactant before they interact with the alveolar epithelium. It is therefore critical to understand the effects of human pulmonary surfactant when evaluating the inhalation toxicity of silver nanoparticles. In this study, we evaluated the toxicity of AgNPs on human alveolar type-I-like epithelial (TT1) cells in the absence and presence of Curosurf(®) (a natural pulmonary surfactant substitute), hypothesising that the pulmonary surfactant would act to modify toxicity. We demonstrated that 20nm citrate-capped AgNPs induce toxicity in human alveolar type I-like epithelial cells and, in agreement with our hypothesis, that pulmonary surfactant acts to mitigate this toxicity, possibly through reducing AgNP dissolution into cytotoxic Ag(+) ions. For example, IL-6 and IL-8 release by TT1 cells significantly increased 10.7- and 35-fold, respectively (P<0.01), 24h after treatment with 25μg/ml AgNPs. In contrast, following pre-incubation of AgNPs with Curosurf(®), this effect was almost completely abolished. We further determined that the mechanism of this toxicity is likely associated with Ag(+) ion release and lysosomal disruption, but not with increased reactive oxygen species generation. This study provides a critical understanding of the toxicity of AgNPs in target human alveolar type-I-like epithelial cells and the role of pulmonary surfactant in mitigating this toxicity. The observations reported have important implications for the manufacture and application of AgNPs, in particular for applications involving use of aerosolised AgNPs.
Othman BA, Greenwood C, Abuelela AF, et al., 2016, Correlative light-electron microscopy shows RGD-targeted ZnO nanoparticles dissolve in the intracellular environment of triple negative breast cancer cells and cause apoptosis with intra-tumor heterogeneity, Advanced Healthcare Materials, Vol: 5, Pages: 1310-1325, ISSN: 2192-2640
ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) are reported to show a high degree of cancer cell selectivity with potential use in cancer imaging and therapy. Questions remain about the mode by which the ZnO NPs cause cell death, whether they exert an intra- or extra-35 cellular effect, and the resistance among different cancer cell types to ZnO NP exposure. The present study quantified the variability between the cellular toxicity, dynamics of cellular uptake and dissolution of bare and RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp)-targeted ZnO NPs by MDA-MB-231 cells. Compared to bare ZnO NPs, RGD-targeting of the ZnO NPs to integrin αvβ3 receptors expressed on MDA-MB-231 cells appeared to increase the toxicity of the ZnO NPs to breast cancer cells at lower doses. Confocal microscopy of live MDA-MB-231 cells confirmed uptake of both classes of ZnO NPs with a commensurate rise in intracellular Zn2+ concentration prior to cell death. The response of the cells within the population to intracellular Zn2+ was highly heterogeneous. In addition, the results emphasize the utility of dynamic and quantitative imaging in understanding cell uptake and processing of targeted therapeutic ZnO NPs at the cellular level by heterogeneous cancer cell populations, which could be crucial for the development of optimized treatment strategies.
Goode AE, Porter AE, Kłosowski MM, et al., 2016, Analytical transmission electron microscopy at organic interfaces, Current Opinion in Solid State and Materials Science, Vol: 21, Pages: 55-67, ISSN: 1359-0286
Organic materials are ubiquitous in all aspects of our daily lives. Increasingly there is a need to understand interactions between different organic phases, or between organic and inorganic materials (hybrid interfaces), in order to gain fundamental knowledge about the origin of their structural and functional properties. In order to understand the complex structure–property–processing relationships in (and between) these materials, we need tools that combine high chemical sensitivity with high spatial resolution to allow detailed interfacial characterisation. Analytical transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is a powerful and versatile technique that can fulfil both criteria. However, the application of analytical TEM to organic systems presents some unique challenges, such as low contrast between phases, and electron beam sensitivity. In this review recent analytical TEM approaches to the nanoscale characterisation of two systems will be discussed: the hybrid collagen/mineral interface in bone, and the all-organic donor/acceptor interface in OPV devices.
Jones JR, Greasley SL, Page SJ, et al., 2016, Controlling particle size in the Stöber process and incorporation of calcium, Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, Vol: 469, Pages: 213-223, ISSN: 1095-7103
The Stӧber process is commonly used for synthesising spherical silica particles. This article reports the firstcomprehensive study of how the process variables can be used to obtain monodispersed particles of specificsize. The modal particle size could be selected within in the range 20 – 500 nm. There is great therapeuticpotential for bioactive glass nanoparticles, as they can be internalised within cells and perform sustaineddelivery of active ions. Biodegradable bioactive glass nanoparticles are also used in nanocomposites.Modification of the Stӧber process so that the particles can contain cations such as calcium, while maintainingmonodispersity, is desirable. Here, while calcium incorporation is achieved, with a homogenous distribution,careful characterisation shows that much of the calcium is not incorporated. A maximum of 10 mol% CaO canbe achieved and previous reports are likely to have overestimated the amount of calcium incorporated.
Tay SER, Goode AE, Weker JN, et al., 2016, Direct in situ observation of ZnO nucleation and growth via transmission X-ray microscopy, Nanoscale, Vol: 8, Pages: 1849-1853, ISSN: 2040-3364
The nucleation and growth of a nanostructure controls its size and morphology, and ultimately its functional properties. Hence it is crucial to investigate growth mechanisms under relevant growth conditions at the nanometer length scale. Here we image the nucleation and growth of electrodeposited ZnO nanostructures in situ, using a transmission X-ray microscope and specially designed electrochemical cell. We show that this imaging technique leads to new insights into the nucleation and growth mechanisms in electrodeposited ZnO including direct, in situ observations of instantaneous versus delayed nucleation.
Botelho DJ, Leo BF, Massa CB, et al., 2016, Low-dose AgNPs reduce lung mechanical function and innate immune defense in the absence of cellular toxicity, NANOTOXICOLOGY, Vol: 10, Pages: 118-127, ISSN: 1743-5390
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Naruphontjirakul P, Greasley SL, Chen S, et al., 2016, Monodispersed strontium containing bioactive glass nanoparticles and MC3T3-E1 cellular response, Pages: 72-81
Non-porous monodispersed strontium containing bioactive glass (Si2O-CaO-SrO) nanoparticles (SrBGNPs), were synthesised using a modified Stöber process. Silica nanoparticles (Si-NPs) with diameters 90 10 nm were produced through hydrolysis and polycondensation reactions of the silicon alkoxide precursor, tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), prior to the incorporation of cations; calcium (Ca) and strontium (Sr), into the silica networks through heat treatment (calcination). Sr was substituted for Ca on a mole basis from non- (0SrBGNPs) to full-substitution (100SrBGNPs) in order to increase the amount of network modifiers in the Si-NPs. The different ratios of Si: Ca; 1:1.3 and 1:8.0, presented various elemental compositions (i.e. 77-92 mol% of SiO2). The effect of Si: Ca/Sr ratio on particle size, morphology and dispersity was evaluated, as well as the in vitro cell viability effect of SrBGNPs and their dissolution products on pre-osteoblast cell line, MC3T3-E1. Sr incorporation did not affect particle size or dispersity. For 1:1.3 ratio, SrBGNPs caused no toxic effects on the cells and dissolution products of 75- and 100-SrBGNPs showed great potential to promote MC3T3-E1 activity.
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