From Invisible Structures of SWCNTs toward Fluorescent and Targeting Architectures for Cell Imaging

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are unique nanostructures used as cargo systems for variety of diagnostic and therapeutic agents. For taking advantage of these structures in biological processes, they should be visible. Therefore, fluorescence labeling of SWCNTs with various probes is a significant issue. Herein, we demonstrate a simple approach for cell specific imaging and diagnosis by combining SWCNTs with a copolymer poly­(<i>para</i>-phenylene) (PPP) containing polystyrene (PSt) and poly­(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) side chains (PPP-<i>g</i>-PSt-PCL). In this approach PPP-<i>g-</i>PSt-PCL is noncovalently attached on carboxyl functional SWCNTs. The obtained fluorescent probe is bound to folic acid (FA) for targeted imaging of folate receptor (FR) positive HeLa cells. In vitro studies demonstrate that this conjugate can specifically bind to HeLa cells and indicate great potential for targeting and imaging studies

Nonionic, Water Self-Dispersible “Hairy-Rod” Poly(<i>p</i>‑phenylene)‑<i>g</i>‑poly(ethylene glycol) Copolymer/Carbon Nanotube Conjugates for Targeted Cell Imaging

The generation and fabrication of nanoscopic structures are of critical technological importance for future implementations in areas such as nanodevices and nanotechnology, biosensing, bioimaging, cancer targeting, and drug delivery. Applications of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in biological fields have been impeded by the incapability of their visualization using conventional methods. Therefore, fluorescence labeling of CNTs with various probes under physiological conditions has become a significant issue for their utilization in biological processes. Herein, we demonstrate a facile and additional fluorophore-free approach for cancer cell-imaging and diagnosis by combining multiwalled CNTs with a well-known conjugated polymer, namely, poly­(<i>p</i>-phenylene) (PP). In this approach, PP decorated with poly­(ethylene glycol) (PEG) was noncovalently (π–π stacking) linked to acid-treated CNTs. The obtained water self-dispersible, stable, and biocompatible f-CNT/PP-<i>g</i>-PEG conjugates were then bioconjugated to estrogen-specific antibody (anti-ER) via −COOH functionalities present on the side-walls of CNTs. The resulting conjugates were used as an efficient fluorescent probe for targeted imaging of estrogen receptor overexpressed cancer cells, such as MCF-7. In vitro studies and fluorescence microscopy data show that these conjugates can specifically bind to MCF-7 cells with high efficiency. The represented results imply that CNT-based materials could easily be fabricated by the described approach and used as an efficient “fluorescent probe” for targeting and imaging, thereby providing many new possibilities for various applications in biomedical sensing and diagnosis

Phyto-Niosomes: <i>In Vitro</i> Assessment of the Novel Nanovesicles Containing Marigold Extract

<div><p>Herbal compounds, so-called phytoconstituents, illustrate poor absorption by living cells. Phytosomes are advanced form of herbal compounds that show higher absorption rate and bioavailability, which results better than conventional plant extracts. Niosomes, which are made of nonionic surfactants, create better chemical and stability conditions besides lipid vesicles. This study covers the preparation, characterization and cell culture applications of phyto-niosomes of Marigold extract. Before the encapsulation process, extracts of selected plants were prepared and the extract that presents best bioactivity was chosen. The resulting phyto-niosomes were characterized and their biological activities including cytotoxicity, wound healing and antioxidant activity were investigated.</p></div