Multiplex detection of nucleases by a graphene-based platform

In this article, we present a new method for the multiplex detection of nucleases by using graphene oxide (GO) as a platform. We introduce a Y-shaped DNA (Y-DNA) as the multiplex probe. The 5' termini of the Y-DNA are labeled with carboxy fluorescein (FAM), 6-carboxy-X-rhodamine (ROX) and cyanine 5 (Cy5) and they include three nuclease cleavage sites corresponding to PvuII, EcoRV and HaeIII, respectively. Upon the addition of nucleases, the nucleases cleave the corresponding sites in Y-DNA. Then, short dsDNA fragments containing fluorophores were released from the Y-DNA. These dsDNA fragments were unstable and easy to unwind into two short ssDNAs. They were then adsorbed onto the GO surface. Because of the excellent electronic transference of GO, the fluorescence intensity of the fluorophores can be quenched efficiently. Therefore, by monitoring the fluorophores' fluorescence change before and after the addition of the nucleases, it is easy to establish a platform of a Y-DNA/GO complex for the simultaneous multiplex detection of nucleases.National Natural Science Foundation of China[20735002, 20975023]; National Basic Research Program of China[2010CB732403]; Program For New Century Excellent Talents In University of China[09-001 4]; National Science Foundation of Fujian Province[2010J06003

Marine Proteins and Peptides

Marine proteins and peptides have great potential application in developing pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and cosmeceuticals. Proteins and peptides from marine sources are considered to be safe and inexpensive. Protein- and peptide-based drugs have been increasing in recent days to cure various diseases by serving multiple roles, such as antioxidants, anticancer drugs, antimicrobials, and anticoagulants. There are different marine sources (macroalgae, fish, shellfish, and bivalves), which possibly contain specific protein and peptides

Bio-Functional Natural Products in Edible Resources for Human Health and Beauty

Natural products remain important repositories of promising therapeutic candidates due to their rich chemical and biological diversity. The Special Issue on "Bio-functional Natural Products in Edible Resources for Human Health and Beauty" is intended to offer biological active natural products from edible resources as candidates and/or leads for pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, functional foods, cosmetics, and food additives, etc. The research fields of this Special Issue include natural products chemistry, phytochemistry, pharmacognosy, food chemistry, bioorganic chemistry, chemical biology, molecular biology, molecular pharmacology, and other related research fields of bioactive natural products obtained from the edible resources. This eBook contains 12 Reviews and Articles focusing on these research areas. I hope that this eBook will be of benefit to outstanding professionals in these research areas

Nanocellulose and Nanocarbons Based Hybrid Materials

This highly informative and carefully presented book discusses the preparation, processing, characterization and applications of different types of hybrid nanomaterials based on nanocellulose and/or nanocarbons. It gives an overview of recent advances of outstanding classes of hybrid materials applied in the fields of physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, and materials science, among others. The content of this book is relevant to researchers in academia and industry professionals working on the development of advanced hybrid nanomaterials and their applications

Gas, Water and Solid Waste Treatment Technology

This book introduces a variety of treatment technologies, such as physical, chemical, and biological methods for the treatment of gas emissions, wastewater, and solid waste. It provides a useful source of information for engineers and specialists, as well as for undergraduate and postgraduate students, in the areas of environmental science and engineering

Endothelial Dysfunction: From Pathophysiology to Novel Therapeutic Approaches

Dear colleagues, This Special Issue, “Endothelial Dysfunction: From Pathophysiology to Novel Therapeutic Approaches”, focuses on the pathophysiology of endothelial dysfunction, new biomarkers for endothelial dysfunction related to cardiovascular disorders or tumors, and novel therapeutic approaches for endothelial dysfunctions. Vascular endothelium is an active tissue and plays a crucial role in the maintenance of vascular homeostasis. Chronic exposure to risk factors, such as hypertension, high cholesterolemia, or oxidative stress, induces endothelial dysfunctions and results in a loss of endothelial integrity, smooth muscle cell proliferation, and macrophage recruitment. The pathophysiology of endothelial dysfunction (ED) is complex and multi-factorial factors are involved, such as oxidative stress or chronic inflammation. The primary prevention of cardiovascular risk factors and endothelial dysfunctions, as well as the early detection of or molecular imaging techniques for endothelial dysfunction, helps to prevent the development of cardiovascular disorders. Novel therapeutic approaches or drug delivery systems for endothelial dysfunctions have had promising beneficial effects in preclinical or clinical levels by affecting the progression of atherosclerotic changes, tumor angiogenesis, and host–immune reactions near tumor environments