Biocompatible cellulose nanocrystal-based Trojan horse enables targeted delivery of nano-Au radiosensitizers to triple negative breast cancer cells

A hybrid cellulose-based programmable nanoplatform for applications in precision radiation oncology is described. Here, sugar heads work as tumor targeting moieties and steer the precise delivery of radiosensitizers, i.e. gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) into triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. This “Trojan horse” approach promotes a specific and massive accumulation of radiosensitizers in TNBC cells, thus avoiding the fast turnover of small-sized AuNPs and the need for high doses of AuNPs for treatment. Application of X-rays resulted in a significant increase of the therapeutic effect while delivering the same dose, showing the possibility to use roughly half dose of X-rays to obtain the same radiotoxicity effect. These data suggest that this hybrid nanoplatform acts as a promising tool for applications in enhancing cancer radiotherapy effects with lower doses of X-rays

Oligo- and polymeric FET devices: Thiophene-based active materials and their interaction with different gate dielectrics

Derivatives of both oligo- and polythiophene-based FET were recently considered for low cost electronic applications. In the device optimization, factors like redox reversibility of the molecule/polymer, electronic level compatibility with source/drain electrodes, packing closeness, and orientation versus the electrodes, can determine the overall performance. In addition, a gate insulator with a high dielectric constant, a low leakage current, and capability to promote ordering in the semiconductor is required to increase device performances and to lower the FET operating voltage. In this view, Al2O3appears a good candidate, although its widespread adoption is limited by the disorder that such oxide induces on the semiconductor with detrimental consequences on semiconductor electrical properties. In this contribution, an overview of recent results obtained on thiophene-derivative-based FET devices, fabricated by different growth techniques, and using both thermally grown SiO2 and Al2O3 from atomic layer deposition gate insulators will be reported and discussed with particular reference to organic solid state aggregation, morphology, and organic–inorganic interface

L’épave du Veurdre: Un exemple de bateau de rivière d’époque moderne

International audienc

Toxicogenomic responses of the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans to gold nanoparticles

We used Au nanoparticles (Au-NPs) as a model for studying particle-specific effects of manufactured nanomaterials (MNMs) by examining the toxicogenomic responses in a model soil organism, Caenorhabditis elegans. Global genome expression for nematodes exposed to 4-nm citrate-coated Au-NPs at the LC10 level (5.9 mg·L–1) revealed significant differential expression of 797 genes. The levels of expression for five genes (apl-1, dyn-1, act-5, abu-11, and hsp-4) were confirmed independently with qRT-PCR. Seven common biological pathways associated with 38 of these genes were identified. Up-regulation of 26 pqn/abu genes from noncanonical unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway and molecular chaperones (hsp-16.1, hsp-70, hsp-3, and hsp-4) were observed and are likely indicative of endoplasmic reticulum stress. Significant increase in sensitivity to Au-NPs in a mutant from noncanonical UPR (pqn-5) suggests possible involvement of the genes from this pathway in a protective mechanism against Au-NPs. Significant responses to Au-NPs in endocytosis mutants (chc-1 and rme-2) provide evidence for endocytosis pathway being induced by Au-NPs. These results demonstrate that Au-NPs are bioavailable and cause adverse effects to C. elegans by activating both general and specific biological pathways. The experiments with mutants further support involvement of several of these pathways in Au-NP toxicity and/or detoxification