In vitro and in vivo MRI imaging and photothermal therapeutic properties of Hematite (α-Fe2O3) Nanorods

AbstractHerein we report synthesis of hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanorods by calcinating hydrothermally synthesized goethite nanorods at 5000C. The structural, optical and MRI imaging guided cancer therapeutic properties of fabricated nanorods have been discussed in this manscript. FESEM and TEM imaging techniques were used to confirm the nanorod like morphology of as prepared materials. As we know that Fe2O3 nanorods with size in the range of 25–30 nm exhibit super magnetism. After coating with the PEG, the as prepared nanorods can be used as T2 MR imaging contrast agents. An excellent T2 MRI contrast of 38.763 mM–1s–1 achieved which is highest reported so far for α-Fe2O3. Besides the as prepared nanorods display an excellent photothermal conversion efficiency of 39.5% thus acts as an excellent photothermal therapeutic agent. Thus, we envision the idea of testing our nanorods for photothermal therapy and MR imaging application both in vitro and in vivo, achieving an excellent T2 MRI contrast and photothermal therapy effect with as prepared PEGylated nanorods.

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Synthesis of iridium-based nanocomposite with catalase activity for cancer phototherapy

Journal of Nanobiotechnology ◽

10.1186/s12951-021-00948-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Hang Wu ◽

Qi Jiang ◽

Keyi Luo ◽

Chunping Zhu ◽

Mengmeng Xie ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Photothermal Therapy ◽

Physical Adsorption ◽

Tumor Therapy ◽

Oxygen Species ◽

Hydrolysis Method ◽

In Vivo Experiments ◽

Therapy Effect ◽

Nir Laser

AbstractThe combination of photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) has attracted attention due to its enhanced tumor therapy effect. This study proposes a novel nanoenzyme-based theranostic nanoplatform, IrO2@MSN@PDA-BSA(Ce6), for the combined PTT and PDT of tumors. IrO2 was prepared by a simple hydrolysis method and coated with a thin layer of mesoporous silica (MSN) to facilitate the physical adsorption of Chlorin e6 (Ce6). The PDA coating and IrO2 NPs of the nanoplatform demonstrated an improved photothermal conversion efficiency of 29.8% under NIR irradiation. Further, the Ce6 loading imparts materials with the ability to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) under 660 nm NIR laser irradiation. It was also proved that the IrO2 NPs could catalyze the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) to generate endogenous oxygen (O2), thereby enhancing the efficiency of PDT. The in vitro and in vivo experiments indicated that the nanocomposite was highly biocompatible and could produce a satisfactory tumor therapeutic effect. Thus, the findings of the present study demonstrate the viability of using theranostic nanoenzymes for translational medicine.

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Detecting apoptosis as a clinical endpoint for proof of a clinical principle

Ophthalmologica ◽

10.1159/000513584 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Piero Zollet ◽

Timothy E.Yap ◽

M Francesca Cordeiro

Keyword(s):

Drug Development ◽

Therapeutic Response ◽

Imaging Techniques ◽

Brain Diseases ◽

Promising Strategy ◽

Sight Loss ◽

Apoptosis Detection ◽

Novel Therapeutic Strategies

The transparent eye media represent a window through which to observe changes occurring in the retina during pathological processes. In contrast to visualising the extent of neurodegenerative damage that has already occurred, imaging an active process such as apoptosis has the potential to report on disease progression and therefore the threat of irreversible functional loss in various eye and brain diseases. Early diagnosis in these conditions is an important unmet clinical need to avoid or delay irreversible sight loss. In this setting, apoptosis detection is a promising strategy with which to diagnose, provide prognosis, and monitor therapeutic response. Additionally, monitoring apoptosis in vitro and in vivo has been shown to be valuable for drug development in order to assess the efficacy of novel therapeutic strategies both in the pre-clinical and clinical setting. Detection of Apoptosing Retinal Cells (DARC) technology is to date the only tool of its kind to have been tested in clinical trials, with other new imaging techniques under investigation in the fields of neuroscience, ophthalmology and drug development. We summarize the transitioning of techniques detecting apoptosis from bench to bedside, along with the future possibilities they encase.

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Optimization of X-ray Investigations in Dentistry Using Optical Coherence Tomography

Sensors ◽

10.3390/s21134554 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (13) ◽

pp. 4554

Author(s):

Ralph-Alexandru Erdelyi ◽

Virgil-Florin Duma ◽

Cosmin Sinescu ◽

George Mihai Dobre ◽

Adrian Bradu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Optical Coherence Tomography ◽

Radiation Dose ◽

Imaging Techniques ◽

Image Resolution ◽

Optical Coherence ◽

X Rays ◽

High Quality ◽

X Ray

The most common imaging technique for dental diagnoses and treatment monitoring is X-ray imaging, which evolved from the first intraoral radiographs to high-quality three-dimensional (3D) Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). Other imaging techniques have shown potential, such as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). We have recently reported on the boundaries of these two types of techniques, regarding. the dental fields where each one is more appropriate or where they should be both used. The aim of the present study is to explore the unique capabilities of the OCT technique to optimize X-ray units imaging (i.e., in terms of image resolution, radiation dose, or contrast). Two types of commercially available and widely used X-ray units are considered. To adjust their parameters, a protocol is developed to employ OCT images of dental conditions that are documented on high (i.e., less than 10 μm) resolution OCT images (both B-scans/cross sections and 3D reconstructions) but are hardly identified on the 200 to 75 μm resolution panoramic or CBCT radiographs. The optimized calibration of the X-ray unit includes choosing appropriate values for the anode voltage and current intensity of the X-ray tube, as well as the patient’s positioning, in order to reach the highest possible X-rays resolution at a radiation dose that is safe for the patient. The optimization protocol is developed in vitro on OCT images of extracted teeth and is further applied in vivo for each type of dental investigation. Optimized radiographic results are compared with un-optimized previously performed radiographs. Also, we show that OCT can permit a rigorous comparison between two (types of) X-ray units. In conclusion, high-quality dental images are possible using low radiation doses if an optimized protocol, developed using OCT, is applied for each type of dental investigation. Also, there are situations when the X-ray technology has drawbacks for dental diagnosis or treatment assessment. In such situations, OCT proves capable to provide qualitative images.

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Biocompatibility of Bacterial Magnetosomes as MRI Contrast Agent: A Long-Term In Vivo Follow-Up Study

Nanomaterials ◽

10.3390/nano11051235 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (5) ◽

pp. 1235

Author(s):

Xiaohui Nan ◽

Wenjia Lai ◽

Dan Li ◽

Jiesheng Tian ◽

Zhiyuan Hu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Contrast Agent ◽

Magnetic Domain ◽

Bilayer Membrane ◽

The Body ◽

Mri Contrast Agent ◽

Mri Imaging ◽

Mri Contrast

Derived from magnetotactic bacteria (MTB), magnetosomes consist of magnetite crystals enclosed within a lipid bilayer membrane and are known to possess advantages over artificially synthesized nanoparticles because of the narrow size distribution, uniform morphology, high purity and crystallinity, single magnetic domain, good biocompatibility, and easy surface modification. These unique properties have increasingly attracted researchers to apply bacterial magnetosomes (BMs) in the fields of biology and medicine as MRI imaging contrast agents. Due to the concern of biosafety, a long-term follow-up of the distribution and clearance of BMs after entering the body is necessary. In this study, we tracked changes of BMs in major organs of mice up to 135 days after intravenous injection using a combination of several techniques. We not only confirmed the liver as the well-known targeted organs of BMs, but also found that BMs accumulated in the spleen. Besides, two major elimination paths, as well as the approximate length of time for BMs to be cleared from the mice, were revealed. Together, the results not only confirm that BMs have high biocompatibility, but also provide a long-term in-vivo assessment which may further help to forward the clinical applications of BMs as an MRI contrast agent.

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Study on Establishing Reference Safe Concentrations of MRI Contrast Agents for Optimized Images: Paramagnetic Gd-DTPA-BMEA and Superparamagnetic Ferucarbotran

Applied Sciences ◽

10.3390/app11031165 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. 1165

Author(s):

Wen-Tien Hsiao ◽

Yi-Hong Chou ◽

Jhong-Wei Tu ◽

Ai-Yih Wang ◽

Lu-Han Lai

Keyword(s):

Contrast Agent ◽

Contrast Agents ◽

Mri Contrast Agents ◽

Mri Contrast Agent ◽

In Vitro Experiments ◽

Mri Contrast ◽

In Vivo Experiments ◽

Contrast Agent Injection

The purpose of this study is to establish the minimal injection doses of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents that can achieve optimized images while improving the safety of injectable MRI drugs. Gadolinium-diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid (Gd-DTPA) and ferucarbotran, commonly used in clinical practice, were selected and evaluated with in vitro and in vivo experiments. MRI was acquired using T1-weighted (T1W) and T2-weighted (T2W) sequences, and the results were quantitatively analyzed. For in vitro experiments, results showed that T1W and T2W images were optimal when Gd-DTPA-bisamide (2-oxoethyl) (Gd-DTPA-BMEA) and ferucarbotran were diluted to a volume percentage of 0.6% and 0.05%; all comparisons were significant differences in grayscale statistics using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). For in vivo experiments, the contrast agent with optimal concentration percentages determined from in vitro experiments were injected into mice with an injection volume of 100 μL, and the images of brain, heart, liver, and mesentery before and after injection were compared. The statistical results showed that the p values of both T1W and T2W were less than 0.001, which were statistically significant. Under safety considerations for MRI contrast agent injection, optimized MRI images could still be obtained after reducing the injection concentration, which can provide a reference for the safety concentrations of MRI contrast agent injection in the future.

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Toll-like receptor-9 stimulated plasmacytoid dendritic cell precursors suppress autoimmune neuroinflammation in a murine model of multiple sclerosis

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-84023-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Hélène Letscher ◽

Viviane A. Agbogan ◽

Sarantis Korniotis ◽

Pauline Gastineau ◽

Emmanuel Tejerina ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dendritic Cell ◽

Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell ◽

Toll Like Receptor ◽

Hematopoietic Progenitors ◽

Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis ◽

Hematopoietic Precursor ◽

Therapeutic Properties ◽

Experimental Autoimmune

AbstractEarly innate education of hematopoietic progenitors within the bone marrow (BM) stably primes them for either trained immunity or instead immunoregulatory functions. We herein demonstrate that in vivo or in vitro activation within the BM via Toll-like receptor-9 generates a population of plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) precursors (CpG-pre-pDCs) that, unlike pDC precursors isolated from PBS-incubated BM (PBS-pre-pDCs), are endowed with the capacity to halt progression of ongoing experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. CpG activation enhances the selective migration of pDC precursors to the inflamed spinal cord, induces their immediate production of TGF-β, and after migration, of enhanced levels of IL-27. CpG-pre-pDC derived TGF-β and IL-27 ensure protection at early and late phases of the disease, respectively. Spinal cords of CpG-pre-pDC-protected recipient mice display enhanced percentages of host-derived pDCs expressing TGF-β as well as an accumulation of IL-10 producing B cells and of CD11c+ CD11b+ dendritic cells. These results reveal that pDC precursors are conferred stable therapeutic properties by early innate activation within the BM. They further extend to the pDC lineage promising perspectives for cell therapy of autoimmune diseases with innate activated hematopoietic precursor cells.

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Thrombus Imaging Using 3D Printed Middle Cerebral Artery Model and Preclinical Imaging Techniques: Application to Thrombus Targeting and Thrombolytic Studies

Pharmaceutics ◽

10.3390/pharmaceutics12121207 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (12) ◽

pp. 1207

Author(s):

Andrea Vítečková Wünschová ◽

Adam Novobilský ◽

Jana Hložková ◽

Peter Scheer ◽

Hana Petroková ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Middle Cerebral Artery ◽

Cerebral Artery ◽

Imaging Techniques ◽

Barium Sulphate ◽

Flow Conditions ◽

Preclinical Imaging ◽

Blood Clots ◽

3D Printed

Diseases with the highest burden for society such as stroke, myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, and others are due to blood clots. Preclinical and clinical techniques to study blood clots are important tools for translational research of new diagnostic and therapeutic modalities that target blood clots. In this study, we employed a three-dimensional (3D) printed middle cerebral artery model to image clots under flow conditions using preclinical imaging techniques including fluorescent whole-body imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed X-ray microtomography (microCT). Both liposome-based, fibrin-targeted, and non-targeted contrast agents were proven to provide a sufficient signal for clot imaging within the model under flow conditions. The application of the model for clot targeting studies and thrombolytic studies using preclinical imaging techniques is shown here. For the first time, a novel method of thrombus labeling utilizing barium sulphate (Micropaque®) is presented here as an example of successfully employed contrast agents for in vitro experiments evaluating the time-course of thrombolysis and thus the efficacy of a thrombolytic drug, recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA). Finally, the proof-of-concept of in vivo clot imaging in a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rat model using barium sulphate-labelled clots is presented, confirming the great potential of such an approach to make experiments comparable between in vitro and in vivo models, finally leading to a reduction in animals needed.

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Multifunctional Cyanine-Based Theranostic Probe for Cancer Imaging and Therapy

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms222212214 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (22) ◽

pp. 12214

Author(s):

Cheng-Liang Peng ◽

Ying-Hsia Shih ◽

Ping-Fang Chiang ◽

Chun-Tang Chen ◽

Ming-Cheng Chang

Keyword(s):

Photothermal Therapy ◽

Radionuclide Therapy ◽

Nuclear Imaging ◽

Biological Evaluation ◽

Targeted Radionuclide Therapy ◽

Nir Fluorescence ◽

Tumor Accumulation ◽

Selective Accumulation

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world. A cancer-targeted multifunctional probe labeled with the radionuclide has been developed to provide multi-modalities for NIR fluorescence and nuclear imaging (PET, SPECT), for photothermal therapy (PTT), and targeted radionuclide therapy of cancer. In this study, synthesis, characterization, in vitro, and in vivo biological evaluation of the cyanine-based probe (DOTA-NIR790) were demonstrated. The use of cyanine dyes for the selective accumulation of cancer cells were used to achieve the characteristics of tumor markers. Therefore, all kinds of organ tumors can be targeted for diagnosis and treatment. The DOTA-NIR790 labeled with lutetium-111 could detect original or metastatic tumors by using SPECT imaging and quantify tumor accumulation. The β-emission of 177Lu-DOTA-NIR790 can be used for targeted radionuclide therapy of tumors. The DOTA-NIR790 enabled imaging by NIR fluorescence and by nuclear imaging (SPECT) to monitor in real-time the tumor accumulation and the situation of cancer therapy, and to guide the surgery or the photothermal therapy of the tumor. The radionuclide-labeled heptamethine cyanine based probe (DOTA-NIR790) offers multifunctional modalities for imaging and therapies of cancer.

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Current and Future Advancements of Raman Spectroscopy Techniques in Cancer Nanomedicine

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms222313141 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (23) ◽

pp. 13141

Author(s):

Elisabetta Canetta

Keyword(s):

Raman Spectroscopy ◽

Imaging Techniques ◽

Rapid Development ◽

Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy ◽

Cancer Diagnostics ◽

Raman Signal ◽

Therapeutic Effects ◽

Cancer Nanomedicine

Raman scattering is one of the most used spectroscopy and imaging techniques in cancer nanomedicine due to its high spatial resolution, high chemical specificity, and multiplexity modalities. The flexibility of Raman techniques has led, in the past few years, to the rapid development of Raman spectroscopy and imaging for nanodiagnostics, nanotherapy, and nanotheranostics. This review focuses on the applications of spontaneous Raman spectroscopy and bioimaging to cancer nanotheranostics and their coupling to a variety of diagnostic/therapy methods to create nanoparticle-free theranostic systems for cancer diagnostics and therapy. Recent implementations of confocal Raman spectroscopy that led to the development of platforms for monitoring the therapeutic effects of anticancer drugs in vitro and in vivo are also reviewed. Another Raman technique that is largely employed in cancer nanomedicine, due to its ability to enhance the Raman signal, is surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). This review also explores the applications of the different types of SERS, such as SERRS and SORS, to cancer diagnosis through SERS nanoprobes and the detection of small-size biomarkers, such as exosomes. SERS cancer immunotherapy and immuno-SERS (iSERS) microscopy are reviewed.

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