A Quantitative Measurement to Describe the Relative Proximity of Fluorescent Biomarkers

Determining the relationship between biomarkers via fluorescence microscopy is a key step in the characterisation of cellular phenotypes. We define a simple distance-based measurement termed a perimeter distance mean (PDmean) which quantifies the relative proximity of objects in one fluorescent channel to objects in a second fluorescent channel in 2D or 3D microscopy datasets. PDmean measurements were able to accurately identify known changes in colocalisation in computer-generated and real-world microscopy datasets. We argue that this approach provides substantial advantages over currently used distance-based colocalisation analysis methods. We also introduce PyBioProx, an extensible open-source Python module and graphical user interface that produces PDmean measurements.

A Simple and Soft Chemical Deaggregation Method Producing Single-Digit Detonation Nanodiamonds

<p>Detonation nanodiamonds (DNDs) are a class of very small and spherical diamond nanocrystals. Used in polymer reinforcement materials, as drug delivery systems or as fluorescent biomarkers, only the final deaggregation step down to the single-digit nanometer size unfolds their full potential. All existing deaggregation methods rely on mechanical forces, such as high-power sonication or beads milling. We report a purely chemical deaggregation method by combining oxidation in air followed by a boiling acid treatment. Our DNDs are surface functionalized with carboxyl groups, the final boiling acid treatment removes primary metal contaminants and the nanoparticles remain dispersed over a wide pH range. Experiments can be easily carried out in a standard chemistry laboratory. This is a key step for many DND-based applications, ranging from material science to biological or medical applications and opens a way for inexpensive mass production on industrial scale.</p>

A Simple and Soft Chemical Deaggregation Method Producing Single-Digit Detonation Nanodiamonds

<p>Detonation nanodiamonds (DNDs) are a class of very small and spherical diamond nanocrystals. Used in polymer reinforcement materials, as drug delivery systems or as fluorescent biomarkers, only the final deaggregation step down to the single-digit nanometer size unfolds their full potential. All existing deaggregation methods rely on mechanical forces, such as high-power sonication or beads milling. We report a purely chemical deaggregation method by combining oxidation in air followed by a boiling acid treatment. Our DNDs are surface functionalized with carboxyl groups, the final boiling acid treatment removes primary metal contaminants and the nanoparticles remain dispersed over a wide pH range. Experiments can be easily carried out in a standard chemistry laboratory. This is a key step for many DND-based applications, ranging from material science to biological or medical applications and opens a way for inexpensive mass production on industrial scale.</p>

The fluorescent biomarkers for lipid droplets with quinolone-coumarin unit

Two dyes with high quantum yields were designed and synthesized for imaging lipid droplets in living and fixed cells.

Identification of the binding site between bovine serum albumin and ultrasmall SiC fluorescent biomarkers

Combined experimental and theoretical studies propose a delayed diffusion model for describing the interaction between ultrasmall NPs and proteins.