Artificial Plasma Research Articles

Cibacron Blue F3GA ligand dye-based magnetic silica particles for the albumin purification.

Dye-ligand affinity chromatography is among the increasingly popular affinity chromatography based on molecular recognition for the purification of albumin. This study focuses on the binding of Cibacron Blue F3GA ligand dye with magnetic silica particles and purification by separation. Mono-disperse silica particles with bimodal pore size distribution were employed as a high-performance adsorbent for human serum albumin (HSA) protein purification under equilibrium conditions. The synthesized ligand-dye affinity based magnetic silica particles were characterized by electron spin resonance, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer, elemental analysis, and dispersive X-ray analysis. The HSA purification performance of the proposed material in the presence of a magnetic field was relatively investigated using magnetic-based particles with similar morphologies. The maximum adsorption capacity for HSA in an artificial plasma medium was defined as 48.6 mg/g magnetic silica particle. By using the designed magnetic silica particles, 1.0 M NaCl solution was successfully utilized for obtaining quantitative desorption with HSA. However, continued HSA purification performances of magnetic-based particles were significantly lower concerning the ligand-dye magnetic silica particles. The purity of the removed albumin was about 97%. The magnetic silica particles could be utilized many times without decreasing their protein adsorption capacities remarkably.

Electrophoretic Deposition of Chitosan–Hydroxyapatite Films and Their Electrochemical Behavior in Artificial Plasma

The electrochemical behavior of chitosan–hydroxyapatite films deposited on Ti CP was evaluated. Hydroxyapatite was synthesized from eggshell at different precipitation pH conditions. The films were deposited on the Ti CP surface from chitosan–hydroxyapatite solutions by means of electrophoretic deposition. The hydroxyapatite content of the solutions varied from 0 to 20 g/L. The different films obtained were evaluated by means of electrochemical measurements such as polarization curves, open circuit potential measurements, polarization resistance, and electrochemical impedance. The results obtained showed that regardless of the precipitation pH, it is possible to obtain pure hydroxyapatite from a waste such as eggshell. The incorporation of hydroxyapatite within the chitosan structure allows for improvement of the electrochemical performance of the bare Ti CP surface. It was observed that the passive zone was achieved at lower current densities, and that the stability zone of the passive layer increased. Electrochemical impedance analyzes showed that there is an improvement in corrosion resistance due to a more controlled growth of the passive layer that allows for the formation of a dense and compact film.

Anti Corrosion Activity of CRF (Cardiac Risk Free) Drug for SS316L, Ni–Ti, and Ti-6Al-4V in Artificial Blood Plasma

Anti Corrosion Activity of CRF (Cardiac Risk Free) Drug for SS316L, Ni–Ti, and Ti-6Al-4V in Artificial Blood Plasma

Voltammetric Sensor for Doxorubicin Determination Based on Self-Assembled DNA-Polyphenothiazine Composite.

A novel voltammetric sensor based on a self-assembled composite formed by native DNA and electropolymerized N-phenyl-3-(phenylimino)-3H-phenothiazin-7-amine has been developed and applied for sensitive determination of doxorubicin, an anthracycline drug applied for cancer therapy. For this purpose, a monomeric phenothiazine derivative has been deposited on the glassy carbon electrode from the 0.4 M H2SO4-acetone mixture (1:1 v/v) by multiple potential cycling. The DNA aliquot was either on the electrode modified with electropolymerized film or added to the reaction medium prior to electropolymerization. The DNA entrapment and its influence on the redox behavior of the underlying layer were studied by scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The DNA-doxorubicin interactions affected the charge distribution in the surface layer and, hence, altered the redox equilibrium of the polyphenothiazine coating. The voltametric signal was successfully applied for the determination of doxorubicin in the concentration range from 10 pM to 0.2 mM (limit of detection 5 pM). The DNA sensor was tested on spiked artificial plasma samples and two commercial medications (recovery of 90-95%). After further testing on real clinical samples, the electrochemical DNA sensor developed can find application in monitoring drug release and screening new antitumor drugs able to intercalate DNA.

Development of novel salicylic acid–donepezil–rivastigmine hybrids as multifunctional agents for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a chronic, progressive brain degenerative disease that is common in the elderly. So far, there is no effective treatment. The multi-target-directed ligands (MTDLs) strategy has been recognised as the most promising approach due to the complexity of the pathogenesis of AD. Herein, novel salicylic acid–donepezil–rivastigmine hybrids were designed and synthesised. The bioactivity results exhibited that 5a was a reversible and selective eqBChE inhibitor (IC50 = 0.53 μM), and the docking provided the possible mechanism. Compound 5a also displayed potential anti-inflammatory effects and significant neuroprotective effect. Moreover, 5a exhibited favourable stabilities in artificial gastrointestinal solution and plasma. Finally, 5a demonstrated potential cognitive improvement in scopolamine-induced cognitive dysfunction. Hence, 5a was a potential multifunctional lead compound against AD.

P-096 Prediction of fertilization success by voltage-dependent intracellular Ca2+ dynamics in non-normozoospermic human semen samples undergoing in vitro fertilization: preliminary results

Abstract Study question Does the change in intracellular calcium levels evoked by artificial membrane depolarizations predict fertilization success in a non-normozoospermic semen sample undergoing assisted reproductive techniques? Summary answer The increase in the intracellular calcium after artificial plasma membrane depolarization correlates negatively with fertilization rates in conventional IVF but not with ICSI What is known already Sperm capacitation-related features, like the regulation of the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) and the hyperpolarization of the plasma membrane potential (Vm), have been proposed as predictors of success during artificial reproduction techniques (ART). Intriguingly, upon Vm depolarization, sperm exhibit a rapid and transitory increase in the [Ca2+]i controlled, likely, by the activation of the sperm-specific calcium channel CatSper. The regulation of CatSper activity is essential for sperm function and is crucial for fertilization. Therefore we wondered if the Vm depolarization-dependent rise in the [Ca2+]i can be used to predict fertilization success rates in non-normozoospermic semen samples of men undergoing ART. Study design, size, duration This prospective study employed unidentified semen samples from 29 non-normozoospermic men (37.8 ± 5.6 years old) undergoing fertility treatment from March 2022 to the present at CITMER Reproductive Medicine, Mexico City. Frozen semen samples and procedures with less than 3 oocytes were excluded. Ten normozoospermic semen samples were analyzed as a control. The depolarization-dependent [Ca2+]i changes were evaluated by flow cytometry under four different Vm conditions: resting (variable among samples), –64, –46, and –32 mV. Participants/materials, setting, methods Semen samples were obtained on the same day as oocyte retrieval. Sperm cells were washed and incubated in capacitating HTF media for further use in conventional IVF or ICSI procedures. When available, the surplus cells were stained with vitality, Ca2+, and Vm-sensitive fluorescent dyes. Fluorescence changes were evaluated by AccuriC6 flow cytometer. The kinetical analysis of the transitory [Ca2+]i increase as well as the statistical comparisons were performed using custom-made R programming language code. Main results and the role of chance Analysis of resting Vm showed that normozoospermic semen samples presented more depolarized Vm than non-normozoospermic controls (–75.7 ± 6.9 vs –67.3 ± 10.5 mV, respectively, p = 0.02). The former group of semen samples was either used for conventional IVF (n = 11) or ICSI (n = 14). The semen samples in these last categories showed a tendency to present a more depolarized Vm than non-normozoospermic samples (–69.9 ± 8.8 and –66.6 ± 11.3 mV, respectively). No differences were seen in the resting Ca2+ levels. We then induced a Vm hyperpolarization by adding the K+ ionophore, valinomycin followed by increasing concentrations of extracellular K+. Each depolarizing stimulus evoked a fast and transitory increase in the [Ca2+]i. We then calculated seven different kinetic parameters of such responses: basal Ca2+ level, increase and decrease velocity, maximum Ca2+ reached, response durability, and area under the curve (AUC). The basal Ca2+ level reached after depolarizing stimuli correlated negatively (R = –0.64, p = 0.03) with the conventional IVF fertilization ratio (number of zygotes/total number of mature oocytes) when the Vm was clamped either to –64 and –46 mV. A negative and significant correlation (R = –0.76, p = 0.006) was seen for the AUC analysis at –64 mV. No relevant correlations were found in the ICSI samples. Limitations, reasons for caution This is an in vitro study, and caution must be taken when extrapolating these results in vivo. The preliminary nature of the results implies a necessity to increase the number of analyzed semen samples (in progress). Wider implications of the findings Further research into the molecular regulation of the CatSper channel could offer promising alternatives for clinicians to appropriately choose between IVF and ICSI for each couple. This protocol is fast and simple to perform in a laboratory equipped with a flow cytometer or any fluorescence-based reader. Trial registration number NA

Polyoxazoline-conjugated porcine serum albumin as an artificial plasma expander for dogs

Veterinary medicine has made tremendous progress for domestic dogs, which are irreplaceable family members enriching human life. Nevertheless, no adequate supply system exists for their blood products. This study examined the synthesis, structure, safety, and efficacy of poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)-conjugated porcine serum albumin (POx-PSA) as an artificial plasma expander for dogs. The aqueous POx-PSA solution showed moderately high colloid osmotic pressure and good blood cell compatibility. Actually, lyophilized powder stored for 1 year can regenerate into a homogeneous solution. The circulation half-life of POx-PSA in rats was 2.1-fold longer than that of naked PSA. Rats produced neither anti-PSA IgG antibody nor anti-POx IgG antibody, which suggests excellent immunological stealth properties of POx-PSA. Complete resuscitation of hemorrhagic shock in rats was achieved soon after injection of POx-PSA solution. Serum biochemistry tests and histopathological observations indicated no abnormality in the related organs. When POx-PSA was administered to dogs intravenously, (i) no serum biochemical or hematological alteration was observed, also (ii) no overt deterioration of animal health was observed. These results indicate that POx-PSA has potential as an artificial plasma expander for dogs.

Nickel Oxy-Hydroxy/Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotubes Film Coupled with a 3D-Printed Device as a Nonenzymatic Glucose Sensor.

A rapid and simple method for the amperometric determination of glucose using a nanocomposite film of nickel oxyhydroxide and multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNTs) was evaluated. The NiHCF)/MWCNT electrode film was fabricated using the liquid-liquid interface method, and it was used as a precursor for the electrochemical synthesis of nickel oxy-hydroxy (Ni(OH)2/NiOOH/MWCNT). The interaction between nickel oxy-hydroxy and the MWCNTs provided a film that is stable over the electrode surface, with high surface area and excellent conductivity. The nanocomposite presented an excellent electrocatalytic activity for the oxidation of glucose in an alkaline medium. The sensitivity of the sensor was found to be 0.0561 μA μmol L-1, and a linear range from 0.1 to 150 μmol L-1 was obtained, with a good limit of detection (0.030 μmol L-1). The electrode exhibits a fast response (150 injections h-1) and a sensitive catalytic performance, which may be due to the high conductivity of MWCNT and the increased active surface area of the electrode. Additionally, a minimal difference in the slopes for ascending (0.0561 µA µmol L-1) and descending (0.0531 µA µmol L-1) was observed. Moreover, the sensor was applied to the detection of glucose in artificial plasma blood samples, achieving values of 89 to 98% of recovery.

Preparation of Concanavalin A Imprinted Surface Plasmon Resonance Based Biosensors

In this study, Concanavalin A imprinted surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor was prepared for the determination of Concanavalin A. Concanavalin A imprinted SPR biosensors were characterized by atomic force microscopy, ellipsometer and contact angle measurements. The kinetic studies were performed with pH scanning. For this purpose, Concanavalin A solutions were prepared with different pH buffers and were used for detection of Concanavalin A. The kinetic analysis of SPR biosensor was with Concanavalin A solutions ranging from 0.01 to 50 ng/mL. The limit of detection and limit of quantification was calculated 0.0011 ng/mL and 0.0038 ng/mL, respectively. Selectivity studies were conducted using SPR biosensors that were either Concanavalin A imprinted or non-imprinted, as well as competing molecules such as bovine serum albumin and myoglobin, which have a similar molecular structure. In order to determine Concanavalin A in clinical studies, kinetic analyzes were performed with concanavalin a solutions prepared in artificial plasma and jack bean solutions. The recovery of Concanavalin A was calculated using the obtained sensorgram data. Four consecutive analyses were performed on the same day to test the concanavalin A molecule’s reusability. In order to test the reusability of the biosensor at various points in time, kinetic analyses were also performed out at the first, second, fourth, and sixth months.

Homogenization of Periodic Structures Using the Multimodal Transfer Matrix Method

This work presents a method for obtaining the constitutive parameters of periodic structures from the computation of their dispersion relation and average fields. The method uses the scattering parameters of multiple Bloch modes of a single unit cell. The corresponding multimodal scattering matrix is obtained with a suitable general-purpose electromagnetic software. Further post-processing of this scattering matrix is then carried out, which allows for the computation of the dispersion relation of structures with realistic finite conductivity or made of lossy dielectrics, as well as the calculation of the attenuation constant and the retrieval of the impedance, permittivity, and permeability. The proposed method is applied to homogenize some systems of interest: an artificial electric plasma built with wires, a free-space matched left-handed metamaterial based on two laterally shifted split ring resonators, a high-permittivity artificial dielectric based on densely arranged square metal patches, and a μ-near-zero metamaterial made of metallic cubes embedded in a dielectric. The retrieved material parameters are found to accurately describe the scattering of finite samples of the corresponding homogenized structures. This research is limited to orthorhombic unit cells smaller than half the free-space wavelength to avoid diffracted beams. Besides, since only one propagation direction is considered, only the transverse components of constitutive parameters are retrieved.

Increasing the Clearance of Protein-Bound Solutes by Recirculating Dialysate through Activated Carbon.

Conventional hemodialysis provides limited clearance of uremic solutes that bind to plasma proteins. No studies however have tested testing whether increasing the clearance of bound solutes provides clinical benefit. Practical means to increase the dialytic clearance of bound solutes are required to perform such studies. Artificial plasma was dialyzed using two dialysis systems in series. In the first recirculating system a fixed small volume of dialysate flowed rapidly through an activated carbon block before passing through two large dialyzers. In a second conventional system a lower flow of fresh dialysate was passed through a single dialyzer. Chemical measurements tested the ability of the recirculating system to increase the clearance of selected solutes. Mathematical modeling predicted the dependence of solute clearances on the extent to which solutes were taken up by the carbon block and were bound to plasma proteins. By itself, the conventional system provided clearances of the tightly bound solutes p-cresol sulfate (PCS) and indoxyl sulfate (IS) of only 18±10 and 19±11 ml/min, respectively (mean±sd). Because these solutes were effectively adsorbed by the carbon block, the recirculating system by itself provided PCS and IS clearances of 45±11 and 53±16 ml/min. It further raised their clearances to 54±12 ml/min and 61±17 ml/min when operating in series with the conventional system (p < 0.002 vs conventional clearance both solutes). Modeling predicted that the recirculating system would increase the clearances of bound solute even if their uptake by the carbon block was incomplete. When added to a conventional dialysis system, a recirculating system employing a carbon block sorbent, a single pump, and standard dialyzers can greatly increase the clearance of protein-bound uremic solutes.

Development of Optical-Based Molecularly Imprinted Nanosensors for Adenosine Detection.

Adenosine nucleoside is an important molecule in human physiology. The levels of adenosine nucleoside in urine and plasma are directly or indirectly related to diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. In the present study, adenosine-imprinted and non-imprinted poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-methacrylic acid) (poly(HEMA-MAA)) surface plasmon resonance (SPR) nanosensors were prepared for the determination of adenosine nucleoside. First, MAA/adenosine pre-polymerization complexes were prepared at different molar ratios using adenosine as a template molecule and methacrylic acid (MAA) as a monomer, and SPR nanosensor surfaces were optimized by determining the highest imprinting factor of the chip surfaces. The surfaces of adenosine-imprinted and non-imprinted SPR nanosensors were characterized by using atomic force microscopy, ellipsometry, and contact angle measurements. Kinetic analyses were made with different concentrations in the range of 0.5-400.0 nM for the detection range with a pH 7.4 phosphate buffer solution. The limit of detection in adenosine aqueous solutions, artificial plasma, and artificial urine was determined to be 0.018, 0.015, and 0.013 nM, respectively. In the selectivity analysis of the developed nanosensors, the selectivity of adenosine SPR nanosensors in solutions at different concentrations was determined by using guanosine and cytidine nucleosides. The relative selectivity coefficients of adenosine-imprinted SPR nanosensors for adenosine/cytidine and adenosine/guanosine are 3.836 and 3.427, respectively. Since adenosine-imprinted SPR nanosensors are intended to be used in medical analysis and research, adenosine analysis has also been studied in artificial urine and artificial plasma samples.

Development of the "hidden" multi-target-directed ligands by AChE/BuChE for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Accumulation of evidences suggested that excessive amounts of AChE and BuChE in the brain of AD patients at the different stage of AD, which could hydrolyze ACh and accelerated Aβ aggregation. To develop new "hidden" multifunctional agents through AChE/BuChE would be a promising strategy to treat AD. To this end, firstly, a series of chalcone derivatives with chelating property was designed and synthesized. The in vitro results showed that compound 3f indicated significant selective MAO-B inhibitory activity (IC50=0.67μM) and remarkable anti-inflammatory property. It also significantly inhibited self-induced Aβ1-42 aggregation and showed remarkable neuroprotective effects on Aβ25-35-induced PC12cell injury. Furthermore, compound 3f was a selective metal chelator and could inhibit Cu2+-induced Aβ1-42 aggregation. Based on this, the carbamate fragment was introduced to compound 3f to obtain carbamate derivatives. The biological activity results exhibited that compound 4b showed good BBB permeability, good AChE inhibitory potency (IC50=5.3μM), moderate BuChE inhibitory potency (IC50=12.4μM), significant MAO-B inhibitory potency, anti-inflammation potency on LPS-induced BV-2cells and neuroprotective effects on Aβ25-35-induced PC12cell injury. Compared with 3f, compound 4b did not show obvious chelation property. Significantly, compound 4b could be activated by AChE/BuChE following inhibition of AChE/BuChE to liberate an active multifunctional chelator 3f, which was consistent with our original intention. More importantly, compounds 3f and 4b presented favorable ADME properties and good stability in artificial gastrointestinal fluid, blood plasma and rat liver microsomes. The in vivo results suggested that compound 4b (0.0195μg/mL) could significantly improve dyskinesia and reaction capacity of the AlCl3-induced zebrafish AD model by increasing the level of ACh. Together our data suggest that compound 4b was a promising "hidden" multifunctional agent by AChE/BuChE, and this strategy deserved further development for the treatment of AD.

A disposable enzymatic biofuel cell for glucose sensing via short-circuit current

It is essential to construct a biofuel cell-based sensor and develop an effective strategy to detect glucose without any potentiostat circuitry in order to create a simple and miniaturized device. In this report, an enzymatic biofuel cell (EBFC) is fabricated by the facile design of an anode and cathode on a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE). To construct the anode, thionine and flavin adenine dinucleotide-dependent glucose dehydrogenase (FAD-GDH) are covalently immobilized via a crosslinker to make a cross-linked redox network. As a cathode, the Pt-free oxygen reduction carbon catalyst is employed alternative to the commonly used bilirubin oxidase. We proposed the importance of EBFC-based sensors through the connection of anode and cathode; they can identify a short-circuit current by means of applied zero external voltage, thereby capable of glucose detection without under the operation of the potentiostat. The result shows that the EBFC-based sensor could be able to detect based on a short-circuit current with a wide range of glucose concentrations from 0.28 to 30 mM. Further, an EBFC is employed as a one-compartment model energy harvester with a maximum power density of (36 ± 3) μW cm− 2 in sample volume 5 μL. In addition, the constructed EBFC-based sensor demonstrates that the physiological range of ascorbic acid and uric acid shows no significant effect on the short-circuit current generation. Moreover, this EBFC can be used as a sensor in artificial plasma without losing its performance and thereby used as a disposable test strip in real blood sample analysis.

Cross-Linkable Polymer-Based Multi-layers for Protecting Electrochemical Glucose Biosensors against Uric Acid, Ascorbic Acid, and Biofouling Interferences.

The lifetime of implantable electrochemical glucose monitoring devices is limited due to the foreign body response and detrimental effects from ascorbic acid (AA) and uric acid (UA) interferents that are components of physiological media. Polymer coatings can be used to shield biosensors from these interferences and prolong their functional lifetime. This work explored several approaches to protect redox polymer-based glucose biosensors against such interferences by designing six targeted multi-layer sensor architectures. Biological interferents, like cells and proteins, and UA and AA interferents were found to have individual effects on the current density and operational stability of glucose biosensors, requiring individual protection and treatment. Protection against biofouling can be achieved using a poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine-co-glycidyl methacrylate) (MPC) zwitterionic polymer coating. An enzyme-scavenging approach was compared to electrostatic repulsion by negatively charged polymers for protection against AA and UA interferences. A multi-layer novel polymer design (PD) system consisting of a cross-linkable negatively charged polyvinylimidazole-polysulfostyrene co-polymer inner layer and a cross-linkable MPC zwitterionic polymer outer layer showed the best protection against AA, UA, and biological interferences. The sensor protected using the novel PD shield displayed the lowest mean absolute relative difference between the glucose reading without the interferent and the reading value with the interferent present and also displayed the lowest variability in sensor readings in complex media. For sensor measurements in artificial plasma, the novel PD extends the linear range (R2 = 0.99) of the sensor from 0-10 mM for the control to 0-20 mM, shows a smaller decrease in sensitivity, and retains high current densities. The application of PD multi-target coating improves sensor performance in complex media and shows promise for use in sensors operating in real conditions.

Corrosion behaviour of electroless NiP coating in artificial blood plasma

ABSTRACT Electroless NiP coatings are well known for their excellent properties and vast area of applications. In the present investigation, electroless NiP coating is applied on AISI 420 substrate, which is used for manufacturing medical instruments. As blood is a strong electrolyte, the steel, when comes in contact with blood for a long time, tends to corrode very fast. The primary objective of this work is to enhance the corrosion resistivity of AISI 420 stainless steel by the application of electroless NiP coating. The corrosion resistance of coated steel was investigated using both potentiodynamic polarisation and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in artificial blood plasma. Detailed microstructural investigation using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy has been done. Microhardness measurement has been performed. The SEM images revealed the coatings to be primarily amorphous and changed to crystalline when heat treated at 300°C for 2 h. Microhardness of the as-plated coating was 592 HV and increased to 677 HV after heat treatment. Corrosion rate decreased from 4.694 × 10−4 mm/year of bare steel to 4.104 × 10−5 mm/year for coated and heat-treated steel.

Photoelectrochemical Determination of Cardiac Troponin I as a Biomarker of Myocardial Infarction Using a Bi2S3 Film Electrodeposited on a BiVO4-Coated Fluorine-Doped Tin Oxide Electrode.

A sensitive and selective label-free photoelectrochemical (PEC) immunosensor was designed for the detection of cardiac troponin I (cTnI). The platform was based on a fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO)-coated glass photoelectrode modified with bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) and sensitized by an electrodeposited bismuth sulfide (Bi2S3) film. The PEC response of the Bi2S3/BiVO4/FTO platform for the ascorbic acid (AA) donor molecule was approximately 1.6-fold higher than the response observed in the absence of Bi2S3. The cTnI antibodies (anti-cTnI) were immobilized on the Bi2S3/BiVO4/FTO platform surface to produce the anti-cTnI/Bi2S3/BiVO4/FTO immunosensor, which was incubated in cTnI solution to inhibit the AA photocurrent. The photocurrent obtained by the proposed immunosensor presented a linear relationship with the logarithm of the cTnI concentration, ranging from 1 pg mL-1 to 1000 ng mL-1. The immunosensor was successfully employed in artificial blood plasma samples for the detection of cTnI, with recovery values ranging from 98.0% to 98.5%.

Searching for dark matter with plasma haloscopes

We summarise the recent progress of the Axion Longitudinal Plasma HAloscope (ALPHA) Consortium, a new experimental collaboration to build a plasma haloscope to search for axions and dark photons. The plasma haloscope is a novel method for the detection of the resonant conversion of light dark matter to photons. ALPHA will be sensitive to QCD axions over almost a decade of parameter space, potentially discovering dark matter and resolving the Strong CP problem. Unlike traditional cavity haloscopes, which are generally limited in volume by the Compton wavelength of the dark matter, plasma haloscopes use a wire metamaterial to create a tuneable artificial plasma frequency, decoupling the wavelength of light from the Compton wavelength and allowing for much stronger signals. We develop the theoretical foundations of plasma haloscopes and discuss recent experimental progress. Finally, we outline a baseline design for ALPHA and show that a full-scale experiment could discover QCD axions over almost a decade of parameter space.

Prostate cancer extracellular vesicle digital scoring assay – a rapid noninvasive approach for quantification of disease-relevant mRNAs

Optimizing outcomes in prostate cancer (PCa) requires precision in characterization of disease status. This effort was directed at developing a PCa extracellular vesicle (EV) Digital Scoring Assay (DSA) for detecting metastasis and monitoring progression of PCa. PCa EV DSA is comprised of an EV purification device (i.e., EV Click Chip) and reverse-transcription droplet digital PCR that quantifies 11 PCa-relevant mRNA in purified PCa-derived EVs. A Met score was computed for each plasma sample based on the expression of the 11-gene panel using the weighted Z score method. Under optimized conditions, the EV Click Chips outperformed the ultracentrifugation or precipitation method of purifying PCa-derived EVs from artificial plasma samples. Using PCa EV DSA, the Met score distinguished metastatic (n = 20) from localized PCa (n = 20) with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.88 (95% CI:0.78–0.98). Furthermore, longitudinal analysis of three PCa patients showed the dynamics of the Met scores reflected clinical behavior even when disease was undetectable by imaging. Overall, a sensitive PCa EV DSA was developed to identify metastatic PCa and reveal dynamic disease states noninvasively. This assay may complement current imaging tools and blood-based tests for timely detection of metastatic progression that can improve care for PCa patients.

Development of a Plasmonic Sensor for a Chemotherapeutic Agent Cabazitaxel.

Drug dosage is a crucial subject in both human and animal treatment. Administering less drug dosage may prevent treatment or make it less effective, and high drug dosage may cause a heightened risk of adverse effects, or in some cases, cost a patient's life. Also, even when the dosage is administered carefully, metabolic differences may cause different effects on different patients. Because of these considerations, monitoring drug dosage in the body is a critical and significant requirement in the health industry. Within the scope of this study, a reusable surface plasmon resonance (SPR) chip with fast response, high selectivity, and no pretreatment is produced for the chemotherapeutic agent cabazitaxel. A cabazitaxel-imprinted nanofilm was synthesized on the sensor chip surface and characterized by atomic force microscopy, ellipsometry, and contact angle measurements. Standard cabazitaxel solution and an artificial plasma sample were used for the kinetic analysis. Docetaxel, methylprednisolone, and dexamethasone were analyzed for their selectivity experiment. In addition, the repeatability and storage durability of the sensor were also evaluated. As a result of the adsorption studies, the limit of detection and limit of quantitation values were found to be 0.012 and 0.036 μg/mL, respectively. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis was used to validate the response of the cabazitaxel-imprinted sensor.