Formation Of Self-assembly Research Articles

One-Step Preparation of Magnetic Lipid Bubbles: Magnetothermal Effect Induces the Simultaneous Formation of Gas Nuclei and Self-Assembly of Phospholipids.

In recent years, enveloped micro-nanobubbles have garnered significant attention in research due to their commendable stability, biocompatibility, and other notable properties. Currently, the preparation methods of enveloped micro-nanobubbles have limitations such as complicated preparation process, large bubble size, wide distribution range, low yield, etc. There exists an urgent demand to devise a simple and efficient method for the preparation of enveloped micro-nanobubbles, ensuring both high concentration and a uniform particle size distribution. Magnetic lipid bubbles (MLBs) are a multifunctional type of enveloped micro-nanobubble combining magnetic nanoparticles with lipid-coated bubbles. In this study, MLBs are prepared simply and efficiently by a magneto internal heat bubble generation process based on the interfacial self-assembly of iron oxide nanoparticles induced by the thermogenic effect in an alternating magnetic field. The mean hydrodynamic diameter of the MLBs obtained was 384.9 ± 8.5 nm, with a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.248 ± 0.021, a zeta potential of -30.5 ± 1.0 mV, and a concentration of (7.92 ± 0.46) × 109 bubbles/mL. Electron microscopy results show that the MLBs have a regular spherical stable core-shell structure. The superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) and phospholipid layers adsorbed around the spherical gas nuclei of the MLBs, leading the particles to demonstrate commendable superparamagnetic and magnetic properties. In addition, the effects of process parameters on the morphology of MLBs, including phospholipid concentration, phospholipid proportiona, current intensity, magnetothermal time, and SPION concentration, were investigated and discussed to achieve controlled preparation of MLBs. In vitro imaging results reveal that the higher the concentration of MLBs loaded with iron oxide nanoparticles, the better the in vitro ultrasound (US) imaging and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results. This study proves that the magneto internal heat bubble generation process is a simple and efficient technique for preparing MLBs with high concentration, regular structure, and commendable properties. These findings lay a robust foundation for the mass production and application of enveloped micro-nanobubbles, particularly in biomedical fields and other related domains.

Manipulating Molecular Self-Assembly Process at the Solid-Liquid Interface Probed by Scanning Tunneling Microscopy.

The phenomenon of ordered self-assembly on solid substrates is a topic of interest in both fundamental surface science research and its applications in nanotechnology. The regulation and control of two-dimensional (2D) self-assembled supra-molecular structures on surfaces have been realized through applying external stimuli. By utilizing scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), researchers can investigate the detailed phase transition process of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), providing insight into the interplay between intermolecular weak interactions and substrate-molecule interactions, which govern the formation of molecular self-assembly. This review will discuss the structural transition of self-assembly probed by STM in response to external stimuli and provide state-of-the-art methods such as tip-induced confinement for the alignment of SAM domains and selective chirality. Finally, we discuss the challenges and opportunities in the field of self-assembly and STM.

Study of self- assembly structures of carbon quantum dots

Self-assembly (SA) structures are formed by self-organizing processes in which discrete elements interact spontaneously with one another to produce larger and more complex structures. Compared to disorganized systems, self-assembled nanoparticles with specific functionalities can exhibit enhanced or even novel properties. Among the various nanoparticles capable of forming SAs, we can highlight carbon quantum dots (Cdots). Cdots are photoluminescent core/shell semiconductor nanoparticles with excellent optical properties, such as photo-stability, size-dependent emission energy, and intensity sensitivity to particle aggregation. Thus, the organization of individual Cdots in ordered structures on solid substrates has the potential for possible nanodevices in the area of sensors, catalysis, optoelectronics, and data storage. This study aimed to produce Cdots-based SAs and subsequently study their morphological and optical properties. Cdots were obtained by electrochemical exfoliation of the graphite electrode, and SA structures were obtained by the induced evaporation method under controlled temperature. The effects of the temperature and volume of the deposited Cdots solution in the substrate on the formation of SA were investigated. Optical and fluorescence microscopy images showed the formation of photoluminescent SA structures up to 1 mm in size with different aggregation patterns, such as aggregation by limited diffusion, river-type fractal, fern-leaf-type fractal, films, and bifurcated patterns. The variation of the parameters caused significant changes in some characteristics of the SAs structures, such as an increase in the intensity of the photoluminescence (PL) or its annihilation and change in the self-organization pattern. The results obtained in this work provide a preliminary overview of the different patterns of SA structures that can be obtained using photoluminescent Cdots as building blocks.

Alkyl Chain Appended Fe(III) Catecholate Complex as a Dual-Modal T1 MRI-NIR Fluorescence Imaging Agent via Second Sphere Water Interactions.

The C12-alkyl chain-conjugated Fe(III) catecholate complex [Fe(C12CAT)3]3-, Fe(C12CAT)3 [C12CAT = N-(3,4-dihydroxyphenethyl)dodecanamide], was synthesized and characterized, reported as a dual-modal T1-MRI and an optical imaging probe. The DFT-optimized structure of Fe(C12CAT)3 reveals a distorted octahedral coordination geometry around the high spin Fe(III) center. The formation constant (-log K) of Fe(C12CAT)3 was calculated as 45.4. The complex exhibited r1-relaxivity values of 2.31 ± 0.12 and 1.52 ± 0.06 mM-1 s-1 at 25 and 37 °C, respectively, on 1.41 T at pH 7.3 via second-sphere water interactions. The interaction of Fe(C12CAT)3 with human serum albumin showed concomitant enhancement of r1-relaxivity to 6.44 ± 0.15 mM-1 s-1. The MR phantom images are significantly brighter and directly correlate to the concentration of Fe(C12CAT)3. Adding an external fluorescent marker IR780 dye to Fe(C12CAT)3 leads to the formation of self-assembly by C12-alkyl chains. It resulted in the fluorescence quenching of the dye, and its critical aggregation concentration was calculated as 70 μM. The aggregated matrix of Fe(C12CAT)3 and IR780 dye is spherical, with an average hydrodynamic diameter of 189.5 nm. This self-assembled supramolecular system is found to be non-fluorescent and was "turn-on" under acidic pH via dissociation of aggregates. The r1-relaxivity is found to be unchanged during the matrix aggregation and disaggregation. The probe showed MRI ON and fluorescent OFF under physiological conditions and MRI ON and fluorescent ON under acidic pH. The cell viability experiments showed that the cells are 80% viable at 1 mM probe concentration. Fluorescence experiments and MR phantom images showed that Fe(C12CAT)3 is a potential dual model imaging probe to visualize the acidic pH environment of the cells.

Continuous Making, Stretch Breaking, and Exciton Dynamics of a Red-Emissive Organic Submicrometer-Sized Triangular Pyramid

Highly photoluminescent, single-component self-assembly being scalable and sustainable has a profound commercial significance. In this article, the challenges that we address in development of self-assembly of π-conjugated molecules are ─(i) feeble photoluminescence caused by poor molecular orientational ordering and (ii) costly fluorescent monomer owing to lack of an atom/step/energy economical synthetic method. We have discovered that a bright yellow fluorescent xanthene analog capable of instantly forming self-assembly can be synthesized by a home-built coil-in-spiral reactor using an inexpensive precursor, pyrogallol. Stimuli such as temperature (35 °C), acid fumes, and apolar solvent can trigger the formation of red-emissive self-assembly. In solution orientation of about 13 molecules yielding hydrogen-bonded self-assembly has a direct resemblance with a Coulomb-coupled J-aggregate highlighted in the Kasha model. After photoexcitation, the excited state dynamics of the monomer progress via three pathways: (i) relaxation (2 ± 0.3 ps), (ii) solvation (19.5 ± 3 ps), and (iii) decay (2.5 ns). On the other hand, self-assembly exciton evolves via two pathways: (i) relaxation (81 ± 25 ps) and (ii) decay (∼1 ns). In the solid state, the self-assembly retains the submicron-sized trigonal pyramidal structures by layer-by-layer stacking of triangular plates. This self-assembly doped in polymer even exhibits mechanofluorescence. Our study will pave way the use of this photoluminescent self-assembly for improved performance of organic/sustainable electronics and stretchable electronics.

Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy for deciphering the morphological evolution of supramolecular self-assembly.

The properties and functions of non-covalent interaction-driven fluorescent supramolecular self-assembly depend greatly on their evolution dynamics. Electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and confocal laser scanning microscopy have been used to elucidate the formation of molecular self-assembly. However, some pertinent issues, such as the drying or freezing of the sample for electron microscopy, the influence of the interactions between the tip and the sample in atomic force microscopy imaging, and the low spatial resolution of confocal laser scanning microscopy images, often impede the real-time analysis and exploration of the dynamics of molecular self-assembly processes. In this context, fluorescence correlation spectroscopy and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy have recently been explored to unravel the physical picture of the in situ growth dynamics and stimuli-induced morphological transformation of luminescent self-assembled structures. The current highlight article demonstrates the need for fluorescence correlation spectroscopy and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy to acquire precise information on the dynamics and morphological evolution of fluorescent self-assembled architectures using a few remarkable recent studies. In addition to the current status and challenges, the future directions for the further exploration of dynamic self-assembly processes towards developing next-generation functional materials have been delineated.

Electrochemical behavior and interfacial bonding mechanism of new synthesized carbocyclic inhibitor for exceptional corrosion resistance of steel alloy: DFTB, MD and experimental approaches

A new carbocyclic compound, namely 3-benzoyl-4-hydroxy-4-phenyl-2,6-(4-methylphenyl)cyclohexane-1,1-dicarbonitrile (MPC) was synthesized and characterized. Herein, MPC was used as green compounds and its anti-corrosion performance was evaluated on the basis of singular role of electron donor–acceptor of MPC molecule. For this purpose, a combination of experimental studies and electronic-/atomic-scale calculations were performed in a bid to understand the electrochemical behavior and interfacial mechanism of MPC molecule based on the correlation between electron charge transfer and adsorption mechanism. Theoretical perspectives are also used to validate the significant inhibition feature achieved by the experimental studies and propose a mechanism of adsorption by using density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamic (MD) simulations. According to DFT and MD perspectives, it is found that MPC presents strong interaction with metal surface due to its considerable ability to provide lone pair electrons for electrophilic attacks. This is demonstrated by the high adsorption energy (-5.83 eV) and the parallel configuration of MPC which reveal the formation of molecular self-assembly triggered by an organic-surface interaction. The reliable corrosion stability was provided for 72 h of immersion at an optimum concentration with a fairly high inhibition efficiency (85.81 %) due to the formation of organic inhibitive layer. The addition of MPC inhibitor worked as a sealing agent to reduce the corrosion rate, thus forming a dense and protective barrier on the metal surface. The corrosion resistance of mild steel sample was enhanced significantly due to a high adsorption ability arising from the electron-rich nature of molecule. The formation of organic layer on the metal surface was discussed in relation to the intermolecular interactions and microstructural observations by considering the charge transfer behavior responsible for exceptional corrosion protection of steel alloys. The computational simulations were consistent with the experimental results and confirm the importance of developing eco-friendly hybrid materials.

Microstructures and mechanical properties of α-Al2O3W and MWCNTs hybrid reinforced laminated Cu matrix composites

ABSTRACT The balance between strength and toughness is of great importance. In this paper, the microstructure and properties of laminated composites in X-Y direction were characterized and analyzed. The effect of the content of α-Al2O3w and MWCNTs on the laminated structure and properties was analyzed, and strengthening mechanisms and toughening mechanisms of the material were discussed. The laminated structure of traditional Cu matrix composites was designed by a combination of flake powder metallurgy and SPS sintering. Compared with spherical Cu, flake Cu can increase the interface contact between matrix and reinforcement phase, which is conducive to the formation of self-assembly of laminated structure in SPS sintering process. The strength and compressive elongation of 1.0 wt.% MWCNTs-1.0 wt.% α-Al2O3w/Cu hybrid laminated composites were the best, reaching 453.43 MPa, 50%, respectively. This is mainly due to the composites containing MWCNTs less than 1.0 wt.% had uniform microstructure and good interfacial bonding, and the loads were effectively transferred from Cu matrix to MWCNTs and α-Al2O3w. At the same time, the large grain size in the plane is favorable for dislocation movement, while the interlayer interface and nanocrystals hinder the combination of dislocation movement perpendicular to the plane to achieve a balance of strength and toughness.

An integrated strategy for the extraction and solidification of Th(IV) ions from aqueous HNO3 solution based on self-assembly triggered by [DODMA]+[DGA]- ionic liquids

Based on the dioctadecyldimethylammonium chloride surfactant, three novel ionic liquids (ILs) involving dioctadecyldimethylammonium ([DODMA]+ cations and N,N-dialkyl-diglycolamide acid (DGA) anions was firstly designed and synthesized for extraction of thorium ions in nitric acid solution. The integrated extraction and solidification of Th(IV) was developed by formation of self-assembly (SA) solid in two-phase interface. The SA solid was identified by spectroscopic methods including SEM with mapping EDS, XPS, FT-IR and ESI-HRMS. The excellent extraction efficiency was observed for extraction of thorium using [DODMA]+[DGA]- ionic liquids, more than 99% of Th(IV) were extracted and enriched as SA solid in one-step process. The outstanding selectivity of Th(IV) to Ln(III) and U(VI) was observed, and separation factors were up to 3470 for Th/Eu and more than of 1980 for Th/U, respectively. The proposed strategy not only provides an alternate method for the separation of thorium ions with uranyl ions and lanthanides(III) ions in the nuclear fuel cycle, but also pioneers to develop the self-assembly extraction based on [DODMA]+ ionic liquids. In view of the similarity of Pu(IV) and Th(IV), the simple integrated strategy may be further expanded for extraction and enrichment of Pu(IV) in nuclear industry.

Hierarchical supramolecular co-assembly formation employing multi-component light-harvesting charge transfer interactions giving rise to long-wavelength emitting luminescent microspheres.

Charge transfer (CT) interaction induced formation of a hierarchical supramolecular assembly has attracted attention due to its wide diversity of structural and functional characteristics. In the present work, we report the generation of green luminescent microspheres from the charge transfer interaction induced co-assembly of a bis-naphthyl dipicolinic amide (DPA) derivative with tetracyanobenzene (TCNB) for the first time. The properties of these self-assemblies were studied both in solution and the solid-state using spectroscopic and a variety of microscopy techniques. The X-ray crystal structure analysis showed a mixed stack arrangement of DPA and TCNB. The molecular orbital and energy level calculations confirm the charge transfer complex formation between DPA and TCNB. Furthermore, energy transfer was observed from the green luminescent CT complex to a red-emitting dye, pyronin Y, in the microsphere matrix, leading to the formation of a light-harvesting tri-component self-assembly.

Photoinduced Electron Transfer in Encapsulated Heterocycles by Cavitands.

Host-guest complexation of small heterocyclic (guest) and macrocyclic cavitands (hosts) organic molecules is still to date a very popular, inexpensive approach that bypasses the burdens of conventional covalent synthesis. Understanding the selection criteria of these chemicals is crucial to the design and potential applications of their supramolecular assemblies. This review surveys examples within the last 15 years (2005-2020) of supramolecular complexes in which the interacting photoinduced electron transfer (PET)-based chromophore and quencher fragments are commonly used in the market with reported CAS numbers. It appears from this survey that the supramolecular effects can be directed to specifically disrupt PET when the nonemissive macrocycles separately encapsulate the fluorescent acceptor or donor molecules, among other specific factors, such as when inducing conformational changes or pKa shift of the donor. On the contrary, synergetic encapsulation of both donor and acceptor molecules, formation of ternary self-assembly at the rim or encapsulation of one component while grafting the other onto the macrocycle, among other specific factors such as the modulation of the excited-state structure of donor, will lead to the enhancement of PET process. In the event the donor or acceptor molecules have multitopic structures, the PET process can repeatedly be switched on and off. It is generally concluded that understanding the criteria for the combination of these available products for the purpose of manipulating their PET efficiency should pave the way for the facile alternative generation of new noncovalently bonded host-guest supramolecular assemblies with a more specific design tailored for more advanced, diverse and economic applications such as chemical sensing, molecular gates, drug delivery and biolabeling.

Supramolecular Drug Delivery System from Macrocycle-Based Self-Assembled Amphiphiles for Effective Tumor Therapy.

Intelligent drug delivery systems (DDSs) that can improve therapeutic outcomes of antitumor agents and decrease their side effects are urgently needed to satisfy special requirements of treatment of malignant tumors in clinics. Here, the fabrication of supramolecular self-assembled amphiphiles based on the host-guest recognition between a cationic water-soluble pillar[6]arene (WP6A) host and a sodium decanesulfonate guest (G) is reported. The chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) can be encapsulated into the formed vesicle (G/WP6A) to construct supramolecular DDS (DOX@G/WP6A). WP6A affords strong affinities to G to avoid undesirable off-target leakage during delivery. Nanoscaled DOX@G/WP6A is capable of preferentially accumulating in tumor tissue via enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. After internalization by tumor cells, the abundant adenosine triphosphate (ATP) binds competitively with WP6A to trigger the disintegration of self-assembled vesicles with the ensuing release of DOX. In vitro and in vivo research confirmed that DOX@G/WP6A is not only able to promote antitumor efficacy but also reduce DOX-related systemic toxicity. The above favorable findings are ascribed to the formation of ternary self-assembly, which profits from the combination of the factors of the EPR effect and the ATP-triggered release.

Exciton Coupling in Redox-Active Salen based Self-Assembled Metallacycles.

The incorporation of a redox-active nickel salen complex into supramolecular structures was explored via coordination-driven self-assembly with homobimetallic ruthenium complexes (bridged by oxalato or 5,8-dihydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinato ligands). The self-assembly resulted in the formation of a discrete rectangle using the oxalato complex and either a rectangle or a catenane employing the larger naphthoquinonato complex. The formation of the interlocked self-assembly was determined to be solvent and concentration dependent. The electronic structure and stability of the oxidized metallacycles was probed using electrochemical experiments, UV-Vis-NIR absorption, EPR spectroscopy and DFT calculations, confirming ligand radical formation. Exciton coupling of the intense near-infrared (NIR) ligand radical intervalence charge transfer (IVCT) bands provided further confirmation of the geometric and electronic structures in solution.

Spatiotemporal Control over Chemical Assembly in Living Cells by Integration of Acid-Catalyzed Hydrolysis and Enzymatic Reactions.

Spatiotemporal control of chemical assembly in living cells remains challenging. We have now developed an efficient and general platform to precisely control the formation of assemblies in living cells. We introduced an O-[bis(dimethylamino)phosphono]tyrosine protection strategy in the self-assembly motif as the Trojan horse, whereby the programmed precursors resist hydrolysis by phosphatases on and inside cells because the unmasking of the enzymatic cleavage site occurs selectively in the acidic environment of lysosomes. After demonstrating the multistage self-assembly processes in vitro by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC-MS), cryogenic electron microscopy (Cryo-EM), and circular dichroism (CD), we investigated the formation of site-specific self-assembly in living cells using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), LC-MS, and biological electron microscopy (Bio-EM). Controlling chemical assembly in living systems spatiotemporally may have applications in supramolecular chemistry, materials science, synthetic biology, and chemical biology.

A pentafluorophenyl functionalized RuII-probe having halogen bond center toward recognition and sensing of perrhenate and dihydrogen phosphate

A newly designed Ru(II) probe, C1 containing iodotriazole (halogen bond unit) and pendent pentafluorophenyl (π-acidic) moiety shows superior dihydrogen phosphate sensing property over perrhenate and other inorganic anions. A supramolecular polymeric chain formation by the probe through halogen bond and anion-π interactions with dihydrogen phosphate is established by solid-state structural studies. On the contrary, C1 forms a dimeric aggregation via halogen bonding interaction with perrhenate. Macroscopic investigations, such as DLS, TEM, and SEM also show the formation of supramolecular polymeric aggregated structures with phosphates, however, such aggregation is not observed in the case of perrhenate. Polymeric aggregation of C1 with phosphate is additionally supported by DOSY NMR spectroscopy. Thus, the combined cooperative action of anti-electrostatic anion–anion (phosphate-phosphate), anion-π (phosphate-π of C6F5) and halogen-bonding (phosphate and C-I of probe C1) interactions are responsible for dihydrogen phosphate induced supramolecular polymeric aggregation. Finally, the formation of larger supramolecular self-assembly in presence of dihydrogen phosphate leads to selective sensing and higher binding towards the ion over perrhenate and other inorganic anions.

Microenvironment pH-Induced Selective Cell Death for Potential Cancer Therapy Using Nanofibrous Self-Assembly of a Peptide Amphiphile.

Self-assembly of synthetic molecules has been drawing broad attention as a novel emerging approach in drug discovery. Here, we report selective cell death induced by a novel peptide amphiphile that self-assembles to form entangled nanofibers (hydrogel) based on intracellular pH (pHi). We found that a palmitoylated hexapeptide (C16-VVAEEE) formed a hydrogel below pH 7. The formation of the nanofibrous self-assembly was responsive to a small pH change around pH 7. The cytotoxicity of C16-VVAEEE was correlated with pHi of cells. Microscope observation demonstrated the self-assembly of C16-VVAEEE inside HEK293 cells. In vivo experiments revealed that the transcutaneous administration of C16-VVAEEE showed remarkable anti-tumor activity. This study proposes that distinct microenvironment inside living cells can be used as a trigger for the intracellular self-assembly of a peptide amphiphile, which provide a new clue to drug discovery.

Surface modification to control the secondary pollution of photocatalytic nitric oxide removal over monolithic protonated g-C3N4/graphene oxide aerogel

Recently, photocatalytic NOx treatment has attracted great attention on account of the use of environmental-friendly and tremendous energy source. However, the difficult recovery of most reported powdery photocatalysts and the high generation rate of toxic NO2 byproduct limit its application. Here, we designed a novel monolithic protonated g-C3N4/graphene oxide aerogel through a direct frozen-drying method. A remarkable surface electric charge change of negative g-C3N4 to positive protonated g-C3N4 can be observed after the protonating treatment, which connects with negative graphene oxide nanosheets through the formation of strong electrostatic self-assembly to accelerate the photogenerated charge carriers transfer. Graphene oxide aerogel acts as a monolithic substrate, which provides abundant porous structure, enhanced visible-light absorption, and electrons transport pathway to improve photocatalytic activity. Importantly, the introduction of H atoms on the N atoms of p-C3N4 promotes the activation of oxygen atoms, thus improving the oxidization of NO2 to nitrate. As a result, protonated g-C3N4/graphene oxide aerogel reveals an excellent NO removal ratio (46.1%) and low NO2 generation (2.4%), demonstrating its excellent promising for air pollution purification. Our current work affords novel innovative insight for the construction of monolithic photocatalysts to control the secondary pollution for environmental remediation.

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Glyoxal modification mediates conformational alterations in silk fibroin: Induction of fibrillation with amyloidal features

Silkwormsilk protein fibroin is widely exploited to develop novel silk-based biomaterials due to its stable β-sheet structure, providing high crystallinity and tensile strength. The polymorphic behaviour of silk fibroin provides a window to modulate its structural transitions during self-assembly for different functional outcomes. Most studies are therefore mainly focused on formation of well-developed β-sheet structure and self-assembly of silk fibroin which are regulated by many parameters. Glyoxal, a highly reactive α-oxoaldehyde, reacts with different proteins to form advanced glycation end products (AGEs) following Maillard-like reaction. Considering the significance of protein modification by glyoxal-derived AGEs, in the present study the effect of glyoxal (250, 500 and 1000 μM) on the structure of silk fibroin has been investigated. CD and fluorescence studies reveal that higher concentrations of the α-oxoaldehyde induce considerable alterations of secondary and tertiary structure of the protein leading to aggregation following incubation with for 3 weeks. The aggregates exhibit fibrillar morphology with amyloidal nature as evident from SEM, FTIR and XRD experiments. The findings highlight that glycationinduced modification can be a possible approach for modulating the conformation of the silk protein which may be relevant in connection to clinical, biomedical or synthetic biology based applications.

Silver Nanoparticle Surface Enabled Self-Assembly of Organic Dye Molecules.

Fluorescence titration of methylene blue, rhodamine B and rhodamine 6G (R6G) by silver nanoparticle (AgNP) all resulted in an initial steep quenching curve followed with a sharp turn and a much flatter quenching curve. At the turn, there are about 200,000 dye molecules per a single AgNP, signifying self-assembly of approximately 36-layers of dye molecules on the surface of the AgNP to form a micelle-like structure. These fluorescence-quenching curves fit to a mathematical model with an exponential term due to molecular self-assembly on AgNP surface, or we termed it “self-assembly shielding effect”, and a Stern-Volmer term (nanoparticle surface enhanced quenching). Such a “super-quenching” by AgNP can only be attributed to “pre-concentration” of the dye molecules on the nanoparticle surface that yields the formation of micelle-like self-assembly, resulting in great fluorescence quenching. Overall, the fluorescence quenching titration reveals three different types of interactions of dye molecules on AgNP surface: 1) self-assembly (methylene blue, rhodamine B and R6G), 2) absorption/tight interaction (tryptamine and fluorescein), and 3) loose interaction (eosin Y). We attribute the formation of micelle-like self-assembly of these three dye molecules on AgNP to their positive charge, possession of nitrogen atoms, and with relatively large and flat aromatic moieties.

Dendritic Polyglycerol-Derived Nano-Architectures as Delivery Platforms of Gemcitabine for Pancreatic Cancer.

Dendritic polyglycerol-co-polycaprolactone (PG-co-PCL)-derived block copolymers are synthesized and explored as nanoscale drug delivery platforms for a chemotherapeutic agent, gemcitabine (GEM), which is the cornerstone of therapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Current treatment strategies with GEM result in suboptimal therapeutic outcome owing to microenvironmental resistance and rapid metabolic degradation of GEM. To address these challenges, physicochemical and cell-biological properties of both covalently conjugated and non-covalently stabilized variants of GEM-containing PG-co-PCL architectures have been evaluated. Self-assembly behavior, drug loading and release capacity, cytotoxicity, and cellular uptake properties of these constructs in monolayer and in spheroid cultures of PDAC cells are investigated. To realize the covalently conjugated carrier systems, GEM, in conjunction with a tertiary amine, is attached to the polycarbonate block grafted from the PG-co-PCL core. It is observed that pH-dependent ionization properties of these amine side-chains direct the formation of self-assembly of block copolymers in the form of nanoparticles. For non-covalent encapsulation, a facile "solvent-shifting" technique is adopted. Fabrication techniques are found to control colloidal and cellular properties of GEM-loaded nanoconstructs. The feasibility and potential of these newly developed architectures for designing carrier systems for GEM to achieve augmented prognosis for pancreatic cancer are reported.