Light-scattering Spectroscopy Research Articles

Intraoperative characterization of cardiac tissue: the potential of light scattering spectroscopy.

Damage to the cardiac conduction system remains one of the most significant risks associated with surgical interventions to correct congenital heart disease. This work demonstrates how light-scattering spectroscopy (LSS) can be used to non-destructively characterize cardiac tissue regions. To present an approach for associating tissue composition information with location-specific LSS data and further evaluate an LSS and machine learning system as a method for non-destructive tissue characterization. A custom LSS probe was used to gather spectral data from locations across 14 excised human pediatric nodal tissue samples (8 sinus nodes, 6 atrioventricular nodes). The LSS spectra were used to train linear and neural-network-based regressor models to predict tissue composition characteristics derived from the 3D models. Nodal tissue region nuclear densities were reported. A linear model trained to regress nuclear density from spectra achieved a prediction r-squared of 0.64 and a concordance correlation coefficient of 0.78. These methods build on previous studies suggesting that LSS measurements combined with machine learning signal processing can provide clinically relevant cardiac tissue composition.

Diffusing Wave Microrheology in Polymeric Fluids.

Recently, there has been interest in determining the viscoelastic properties of polymeric liquids and other complex fluids by means of Diffusing Wave Spectroscopy (DWS). In this technique, light-scattering spectroscopy is applied to highly turbid fluids containing optical probe particles. The DWS spectrum is used to infer the time-dependent mean-square displacement and time-dependent diffusion coefficient D of the probes. From D, values for the storage modulus G'(ω) and the loss modulus G''(ω) are obtained. This paper is primarily concerned with the inference of the mean-square displacement from a DWS spectrum. However, in much of the literature, central to the inference that is said to yield D is an invocation g(1)(t)=exp(-2q2X(t)2¯) of the Gaussian Approximation for the field correlation function g(1)(t) of the scattered light in terms of the mean-square displacement X(t)2¯ of a probe particle during time t. Experiment and simulation both show that the Gaussian approximation is invalid for probes in polymeric liquids and other complex fluids. In this paper, we obtain corrections to the Gaussian approximation that will assist in interpreting DWS spectra of probes in polymeric liquids. The corrections reveal that these DWS spectra receive contributions from higher moments X(t)2n¯, n>1, of the probe displacement distribution function.

Pegylated-liposomes increase the efficacy of Idelalisib in lymphoma B-cells

New drugs and technologies are continuously developed to improve the efficacy and minimize the critical side effects of cancer treatments. The present investigation focuses on the development of a liposomal formulation for Idelalisib, a small-molecule kinase inhibitor approved for the treatment of lymphoid malignancies. Idelalisib is a potent and selective antitumor agent, but it is not indicated nor recommended for first-line treatment due to fatal and serious toxicities. Herein, liposomes are proposed as a delivery tool to improve the therapeutic profile of Idelalisib. Specifically, PEGylated liposomes were prepared, and their physicochemical and technological features were investigated. Light-scattering spectroscopy and cryo-transmission electron microscopy revealed nanosized unilamellar vesicles, which were proved to be stable in storage and in simulated biological fluids.The cytotoxicity of the liposome formulation was investigated in a human non-Hodgkin's lymphoma B cell line. Idelalisib was able to induce death of tumor cells if delivered by the nanocarrier system at increased efficacy. These findings suggest that combining Idelalisib and nanotechnologies may be a powerful strategy to increase the antitumor efficacy of the drug.

Enhanced Drug Carriage Efficiency of Curcumin-Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles in Combating Diabetic Nephropathy via Mitigation of Renal Apoptosis.

The Curcuma-derived diferuloylmethane compound CUR, loaded on Poly (lactide-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanoparticles was utilized to combat DN-induced renal apoptosis by selectively targeting and modulating Bcl2. Upon in silico molecular docking and screening study CUR was selected as the core phytocompound for nanoparticle formulation. PLGA-nano-encapsulated-curcumin (NCUR) were synthesized following standard solvent displacement method. The NCUR were characterized for shape, size and other physico-chemical properties by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy studies. For in vivo validation of nephro-protective effects, Mus musculus were pre-treated with CUR at a dose of 50 mg/kg b.w. and NCUR at a dose of 25 mg/kg b.w. (dose 1), 12.5 mg/kg b.w (dose 2) followed by alloxan administration (100 mg/kg b.w) and serum glucose levels, histopathology and immunofluorescence study were conducted. The in silico study revealed a strong affinity of CUR towards Bcl2 (dock score -10.94 Kcal/mol). The synthesized NCUR were of even shape, devoid of cracks and holes with mean size of ~80 nm having -7.53 mV zeta potential. Dose 1 efficiently improved serum glucose levels, tissue-specific expression of Bcl2 and reduced glomerular space and glomerular sclerosis in comparison to hyperglycaemic group. This study essentially validates the potential of NCUR to inhibit DN by reducing blood glucose level and mitigating glomerular apoptosis by selectively promoting Bcl2 protein expression in kidney tissue.

Monitoring Aggregation Processes in Multiphase Systems: A Review

Particle aggregation is essential in many industrial processes, spanning the pharmaceutical and food industries, polymer production, and the environment, among others. However, aggregation can also occur, in some processes, as a non-desired side effect. Thus, to be able to monitor aggregation in industrial processes is of high importance to guarantee that the final, required product characteristics are obtained. In this paper, we present an extensive review of the different techniques available for monitoring particle characteristics in industrial processes involving particulate materials, with special emphasis on aggregation processes. These methods include both off-line and on-line techniques, based either on image acquisition techniques or different radiation scattering techniques (light-scattering and ultrasound spectroscopy). The principles behind each technique are addressed, together with their relevant applications, advantages, and disadvantages.

Concentration Dependence of Elastic and Viscoelastic Properties of Aqueous Solutions of Ficoll and Bovine Serum Albumin by Brillouin Light Scattering Spectroscopy.

The cellular environment is crowded with macromolecules of different shapes and sizes. The effect of this macromolecular crowding has been studied in a variety of synthetic crowding environments: two popular examples are the compact colloid-like Ficoll macromolecule and the globular protein bovine serum albumin (BSA). Recent studies have indicated that a significant component of bound or surface-associated water in these crowders reduces the available free volume. In this work, Brillouin light scattering experiments were performed on aqueous solutions of Ficoll 70 and Ficoll 400 with concentrations ranging from 1 to 35 wt % and BSA with concentrations of 1 to 27 wt %. From the dependence of spectral peak parameters on polymer concentration, we determined fundamental solution properties: hypersound velocity, adiabatic bulk modulus and compressibility, apparent viscosity, and hypersound attenuation. The existing theory that ignores intermolecular interactions can capture only the observed linear trends in the frequency shift up to a threshold concentration, beyond which a quadratic term accounting for intermolecular interactions is necessary. This likely indicates a transition from the dilute to semidilute regime. In the Ficoll solutions (but not BSA), we see evidence for a central mode, which is indicative of relaxation in the hydration shell of Ficoll.

A Mutagen Acts as a Potent Reducing Agent of Glycated Hemoglobin: a Combined Ultrafast Electron Transfer and Computational Studies.

Glycated hemoglobin (GHb) found in mammals undergoes irreversible damage when exposed to external redox agents, which is much more vulnerable than its normal counterpart hemoglobin (Hb). Besides the oxygen regulation throughout the body, Hb plays a vital role in balancing immunological health and the redox cycle. Photoinduced ultra-fast electron transfer phenomena actively participate in regulation of various kind of homeostasis involved in such biomacromolecules. In the present study we have shown that a well-known mutagen Ethidium Bromide (EtBr) reduces GHb in femtosecond time scale (efficiently) upon photoexcitation after efficient recognition in the biomolecule. We have performed similar experiment by colocalizing EtBr and Iron (Fe(III)) on the micellar surface as Hb mimic in order to study the excited state EtBr dynamics to rationalize the time scale obtained from EtBr in GHb and Hb. While other experimental techniques including Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Zeta potential, absorbance and emission spectroscopy have been employed for the confirmation of structural perturbation of GHb compared to Hb, a detailed computational studies involving molecular docking and density functional theory (DFT) have been employed for the explanation of the experimental observations.

Studying Macromolecular Interactions of Cellular Machines by the Combined Use of Analytical Ultracentrifugation, Light Scattering, and Fluorescence Spectroscopy Methods.

Cellular machines formed by the interaction and assembly of macromolecules are essential in many processes of the living cell. These assemblies involve homo- and hetero-associations, including protein-protein, protein-DNA, protein-RNA, and protein-polysaccharide associations, most of which are reversible. This chapter describes the use of analytical ultracentrifugation, light scattering, and fluorescence-based methods, well-established biophysical techniques, to characterize interactions leading to the formation of macromolecular complexes and their modulation in response to specific or unspecific factors. We also illustrate, with several examples taken from studies on bacterial processes, the advantages of the combined use of subsets of these techniques as orthogonal analytical methods to analyze protein oligomerization and polymerization, interactions with ligands, hetero-associations involving membrane proteins, and protein-nucleic acid complexes.

Study of the surface damage threshold and mechanism of KDP crystal under ultrashort laser irradiation

Here, we investigate the mechanism of surface damage threshold anisotropy induced by ultrashort laser in potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP) crystal. Carrier-lattice nonequilibrium interaction is simulated based on Brillouin light-scattering (BLS) spectroscopy and a complete self-consistent model to obtain the time evolution of carrier density and temperature as well as lattice temperature. The results indicate that the trend of the lattice temperature is consistent with the experimental phenomena. Meanwhile, the electron-phonon coupling effect, in addition to the electron density traditionally considered, is an important factor affecting damage and is a major contributor to the anisotropy of the damage threshold.

Sugar osmolyte inhibits and attenuates the fibrillogenesis in RNase A: An in vitro and in silico characterizations

Mechanisms of protein aggregation are of immense interest in therapeutic biology and neurodegenerative medicine. Biochemical processes within the living cell occur in a highly crowded environment. The phenomenon of macromolecular crowding affects the diffusional and conformational dynamics of proteins and modulates their folding. Macromolecular crowding is reported to cause protein aggregation in some cases, so it is a cause of concern as it leads to a plethora of neurodegenerative disorders and systemic amyloidosis. To divulge the mechanism of aggregation, it is imperative to study aggregation in well-characterized model proteins in the presence of macromolecular crowder. One such protein is ribonuclease A (RNase A), which deciphers neurotoxic function in humans; therefore we decided to explore the amyloid fibrillogenesis of this thermodynamically stable protein. To elucidate the impact of crowder, dextran-70 and its monomer glucose on the aggregation profile of RNase-A various techniques such as Absorbance, Fluorescence, Fourier Transforms Infrared, Dynamic Light Scattering and circular Dichroism spectroscopies along with imaging techniques like Atomic Force Microscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy were employed. Thermal aggregation and fibrillation were further promoted by dextran-70 while glucose counteracted the effect of the crowding agent in a concentration-dependent manner. This study shows that glucose provides stability to the protein and prevents fibrillation. Intending to combat aggregation, which is the hallmark of numerous late-onset neurological disorders and systemic amyloidosis, this investigation unveils that naturally occurring osmolytes or other co-solutes can be further exploited in novel drug design strategies.

The role of plasma in the yield stress of blood.

Yielding and shear elasticity of blood are merely discussed within the context of hematocrit and erythrocyte aggregation. However, plasma might play a substantial role due its own viscoelasticity. If only erythrocyte aggregation and hematocrit would determine yielding, blood of different species with comparable values would present comparable yield stresses. rheometry (SAOS: amplitude and frequency sweep tests; flow curves) of hematocrit-matched samples at 37°C. Brillouin Light Scattering Spectroscopy at 38°C. Yield stress for pig: 20mPa, rat: 18mPa, and human blood: 9mPa. Cow and sheep blood were not in quasi-stationary state supporting the role of erythrocyte aggregation for the development of elasticity and yielding. However, pig and human erythrocytes feature similar aggregability, but yield stress of porcine blood was double. Murine and ruminant erythrocytes both rarely aggregate, but their blood behavior was fundamentally different. Pig plasma was shear-thinning and murine plasma was platelet-enriched, supporting the role of plasma for triggering collective effects and gel-like properties. Blood behavior near zero shear flow is not based solely on erythrocyte aggregation and hematocrit, but includes the hydrodynamic interaction with plasma. The shear stress required to break down elasticity is not the critical shear stress for dispersing erythrocyte aggregates, but the shear stress required to fracture the entire assembly of blood cells within their intimate embedding.

Resonance Light-Scattering Correlation Spectroscopy and Its Application in Analytical Chemistry for Life Science.

Resonance light-scattering correlation spectroscopy (RLSCS) is a new single-particle detection method with its working principle being like fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS). RLSCS is obtained by autocorrelation function analysis on the measured fluctuation of the resonance light scattering (RLS) intensity occurring within a subfemtoliter volume when a single nanoparticle (such as gold nanoparticles (NPs) or silver (SNPs)) freely diffuses through the volume. The RLSCS technique can detect such parameters as concentration, diffusion coefficient (translation and rotation), etc. Compared with the FCS technique, the correlated fluorescence intensity signal in RLSCS is replaced with the RLS signal of the nanoparticles, overcoming some limits of the fluorescent probes such as photobleaching under high-intensity or long-term illumination. In this Account, we showcase RLSCS methods, theoretical models at different optical configurations, and some key applications. First, the RLSCS optical detection system was constructed based on the confocal optics, its theoretical model was proposed, and the diffusion behaviors of the nanoparticles in the solution were studied including the rotational and translational diffusion. And, methods were developed to measure the concentration, size, aspect ratio, and size distribution of the NPs. Second, based on the RLSCS methods, some detection strategies were developed for homogeneous DNA detection, immunoassay, apoptosis assay, self-thermophoresis of the nanomotor, and quantitative assay in single living cells. Meanwhile, a new fluorescence/scattering cross-correlation spectroscopy (FSCCS) method was proposed for monitoring the molecule-particle interaction. This method enriched the conventional fluorescence/fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy (FCCS) method. Third, using the EMCCD with high sensitivity and rapid response as an optical detector, two temporospatially resolved scattering correlation spectroscopy methods and their theoretical models were developed: total internal reflection (TIR) configuration-based spatially resolved scattering correlation spectroscopy (SRSCS) and dark-field illumination-based scattering correlation spectroscopy (DFSCS). These methods extended single-spot confocal RLSCS to imaging RLSCS, which makes RLSCS have the ability for multiple channel detection with temporospatial resolution. The method was successfully used for investigating the dynamic behaviors of gold NPs in live cells and obtained its temporospatial concentration distribution and diffusion behaviors. The final section of this Account outlines future directions in the development of RLSCS.

Two Convenient Methods for Detection of Non-Dairy Fats in Butter by Dynamic Light Scattering and Luminescence Spectroscopy

We propose two convenient methods to quickly detect the presence of non-milk fat (palm oil) in butter, as well as to determine its amount in the product. For the first time, we have experimentally obtained the dependence of the size of drops of an alcoholic emulsion of oil or spread on the content of palm oil in it by the dynamic light scattering (DLS) method. We have also obtained the dependence of intensity ratio of the components of spread luminescence spectrum on palm oil content when excited at a wavelength λ = 266 nm. These results allowed us to propose two methods for determining the adulteration of butter with palm oil using DLS and measuring luminescence spectra. The two methods are physically independent but successfully supplement each other. DLS and luminescent methods for determining the proportion of palm oil give errors of no more than 10% and 6%, respectively.

Encapsulated Zataria multiflora's essential oil inhibited the growth of Aspergillus flavus and reduced aflatoxins levels in contaminated pistachio nut

The essential oil of Zataria multiflora Boiss. (ZEO) was prepared using a British Pharmacopeia-type hydrodistillation apparatus. The ZEO was encapsulated with a natural polymer, chitosan (CS) by oil-in-water emulsification, and ionic cross-linking techniques. The shape and size range of the encapsulated particles were evaluated by Atomic-Force Microscopy (AFM) and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and FT-IR spectroscopy. The AFM analysis of the ZEO encapsulated nano-particles (CS-ZEO) showed spherical shape particles with inner cavities. The mean size of CS-ZEO particles was 293 ± 17 nm according to DLS analysis. The chemical constituent of the oil was analyzed by GC-MS and thymol acetate (32.4%), carvacrol acetate (19.0%), γ-terpinene (18.5%), and ρ-cymene (14.5%) were reported as its major constituents. The non-encapsulated ZEO in the synthesis process was determined to calculate the encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity of the prepared CS-ZEO which were 87.4% and 6%; respectively. In vitro antifungal activity of ZEO and CS-ZEO in growth media against Aspergillus flavus was evaluated with the decrease in fungal mycelial mass. On the other hand, the HPLC results showed the reduction of aflatoxins B1 levels by 95% and 92% at concentrations of 0.8 mg/mL of ZEO and 6.7 mg/mL of CS-ZEO, respectively. The above-mentioned effective concentrations of the ZEO and CS-ZEO, were applied to pistachio samples, which reduced 90.5% and 99.0%, of the aflatoxin B1 levels, respectively compared to non-treated samples. Therefore, we suggest here, the CS-ZEO as a possible natural fungicide with an effective mechanism of lowering aflatoxins production in the contaminated pistachio.

Removal of Toluidine blue in water using green synthesized nanomaterials

Green synthesis is a simple, eco-friendly, and emerging approach to synthesizing nanoparticles and is currently attracting the scientific community worldwide. The objective of the present study was to synthesize green titanium dioxide NPs and evaluate their performance for the photocatalytic treatment of textile wastewater after the secondary treatment process. TiO2 NPs were synthesized using leaf extracts of asausage tree (Kigelia Africana) in asingle step. The green synthesized TiO2 NPs were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Diffuse Light Scattering spectroscopy (DLS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The findings validated the synthesis of the spherical-shaped TiO2 NPs and their anatase phase. The green-produced TiO2 NPs were used for the treatment of textile effluent. During the photocatalytic treatment of aself-designed dye solution, 99.59% removal of Toluidine blue(TB) dye was achieved within 60 minupon the treatment of green synthesized TiO2 NPs studied by a UV–Visible spectrophotometer. Therefore, the green TiO2NPs that were developed have been examined for the treatment of wastewater, and the catalyst has reusability make it more efficient and affordable, and it might be used to remove organic dyes from textile industries

High yield synthesis and study of Cu substitution on characteristics and dielectric properties of MgO nanostructures

High-permittivity materials are becoming more popular due to the electrical and electronic industrial development. Single composition materials are well known to fall short of high permittivity requirements. So, in this article, we report pure and Cu (5%, 7%, 9%, and 11%) doped MgO nanostructures synthesized by reverse micelle method and study of their dielectric properties. Energy Dispersive Analysis of X-rays (EDAX), Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD), diffused reflectance UV–Vis spectroscopy (DR-UV-Vis), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), photoluminescence (PL), Raman spectroscopy and Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopy (BDS) are among the characterization methods used. Each synthesized sample crystallizes in cubic crystal system. As Cu doping increases from 5% to 11%, the average crystallite size dwindles from 22 to 10 nm. The bandgap is reduced from 5.71 eV to 2.58 eV as per the optical results from DR-UV-VIS spectroscopy. The intensity and surface defects are correlated by PL spectra. Raman peak shifts to the higher angle side, which is related to XRD and associated with a reduction in average crystallite size. For pure and all doping concentrations, the dielectric constant and the dissipation factor decreases with the increment in frequency which is a peculiar behaviour of dielectric materials.

Aggregation and Gelation Behavior of Stereocomplexed Four-Arm PLA-PEG Copolymers Containing Neutral or Cationic Linkers

Poly(lactide) (PLA) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based hydrogels were prepared by mixing phosphate buffer saline (PBS, pH 7.4) solutions of four-arm (PEG-PLA)2-R-(PLA-PEG)2 enantiomerically pure copolymers having the opposite chirality of the poly(lactide) blocks. Dynamic Light Scattering, rheology measurements, and fluorescence spectroscopy suggested that, depending on the nature of the linker R, the gelation process followed rather different mechanisms. In all cases, mixing of equimolar amounts of the enantiomeric copolymers led to micellar aggregates with a stereocomplexed PLA core and a hydrophilic PEG corona. Yet, when R was an aliphatic heptamethylene unit, temperature-dependent reversible gelation was mainly induced by entanglements of PEG chains at concentrations higher than 5 wt.%. When R was a linker containing cationic amine groups, thermo-irreversible hydrogels were promptly generated at concentrations higher than 20 wt.%. In the latter case, stereocomplexation of the PLA blocks randomly distributed in micellar aggregates is proposed as the major determinant of the gelation process.

In vivo detection of bile duct pre-cancer with endoscopic light scattering spectroscopy

Bile duct cancer is the second most common primary liver cancer, with most diagnoses occurring in the advanced stages. This leads to a poor survival rate, which means a technique capable of reliably detecting pre-cancer in the bile duct is urgently required. Unfortunately, radiological imaging lacks adequate accuracy for distinguishing dysplastic and benign biliary ducts, while endoscopic techniques, which can directly assess the bile duct lining, often suffer from insufficient sampling. Here, we report an endoscopic optical light scattering technique for clinical evaluation of the malignant potential of the bile duct. This technique employs an ultraminiature spatial gating fiber optic probe compatible with cholangioscopes and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) catheters. The probe allowed us to investigate the internal cellular composition of the bile duct epithelium with light scattering spectroscopy (LSS) and phenotypic properties of the underlying connective tissue with diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). In a pilot in vivo double-blind prospective study involving 29 patients undergoing routine ERCP procedures, the technique detected malignant transformation with 97% accuracy, showing that biliary duct pre-cancer can be reliably identified in vivo non-invasively.

Characterization of Hyaluronic Acid-Coated PLGA Nanoparticles by Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

Nanoparticles (NPs) coated with hyaluronic acid (HA) seem to be increasingly promising for targeted therapy due to HA chemical versatility, which allows them to bind drugs of different natures, and their affinity with the transmembrane receptor CD-44, overexpressed in tumor cells. However, an essential aspect for clinical use of NPs is formulation stability over time. For these reasons, analytical techniques capable of characterizing their physico-chemical properties are needed. In this work, poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) NPs with an average diameter of 100-150 nm, coated with a few 10 s of nm of HA, were synthesized. For stability characterization, two complementary investigative techniques were used: Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) spectroscopy. The first technique provided information on size, polidispersity index, and zeta-potential, and the second provided a deeper insight on the NP surface chemicals, allowing distinguishing of HA-coated NPs from uncoated ones. Furthermore, in order to estimate formulation stability over time, NPs were measured and monitored for two weeks. SERS results showed a progressive decrease in the signal associated with HA, which, however, is not detectable by the DLS measurements.

Thermo-Visco-Elastometry of RF-Wave-Heated and Ablated Flesh Tissues Containing Au Nanoparticles.

We report non-contact laser-based Brillouin light-scattering (BLS) spectroscopy measurements of the viscoelastic properties of hyperthermally radiofrequency (RF)-heated and ablated bovine liver and chicken flesh tissues with embedded gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The spatial lateral profile of the local surface temperature in the flesh samples during their hyperthermia was measured through optical backscattering reflectometry (OBR) using Mg-silica-NP-doped sensing fibers distributed with an RF applicator and correlated with viscoelastic variations in heat-affected and ablated tissues. Substantial changes in the tissue stiffness after heating and ablation were directly related to their heat-induced structural modifications. The main proteins responsible for muscle elasticity were denatured and irreversibly aggregated during the RF ablation. At T > 100 °C, the proteins constituting the flesh further shrank and became disorganized, leading to substantial plastic deformation of biotissues. Their uniform destruction with larger thermal lesions and a more viscoelastic network was attained via AuNP-mediated RF hyperthermal ablation. The results demonstrated here pave the way for simultaneous real-time hybrid optical sensing of viscoelasticity and local temperature in biotissues during their denaturation and gelation during hyperthermia for future applications that involve mechanical- and thermal-property-controlled theranostics.