The universal sensor array is composed of 12 fluorescently silent non-specific artificial nanoreceptors (2D-nps) for the identification and classification of five proteins, three types of breast cancer cells and a structure-switching event of a macromolecule.

Background:The efficacy of epigenetic drugs, such as histone deacetylase inhibitors, is often diminished by poor aqueous solubility resulting in limited bioavailability and a low therapeutic index. To overcome the suboptimal therapeutic index, we have developed a biocompatible starch nanoparticle formulation of CG-1521, a histone deacetylase inhibitor in preclinical development for hard-to-treat breast cancers, which improves its bioavailability and half-life. Methods: The physicochemical parameters (size, zeta potential, morphology, loading, and release kinetics) of these nanoparticles (CG-NPs) have been optimized and their cytotoxic and apoptotic capacities measured in MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. The mechanism of action of the encapsulated drug was compared with the free drug at molecular level. Results: We show that encapsulation of CG-1521 substantially reduces the release rate of drug and provides a significantly enhanced cytotoxic ability of nanoparticles compared with equivalent dose of free CG-1521. CG-NPs induced cell cycle arrest and significant apoptosis in MCF-7 cells in vitro. The biological action of encapsulated drug has the similar impact with free drug on gene expression. Conclusion: The findings suggest that encapsulation of CG-1521 into starch nanoparticles can improve drug delivery of histone deacetylase inhibitors for breast cancer therapy without interfering with the mechanism of action of the drug.

Hybridization chain reaction is programmed for DNA-based molecular logic gate operations using specific initiators and metal ion combinations.

Folic acid (FA)-functionalized poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) nanoparticles were prepared to enhance the delivery efficiency of the anticancer drug etoposide for the clinical treatment of osteosarcoma. PHBV nanoparticles were synthesized by emulsification/solvent evaporation technique and obtained in the size range of 200-250 nm and zeta potential range of -21 and -27 mV. Encapsulation efficiency and in vitro drug release were studied. The cytotoxic, apoptotic, and necrotic effects of PHBV nanoparticles were also investigated using Saos-2 osteosarcoma cells. The results obtained in this study demonstrate that etoposideloaded and FA-functionalized PHBV nanoparticles can be successfully used for targeted treatment of osteosarcoma.