We describe a novel method based on optical coherence tomography (OCT) for the accurate measurement of the refractive index of in vitro human teeth. We obtain the refractive indices of enamel, dentin, and cementum to be 1.631+/-0.007, 1.540+/-0.013, and 1.582+/-0.010, respectively. The profile of the refractive index is readily obtained via an OCT B scan across a tooth. This method can be used to study the refractive index changes caused by dental decay and therefore has great potential for the clinical diagnosis of early dental caries.

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As the implications of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are elucidated in many diseases, ROS-responsive nanoparticles are attracting great interest from researchers. In this work, a ROS sensitive thioketal (TK) moiety with a π-conjugated structure was introduced into biodegradable methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-thioketal-poly(ε-caprolactone)mPEG-TK-PCL micelles as a linker, which was designed to speed up the drug release and thus enhance the therapeutic efficacy. The micelle showed a high drug loading content of 12.8% and excellent stability under physiological conditions because of the evocation of π-π stacking and hydrophobic interactions with the anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX). The polymeric micelle presented a better drug carrier capacity and higher in vitro anticancer efficacy towards cancer cells. The in vivo study showed that DOX-loaded mPEG-TK-PCL micelles displayed lower toxicity towards normal cells and remarkably enhanced antitumor efficacy. This research provides a way to design potential drug carriers for efficient cancer chemotherapy.

Background In the last decade, graphene oxide-based nanomaterials, such as graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO), have attracted more and more attention in the field of biomedicine. Due to the versatile surface functionalization, ultra-high surface area, and excellent biocompatibility of graphene oxide-based nanomaterials, which hold better promise for potential applications than among other nanomaterials in biomedical fields including drug/gene delivery, biomolecules detection, tissue engineering, especially in cancer treatment. Results Here, we review the recent progress of graphene oxide-based multifunctional nanomaterials for cancer treatment. A comprehensive and in-depth depiction of unique property of graphene oxide-based multifunctional nanomaterials is first interpreted, with particular descriptions about the suitability for applying in cancer therapy. Afterward, recently emerging representative applications of graphene oxide-based multifunctional nanomaterials in antitumor therapy, including as an ideal carrier for drugs/genes, phototherapy, and bioimaging, are systematically summarized. Then, the biosafety of the graphene oxide-based multifunctional nanomaterials is reviewed. Conclusions Finally, the conclusions and perspectives on further advancing the graphene oxide-based multifunctional nanomaterials toward potential and versatile development for fundamental researches and nanomedicine are proposed. Graphic abstract

A near infrared (NIR) light responsive chromophore 7-(diethylamino)-4-(hydroxymethyl)-2H-chromen-2-one (DEACM) was synthesized and incorporated to β-cyclodextrins with cRGD functionalized poly(ethylene glycol), the amphiphiles were coordinated with Au nanorods or nanoparticles to load anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) for fabricating hybrid nanoparticles. The π-π stacking interaction between DEACM and DOX was formed in the hybrid nanoparticles, which contributed to the high drug loading content. The Au nanorods or nanoparticles enhanced the photosolvolysis of DEACM under the irradiation of NIR with 808 nm wavelength and triggered the accelerated drug release from the nanoparticles. The drug loaded hybrid nanoparticles with NIR irradiation exhibited efficient inhibition effect on the proliferation of 4T1 breast cancer cells in vitro. The in vivo anticancer activity study on breast cancer bearing mice revealed that the hybrid nanoparticles containing Au nanorods exhibited excellent anticancer activity under the irradiation of 808 nm wavelength NIR with 800 mW.

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Synergistic therapy is a promising strategy for cancer treatment. A nanoparticle with chemo-photodynamic properties was fabricated via π-π stacking interactions between the drug and photosensitizer. It exhibited efficient anticancer activity both in vitro and in vivo.

A ROS-responsive low molecular weight hydrogel was fabricated and loaded with an anticancer drug and a photosensitizer for efficient chemo-photodynamic therapy.