Nanoparticle-Based and Bioengineered Probes and Sensors to Detect Physiological and Pathological Biomarkers in Neural Cells

Abstract

Nanotechnology, a rapidly evolving field, provides simple and practical tools to investigate the nervous system in health and disease. Among these tools are nanoparticle-based probes and sensors that detect biochemical and physiological properties of neurons and glia, and generate signals proportionate to physical, chemical, and/or electrical changes in these cells. In this context, quantum dots (QDs), carbon-based structures (C-dots, grapheme, and nanodiamonds) and gold nanoparticles are the most commonly used nanostructures. They can detect and measure enzymatic activities of proteases (metalloproteinases, caspases), ions, metabolites, and other biomolecules under physiological or pathological conditions in neural cells. Here, we provide some examples of nanoparticle-based and genetically engineered probes and sensors that are used to reveal changes in protease activities and calcium ion concentrations. Although significant progress in developing these tools has been made for probing neural cells, several challenges remain. We review many common hurdles in sensor development, while highlighting certain advances. In the end, we propose some future directions and ideas for developing practical tools for neural cell investigations, based on the maxim “Measure what is measurable, and make measurable what is not so” (Galileo Galilei).

Tunable ultraviolet and blue light generation from Nd:YAB random laser bolstered by second-order nonlinear processes

“…This problem can be avoided by infiltrating the nanocrystals into the tissues that can be excited through the biological near-infrared window generating ultraviolet-blue light by self- SFG deep inside the tissue. Another potential application of the results herein reported is the use of Nd 0.10 Y 0.90 Al 3 (BO 3 ) 4 nanocrystals as multifunctional bio-markers nanoprobes, for example, to investigate cortical neurons 27 28 since the upconverted emissions present narrow linewidths.…”

Advanced Relativity for the Renaissance of Cosmology and Evolution of Life

“…For life to emerge there had to be a right blend of energy and matter, where the properties of energy and matter played an important role. Many significant studies seem to suggest that, as regards the problem of the origin of life, the properties of matter and energy are not emergent, but must be considered as the designers for creation (Maysinger et al, 2015). Moreover, recently, theories associated with redox homeostasis have been considered as an important aspect linked to the origin of life (Allen, 2010).…”

Characterization of phthalocyanine functionalized quantum dots by dynamic light scattering, laser Doppler, and capillary electrophoresis

“…Hence, they can be used as imaging and analytical probes for biomedical studies and as therapeutic systems in the nanomedicine field [3,4].…”