This study was to develop a new method for detecting circulating tumor cells (CTCs) with high sensitivity and specificity, therefore to detect the colorectal cancer as early as possible for improving the detection rate of the disease. To this end, we prepared some micro-column structure microchips modified with graphite oxide-streptavidin (GO-SA) on the surface of microchips, further coupled with a broad-spectrum primary antibody (antibody1, Ab₁), anti-epithelial cell adhesion molecule (anti-EpCAM) monoclonal antibody to capture CTCs. Besides, carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs-COOH) were coupled with colorectal cancer related antibody as specific antibody 2 (Ab₂) to prepare complex. The sandwich structure consisting of Ab₁-CTCs-Ab₂ was constructed by the microchip for capturing CTCs. And the electrochemical workstation was used to detect and verify its high sensitivity and specificity. Results showed that the combination of immunosensor and micro-nano technology has greatly improved the detection sensitivity and specificity of the immunosensor. And we also verified the feasibility of the immunosensor for clinical blood sample detection, and successfully recognitized detection and quantization of CTCs in peripheral blood of colorectal cancer patients by this immunosensor. In conclusion, the super sandwich immunosensor based on micro-nano technology provides a new way for the detection of CTCs, which has potential application value in clinical diagnosis and real-time monitoring of disease.
Humans ; Nanotubes, Carbon/chemistry* ; Neoplastic Cells, Circulating/pathology* ; Biosensing Techniques ; Immunoassay/methods* ; Antibodies ; Colorectal Neoplasms/diagnosis* ; Electrochemical Techniques/methods* ; Gold/chemistry*

Carbon nanotube (CNT) composite materials are very attractive for use in neural tissue engineering and biosensor coatings. CNT scaffolds are excellent mimics of extracellular matrix due to their hydrophilicity, viscosity, and biocompatibility. CNTs can also impart conductivity to other insulating materials, improve mechanical stability, guide neuronal cell behavior, and trigger axon regeneration. The performance of chitosan (CS)/polyethylene glycol (PEG) composite scaffolds could be optimized by introducing multi-walled CNTs (MWCNTs). CS/PEG/CNT composite scaffolds with CNT content of 1%, 3%, and 5% (1%=0.01 g/mL) were prepared by freeze-drying. Their physical and chemical properties and biocompatibility were evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the composite scaffolds had a highly connected porous structure. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and Raman spectroscopy proved that the CNTs were well dispersed in the CS/PEG matrix and combined with the CS/PEG nanofiber bundles. MWCNTs enhanced the elastic modulus of the scaffold. The porosity of the scaffolds ranged from 83% to 96%. They reached a stable water swelling state within 24 h, and swelling decreased with increasing MWCNT concentration. The electrical conductivity and cell adhesion rate of the scaffolds increased with increasing MWCNT content. Immunofluorescence showed that rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells grown in the scaffolds had characteristics similar to nerve cells. We measured changes in the expression of nerve cell markers by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and found that PC12 cells cultured in the scaffolds expressed growth-associated protein 43 (GAP43), nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR), and class III β‍-tubulin (TUBB3) proteins. Preliminary research showed that the prepared CS/PEG/CNT scaffold has good biocompatibility and can be further applied to neural tissue engineering research.
Animals ; Axons ; Biocompatible Materials/chemistry* ; Chitosan/chemistry* ; Nanotubes, Carbon/chemistry* ; Nerve Regeneration ; Polyethylene Glycols ; Porosity ; Rats ; Tissue Engineering/methods* ; Tissue Scaffolds/chemistry*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with different length or chemical modification on endothelial cell activation and to explore the role of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. METHODS: MWCNTs were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) after being suspended in culture medium. The immortalized mouse cerebral microvascular endothelial cell line b.End3 was treated with short MWCNTs (S-MWCNT, 0.5 to 2 μm), long MWCNTs (L-MWCNT, 10 to 30 μm) and the above long MWCNTs functionalized by carboxyl-(L-MWCNT-COOH), amino-(L-MWCNT-NH₂) or hydroxyl-(L-MWCNT-OH) modification. Cytotoxicity of MWCNTs in b.End3 cells was determined by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay, and non-toxic low dose was selected for subsequent experiments. Effects of all types of MWCNTs on the endothelial activation of b.End3 were determined by the measurement of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) concentration in cell supernatant and adhesion assay of human monocytic cell line THP-1 to b.End3.To further elucidate the mechanism involved, the protein expressions of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3) in cells treated with S-MWCNT, L-MWCNT and L-MWCNT-COOH were measured by Western blot. RESULTS: At a higher concentration (125 μg/cm²) and treated for 24 h, all types of MWCNTs significantly inhibited viability of b.End3 cells. At a sub-toxic concentration (6.25 μg/cm²), all types of MWCNTs treated for 12 h significantly induced the activation of b.End3 cells, as evidenced by the elevated VCAM-1 release and THP-1 adhesion. Compared with S-MWCNT, L-MWCNT significantly promoted endothelial cell activation. L-MWCNT and L-MWCNT-COOH activated b.End3 cells to a similar extent. Furthermore, treatment with S-MWCNT, L-MWCNT and L-MWCNT-COOH increased NLRP3 expression in a time-dependent manner at 6.25 μg/cm². Compared with S-MWCNT, cells treated with L-MWCNT for 4 h and 12 h exhibited significantly increased protein expressions of NLRP3. However, no significant differences were detected in the level of NLRP3 protein in cells treated with L-MWCNT and L-MWCNT-COOH. CONCLUSION Compared with the surface chemical modification, length changes of MWCNTs exerted more influence on endothelial cell activation, which may be related to the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. Our study contributes further understanding of the impact of MWCNTs on endothelial cells, which may have implications for the improvement of safety evaluation of MWCNTs.
Cell Line ; Cell Survival ; Endothelial Cells ; Nanotubes, Carbon/toxicity* ; Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1

Electrodes ; Enterovirus A, Human ; isolation & purification ; Gold ; Metal Nanoparticles ; Nanotubes, Carbon

Pesticides are one of the main exogenous harmful residues in traditional Chinese medicines( TCMs),and the potential safety problems caused by pesticides affect the sustained and healthy development of TCMs. Carbon nanotubes( CNTs) possessed unique structure and properties,and widely used in analytical chemistry and other areas. In this review,the structure of CNTs and preparation method of composite material were summed up. Then,the application of CNTs in the pre-treatment technique of pesticides residues such as solid-phase extraction,solid phase micro-extraction,dispersive solid-phase extraction,matrix solid phase dispersion for detection of pesticides in different matrices were discussed in detail. In addition,the characteristics of pesticides in TCMs and maximum levels of pesticide residues in TCMs were investigated. Finally,the development and problems of CNTs in the determination of pesticide residues in TCMs were prospected.
Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Nanotubes, Carbon ; Pesticide Residues/analysis* ; Solid Phase Extraction

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are nanomaterials that have been employed in generating diverse materials. We previously reported that CNTs induce cell death in macrophages, possibly via asbestosis. Therefore, we generated CNT-attached polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), which is an established polymer in membrane technology, and then examined whether CNT-attached PVDF is immunologically safe for medical purposes compared to CNT alone. To test this, we treated RAW 264.7 murine macrophages (RAW cells) with CNT-attached PVDF and analyzed the production of nitric oxide (NO), a potent proinflammatory mediator, in these cells. RAW cells treated with CNT-attached PVDF showed reduced NO production in response to lipopolysaccharide. However, the same treatment also decreased the cell number suggesting that this treatment can alter the homeostasis of RAW cells. Although cell cycle of RAW cells was increased by PVDF treatment with or without CNTs, apoptosis was enhanced in these cells. Taken together, these results indicate that PVDF with or without CNTs modulates inflammatory responses possibly due to activation-induced cell death in macrophages.
Apoptosis ; Asbestosis ; Cell Count ; Cell Cycle ; Cell Death* ; Fluorides* ; Homeostasis ; Inflammation ; Macrophages* ; Membranes ; Nanostructures ; Nanotubes, Carbon ; Nitric Oxide ; Polymers

Carbon nanotubes possess excellent mechanical and electrical properties and demonstrate broad application prospects in medical fields. Carbon nanotubes are composed of inorganic materials, natural biodegradable polymer or synthetic biodegradable polymer. The composite bone tissue engineering scaffolds are constructed by particle-hole method, lyophilization, microsphere aggregation method, electrostatic spinning or three-dimensional printing. Composite scaffolds overcome the shortcomings of single material and have good biocompatibility, osteoconduction and osteoinduction. With the study of surface chemistry, toxicology, and biocompatibility, a degradable "human-friendly" carbon nanotubes composite bone tissue scaffold will be available; and under the drive of new fabrication techniques, the clinical application of carbon nanotubes composite bone tissue engineering scaffolds will be better developed.
Biocompatible Materials ; chemistry ; Bone Development ; Humans ; Microspheres ; Nanotubes, Carbon ; chemistry ; Polymers ; chemistry ; Printing, Three-Dimensional ; Tissue Engineering ; Tissue Scaffolds ; chemistry

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) damage commonly occurs from a thyroid surgery and causes communication impairment, aspiration and dysphagia. The purpose of this study is to develop a polycaprolactone (PCL) nerve guide conduit (NGC) coated with conductive materials for facilitating regeneration from the RLN defects and to evaluate the usefulness of the PCL NGC coated with conductive materials in a rabbit model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The PCL NGCs coated with conductive materials were fabricated for this study. The types of conductive materials were single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) which were coated on the PCL NGCs by layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly techniques. An 8-mm segment of left RLN was resected in 24 New Zealand white rabbits. Three different NGCs (PCL and PCL with two conductive materials) were interposed between both stumps and fixed with suture. For the assessment of functional regeneration, the vocal cord mobility was observed using endoscopic system after RLN stimulation, and the motion change was analyzed. The atrophies of thyroarytenoid muscle and nerve growth were evaluated by Hematoxylin-Eosin (H-E) and toluidine blue (T-B) staining, respectively. Immunohistochemical study using anti-neurofilament, S-100 staining was further performed to evaluate the nerve regeneration. RESULTS: In endoscopic evaluation, the group with conductive PCL NGCs showed an improved tendency of vocal cord mobility compared to that of the other group. Nerve growth was observed with the time for 8 weeks in all groups and immunohistochemical staining revealed the expression of neurofilament and S-100 in regenerated nerve in all groups. The atrophies of thyroarytenoid muscle in the group with conductive PCL NGCs was also shown to be decreased compared to that of the nonconductive PCL NGC group. CONCLUSION: The study shows that PCL NGC coated with conductive materials appears to be a good alternative option for the repair and regeneration of RNL damages.
Atrophy ; Deglutition Disorders ; Laryngeal Muscles ; Nanotubes, Carbon ; Nerve Regeneration ; Polystyrenes ; Rabbits ; Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve* ; Regeneration* ; Sutures ; Thyroid Gland ; Tolonium Chloride ; Vocal Cords

OBJECTIVES: In this study, the effect of tube length and outer diameter (OD) size of hydroxylated-multi walled carbon nanotubes (OH-MWCNTs) on their uptake and toxicity was investigated in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans using a functional mutant analysis. METHODS: The physicochemical properties of three different OH-MWCNTs were characterized. Uptake and toxicity were subsequently investigated on C. elegans exposed to MWCNTs with different ODs and tube lengths. RESULTS: The results of mutant analysis suggest that ingestion is the main route of MWCNTs uptake. We found that OH-MWCNTs with smaller ODs were more toxic than those with larger ODs, and OH-MWCNTs with shorter tube lengths were more toxic than longer counterparts to C. elegans. CONCLUSIONS: Overall the results suggest the aspect ratio affects the toxicity of MWCNTs in C. elegans. Further thorough study on the relationship between physicochemical properties and toxicity needs to be conducted for more comprehensive understanding of the uptake and toxicity of MWCNTs.
Caenorhabditis elegans* ; Caenorhabditis* ; Carbon* ; Eating ; Nanotubes, Carbon*

OBJECTIVES: In this study, the effect of tube length and outer diameter (OD) size of hydroxylated-multi walled carbon nanotubes (OH-MWCNTs) on their uptake and toxicity was investigated in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans using a functional mutant analysis. METHODS: The physicochemical properties of three different OH-MWCNTs were characterized. Uptake and toxicity were subsequently investigated on C. elegans exposed to MWCNTs with different ODs and tube lengths. RESULTS: The results of mutant analysis suggest that ingestion is the main route of MWCNTs uptake. We found that OH-MWCNTs with smaller ODs were more toxic than those with larger ODs, and OH-MWCNTs with shorter tube lengths were more toxic than longer counterparts to C. elegans. CONCLUSIONS: Overall the results suggest the aspect ratio affects the toxicity of MWCNTs in C. elegans. Further thorough study on the relationship between physicochemical properties and toxicity needs to be conducted for more comprehensive understanding of the uptake and toxicity of MWCNTs.
Caenorhabditis elegans* ; Caenorhabditis* ; Carbon* ; Eating ; Nanotubes, Carbon*