Biomedical subjects

Zhuang Li

Publications and source records attributed to Zhuang Li.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2007

Effects of bridge ions, DNA species, and developing temperature on flat-lying DNA monolayers.

Recently, we have successfully constructed flat-lying DNA monolayers on a mica surface (J. Phys. Chem. B 2006, 110, 10792-10798). In this work, the effects of various factors including bridge ions, DNA species, and developing temperature on the configuration of DNA monolayers have been investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM) in detail. AFM results show that the species of bridge ions and developing temperature play a crucial role during the formation process. For example, the divalent cation Zn2+ resulted in many DNA chains stuck side by side in the monolayers due to the strong interactions between it and DNA's bases or the mica surface. Most DNA chain's conglutinations disappeared when the developing temperature was higher than 40 degrees C. Cd2+ and Ca2+ produced more compact DNA monolayers with some obvious aggregations, especially for the DNA monolayers constructed by using Ca2+ as the bridge ion. Co2+ produced well-ordered, flat-lying DNA monolayers similar to that of Mg2+. Furthermore, it was found that the flat-lying DNA monolayers could still form on a mica surface when plasmid DNA pBR 322 and linear DNA pBR 322/Pst I were used as the DNA source. Whereas, it was hard to form DNA monolayers on a (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane-mica surface because the strong interactions between DNA and substrate prevented the lateral movement of DNA molecules. These results suggested that the appropriate interactions between divalent cations and DNA or mica surface were important for the formation of flat-lying DNA monolayers. The obtained information is a necessary supplement to our previous studies on the formation kinetics of such monolayers and may be useful for practical application of the monolayers and further theoretical studies.

DNA↗

PubMed2006

A novel strategy to construct a flat-lying DNA monolayer on a mica surface.

Flat-lying, densely packed DNA monolayers in which DNA chains are well organized have been successfully constructed on a mica surface by dropping a droplet of a DNA solution on a freshly cleaved mica surface and subsequently transferring the mica to ultrapure water for developing. The formation kinetics of such monolayers was studied by tapping mode atomic force microscopy (TMAFM) technique. A series of TMAFM images of DNA films obtained at various developing times show that before the sample was immersed into water for developing the DNA chains always seriously aggregated by contacting, crossing, or overlapping and formed large-scale networks on the mica surface. During developing, the fibers of DNA networks gradually dispersed into many smaller fibers up to single DNA chains. At the same time, the fibers or DNA chains also experienced rearrangement to decrease electrostatic repulsion and interfacial Gibbs free energy. Finally, a flat-lying, densely packed DNA monolayer was formed. A formation mechanism of the DNA monolayers was proposed that consists of aggregation, dispersion, and rearrangement. The effects of both DNA and Mg2+ concentration in the formation solution on DNA monolayer formation were also investigated in detail.

Aluminum Silicates↗

PubMed2006

Manipulation, dissection, and lithography using modified tapping mode atomic force microscope.

A modified tapping mode of the atomic force microscope (AFM) was introduced for manipulation, dissection, and lithography. By sufficiently decreasing the amplitude of AFM tip in the normal tapping mode and adjusting the setpoint, the tip-sample interaction can be efficiently controlled. This modified tapping mode has some characteristics of the AFM contact mode and can be used to manipulate nanoparticles, dissect biomolecules, and make lithographs on various surfaces. This method did not need any additional equipment and it can be applied to any AFM system.

Dissection↗

PubMed2005

DNA-network-templated self-assembly of silver nanoparticles and their application in surface-enhanced Raman scattering.

A large-scale lambda-DNA network on a mica surface was successfully fabricated with a simple method. Silver nanoparticles capped with the cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) were self-assembled onto a two-dimensional DNA network template by electrostatic interaction and formed nanoporous silver films, which can be used as active surface-enhanced raman scattering (SERS) substrates. Two probe molecules, Rhodamine 6G (R6G) and 4-aminothiophenol (4-ATP), were studied on these substrates with very low concentrations, and great enhancement factors for R6G (0.21 x 10(10)-4.09 x 10(11)) and 4-ATP (approximately 1.70 x 10(5)) were observed. It was found that the enhancement ability was affected by the DNA concentration and the electrostatic absorption time of the CTAB-stabilized silver nanoparticles on the DNA strands. These SERS substrates formed by the self-assembly of silver nanoparticles on DNA network also show good stability and reproducibility in our experiments.

Aniline Compounds↗

PubMed2005

One-step synthesis of silver nanoparticles, nanorods, and nanowires on the surface of DNA network.

Here, we describe a one-step synthesis of silver nanoparticles, nanorods, and nanowires on DNA network surface in the absence of surfactant. Silver ions were first adsorbed onto the DNA network and then reduced in sodium borohydride solution. Silver nanoparticles, nanorods, and nanowires were formed by controlling the size of pores of the DNA network. The diameter of the silver nanoparticles and the aspect ratio of the silver nanorods and nanowires can be controlled by adjusting the DNA concentration and reduction time.

DNA↗

PubMed2005

Observation of the mica surface by atomic force microscopy.

Freshly cleaved mica and a mica surface treated with pure water and dilute-salt solution have been investigated by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). On the bare mica surface (after repeated scanning), small dots and islands were observed. The disappearance of these dots and islands has also been captured by AFM. We believe these structures to be condensed water. The water meniscus between AFM tip and mica surface is considered as the source of this water structure. On the mica surface treated with pure water and dilute-salt solution, network structures are frequently observed by AFM.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2005

Active simian immunodeficiency virus (strain smmPGm) infection in macaque central nervous system correlates with neurologic disease.

Simian immunodeficiency virus strain smmPGm can induce neuropathology in macaques and is a model for the development of human HIV-related brain injury. For quantitative studies of proviral presence and expression in the central nervous system (CNS), we inoculated 8 macaques intravenously with the virus. Three animals were necropsied 2 to 4 weeks after development of infection, and we obtained lymphoid tissue biopsies from 5 animals before 5 weeks after infection. Peak plasma viral loads averaged 10 viral RNA Eq/mL at week 2, whereas cerebrospinal fluid viral loads peaked at 10 viral RNA Eq/mL. The proviral DNA loads and viral gag mRNA expression in tissues were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Two animals developed neurologic disease characterized by meningoencephalitis and meningitis. Proviral DNA levels in CNS tissues of these animals at necropsy revealed 10 and 10 copies/microg of DNA, respectively, whereas viral RNA expression in the CNS reached 100 to 1000 times higher levels than those seen in early necropsies. In sharp contrast, in 2 animals necropsied at later times without CNS disease, virus mRNA expression was not detected in any CNS tissue. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that active virus expression in the CNS is strongly correlated with neurologic disease and that the event occurs at variable periods after infection.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Covalent assembly of shortened multiwall carbon nanotubes on polyelectrolyte films and relevant electrochemistry study.

A significant and versatile approach was developed for perpendicularly aligning multiwall carbon nanotubes on diverse substrates suitable for layer-by-layer self-assembly. The multiwall carbon nanotubes (s-MWNTs) used were shortened with oxidation under ultrasonic and functionalized with acyl chloride in thionyl chloride (SOCl2). The monolayer of s-MWNTs perpendicularly grafted to the substrate was obtained by dipping the polyelectrolyte modifying substrate into a tetrahydrofuran suspension of the functionalized s-MWNTs. The interaction proved to be stable and not liable to be affected by the ambience. Transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy were used to examine the morphology of the MWNTs and s-MWNTs grafted on the substrates. Raman spectroscopy was applied to verify the existence of s-MWNTs for assembly, and Fourier transform infrared absorption spectra were used to investigate the interaction pattern between s-MWNTs and polyelectrolyte. The electrochemistry properties of the monolayer of s-MWNTs when the substrate was indium-tin oxide were studied.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2005

Hydrogen peroxide sensor based on horseradish peroxidase immobilized on a silver nanoparticles/cysteamine/gold electrode.

A third-generation hydrogen peroxide biosensor was prepared by immobilizing horseradish peroxidase (HRP) on a gold electrode modified with silver nanoparticles. A freshly-cleaned gold electrode was first immersed in a cysteamine-ethanol solution, and then silver nanoparticles were immobilized on the cysteamine monolayer, and finally HRP was adsorbed onto the surfaces of the silver nanoparticles. This self-assemble process was examined via atomic force microscopy (AFM). The immobilized horseradish peroxidase exhibited an excellent electrocatalytic response toward the reduction of hydrogen peroxide. The linear range of the biosensor was 3.3 microM to 9.4 mM, and the detection limit was estimated to be 0.78 microM. Moreover, the biosensor exhibited a fast response, high sensitivity, good reproducibility, and long-term stability.

Biosensing Techniques↗

PubMed2005

Imaging DNA molecules on mica surface by atomic force microscopy in air and in liquid.

DNA molecules immobilized on mica surface by various methods have been observed by atomic force microscopy both in air and in liquid. Divalent cations and 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) modified mica surface have been used to immobilize the DNA molecules. Optimal DNA and divalent cations concentration for AFM imaging are presented. Among the different methods of modifying mica surface with APTES, the water solution modifying method appears to get the best results. When using high DNA concentration for AFM imaging, DNA networks can be formed. A simple method to extend long DNA molecules is demonstrated. The optimal imaging conditions and AFM operating techniques are discussed. Different DNA immobilizing methods have been compared and evaluated.

Air↗

PubMed2005

Mechanically engraved mica surface using the atomic force microscope tip facilitates return to a specific sample location.

By controlling the interaction between the atomic force microscope tip and mica, patterns of different sizes and shape have been produced on the surface of mica. Using these operator-constructed patterns as a reliable marker, the original scanned sample location can be re-located and imaged again on the same mica surface by atomic force microscopy (AFM). This location technique can be used to find the same object again even if the sample was removed from the AFM instrument or the sample was imaged in a different mode.

Aluminum Silicates↗

PubMed2005

Immobilization of DNA on 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid-modified gold (111) surface for atomic force microscopy imaging.

Immobilized DNA on preformed 11-mercaptoundecanoic acids (MUDA) self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on a gold (111) surface was bound by a divalent cation bridges was imaged by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The DNA immobilization was attributed to the formation of ionic bridges between the carboxylate groups of MUDA and the phosphate groups of DNA. AFM images revealed that DNA molecules could be immobilized strongly enough to permit stable and reproducible imaging. The effect of different bridge cations, such as Mg(2+), Zn(2+) and Cu(2+), and the pH of DNA assembled solution on immobilization and conformation of DNA was studied. Plasmid DNA pBR 322/Pst I molecules were straightened by using a molecular combing technique on the MUDA surface.

DNA↗

PubMed2005

Simian human immunodeficiency virus-associated pneumonia correlates with increased expression of MCP-1, CXCL10, and viral RNA in the lungs of rhesus macaques.

Pulmonary disorders are the most frequent cause of death in HIV-1-infected individuals with AIDS and remain important even in the current era of potent antiretroviral therapy. Macaques infected with Simian/Human Immunodeficiency Virus (SHIV) develop pulmonary disease and concurrent opportunistic infections similar to those observed in HIV-infected individuals, thereby providing an excellent working model to elucidate the pathogenesis of the human lung disease. Since chemokines play a crucial role in the recruitment of inflammatory cells to tissues, we investigated the relationship between respiratory disease and the levels of chemokines, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and CXCL10, in the lungs of SHIV-infected rhesus macaques. We found that lung pathology in infected macaques was closely associated with overexpression of MCP-1 and CXCL10. In addition, these chemokines could, in part, be responsible for the recruitment of inflammatory cells infiltrating into the diseased lungs as demonstrated by chemotactic assays. Lung pathology and increased levels of MCP-1 and CXCL10 correlated with high viral loads in the lung parenchyma. Using confocal microscopy, we identified SHIV-infected macrophages as the major producers of MCP-1 and CXCL10 in the diseased lungs. These data suggest that chemokine overexpression plays an important role in the pathogenesis of SHIV-associated pulmonary disease in macaques.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

[Study on identification, colonization and reorganization of rice endophytic bacteria].

Endophytic SR-15, SR-25 and SL-37 strains screened from rice hybrid D you 527 in Sichuan were analyzed. Through penetration and microscopic test, the strains were found be mainly located in the cell gap, vacuole and cytoplasm. PUC18 transferring and ERIC-PCR showed that the recombination strain SR-15 could grow in the plant stably. The strain was identified as Bacillus halmapalus based on its chemical components of cell wall, physiological and biochemical characters. It was also shown that the strain was not injurious to rice plant, instead, it promoted rice plant growth by penetration. The Cry1Ac gene was transferred into the stain and verified by Southern analysis. Cry1Ac-transferred SR-15 was toxic to the Chilo suppressalis, brought about death ratio as high as 84.2%.

Bacillus↗

PubMed2004

Inhibition of pathogenic SHIV replication in macaques treated with antisense DNA of interleukin-4.

Interleukin-4 is implicated in the pathogenesis of HIV-induced AIDS and causes enhancement of replication of virus strains that use the CXCR4 (X4) coreceptor. In this study, we explored the effects of interleukin-4 (IL-4) antisense (AS) DNA on replication of X4, simian human immunodeficiency viruses, SHIV(KU-2) and SHIV89.6P. AS IL-4 oligomer caused inhibition of virus replication in cultures of CD4+ T cells and macrophages derived from macaques. Plasmid expressing AS IL-4 DNA was also effective in abrogating virus replication in macrophage cultures. Relevance of these cell culture studies was confirmed in vivo by treating SHIV89.6P-infected macaques with AS IL-4 DNA. Six macaques were inoculated with the virus, and 4 were treated with AS IL-4 DNA. This resulted in a significant decrease in viral RNA concentrations in the liver, lungs, and spleen tissues that are all sites of virus replication in macrophages. This is the first demonstration of effective inhibition of an HIV-like virus in tissues by AS DNA of a cytokine. In the present era of increasing resistance of HIV to antiviral compounds, exploration of adjunct therapies directed at host responses in combination with antiretroviral drugs may be of value for the treatment of AIDS.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Photochromic inorganic-organic multilayer films based on polyoxometalates and poly(ethylenimine).

Novel photochromic inorganic-organic multilayers composed of polyoxometalates and poly(ethylenimine) have been prepared by the layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly method. The growth process, composition, surface topography, and photochromic properties of the multilayer films were investigated by UV-visible and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, electrospin resonance (ESR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Irradiated with ultraviolet light, the transparent films changed from colorless to blue. Moreover, the blue films showed good reversibility of photochromism and could recover the colorless state gradually in air, where oxygen plays an important role in the bleaching process. On account of the ESR and XPS results, parts of W6+ in multilayers were reduced to W5+, which exhibited a characteristic blue; a possible photochromic mechanism can be speculated. This work provides basic guideline for the assembly of multilayers with photochromic properties.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2004

Atomic force microscope investigation of large-circle DNA molecules.

A circular bacterial artificial chromosome of 148.9kbp on human chromosome 3 has been extended and fixed on bare mica substrates using a developed fluid capillary flow method in evaporating liquid drops. Extended circular DNA molecules were imaged with an atomic force microscope (AFM) under ambient conditions. The measured total lengths of the whole DNA molecules were in agreement with sequencing analysis data with an error range of +/-3.6%. This work is important groundwork for probing single nucleotide polymorphisms in the human genome, mapping genomic DNA, manipulating biomolecular nanotechnology, and studying the interaction of DNA-protein complexes investigated by AFM.

Aluminum Silicates↗

PubMed2004

Role of interleukin-4 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in the neuropathogenesis of X4 simian human immunodeficiency virus infection in macaques.

Recent studies on the coreceptor usage of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) strains associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) dementia have shown that both X4 and R5 viruses are involved in the process. The disease is associated with enhanced virus replication and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 production in macrophages in the brain. Using the macaque model of the disease, the authors show here that X4, macrophage-tropic simian human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) required the enhancing effect of interleukin (IL)-4 to achieve equivalent concentrations of virus and MCP-1 that are produced in macrophages infected with R5 viruses alone. Confocal microscopy showed that macrophages in the encephalitic brains were the major producers of MCP-1. The authors surmise, therefore, that whereas R5 viruses maybe capable of causing the disease as a primary pathogen, X4 viruses may require IL-4, induced by opportunistic pathogens, for induction of the neuropathological syndrome.

Animals↗