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Now showing 1 - 10 of 12
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    Rapid isolation and identification of pneumonia associated pathogens from sputum samples combining an innovative sample preparation strategy and array-based detection
    (Washington : American Chemical Society, 2019) Pahlow, Susanne; Lehniger, Lydia; Hentschel, Stefanie; Seise, Barbara; Braun, Sascha D.; Ehricht, Ralf; Berg, Albrecht; Popp, Jürgen; Weber, Karina
    With this study, an innovative and convenient enrichment and detection strategy for eight clinically relevant pneumonia pathogens, namely, Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae is introduced. Bacteria were isolated from sputum samples with amine-modified particles exploiting pH-dependent electrostatic interactions between bacteria and the functionalized particle surface. Following this, an asymmetric polymerase chain reaction as well as subsequent stringent array-based hybridization with specific complementary capture probes were performed. Finally, results were visualized by an enzyme-induced silver nanoparticle deposition, providing stable endpoint signals and consequently an easy detection possibility. The assay was optimized using spiked samples of artificial sputum with different strains of the abovementioned bacterial species. Furthermore, actual patient sputum samples with S. pneumoniae were successfully analyzed. The presented approach offers great potential for the urgent need of a fast, specific, and reliable isolation and identification platform for important pneumonia pathogens, covering the complete process chain from sample preparation up to array-based detection within only 4 h.With this study, an innovative and convenient enrichment and detection strategy for eight clinically relevant pneumonia pathogens, namely, Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae is introduced. Bacteria were isolated from sputum samples with amine-modified particles exploiting pH-dependent electrostatic interactions between bacteria and the functionalized particle surface. Following this, an asymmetric polymerase chain reaction as well as subsequent stringent array-based hybridization with specific complementary capture probes were performed. Finally, results were visualized by an enzyme-induced silver nanoparticle deposition, providing stable endpoint signals and consequently an easy detection possibility. The assay was optimized using spiked samples of artificial sputum with different strains of the abovementioned bacterial species. Furthermore, actual patient sputum samples with S. pneumoniae were successfully analyzed. The presented approach offers great potential for the urgent need of a fast, specific, and reliable isolation and identification platform for important pneumonia pathogens, covering the complete process chain from sample preparation up to array-based detection within only 4 h.
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    TopUp SERS substrates with integrated internal standard
    (Basel : MDPI, 2018) Patze, Sophie; Hübner, Uwe; Weber, Karina; Cialla-May, Dana; Popp, Jürgen
    Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is known as a molecular-specific and highly sensitive method. In order to enable the routine application of SERS, powerful SERS substrates are of great importance. Within this manuscript, a TopUp SERS substrate is introduced which is fabricated by a top-down process based on microstructuring as well as a bottom-up generation of silver nanostructures. The Raman signal of the support material acts as an internal standard in order to improve the quantification capabilities. The analyte molecule coverage of sulfamethoxazole on the surface of the nanostructures is characterized by the SERS signal evolution fitted by a Langmuir–Freundlich isotherm.
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    Counterfeit and substandard test of the antimalarial tablet Riamet® by means of Raman hyperspectral multicomponent analysis
    (Basel : MDPI, 2019) Frosch, Timea; Wyrwich, Elisabeth; Yan, Di; Domes, Christian; Domes, Robert; Popp, Jürgen; Frosch, Torsten
    The fight against counterfeit pharmaceuticals is a global issue of utmost importance, as failed medication results in millions of deaths every year. Particularly affected are antimalarial tablets. A very important issue is the identification of substandard tablets that do not contain the nominal amounts of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), and the differentiation between genuine products and products without any active ingredient or with a false active ingredient. This work presents a novel approach based on fiber-array based Raman hyperspectral imaging to qualify and quantify the antimalarial APIs lumefantrine and artemether directly and non-invasively in a tablet in a time-efficient way. The investigations were carried out with the antimalarial tablet Riamet® and self-made model tablets, which were used as examples of counterfeits and substandard. Partial least-squares regression modeling and density functional theory calculations were carried out for quantification of lumefantrine and artemether and for spectral band assignment. The most prominent differentiating vibrational signatures of the APIs were presented.
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    Fiber-array-based Raman hyperspectral imaging for simultaneous chemical selective monitoring of particle size and shape of active ingredients in analgesic tablets
    (Basel : MDPI, 2019) Frosch, Timea; Wyrwich, Elisabeth; Yan, Di; Popp, Jürgen; Frosch, Torsten
    The particle shape, size and distribution of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) are relevant quality indicators of pharmaceutical tablets due to their high impact on the manufacturing process. Furthermore, the bioavailability of the APIs from the dosage form depends largely on these characteristics. Routinely, particle size and shape are only analyzed in the powder form, without regard to the effect of the formulation procedure on the particle characteristics. The monitoring of these parameters improves the understanding of the process; therefore, higher quality and better control over the biopharmaceutical profile can be ensured. A new fiber-array-based Raman hyperspectral imaging technique is presented for direct simultaneous in-situ monitoring of three different active pharmaceutical ingredients- acetylsalicylic acid, acetaminophen and caffeine- in analgesic tablets. This novel method enables a chemically selective, noninvasive assessment of the distribution of the active ingredients down to 1 µm spatial resolution. The occurrence of spherical and needle-like particles, as well as agglomerations and the respective particle size ranges, were rapidly determined for two commercially available analgesic tablet types. Subtle differences were observed in comparison between these two tablets. Higher amounts of acetaminophen were visible, more needle-shaped and bigger acetylsalicylic acid particles, and a higher incidence of bigger agglomerations were found in one of the analgesic tablets.
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    Raman and infrared spectroscopy reveal that proliferating and quiescent human fibroblast cells age by biochemically similar but not identical processes
    (San Francisco : Public Library of Science, 2018) Eberhardt, Katharina; Matthäus, Christian; Marthandan, Shiva; Diekmann, Stephan; Popp, Jürgen
    Dermal fibroblast cells can adopt different cell states such as proliferation, quiescence, apoptosis or senescence, in order to ensure tissue homeostasis. Proliferating (dividing) cells pass through the phases of the cell cycle, while quiescent and senescent cells exist in a non-proliferating cell cycle-arrested state. However, the reversible quiescence state is in contrast to the irreversible senescence state. Long-term quiescent cells transit into senescence indicating that cells age also when not passing through the cell cycle. Here, by label-free in vitro vibrational spectroscopy, we studied the biomolecular composition of quiescent dermal fibroblast cells and compared them with those of proliferating and senescent cells. Spectra were examined by multivariate statistical analysis using a PLS-LDA classification model, revealing differences in the biomolecular composition between the cell states mainly associated with protein alterations (variations in the side chain residues of amino acids and protein secondary structure), but also within nucleic acids and lipids. We observed spectral changes in quiescent compared to proliferating cells, which increased with quiescence cultivation time. Raman and infrared spectroscopy, which yield complementary biochemical information, clearly distinguished contact-inhibited from serum-starved quiescent cells. Furthermore, the spectra displayed spectral differences between quiescent cells and proliferating cells, which had recovered from quiescence. This became more distinct with increasing quiescence cultivation time. When comparing proliferating, (in particular long-term) quiescent and senescent cells, we found that Raman as well as infrared spectroscopy can separate these three cellular states from each other due to differences in their biomolecular composition. Our spectroscopic analysis shows that proliferating and quiescent fibroblast cells age by similar but biochemically not identical processes. Despite their aging induced changes, over long time periods quiescent cells can return into the cell cycle. Finally however, the cell cycle arrest becomes irreversible indicating senescence.Dermal fibroblast cells can adopt different cell states such as proliferation, quiescence, apoptosis or senescence, in order to ensure tissue homeostasis. Proliferating (dividing) cells pass through the phases of the cell cycle, while quiescent and senescent cells exist in a non-proliferating cell cycle-arrested state. However, the reversible quiescence state is in contrast to the irreversible senescence state. Long-term quiescent cells transit into senescence indicating that cells age also when not passing through the cell cycle. Here, by label-free in vitro vibrational spectroscopy, we studied the biomolecular composition of quiescent dermal fibroblast cells and compared them with those of proliferating and senescent cells. Spectra were examined by multivariate statistical analysis using a PLS-LDA classification model, revealing differences in the biomolecular composition between the cell states mainly associated with protein alterations (variations in the side chain residues of amino acids and protein secondary structure), but also within nucleic acids and lipids. We observed spectral changes in quiescent compared to proliferating cells, which increased with quiescence cultivation time. Raman and infrared spectroscopy, which yield complementary biochemical information, clearly distinguished contact-inhibited from serum-starved quiescent cells. Furthermore, the spectra displayed spectral differences between quiescent cells and proliferating cells, which had recovered from quiescence. This became more distinct with increasing quiescence cultivation time. When comparing proliferating, (in particular long-term) quiescent and senescent cells, we found that Raman as well as infrared spectroscopy can separate these three cellular states from each other due to differences in their biomolecular composition. Our spectroscopic analysis shows that proliferating and quiescent fibroblast cells age by similar but biochemically not identical processes. Despite their aging induced changes, over long time periods quiescent cells can return into the cell cycle. Finally however, the cell cycle arrest becomes irreversible indicating senescence.
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    Molecular Specific and Sensitive Detection of Pyrazinamide and Its Metabolite Pyrazinoic Acid by Means of Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Employing In Situ Prepared Colloids
    (Basel : MDPI, 2019) Mühlig, Anna; Jahn, Izabella-Jolan; Heidler, Jan; Weber, Karina; Jahn, Martin; Sheen, Patricia; Zimic, Mirko; Cialla-May, Dana; Popp, Jürgen
    The prodrug pyrazinamide (PZA) is metabolized by the mycobacteria to pyrazinoic acid (POA), which is expelled into the extracellular environment. PZA resistance is highly associated to a lack of POA efflux. Thus, by detecting a reduction of the concentration of POA in the extracellular environment, by means of lab-on-a-chip (LoC)-SERS (surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy), an alternative approach for the discrimination of PZA resistant mycobacteria is introduced. A droplet-based microfluidic SERS device has been employed to illustrate the potential of the LoC-SERS method for the discrimination of PZA resistant mycobacteria. The two analytes were detected discretely in aqueous solution with a limit of detection of 27 µm for PZA and 21 µm for POA. The simultaneous detection of PZA and POA in aqueous mixtures could be realized within a concentration range from 20 μm to 50 μm for PZA and from 50 μm to 80 μm for POA.
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    Label-free CARS microscopy through a multimode fibre endoscope
    (Washington D.C. : Optical Society of America, 2019) Trägårdh, Johanna; Pikálek, Tomáš; Šerý, Mojmír; Meyer, Tobias; Popp, Jürgen; Čižmár, Tomáš
    Multimode fibres have recently been employed as high-resolution ultra-thin endoscopes, capable of imaging biological structures deep inside tissue in vivo. Here, we extend this technique to label-free non-linear microscopy with chemical contrast using coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) through a multimode fibre endoscope, which opens up new avenues for instant and in-situ diagnosis of potentially malignant tissue. We use a commercial 125 µm diameter, 0.29 NA GRIN fibre, and wavefront shaping on an SLM is used to create foci that are scanned behind the fibre facet across the sample. The chemical selectivity is demonstrated by imaging 2 µm polystyrene and 2.5 µm PMMA beads with per pixel integration time as low as 1 ms for epi-detection.Multimode fibres have recently been employed as high-resolution ultra-thin endoscopes, capable of imaging biological structures deep inside tissue in vivo. Here, we extend this technique to label-free non-linear microscopy with chemical contrast using coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) through a multimode fibre endoscope, which opens up new avenues for instant and in-situ diagnosis of potentially malignant tissue. We use a commercial 125 µm diameter, 0.29 NA GRIN fibre, and wavefront shaping on an SLM is used to create foci that are scanned behind the fibre facet across the sample. The chemical selectivity is demonstrated by imaging 2 µm polystyrene and 2.5 µm PMMA beads with per pixel integration time as low as 1 ms for epi-detection.
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    Multimodal Nonlinear Microscopy for Therapy Monitoring of Cold Atmospheric Plasma Treatment
    (Basel : MDPI, 2019) Meyer, Tobias; Bae, Hyeonsoo; Hasse, Sybille; Winter, Jörn; von Woedtke, Thomas; Schmitt, Michael; Weltmann, Klaus-Dieter; Popp, Jürgen
    Here we report on a non-linear spectroscopic method for visualization of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP)-induced changes in tissue for reaching a new quality level of CAP application in medicine via online monitoring of wound or cancer treatment. A combination of coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS), two-photon fluorescence lifetime imaging (2P-FLIM) and second harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy has been used for non-invasive and label-free detection of CAP-induced changes on human skin and mucosa samples. By correlation with histochemical staining, the observed local increase in fluorescence could be assigned to melanin. CARS and SHG prove the integrity of the tissue structure, visualize tissue morphology and composition. The influence of plasma effects by variation of plasma parameters e.g., duration of treatment, gas composition and plasma source has been evaluated. Overall quantitative spectroscopic markers could be identified for a direct monitoring of CAP-treated tissue areas, which is very important for translating CAPs into clinical routine.
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    Thermal illumination limits in 3D Raman microscopy: A comparison of different sample illumination strategies to obtain maximum imaging speed
    (San Francisco : Public Library of Science, 2019) Hauswald, Walter; Förster, Ronny; Popp, Jürgen; Heintzmann, Rainer
    Confocal Raman microscopy is a powerful tool for material science and biomedical research. However, the low Raman scattering cross-section limits the working speed, which reduces the applicability for large and sensitive samples. Here, we discuss the fundamental physical limits of Raman spectroscopy with respect to signal-to-noise, sample load and how to achieve maximal imaging speed. For this, we develop a simple model to describe arbitrary far field light microscopes and their thermal influence on the sample. This model is used to compare the practical applicability of point- and line-confocal microscopes as well as wide-field-, light sheet- and light line illumination, for the measurement of 3D biological samples. The parallelization degree of the illumination can positively affect the imaging speed as long as it is not limited by thermal sample heating. In case of heat build-up inside the sample, the advantages of parallelization can be lost due to the required attenuation of excitation and the working speed can drop below that of a sequential method. We show that for point like illumination, the exposure time is thermally not as critical for the sample as the irradiance, while for volume like illumination, the exposure time and irradiance result in the same thermal effect. The results of our theoretical study are experimentally confirmed and suggest new concepts of Raman microscopy, thus extending its applicability. The developed model can be applied to Raman imaging as well as to other modes (e.g. two- or three- photon imaging, STED, PALM/STORM, MINFLUX) where thermal effects impose a practical limit due to the high irradiance required.
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    Shape-Memory Metallopolymer Networks Based on a Triazole–Pyridine Ligand
    (Basel : MDPI, 2019) Meurer, Josefine; Hniopek, Julian; Zechel, Stefan; Enke, Marcel; Vitz, Jürgen; Schmitt, Michael; Popp, Jürgen; Hager, Martin D.; Schubert, Ulrich S.
    Shape memory polymers represent an interesting class of stimuli-responsive polymers. With their ability to memorize and recover their original shape, they could be useful in almost every area of our daily life. We herein present the synthesis of shape-memory metallopolymers in which the switching unit is designed by using bis(pyridine–triazole) metal complexes. The polymer networks were synthesized via free radical polymerization of methyl-, ethyl- or butyl-methacrylate, tri(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate and a methacrylate moiety of the triazole–pyridine ligand. By the addition of zinc(II) or cobalt(II) acetate it was possible to achieve metallopolymer networks featuring shape-memory abilities. The successful formation of the metal-ligand complex was proven by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and by 1H NMR spectroscopy. Furthermore, the shape-recovery behavior was studied in detailed fashion and even triple-shape memory behavior could be revealed.