Graphene / MoS2 heterostructures for DNA detection

Researchers have fabricated a graphene/MoS₂ heterostructure for label-free selective detection of DNA hybridization. The graphene protected the MoS₂ from ambient moisture and oxygen and acted as a biocompatible host for the DNA molecules.  The photoluminescence intensity from the MoS₂ layer increased with increased concentration of target DNA. The differentiation of complementary and one-base mismatched DNA with the graphene/MoS₂ heterostructure could be performed at a concentration as low as 1 attomole.

Graphene/MoS2 Heterostructures for Ultrasensitive Detection of DNA Hybridisation; P.T.K. Loan et al, Advanced Materials; DOI: 10.1002/adma.201401084

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adma.201401084/abstract 

Inflammation-induced drug release

Researchers proposed and tested in vivo pH-responsive microspheres with PLGA-shells and NaHCO₃ / antibiotic cores for the treatment of osteomyelitis.  The acid from infected bone tissue reacted with NaHCO₃ to generate CO₂ which disrupted the PLGA shells and released the antibiotic.  Microspheres were delivered via an injectable calcium phosphate cement.

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adhm.201400158/abstract

Inflammation-induced drug release by using a pH responsive

gas-generating hollow-microsphere system for the treatment of osteomyelitis; M.F. Chung et al; Advanced Healthcare Materials; DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201400158.