A DNAzyme-Based Nanoprobe for "Visual" Decorporation of Uranyl In Vivo

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Uranium exposure presents significant health risks due to its toxicity.
• Current methods for assessing uranium decorporation are slow and complex, hindering therapeutic development.
• There is a critical need for real-time monitoring techniques to improve chelation therapy for uranium contamination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a uranyl-specific DNAzyme-based nanoprobe for in vivo visualization of uranium decorporation.
• To enable rapid assessment of decorporation agent efficacy.
• To advance nuclear emergency response capabilities.

Main Methods:

• A "turn-on" nanoprobe was engineered using DNAzymes with a fluorophore and quencher.
• Uranyl ions induce selective cleavage of the DNAzyme, separating the fluorophore and quencher.
• This separation restores fluorescence, enabling real-time detection and imaging.

Main Results:

• The nanoprobe successfully visualized deposited uranyl in the kidneys of uranium-exposed mice.
• An enhanced emission intensity of 1.8-fold was observed in exposed mice compared to controls.
• The probe effectively differentiated uranyl levels in treated versus untreated mice, showing treatment efficacy.

Conclusions:

• DNAzyme@QDots serve as an effective biological probe for real-time in vivo visualization of uranium decorporation.
• The developed nanoprobe facilitates rapid evaluation of decorporation therapy effectiveness.
• This technology holds promise for future applications in nuclear emergency preparedness and response.