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Given the tubal origin of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC), we sought to investigate intrauterine lavage (IUL) as a novel method of biomarker detection. IUL and serum samples were collected from patients with HGSC or benign pathology. Although CA-125 and HE4 concentrations were significantly higher in IUL samples compared to serum, they were similar between IUL samples from patients with HGSC vs benign conditions. In contrast, CA-125 and HE4 serum concentrations differed between HGSC and benign pathology (P =.002 for both). IUL and tumor samples from patients with HGSC were subjected to targeted panel sequencing and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). Tumor mutations were found in 75 % of matched IUL samples. Serum CA-125 and HE4 biomarker levels allowed for better differentiation of HGSC and benign pathology compared to IUL samples. We believe using IUL for early detection of HGSC requires optimization, and current strategies should focus on prevention until early detection strategies improve.

Abstract Chirality purification of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) is desirable for applications in many fields, but general utility is currently hampered by low throughput. We discovered a method to obtain single-chirality SWCNT enrichment by the aqueous two-phase extraction (ATPE) method in a single step. To achieve appropriate resolution, a biphasic system of non-ionic tri-block copolymer surfactant is varied with an ionic surfactant. A nearly-monochiral fraction of SWCNTs can then be harvested from the top phase. We also found, via high-throughput, near-infrared excitation-emission photoluminescence spectroscopy, that the parameter space of ATPE can be mapped to probe the mechanics of the separation process. Finally, we found that optimized conditions can be used for sorting of SWCNTs wrapped with ssDNA as well. Elimination of the need for surfactant exchange and simplicity of the separation process make the approach promising for high-yield generation of purified single-chirality SWCNT preparations.

Over the past two decades, measurements of carbon nanotube toxicity and biodistribution have yielded a wide range of results. Properties such as nanotube type (single-walled vs. multi-walled), purity, length, aggregation state, and functionalization, as well as route of administration, greatly affect both the biocompatibility and biodistribution of carbon nanotubes. These differences suggest that generalizable conclusions may be elusive and that studies must be material- and application-specific. Here, we assess the short- and long-term biodistribution and biocompatibility of a single-chirality DNA-encapsulated single-walled carbon nanotube complex upon intravenous administration that was previously shown to function as an in-vivo reporter of endolysosomal lipid accumulation. Regarding biodistribution and fate, we found bulk specificity to the liver and >90% signal attenuation by 14 days in mice. Using near-infrared hyperspectral microscopy to measure single nanotubes, we found low-level, long-term persistence in organs such as the heart, liver, lung, kidney, and spleen. Measurements of histology, animal weight, complete blood count; biomarkers of organ function all suggest short- and long-term biocompatibility. This work suggests that carbon nanotubes can be used as preclinical research tools in-vivo without affecting acute or long-term health.

Determining the most effective treatment for each cancer patient is a key challenge in cancer therapy. In this article, the authors show, in a mouse model of breast cancer, that DNA barcoded nanoparticles can be used for pre-screening the efficacy of anticancer drugs.