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A poly-cationic theranostic macrocycle was developed to perform confocal microscopy imaging and photodynamic therapy studies on a model of melanoma cancer, one of the most aggressive cancer. Hence, an octa-imidazolium zinc phthalocyanine was conveniently synthesized in large amount in three steps in a 44% overall yield: upon double nucleophilic aromatic substitution, cyclo-tetramerization and quaternization reactions. Such an octa-cationic molecule was readily soluble in physiological media, reaching concentrations beyond 1 mM. It showed fluorescence properties in aqueous medium (Φ

International audience; Cherenkov radiation (CR), the blue light seen in nuclear reactors, is emitted by some radiopharmaceuticals. This study showed that (1) a portion of CR could be transferred in the region of the optical spectrum, where biological tissues are most transparent: as a result, upon radiance amplification in the near-infrared window, the detection of light could occur twice deeper in tissues than during classical Cherenkov luminescence imaging and (2) Cherenkov-photodynamic therapy (CR-PDT) on cells could be achieved under conditions mimicking unlimited depth using the CR-embarked light source, which is unlike standard PDT, where light penetration depth is limited in biological tissues. Both results are of utmost importance for simultaneous applications in tumor resection and post-resection treatment of remaining unresected margins, thanks to a molecular construct designed to raise its light collection efficiency (i.e., CR energy transfer) by conjugation with multiple CR-absorbing (water-soluble) antenna followed by intramolecular-FRET/TBET energy transfers.

The study of the organ structure of plants and understanding their physiological complexity requires 3D imaging with subcellular resolution. Most plant organs are highly opaque to light, and their study under optical sectioning microscopes is therefore difficult. In animals, many protocols have been developed to make organs transparent to light using clearing protocols (CPs). By contrast, clearing plant tissues is challenging because of the presence of fibers and pigments. We describe progress in the development of plant CPs over the past 20 years through a modified taxonomy of CPs based on their physical and optical parameters that affect tissue properties. We also discuss successful approaches that combine CPs with new microscopy methods and their future applications in plant science research.

SPE IPM INRA UB CT1; International audience; Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are associated with about 80% of land plants. AM fungi provide inorganic nutrients to plants and in return up to 20% of the plant-fixed CO2 is transferred to the fungal symbionts. Since AM fungi are obligate biotrophs, unraveling how sugars are provided to the fungus partner is a key for understanding the functioning of the symbiosis. In this study, we identified two new monosaccharide transporters from Rhizophagus irregularis (RiMST5 and RiMST6) that we characterized as functional high affinity monosaccharide transporters. RiMST6 was characterized as a glucose specific, high affinity H(+) co-transporter. We provide experimental support for a primary role of both RiMST5 and RiMST6 in sugar uptake directly from the soil. The expression patterns of RiMSTs in response to partial light deprivation and to interaction with different host plants were investigated. Expression of genes coding for RiMSTs was transiently enhanced after 48h of shading and was unambiguously dependent on the host plant species. These results cast doubt on the 'fair trade' principle under carbon-limiting conditions. Therefore, in light of these findings, the possible mechanisms involved in the modulation between mutualism and parasitism in plant-AM fungus interactions are discussed. Copyright 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

In order to control undesirable microorganisms growth in foods, the performance of alginate and alginate-caseinate (an aqueous two-phase system) matrices entrapping lactic acid bacteria (LAB) (Lactobacillus paracasei LAB1 and Lactococcus lactis LAB3) was investigated. Polymeric matrices were initially loaded with Lcells at similar to 10(8-10) or similar to 10(4-6) CFU mL(-1), and were monitored, in liquid and gelled form (beads), for 12 days at 30 degrees C. In the liquid form, maximum cell density (similar to 10(9) CFU mL(-1)) was reached after 24 h whatever the matrix. Then, the Lpopulation decreased but remained higher in alginate-caseinate matrices: 10(7) and 10(6) CFU mL(-1) of LAB3 cells were enumerated after 12 days in alginate-caseinate and in alginate matrices, respectively. Anti-Listeria activity (assayed by agar well diffusion method) did not vary much over 12 days and was also higher for cells entrapped in alginate-caseinate matrices. When matrices were gelled, similar trends were observed: at "Day 12", LAB3 population was 10(4-5) and 10(2-3) CFU/bead, and, LAB1 population was 10(5-6) and 10(3-4) CFU/bead, in alginate-caseinate and alginate beads, respectively. Antimicrobial activity of alginate-caseinate beads containing LAB1 cells was quite constant over 12 days. The anti-Listeria activity of Lcell-free supernatants incorporated in matrices with caseinate was also higher. In fact, the presence of caseinate was shown to promote both the survival of Lcells and the release of their antimicrobial metabolites. Observation of liquid and gelled matrices by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a preferential localization of Lcells in casein-rich microdomains which could affect favorably the efficiency of bipolymeric matrices. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.