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An electroactive carnosine derivative (ferrocenyl-carnosine, FcCAR (L)) was synthesized and its complexing and sensing properties were evaluated; it was found to be promising for the electrochemical detection of Hg2+ and Pb2+ in an aqueous environment.

Advanced nanoscale antimicrobials, originated from the combination of noble metal nanoparticles (NPs) with conventional antimi-crobial drugs, are considered the next generation of antimicrobial agents. Therefore, there is an increasing demand for rapid, eco-friendly, and relatively inexpensive synthetic approaches for the preparation of nontoxic metallic nanostructures endowed with unique physicochemical properties. Recently, we have proposed a straightforward synthetic strategy that exploits the properties of polymeric beta-cyclodextrin (PolyCD) to act as both the reducing and stabilizing agent to produce monodispersed and stable gold-based NPs either as monometallic (nanoG) structures or core-shell bimetallic (nanoGS) architectures with an external silver layer. Here, we describe the preparation of a supramolecular assembly between nanoGS and pentamidine, an antileishmanial drug endowed with a wide range of therapeutic properties (i.e., antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer). The physicochemical characterization of the supramolecular assembly (nanoGSP) in terms of size and colloidal stability was investigated by complemen-tary spectroscopic techniques, such as UV-vis, zeta-potential, and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Furthermore, the role of PolyCD during the reduction/stabilization of metal NPs was investigated for the first time by NMR spectroscopy.

We describe a mild, ecofriendly, and straightforward two-step strategy for making core-shell Au@Ag bimetallic nanoparticles (BMNPs) for antibacterial nanomedicine and SERS imaging. The synthesis exploits the unique properties of the cationic polymeric cyclodextrin (PolyCD) as both reducing and stabilizing agent to obtain, monodispersed and stable Au@Ag BMNPs. PolyCD-driven protocol includes the synthesis of PolyCD-coated Au monometallic nanoparticles (MNPs) as a seed material for the subsequent growing of a silver shell. PolyCD was produced by polymerization of the azido modified βCD monomers with epichlorohydrin and subsequent reduction of azido derivative. The amino groups, as hydrochloride salts (one for CD ring), are pivotal for the formation of BMNPs in mild conditions. Nanoantibiotics and SERS-nanoTag were prepared by complexation of Au@Ag BMNPs with Linezolid (Lz) and 4-mercaptophenyl boronic acid, respectively. Au@Ag@Lz complexes showed a good antibacterial activity against all tested microorganisms including the methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

The reconstruction of ancient civilizations requires the analysis of the material manifestations that have come down to us. This complex process involves the collection, comparison, and joint analysis of multiple types of data that can benefit from the availability, accessibility, and implementation through the collective contribution of digital datasets structured and homologated, according to shared standards. Archeofinds is a geodatabase specifically designed to provide support for the processes of information generation and sharing, produced through the collection, management, and contextualized analysis of multiple types of data, relating to multiple classes of ancient world artifacts.

Pompeii represents a unique archaeological site in the world for the knowledge potential that it preserves, coinciding with an entire city of the ancient world—a fragile urban organism whose conservation represents an enormous challenge. The Pompeii Sustainable Preservation Project (PSPP) is an international and multidisciplinary research project whose purpose is to provide a concrete contribution to the conservation of the funerary monuments in the necropolis of Porta Nocera. The information system of the PSPP, using the most modern technologies in the field of spatial data management, aims to provide a tool for the management and sharing of knowledge useful for future conservation activities of archaeological monuments.

Sorafenib (SOR) is an oral multikinase inhibitor which impedes proliferation, angiogenesis and invasion of cancer cells with low water-solubility. Amphiphilic cyclodextrins (aCD) have been investigated as a possible nanocarrier for systemic administration of SOR increasing its bio-availability [1]. A theoretical study about inclusion complexes of SOR drug and a model of aCD system using a simulation protocol based on Molecular Mechanics (MM) and Molecular Dynamics (MD) methods [2] is here reported. In this work we have studied at first the single model aCD (SC6OH, heptakis(2-O-oligo(ethylene oxide)-6-hexylthio)-β-CD bearing 14 units of ethylene-oxide at the CD secondary rim ) and the single molecule of SOR, then the formation of the complex in the dielectric environment [3]. The results data of final most stable geometry of the inclusion complex anticancer-cyclodextrin which showed the lowest potential and interaction energy were reported. The most stable host-guest geometry shows that the fluorine atoms of SOR drug are directed toward the hydrophobic primary rim of the aCD, while the part of the SOR rich in oxygen atoms is directed towards the hydrophilic secondary rim. References [1] M. L. Bondì, A. Scala, G. Sortino, E. Amore, C. Botto, A. Azzolina, D. Balasus, M. Cervello and A. Mazzaglia, Biomacromolecules, 2015, 16, 3784-3791. [2] G. Raffaini, F. Ganazzoli, L. Malpezzi, C. Fuganti, G. Fronza, W. Panzeri and A. Mele J. Phys. Chem B., 2009,113, 9110-9122.

Recognition and capture ofamyloidbeta (Aβ) is a challenging task for the early diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Here, we report a novel KLVFF-modified nanomagnet based on magneticnanoparticles(MNP) covered with a non-ionic amphiphilic β-cyclodextrin (SC16OH) and decorated with KLVFFoligopeptidefor the self-recognition of the homologous amino-acids sequence of Aβ to collect Aβ (1–42) peptide from aqueous samples. MNP@SC16OH and MNP@SC16OH/Ada-Pep nanoassemblies were fully characterized by complementary techniques both as solid powders and in aqueous dispersions. Single domain MNP@SC16OH/Ada-Pep nanomagnets of 20–40nm were observed by TEM analysis.DLSand ζ-potential measurements revealed that MNP@SC16OH nanoassemblies owned in aqueous dispersion ahydrodynamic radiusof about 150nm, which was unaffected by Ada-Pep decoration, while the negative ζ-potential of MNP@SC16OH (−40mV) became less negative (−30mV) in MNP@SC16OH/Ada-Pep, confirming the exposition of positively charged KLVFF on nanomagnets surface. The ability of MNP@SC16OH/Ada-Pep to recruit Aβ (1–42) in aqueous solution was evaluated by MALDI-TOF and compared with the ineffectiveness of undecorated MNP@SC16OH and VFLKF scrambled peptide-decorated nanoassemblies (MNP@SC16OH/Ada-scPep), pointing out theselectivityof KLVFF-decoratednanohybridtowards Aβ (1–42). Finally, the property of nanomagnets to extract Aβ inconditioned mediumof cells over-producing Aβ peptides was investigated as proof of concept of effectiveness of thesenanomaterialsas potential diagnostic tools.

A novel star-shaped amphiphilic copolymer based on three poly(lactide)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLA-PEG) terminal arms extending from a glycerol multifunctional core was newly synthesized and decorated with the tumor-targeting ligand cyclic-RGDyK peptide (Arg-Gly-Asp-D-Tyr-Lys) to be eventually formulated in polymeric micelles incorporating a suitable anticancer drug (i.e., Docetaxel, DTX; drug loading 16 %, encapsulation efficiency 69 %). The biological profile of unloaded micelles (RGD-NanoStar) was studied on Human Adipose-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (Ad-MSCs) as health control, pointing out the absence of toxicity. Surprisingly, an unprecedented effect on cell viability was exerted by RGD-NanoStar, comparable to that of the free DTX, on tumoral MDA-MB 468 Human Breast Adenocarcinoma cells, specifically starting from 48 h of culture (about 40 % and 60 % of dead cells at 48 and 72 h, respectively, at all tested concentrations). RGD-NanoStar reduced the cell viability also of tumoral U87 Human Glioblastoma cells, compared to cells only, at 72 h (about 25 % of dead cells) demonstrating a time-dependent effect exerted by the highest concentrations. The effects of DTX-loaded micelles (RGD-NanoStar/DTX) on U87 and MDA-MB 468 cell lines were evaluated by MTT, cell morphology analysis, and scratch test. A compromised cell morphology was observed without significant difference between DTX-treated and RGD-NanoStar/DTX - treated cells, especially in U87 cell line. Although no apparent benefit emerged from the drug incorporation into the nanosystem by MTT assay, the scratch test revealed a statistically significant inhibition of tumoral cell migration on both cell lines, confirming the well-known role of DTX in inhibiting cell movements even when loaded on polymeric micelles. Specifically, only 43 μm distance was covered by U87 cells after 30 h culture with RGD-NanoStar/DTX (30 μg/mL) compared to 73 μm in the presence of free DTX at the same concentration; more interestingly, a total absence of MDA-MB 468 cell movements was detected at 30 h compared to about 50 μm distance covered by cells in the presence of free DTX (10 μg/mL). The stronger inhibitory activity on cell migration of RGD-NanoStar/DTX compared to the free drug in both cell lines at 30 h attested for a good ability of the drug-loaded nanocarrier to reduce tumor propagation and invasiveness, enhancing the typical effect of DTX on metastatization.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) stand out over other metal nanoparticles thanks to their peculiar bactericidal and spectroscopic properties. Tunability of the AgNPs chemical–physical properties could be provided through their organic covalent coating. On the other hand, PEGylated porphyrin derivatives are versatile heteromacrocycles investigated for uses in the biomedical field as cytotoxic and tracking agents, but also as sensors. In this work, an easy multi-step approach was employed to produce coated silver nanoparticles. Specifically, the AgNPs were functionalized with 5,10,15-[p-(ω-methoxy-polyethyleneoxy)phenyl]-20-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-porphyrin (P(PEG350)3), using chloropropanethiol as a coupling agent. The P(PEG350)3 was structurally characterized through MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy and thermal analyses. The functionalization of AgNPs was monitored step-by-step employing UV-Vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering and thermogravimetric techniques. HRTEM and STEM measurements were used to investigate the morphology and the composition of the resulting nanostructured system (AgNP@P(PEG350)3), observing a long-range alignment of the outer porphyrin layer. The AgNP@P(PEG350)3 combines the features of the P(PEG350)3 with those of AgNPs, producing a potential multifunctional theranostic tool. The nanosystem revealed itself suitable as a removable pH sensor in aqueous solutions and potentially feasible for biological environment applications.

The incorporation of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) on graphene (G) is as valuable strategy to produce plasmonic effects that lead to the enhancement of optical absorption, resulting in improved performance of optoelectronic devices. The decoration of G layers by direct reduction of Au3+ to Au NPs using the chemical functionalities on G surface is preferred since it can result in a huge number of interactions stabilizing Au NPs. The combination of G with polymeric matrices able to act as reducing and capping agents is a successful strategy to achieve this objective. Herein, we demonstrate that both a polymeric cationic cyclodextrin (PolyCD) and the cyclodextrin units grafted on graphene layers (GCD) can be bridged, in a supramolecular assembly, through the new synthesized pegylated bis-adamantane carboxamide (BisAda) that acts as a “guest bridge”. Moreover, the cyclodextrin functionalities, such as hydroxyl groups, amino groups, hemiacetal groups, act as reductant and stabilizer for the synthesis of Au NPs in an eco-friendly way, alternative to the traditional chemical-reducing methods. Accordingly, the PolyCD@Bis-Ada@GCD assembly was decorated in situ with Au NPs by simple addition of PolyCD@BisAda@GCD to a boiling aqueous solution of Tetrachloro-auric(III) acid.

Hybrid nanomaterials have gained growing interest due to their intriguing properties resulting from the combination of organic and inorganic species. The emergence of new functionalities and improved performances have enabled the development of methods and technologies aimed to build devices with multimodal functions and new synergistic effects in terms of optical, electronic, magnetic, sensing and plasmonic properties for a variety of applications. In the plethora of molecular tectons for the construction of multifunctional nanoscale architectures, porphyrins are widely used in virtue of their interesting and finely tunable optical and electronic properties. They have found applications in photovoltaics, light harvesting systems, sensing and energy transport. In particular, porphyrin based nanostructures have been widely explored in biomedicine where porphyrins act as photosensitizers (PS) for photodynamic therapy (PDT) and, in combination with inorganic metal nanoparticles (NPs) for dual photothermal and photodynamic therapies (PTT- PDT), thanks to a synergistic effect deriving from molecular and colloidal properties. In this framework, here we report two cases of porphyrin based nanohybrid assemblies with potential applications in biomedical field. In the first example, we discuss novel nanoconstructs as potential theranostic agents that have been prepared self-assembling meso-tetrakis(N-methylpyridinium-4-yl)porphine H2T4 with Au or Ag nanoparticles (NPs). The NPs have been synthesized by a specific polymer bearing citrate and cyclodextrin (CDs) functionalities. The first species acts as reductant/stabilizer towards metal precursors/ NPs, while the latter entraps PS in virtue of the well know carrier ability of CDs towards drugs. In the second example, we report the formation and the spectroscopic characterization of J-aggregates of tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin H2TPPS4 in the presence of multi walled carbon nanotubes. The aggregated system has been investigated through a combination of spectroscopic and microscopy techniques, evidencing some potential use in phototherapy and bio-imaging.

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are cyclic oligosaccharides able to solubilize hydrophobic drugs in water enhancing their bioavailability. Sorafenib (SOR) is a lipophilic oral multikinase inhibitor that impedes proliferation, angiogenesis, and invasion of cancer cells with low water-solubility. Recently, amphiphilic cyclodextrins (aCDs) have been investigated as possible nanocarrier for systemic administration of SOR increasing its bio-availability. A theoretical study about inclusion complexes of SOR drug and a model of aCD system using molecular mechanics (MM) and molecular dynamics (MD) methods is here reported. At first, the single molecule aCD (SC6OH, heptakis(2-O-oligo(ethylene oxide)-6-hexylthio)-β-CD bearing 14 units of ethylene-oxide at the CD secondary rim) and SOR drug are studied. Then, the interaction between aCD and SOR is investigated. The theoretical results display different types of interaction geometries. The most stable geometry of the host-guest complex showed the lowest potential and favorable interaction energy and the fluorine atoms of SOR drug molecule are directed toward the hydrophobic primary rim of the aCD, while the part of the SOR rich in oxygen atoms is directed toward the hydrophilic secondary rim. This theoretical result is in a good agreement with NMR data in literature about same aCD as host of Sorafenib anti-cancer drug.

In carbon nanomaterial design, the fine-tuning of their functionalities and physicochemical properties has increased their potential for therapeutic, diagnostic and biosensing applications [...]

The Cathedral of Catania is a very important monument. It has been repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt after the earthquakes and volcanic eruptions that have followed over time. The first building dates back to the period 1078-1093 and was built on the ruins of the Achillian Baths dating back to the Romans, on the initiative of Count Roger, acquiring all the characteristics of an equipped (i.e. fortified) ecclesia. Already in 1169, a catastrophic earthquake demolished it almost completely, leaving only the apse part intact. In 1194 a fire created considerable damage and finally in 1693 the earthquake that hit the Val di Noto destroyed it almost completely.

Objects of forensic investigations vary from illegally buried weapons and explosives,landmines and improvised explosive devices, drugs and weapons caches to clandes-tine graves of murder victims and mass genocide graves, environmental crime. Illegalexcavations represent one of the main risks which affect the archaeological heritageall over the world. They cause a massive loss of artefacts but also, and above all, aloss of the cultural context, which makes the subsequent interpretation of archaeo-logical remains very difficult. Various techniques are available for forensic crimesearch teams. These techniques allow for the detection of a hidden object success-fully. Near-surface geophysical search methods have been dominated by ground-penetrating radar (GPR) but recently other techniques, such as electrical resistivity,magnetometric, time domain reflection have become more common. The geophysicalinvestigation was required to investigate the presence of illegal looting in an arealocated 1 km north from the archaeological park of Pompeii. For this purposecombined GPR and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) were used. Results revealthe presence of an illegal tunnel and offered the opportunity to investigate suchareas not previously systematically documented

Nanocomposites obtained by the decoration of graphene-based materials with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have received increasing attention owing to their antimicrobial activity. However, the complex synthetic methods for their preparation have limited practical applications. This study aims to synthesize novel NanoHybrid Systems based on graphene, polymer, and AgNPs (namely, NanoHy-GPS) through an easy microwave irradiation approach free of reductants and surfactants. The polymer plays a crucial role, as it assures the coating layer/substrate compatibility making the platform easily adaptable for a specific substrate. AgNPs&rsquo, loading (from 5% to 87%) can be tuned by the amount of Silver salt used during the microwave-assisted reaction, obtaining spherical AgNPs with average sizes of 5&ndash, 12 nm homogeneously distributed on a polymer-graphene nanosystem. Interestingly, microwave irradiation partially restored the graphene sp2 network without damage of ester bonds. The structure, morphology, and chemical composition of NanoHy-GPS and its subunits were characterized by means of UV-vis spectroscopy, thermal analysis, differential light scattering (DLS), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) techniques. A preliminary qualitative empirical assay against the typical bacterial load on common hand-contacted surfaces has been performed to assess the antibacterial properties of NanoHy-GPS, evidencing a significative reduction of bacterial colonies spreading.

It is well known that amphiphilic cationic beta-cyclodextrins (am beta CDs) form nanovesicles able to release their cargo in aqueous solution upon applying different stimuli. In addition they can be selectively positioned onto substrates by unconventional soft lithography. This makes them a powerful tool for designing environments where different cues can be externally supplied to the cells helping to achieve good control of their fate. Lithographically controlled wetting (LCW) of am beta CD nanovesicles loaded with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), am beta CD/FITC, has been used here to fabricate geometrically functionalized surfaces, thus achieving multiscale control of the cell environment. The am beta CD functionalization was strongly influenced by the surface energy of the underlying substrates that, according to their hydrophobicity, orient the am beta CD in a different way, thus "offering" different portions to the cells. The structure of the pattern was characterized both over large scales exploiting the FITC fluorescence and at the nanoscale by atomic force microscopy. Cell guidance and aCD/FITC cell internalization were demonstrated in human neuroblastoma SHSY5Y cells.

A series of polymeric silver(I) complexes with Schiff base ligands containing pyridine and 3,5-halogen substituted phenol moieties were synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic methods and in the case of Ag6 also by X-ray crystallography. All silver(I) complexes (Ag1-Ag8) were evaluated for their biological activity against a panel of pathogens including the protozoa Trypanosoma cruzi, T. brucei, T. rhodesiense and Leishmania infantum; the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra and the yeast Candida albicans. Cytotoxicity evaluation was carried out on human lung fibroblasts (MRC-5) and on primary peritoneal mouse macrophages. The most relevant result reveals antileishmanial activity potential with all complexes demonstrating higher potency than the reference drug miltefosine. Complexes with the best antiprotozoal profile (i.e., Ag2 and Ag7) were selected for incorporation into poly (lactic acid) nanoparticles (PLA NPs) with the aim to enhance selectivity. PLA/Ag2 NPs and PLA/Ag7 NPs exhibited adequate physicochemical properties, that is, average size of 263 +/- 60 nm and 225 +/- 6 nm, respectively, good entrapment efficiency (69% and 63%), loading content (6.2% and 5.7%) and stability. The cytotoxicity of PLA/Ag2 NPs and PLA/Ag7 NPs on MRC-5 cells was reduced with respect to the "free" metal complexes by similar to 2-fold and similar to 6-fold, respectively.

Injectable nanobioplatforms capable of locally fighting the inflammation in osteoarticular diseases, by reducing the number of administrations and prolonging the therapeutic effect is highly challenging. &beta, Cyclodextrin cationic polymers are promising cartilage-penetrating candidates by intra-articular injection due to the high biocompatibility and ability to entrap multiple therapeutic and diagnostic agents, thus monitoring and mitigating inflammation. In this study, nanoassemblies based on poly-&beta, amino-cyclodextrin (PolyCD) loaded with the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac (DCF) and linked by supramolecular interactions with a fluorescent probe (adamantanyl-Rhodamine conjugate, Ada-Rhod) were developed to manage inflammation in osteoarticular diseases. PolyCD@Ada-Rhod/DCF supramolecular nanoassemblies were characterized by complementary spectroscopic techniques including UV-Vis, steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence, DLS and &zeta, potential measurement. Stability and DCF release kinetics were investigated in medium mimicking the physiological conditions to ensure control over time and efficacy. Biological experiments evidenced the efficient cellular internalization of PolyCD@Ada-Rhod/DCF (within two hours) without significant cytotoxicity in primary human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs). Finally, polyCD@Ada-Rhod/DCF significantly suppressed IL-1&beta, production in hMSCs, revealing the anti-inflammatory properties of these nanoassemblies. With these premises, this study might open novel routes to exploit original CD-based nanobiomaterials for the treatment of osteoarticular diseases.

The 19th-century plastic model of Pompeii at the rise of photography: a “double” 3D archive? The magnificent cork plastic model of Pompeii (1861-1929 ca.) represents a valuable document for the archaeological research and an exceptional testimony of a fading methodology. The Pompeian maquette, summarizing multiple data and various documentary supports, constitutes a tridimensional physical archive, a holistic snapshot of the site close to its excavation: the urban topography, the residential and public architecture, the entire heritage of frescoes and mosaics. Emblematically it places itself in a period of transition: while the modellers still worked with cork, plaster and brushes, the earliest photographers were testing at Pompeii the new methodologies of documentation. The spread of the photographic sensibility, the interest for contexts and their open and objective reproduction conditioned deeply the conception of the great plastic model. The whole plastic model of Pompeii has been acquired and rendered through digital photography, taking into account each detail: from the tridimensional physical archive to a digital 3D model. At the crossroad between phelloplastics, archive photography and new methodologies, the digital 3D survey constitutes a peculiar archive of images and dataset in their contextual environment and related to their analogue cork model. Considering some Pompeian domus, their decorations (frescoes, floorings) and building details, it is possible to make comparisons between their current status and the documentary evidence given by the cork model and its digital 3D reproduction.

The graphene road in nanomedicine still seems very long and winding because the current knowledge about graphene/cell interactions and the safety issues are not yet sufficiently clarified. Specifically, the impact of graphene exposure on gene expression is a largely unexplored concern. Herein, we investigated the intracellular fate of graphene (G) decorated with cyclodextrins (CD) and loaded with doxorubicin (DOX) and the modulation of genes involved in cancer-associated canonical pathways. Intracellular fate of GCD@DOX, tracked by FLIM, Raman mapping and fluorescence microscopy, evidenced the efficient cellular uptake of GCD@DOX and the presence of DOX in the nucleus, without graphene carrier. The NanoString nCounter&trade, platform provided evidence for 34 (out of 700) differentially expressed cancer-related genes in HEp-2 cells treated with GCD@DOX (25 &micro, g/mL) compared with untreated cells. Cells treated with GCD alone (25 &micro, g/mL) showed modification for 16 genes. Overall, 14 common genes were differentially expressed in both GCD and GCD@DOX treated cells and 4 of these genes with an opposite trend. The modification of cancer related genes also at sub-cytotoxic G concentration should be taken in consideration for the rational design of safe and effective G-based drug/gene delivery systems. The reliable advantages provided by NanoString&reg, technology, such as sensibility and the direct RNA measurements, could be the cornerstone in this field.

Functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been proposed in the last years as vectors for delivery of biomolecules, proteins and DNA into various cells. In this study, a new multiwalled carbon nanotube β-cyclodextrin platform (MWCNT-CD) modified with branched polyethylenimine (PEI) and doped with Rhodamine (Rhod), MWCNT-CD-PEI-Rhod, was designed and investigated as drug delivery system. The drug binding abilities of MWCNT-CD-PEI-Rhod towards Cidofovir (Cid) and DNA plasmid encoding enhanced green fluorescence protein (pCMS-EGFP) were investigated by complementary spectroscopic techniques. MWCNT-CD-PEI-Rhod showed no significative cytotoxicity and an excellent ability to entrap and delivery Cid. The present study broadens the spectrum of biological evaluation by investigating platform-treatment induced cellular response such as antiviral activity, transfection properties, cellular uptake, internalization mechanisms and cellular localization. The mechanism of cellular uptake was elucidated monitoring the dependence of intracellular red fluorescence from the assembly concentration, time and presence of specific uptake inhibitors. The biological results indicated that MWCNT-CD-PEI-Rhod loaded with Cid and/or pCMS-EGFP crossed the cell membrane via clathrin-dependent pathway and co-localized in lysosomal compartment. However, no green fluorescent protein expression of pCMS-EGFP was detected, whereas the efficient escape of Cid from lysosome and the release close to nuclear region prompted the antiviral activity.

We report a hybrid nanoassembly based on gold colloids decorated with a new thiolated amphiphilic cyclodextrin complexing dopamine (AuNPs@SC16SH/DA). The novel amphiphilic β-cyclodextrin SC16SH, bearing on average one thiol group at the end of an oligoethylene glycol chain per CyD unit, was obtained in a multi-step synthesis and fully characterized by NMR spectroscopy and MALDI analysis. The AuNPs@SC16SH hybrid assembly was prepared by mixing AuNPs and SC16SH in aqueous solution and investigated by UV/Vis and TEM measurements. The AuNPs@SC16SH/DA supramolecular assembly, bearing both thiol-stabilized gold nanoparticles and the neurotransmitter dopamine, has been conceived as stimuli-responsive delivery system able to control the release of dopamine upon proper stimuli. Two redox functionalities (i.e. the Au-S bond and the redox behaviour of dopamine) have been exploited to detach SC16SH/DA complex from the AuNPs@SC16SH/DA progenitor platform, using dithiothreitol (DTT), and to detect the complex by cyclic voltammetry (CV). Following, dopamine was finally released from the SC16SH/DA assembly upon treatment with Brij® S20 and the free dopamine was monitored by CV. Overall, our hybrid nanoassemblies turned out to be able to release dopamine, upon combined action of redox and digestion agents in medium emulating biological environment.