Baumann, M, Boavida N, Maia MJ, Lichtner P, Moniz AB.
2012.
{Renewable Energy Systems: the theme for the PACITA summer school on TA, Liège, Belgium, 25 28 June 2012}, November. Enterprise and Work Innovation Studies. 8:95-101., Number 8
AbstractThe summer school “Renewable Energy Systems: Role and Use of Parliamentary Technology Assessment” was the first European Summer School with a pure focus on technology assessment. The aim of the three-day long summer school of the European project Parliaments and Civil Society in Technology Assessment (PACITA) was to create awareness of the potential of technology groups in Europe. Therefore, the summer school involved keynotes, practical exercises, mutual reflection, cutting edge training and networking to deal with the theme of renewable energy systems out of the perspective of Technology Assessment (TA), to meet transition objectives or to critically assess energy technologies.
Fournier, G, Hinderer H, Schmid D, Seign R, Baumann M.
2012.
{The new mobility paradigm: Transformation of value chain and business models}, November. Enterprise and Work Innovation Studies. 8:9-40., Number 8
AbstractFour categories of innovations have been identified by Freeman and Perez: incremental innovations, radical innovations, new technological systems (systemic innovations), and technological revolutions or new techno-economic paradigms. New techno-economic paradigms represent changes in technological systems that are so far-reaching in their effects that they have a major influence on the behaviour of the entire economy. Scarcity of oil and external costs like global warming are the key arguments and the main drivers of the change of the current paradigm. They will affect especially the mobility of individuals and the interlinked business models. Novel business models within newly created markets will raise e.g. extended mobility services, activities aiming at the infrastructure, new opportunities in the field of energy transmission and supply and even new strategies of recycling, reusing or reducing the use of resources in order to address global scarcity issues. Especially for the established players of the automotive industry like original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) or 1st and 2nd tier suppliers this implicates opportunities and risks at the same time. But also new players will get the chance to create and enter new markets with new or extended products or services and lead the new value chain. This paper compiles and evaluates current approaches and business models of selected OEMs together with upcoming players. Additionally their positions within the existing value chain are being analyzed and classified. Bringing together the identified drivers of changes with current trends within the automotive industry the authors also show new concepts of extended business models, e.g. the idea of an ecosystem, that have the potential to cause an additional shift of power within the global mobility value chain.
Veigas, {BMR}, Jacob {JAM}, Costa {MN }, de Santos {DPS}, Bettencourt {MV}, Inácio J, de Martins {RFP}, Barquinha {PMC}, Fortunato {EMC}, Baptista {PMRV}.
2012.
Gold on paper-paper platform for Au-nanoprobe TB detection, nov. Lab On A Chip. 12:4802–8., Number 22: RSC - Royal Society of Chemistry
AbstractTuberculosis (TB) remains one of the most serious infectious diseases in the world and the rate of new cases continues to increase. The development of cheap and simple methodologies capable of identifying TB causing agents belonging to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex (MTBC), at point-of-need, in particular in resource-poor countries where the main TB epidemics are observed, is of paramount relevance for the timely and effective diagnosis and management of patients. TB molecular diagnostics, aimed at reducing the time of laboratory diagnostics from weeks to days, still require specialised technical personnel and labour intensive methods. Recent nanotechnology-based systems have been proposed to circumvent these limitations. Here, we report on a paper-based platform capable of integrating a previously developed Au-nanoprobe based MTBC detection assay-we call it {"}Gold on Paper{"}. The Au-nanoprobe assay is processed and developed on a wax-printed microplate paper platform, allowing unequivocal identification of MTBC members and can be performed without specialised laboratory equipment. Upon integration of this Au-nanoprobe colorimetric assay onto the 384-microplate, differential colour scrutiny may be captured and analysed with a generic {"}smartphone{"} device. This strategy uses the mobile device to digitalise the intensity of the colour associated with each colorimetric assay, perform a Red Green Blue (RGB) analysis and transfer relevant information to an off-site lab, thus allowing for efficient diagnostics. Integration of the GPS location metadata of every test image may add a new dimension of information, allowing for real-time epidemiologic data on MTBC identification.
Conde, J, Baptista {PV}, Hernández Y, Sanz V, {de la Fuente} {JM }.
2012.
Modification of plasmid DNA topology by histone-mimetic gold nanoparticles, nov. Nanomedicine. 7:1657–1666., Number 11: Future Medicine Ltd.
AbstractAims: Our aim is to explore whether gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) functionalized with a carboxylated polyethylene glycol (PEG) and protamine (AuNP@PEG@Prot) can modulate - enhance or restrain - DNA condensation, altering DNA conformation and inducing structural changes. Understanding how these nanoconjugates modulate DNA structure, size and shape of DNA condensates, and enable control over the resulting 3D structures is of major biological and therapeutic importance. Materials & methods: Citrate-AuNPs were covered with a dense layer of a hetero-functional octa(ethylene glycol) (SH-EG(8)-COOH). Conjugation of protamine to the AuNP@PEG was achieved by taking advantage of the carboxylated surface previously generated on the surface of the NP and the remaining amino groups from the protamine, using carbodiimide and N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide coupling reactions. Results & conclusion: AuNP@PEG@Prot modulates the structure and topology of DNA, not only for condensation, but also for decondensation, via formation of higher quantities of dimers and multimers, when compared with AuNP@PEG and free protamine.
Sanz, V, Conde J, Ambrosone A, Hernandez Y, Marchesasno V, Estrada {GG }, Ibarra {MR }, Baptista {PV}, Tian F, Tortiglione C, {de la Fuente} {JM }.
2012.
Multifunctional gold nanoparticles for gene silencing, mar. Abstracts Of Papers Of The American Chemical Society. 243: ACS - American Chemical Society
Abstractn/a
Boavida, N, Moniz AB.
2012.
Research and development expenditure in the business sector as indicator of knowledge economy: the Portuguese experience, Mar. , Number 04/2012: Universidade Nova de Lisboa, IET-Research on Enterprise and Work Innovation, Faculty of Science and Technology
AbstractThe objective of the paper is to help to understand recent changes in the structure of R&D activities, by analyzing data on the expenditure of the business sector in research and development (R&D). The results are framed in an international context, through comparison with indicators from the most developed countries, divided by technological intensity and economic activity. The study reveals that the indicators of Portuguese R&D expenditure in the business sector are closely linked both to fiscal policy and to high foreign direct investment in knowledge-intensive industries. It also links these indicators to phenomena such as the abundance of skilled labor in pharmaceutical industries and the government intervention in some sectors of the economy (namely health and rail transportation).
Sanz, V, Conde J, Hernández Y, Baptista {PV}, Ibarra {MR }, {de la Fuente} {JM }.
2012.
Effect of PEG biofunctional spacers and TAT peptide on dsRNA loading on gold nanoparticles, jun. Journal Of Nanoparticle Research. 14, Number 6: Kluwer Academic Publishers
AbstractThe surface chemistry of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) plays a critical role in the self-assembly of thiolated molecules and in retaining the biological function of the conjugated biomolecules. According to the well-established gold-thiol interaction the undefined ionic species on citrate-reduced gold nanoparticle surface can be replaced with a self-assembled monolayer of certain thiolate derivatives and other biomolecules. Understanding the effect of such derivatives in the functionalization of several types of biomolecules, such as PEGs, peptides or nucleic acids, has become a significant challenge. Here, an approach to attach specific biomolecules to the AuNPs (∼14 nm) surface is presented together with a study of their effect in the functionalization with other specific derivatives. The effect of biofunctional spacers such as thiolated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) chains and a positive peptide, TAT, in dsRNA loading on AuNPs is reported. Based on the obtained data, we hypothesize that loading of oligonucleotides onto the AuNP surface may be controlled by ionic and weak interactions positioning the entry of the oligo through the PEG layer. We demonstrate that there is a synergistic effect of the TAT peptide and PEG chains with specific functional groups on the enhancement of dsRNA loading onto AuNPs.
Rosa, J, Conde J, {de la Fuente} {JM }, Lima {JC }, Baptista {PV}.
2012.
Gold-nanobeacons for real-time monitoring of RNA synthesis, jun. Biosensors & Bioelectronics. 36:161–167., Number 1: Elsevier
AbstractMeasuring RNA synthesis and, when required, the level of inhibition, is crucial towards the development of practical strategies to evaluate silencing efficiency of gene silencing approaches. We developed a direct method to follow RNA synthesis in real time based on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) functionalized with a fluorophore labeled hairpin-DNA, i.e. gold-nanobeacon (Au-nanobeacon). Under hairpin configuration, proximity to gold nanoparticles leads to fluorescence quenching; hybridization to a complementary target restores fluorescence emission due to the Au-nanobeacons' conformational reorganization that causes the fluorophore and the AuNP to part from each other, yielding a quantitative response. With this reporter Au-nanobeacon we were able to measure the rate of in vitro RNA synthesis ( 10.3. fmol of RNA per minute). Then, we designed a second Au-nanobeacon targeting the promoter sequence (inhibitor) so as to inhibit transcription whilst simultaneously monitor the number of promoters being silenced. Using the two Au-nanobeacons in the same reaction mixture, we are capable of quantitatively assess in real time the synthesis of RNA and the level of inhibition.The biosensor concept can easily be extended and adapted to situations when real-time quantitative assessment of RNA synthesis and determination of the level of inhibition are required. In fact, this biosensor may assist the in vitro evaluation of silencing potential of a given sequence to be later used for in vivo gene silencing.
Baptista, {PMRV}, Franco R.
2012.
Gold nanoparticle-based fluorescence immunoassay for malaria antigen detection, jan. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry. 402:1019–27., Number 3: Springer
AbstractThe development of rapid detection assays for malaria diagnostics is an area of intensive research, as the traditional microscopic analysis of blood smears is cumbersome and requires skilled personnel. Here, we describe a simple and sensitive immunoassay that successfully detects malaria antigens in infected blood cultures. This homogeneous assay is based on the fluorescence quenching of cyanine 3B (Cy3B)-labeled recombinant Plasmodium falciparum heat shock protein 70 (PfHsp70) upon binding to gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) functionalized with an anti-Hsp70 monoclonal antibody. Upon competition with the free antigen, the Cy3B-labeled recombinant PfHsp70 is released to solution resulting in an increase of fluorescence intensity. Two types of AuNP-antibody conjugates were used as probes, one obtained by electrostatic adsorption of the antibody on AuNPs surface and the other by covalent bonding using protein cross-linking agents. In comparison with cross-linked antibodies, electrostatic adsorption of the antibodies to the AuNPs surfaces generated conjugates with increased activity and linearity of response, within a range of antigen concentration from 8.2 to 23.8 μg.mL(-1). The estimated LOD for the assay is 2.4 μg.mL(-1) and the LOQ is 7.3 μg.mL(-1). The fluorescence immunoassay was successfully applied to the detection of antigen in malaria-infected human blood cultures at a 3% parasitemia level, and is assumed to detect parasite densities as low as 1,000 parasites.μL(-1).
Baptista, P, Veigas {BMR}, Portugal I, Couto I, Viveiros M.
2012.
Using Au-nanoprobes por point-of-need diagnostics of TB., jan. Magazine da Sociedade Portuguesa de Microbiologia. 2012, Number 1
AbstractTuberculosis remains one of the most serious infectious diseases worldwide requiring new tools to circumvent current molecular diagnostics limitations. Nanodiagnostics, i.e. nanotechnology based diagnostics, may do just that by decreasing the time needed for the molecular characterisation of the infecting agent, and allowing for miniaturisation and portability for point-of-need adapted to remote regions without suitable lab equipment.
c}alo Doria, G{\c, Conde J, Veigas B, Giestas L, Almeida C, c}ão MA{\c, Rosa J, Baptista {PV}.
2012.
Noble metal nanoparticles for biosensing applications, feb. Sensors. 12:1657–1687., Number 2: MDPI - Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
AbstractIn the last decade the use of nanomaterials has been having a great impact in biosensing. In particular, the unique properties of noble metal nanoparticles have allowed for the development of new biosensing platforms with enhanced capabilities in the specific detection of bioanalytes. Noble metal nanoparticles show unique physicochemical properties (such as ease of functionalization via simple chemistry and high surface-to-volume ratios) that allied with their unique spectral and optical properties have prompted the development of a plethora of biosensing platforms. Additionally, they also provide an additional or enhanced layer of application for commonly used techniques, such as fluorescence, infrared and Raman spectroscopy. Herein we review the use of noble metal nanoparticles for biosensing strategies-from synthesis and functionalization to integration in molecular diagnostics platforms, with special focus on those that have made their way into the diagnostics laboratory.
Barbosa, J, Barbosa DJ, Capela JP, Oliveira JMA, Silva R, Ferreira LM, Siopa F, Branco PS, Fernandes E, Duarte JA, de Lourdes Bastos M, Carvalho F, Carvalho D.
2012.
Pro-oxidant effects of Ecstasy and its metabolites in mouse brain synaptosomes, FEB. BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY. 165:1017-1033., Number 4B
Abstractn/a
Conde, J, c}alo Doria G{\c, {de la Fuente} {JM }, Baptista {PV}.
2012.
RNA quantification using noble metal nanoprobes: Simultaneous identification of several different mrna targets using color multiplexing and application to cancer diagnostics, aug. Nanoparticles in Biology and Medicine: Methods and Protocols. (
Mikhail Soloviev, Ed.).:71–87., United States: Humana Press
AbstractNanotechnology provides new tools for gene expression analysis that allow for sensitive and specific characterization of prognostic signatures related to cancer. Cancer is a multigenic complex disease where multiple gene loci contribute to the phenotype. The ability to simultaneously monitor differential expression originating from each locus allows for a more accurate indication of degree of cancerous activity than either locus alone. Metal nanoparticles have been widely used as labels for in vitro identification and quantification of target sequences. Here we describe the synthesis of nanoparticles with different noble metal compositions in an alloy format that are then functionalized with thiol-modified ssDNA (nanoprobes). We also show how to use such nanoprobes in a non-cross-linking colorimetric method for the direct detection and quantification of specific mRNA targets, without the need for enzymatic amplification or reverse transcription steps. The different metals in the alloy provide for distinct absorption spectra due to their characteristic plasmon resonance peaks. The color multiplexing allows for simultaneous identification of several different mRNA targets involved in cancer development. Comparison of the absorption spectra of the nanoprobes mixtures taken before and after induced aggregation of metal nanoparticles allows to both identify and quantify each mRNA target. We describe the use of gold and gold:silver-alloy nanoprobes for the development of the non-cross-linking method to detect a specific BCR-ABL fusion gene (e.g., e1a2 and e14a2) mRNA target associated with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) using 10 ng μL -1 of unamplified total human RNA. This simple methodology takes less than 50 min to complete after total RNA extraction with comparable specificity and sensitivity to the more commonly used methods.
Machado, D, dos Couto {IMSL}, Perdigão J, Rodrigues L, Portugal I, Baptista P, Veigas B, Amaral L, Bettencourt {MV}.
2012.
Contribution of Efflux to the Emergence of Isoniazid and Multidrug Resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis., apr. PLoS ONE. 7, Number 4: PLOS - Public Library of Science
Abstractn/a
Soares, PIP, Ferreira I, Igreja R, Novo C, Borges JP.
2012.
Application of Hyperthermia for Cancer Treatment: Recent Patents Review, 2012. Recent Patents on Anti-Cancer Drug Discovery. 7(1):64-73.
AbstractCancer is one of the main causes of death in the world and its incidence increases every day. Current treatments are insufficient and present many breaches. Hyperthermia is an old concept and since early it was established as a cancer treatment option, mainly in superficial cancers. More recently the concept of intracellular hyperthermia emerged wherein magnetic particles are concentrated at the tumor site and remotely heated using an applied magnetic field to achieve hyperthermic temperatures (42-45°C). Many patents have been registered in this area since the year 2000. This review presents the most relevant information, organizing them according to the hyperthermic method used: 1) external Radio- Frequency devices; 2) hyperthermic perfusion; 3) frequency enhancers; 4) apply heating to the target site using a catheter; 5) injection of magnetic and ferroelectric particles; 6) injection of magnetic nanoparticles that may carry a pharmacological active drug. The use of magnetic nanoparticles is a very promising treatment approach since it may be used for diagnostic and treatment. An ideal magnetic nanoparticle would be able to detect and diagnose the tumor, carry a pharmacological active drug to be delivered in the tumor site, apply hyperthermia through an external magnetic field and allow treatment monitoring by magnetic resonance imaging.