Serum heat inactivation diminishes ApoE-mediated uptake of D-Lin-MC3-DMA lipid nanoparticles

• Demian van Straten,
• Luuk van de Schepop,
• Rowan Frunt,
• Pieter Vader and
• Raymond M. Schiffelers

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 740–748, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.57

• washed with PBS and detached with trypsin (Gibco) and collected in full medium (containing 10% NHI FCS). Cells were spun down 5 min at 300g to remove trypsin, washed with cold PBS and then resuspended in ice cold PBS + 1% BSA (PBA) and their fluorescence was measured using a BD FACS Canto II (BD

• Biosciences). Cell mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) was analyzed with FACS Diva software. ApoE dose response LNP uptake A day before the experiment, HMEC-1 were seeded in a gelatin coated 48-well plate (5 × 104 cells/well) and allowed to adhere overnight. The next day, serum-free medium was supplemented with

• µL ApoE media containing fluorescent LNPs. Cells were incubated for 4 h at 37 °C before collecting them and measuring the fluorescence by FACS as described in the previous section. Knockdown For knockdown experiments, dual luciferase expressing cells were seeded at 5 × 103 cells/well in a 96-well

Colloidal few layered graphene–tannic acid preserves the biocompatibility of periodontal ligament cells

• Teissir Ben Ammar,
• Naji Kharouf,
• Dominique Vautier,
• Housseinou Ba,
• Nivedita Sudheer,
• Philippe Lavalle and
• Vincent Ball

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 664–677, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.51

• . The assay revealed two distinct cell populations, namely, viable cells displaying intense green fluorescence (Calcein AM, ex/em: 495/515 nm) and non-viable cells exhibiting deep red fluorescence (SYTOX Deep Red, ex/mm: 660/682 nm). The proportion of viable cells remained consistently high across all

• tested FLG–TA concentrations. The high ratio of green-to-red fluorescence intensity observed in Figure S7, Supporting Information File 1, indicates robust cellular viability. These findings strongly align with previous metabolic activity results. Because of strong molecular interactions during synthesis

• biocomposite’s cellular protective capabilities against ROS. Confocal microscopic studies indicated that cells displayed green fluorescence after FLG–TA exposure (Figure 4A). Fluorescence signal quantification showed intensities of 3.40 ± 0.35, 1.77 ± 0.97, and 1.71 ± 0.61 for FLG–TA treatments at 1, 25, and 200

Nanomaterials in targeting amyloid-β oligomers: current advances and future directions for Alzheimer's disease diagnosis and therapy

• Shiwani Randhawa,
• Trilok Chand Saini,
• Manik Bathla,
• Rahul Bhardwaj,
• Rubina Dhiman and
• Amitabha Acharya

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 561–580, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.44

• detection methods, Liu et al. developed a fluorescence-based system using a FAM-labeled DNA aptamer fluorophore along with a nanoquencher attached to self-assembled polydopamine nanospheres. This nanosystem showed selective recognition of AβOs through a “fluorescence-signal on” mechanism, where the FAM-DNA

• binding to AβOs, these NPs facilitate label-free detection methods such as SPR, colorimetric changes, and fluorescence amplification, enabling straightforward real-time monitoring of oligomer formation. This innovative approach not only deepens our understanding of amyloid pathology but also contributes

• . Fluorescence studies revealed that the presence of the AuNRs significantly inhibits the development of larger oligomers and fibrils, with inhibition efficacy diminishing as the diameter of the NPs decreases [80]. In a different approach, Randhawa et al. designed glucosamine-conjugated gold nanoparticles (Gln

Zeolite materials with Ni and Co: synthesis and catalytic potential in the selective hydrogenation of citral

• Inocente Rodríguez-Iznaga,
• Yailen Costa Marrero,
• Tania Farias Piñeira,
• Céline Fontaine,
• Lexane Paget,
• Beatriz Concepción Rosabal,
• Arbelio Penton Madrigal,
• Vitalii Petranovskii and
• Gwendoline Lafaye

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 520–529, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.40

• being mixed. After 24 h, the solid phases were separated, lightly washed with distilled water, and oven-dried at 110 °C. Characterization The elemental composition of ZSA and the modified materials from both treatments was determined using X-ray fluorescence analysis, performed with a ZETIUM PANalytical

• Andrés deposit. Some HEU crystals are indicated by a, b, and c, where a and b exhibit tabular characteristics while c has slat morphology. Mordenite crystals, marked by d, e, and f, show acicular to fibrous shapes. Elemental composition determined by X-ray fluorescence of the materials obtained by IE and

Synthetic-polymer-assisted antisense oligonucleotide delivery: targeted approaches for precision disease treatment

• Ana Cubillo Alvarez,
• Dylan Maguire and
• Ruairí P. Brannigan

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 435–463, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.34

Engineered PEG–PCL nanoparticles enable sensitive and selective detection of sodium dodecyl sulfate: a qualitative and quantitative analysis

• Soni Prajapati and
• Ranjana Singh

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 385–396, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.29

• applications within permissible limits. To assess the safe dose of SDS in other products, various high throughput tools are available, including spectrophotometrics, potentiometrics, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), capillary electrophoresis, and fluorescence-based methods [15][16][17][18][19

• (PEI) and ascorbic acid [27]. However, their approach is fluorescence-based, which makes it difficult to estimate at the target site and also requires a sophisticated instrument such as a spectrofluorometer. Consequently, developing a simple colorimetric detection method for SDS using polymer

Development of a mucoadhesive drug delivery system and its interaction with gastric cells

• Ahmet Baki Sahin,
• Serdar Karakurt and
• Deniz Sezlev Bilecen

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 371–384, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.28

• determine if the F-Alg nanoparticles were coated with Rh-Eud polymer, the fluorescence spectra of F-Alg NPs, Rh-Eud-F-Alg NPs, and Rh-Eud suspension, which did not contain F-Alg NPs, were obtained. The nanoparticles were excited at the excitation wavelength of F-Alg NPs (λex = 490 nm), and the emission

• Information File 1, Figure S1). This observed secondary peak in Rh-Eud-F-Alg NPs may indicate the close proximity between Alg NPs and Eudragit polymer, that is, upon excitation at 490 nm, Alg nanoparticles emit fluorescence at 530 nm, and this emission can excite rhodamine B and cause emission at 575 nm in Rh

• peptide within the nanoparticles by using fluorescence measurements. The properties and the emission spectrum of the peptide are provided in Supporting Information File 2. For the calculation of encapsulation efficiency, a calibration curve with the known concentrations of labeled peptide and the

Tailoring of physical properties of RF-sputtered ZnTe films: role of substrate temperature

• Kafi Devi,
• Usha Rani,
• Arun Kumar,
• Divya Gupta and
• Sanjeev Aggarwal

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 333–348, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.25

• -3600 Plus) equipped with Integrating Sphere Assembly (Model-ISR-603) in the wavelength range of 200–2000 nm (accuracy 1 Å) available at Ion Beam Centre, Kurukshetra University. The photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra of ZnTe/Qz films were recorded using a HORIBA Scientific (Fluorescence 3.5

Graphene oxide–chloroquine conjugate induces DNA damage in A549 lung cancer cells through autophagy modulation

• Braham Dutt Arya,
• Sandeep Mittal,
• Prachi Joshi,
• Alok Kumar Pandey,
• Jaime E. Ramirez-Vick,
• Govind Gupta and
• Surinder P. Singh

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 316–332, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.24

• analysis using the TecnaiTM G2 Spirit (FEI Company, Eindhoven, Netherlands) instrument at an accelerating voltage of 80 kV equipped with a Gatan camera. Propidium iodide uptake analysis Propidium iodide (PI), a positively charged nucleic acid dye, specifically exhibits fluorescence after binding with DNA

• . Further, the cell suspension was diluted by adding 400 μL of 1× PBS, and red fluorescence emitted from PI was analyzed by flow cytometry (BD FACS Canto II, BD Biosciences, San Jose, CA, USA) using a 650 ± 13 nm band-pass filter. Three independent experiments were performed for each group. The proportion

• GO–Chl nanoconjugate (dose chosen based on cell death analysis in our previous study) [25] for 24 h, rinsed with 1× PBS, and stained with 50 mM of MDC at 37 °C for 1 h. Finally, cells were washed with 1× PBS, and the cellular fluorescence changes were observed using a Nikon Eclipse Ti-S inverted

Recent advances in photothermal nanomaterials for ophthalmic applications

• Jiayuan Zhuang,
• Linhui Jia,
• Chenghao Li,
• Rui Yang,
• Jiapeng Wang,
• Wen-an Wang,
• Heng Zhou and
• Xiangxia Luo

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 195–215, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.16

• ), fluorescence imaging (FI), scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO), and fundus photography have significantly changed the diagnosis and monitoring of ocular diseases [174][175][176]. OCT is the most prevalent ophthalmic imaging technique, providing high-resolution and high-sensitivity imaging; however, the test

• penetration depth is only a few millimeters, which does not provide clear imaging of deeper ocular structures [177][178]. Fluorescence imaging is hindered by contrast agent photobleaching and phototoxicity, resulting in low image quality and biological side effects [179][180]. Photoacoustic imaging has deep

A nanocarrier containing carboxylic and histamine groups with dual action: acetylcholine hydrolysis and antidote atropine delivery

• Elina E. Mansurova,
• Andrey A. Maslennikov,
• Anna P. Lyubina,
• Alexandra D. Voloshina,
• Irek R. Nizameev,
• Marsil K. Kadirov,
• Anzhela A. Mikhailova,
• Polina V. Mikshina,
• Albina Y. Ziganshina and
• Igor S. Antipin

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 11–24, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.2

• ), a hypsochromic shift in absorption typical of Fl in organic solvents is observed, confirming the location of Fl in the organic core. The rise in baseline indicates dispersed media (Figure 6a). In the fluorescence spectra (PB, pH 7.4), the emission intensity of Fl@p(Hist-CA) is significantly lower

• cell line (Chang liver). The nanocarrier catalyzes the hydrolysis of acetylcholine into choline and acetic acid, which causes the dissociation of boronate bonds and the subsequent destruction of the nanocarrier, which was shown by fluorescence and NMR spectroscopy. Experimental Equipment Transmission

• . Analysis was performed using Malvern dispersion technology software version 5.10. A Perkin-Elmer Lambda 25 UV–visible spectrometer was utilized for UV spectra collection. Fluorescence spectra were recorded on a HITACHI F 7100 spectrofluorometer. Measurements were conducted at 37 °C using a quartz cuvette

Mechanistic insights into endosomal escape by sodium oleate-modified liposomes

• Ebrahim Sadaqa,
• Satrialdi,
• Fransiska Kurniawan and
• Diky Mudhakir

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1667–1685, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.131

• was investigated using different endocytic pathway inhibitors (Figure 2). For Unmodified-Lipo (Figure 2a,d), sucrose, which inhibits clathrin-mediated endocytosis, significantly reduced fluorescence intensity (p < 0.001), indicating that clathrin-mediated endocytosis is a primary pathway. Filipin, an

• endocytosis, likely due to membrane modulation by SO [18][19]. For AUR-Lipo (Figure 2c,f), amiloride significantly reduced fluorescence (p < 0.001), confirming that macropinocytosis is the primary pathway for AUR-Lipo. This is consistent with previous studies of cationic antimicrobial peptides using

• nuclei. Confocal microscopy (Olympus FV-1200 Tokyo, Japan) was used to capture images of cellular uptake, and the mean fluorescence intensity was quantified using Fiji-ImageJ software for semi-quantitative analysis. Evaluation of endosomal escape efficiency through subcellular colocalization analysis In

Biomimetic nanocarriers: integrating natural functions for advanced therapeutic applications

• Hugo Felix Perini,
• Beatriz Sodré Matos,
• Carlo José Freire de Oliveira and
• Marcos Vinicius da Silva

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1619–1626, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.127

• neuronal mitochondria, as evidenced by fluorescence intensities identified in brain homogenates, and reduced Aβ1 deposition, demonstrating the ability of the nanocomposite to cross the BBB [71]. Inorganic nanoparticles exhibit unique optical, magnetic, and chemical properties and stability. Gold

Natural nanofibers embedded in the seed mucilage envelope: composite hydrogels with specific adhesive and frictional properties

• Agnieszka Kreitschitz and
• Stanislav N. Gorb

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1603–1618, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.126

• . Delicate cellulose fibrils, stretching from the seed surface, are imbedded in the mass of pectins. (e) Lepidium sativum – polarisation microscopy image of cellulose fibrils demonstrating the presence of crystalline cellulose shining white. (f) Ocimum basilicum – fluorescence microscopy image of the

Electrochemical nanostructured CuBTC/FeBTC MOF composite sensor for enrofloxacin detection

• Thi Kim Ngan Nguyen,
• Tien Dat Doan,
• Huy Hieu Luu,
• Hoang Anh Nguyen,
• Thi Thu Ha Vu,
• Quang Hai Tran,
• Ha Tran Nguyen,
• Thanh Binh Dang,
• Thi Hai Yen Pham and
• Mai Ha Hoang

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1522–1535, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.120

• developed to detect ENR, including microbiological methods, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) [6], chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), chromatography (HPLC, UPLC), [3][7][8], flow immunochromatographic assays [9], and fluorescence measurements [10]. However, these methods have high

Green synthesis of carbon dot structures from Rheum Ribes and Schottky diode fabrication

• Muhammed Taha Durmus and
• Ebru Bozkurt

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1369–1375, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.110

• steady-state fluorescence measurements. In the second part of the study, CDs were dripped onto silicon substrates, and a CDs thin film was formed by evaporation. A diode structure was obtained by evaporating gold with the shadow mask technique on the CDs film, and the current–voltage characteristics of

• this diode were examined. The synthesized CDs are spherical with an average size of 5.5 nm, have a negative surface charge and contain 73.3 atom % C, 24.0 atom % O, and 2.7 atom % N. The CDs exhibit fluorescence at approximately 394 nm. The layer thickness and bandgap energy of the prepared CDs film

• Cary Eclipse fluorescence spectrophotometer were used for transmission electron microscopy (TEM), zeta potential measurements, X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), micro-Raman spectroscopy, PVD thermal evaporation, scanning

Nanoarchitectonics with cetrimonium bromide on metal nanoparticles for linker-free detection of toxic metal ions and catalytic degradation of 4-nitrophenol

• Akash Kumar and
• Raja Gopal Rayavarapu

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1312–1332, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.106

• spectroscopy, atomic emission spectroscopy, surface-enhanced Raman scattering, electrochemical, fluorescence, and colorimetric methods [18][19]. Catalytic hydrogenation is the preferred method for the conversion of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol, which is less toxic [20]. However, the conversion process is

Mn-doped ZnO nanopowders prepared by sol–gel and microwave-assisted sol–gel methods and their photocatalytic properties

• Cristina Maria Vlăduț,
• Crina Anastasescu,
• Silviu Preda,
• Oana Catalina Mocioiu,
• Simona Petrescu,
• Jeanina Pandele-Cusu,
• Dana Culita,
• Veronica Bratan,
• Ioan Balint and
• Maria Zaharescu

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1283–1296, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.104

• value 1/2 for direct-bandgap semiconductors and 2 for indirect-bandgap semiconductors or amorphous compounds. Photoluminescence measurements (PL) were carried out using a Carry Eclipse fluorescence spectrometer from Agilent Technologies and the following parameters: scan rate of 120 nm·min−1, spectral

• after simulated solar irradiation of 0.001 g suspended catalyst leading to the formation of fluorescent umbelliferone. This was monitored with a Carry Eclipse fluorescence spectrometer, slits set to 10 nm in excitation and emission, λexc = 330 nm. O2‾ formation was measured by exposing the catalyst to

Functional morphology of cleaning devices in the damselfly Ischnura elegans (Odonata, Coenagrionidae)

• Silvana Piersanti,
• Gianandrea Salerno,
• Wencke Krings,
• Stanislav Gorb and
• Manuela Rebora

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1260–1272, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.102

• slip (Carl Roth GmbH & Co. KG, Karlsruhe, Germany) for ca. 2 h, we visualized them with the CLSM (Zeiss LSM 700, Carl Zeiss Microscopy, Jena, Germany). The CLSM was equipped with four lasers (laser lines: 405, 488, 555, and 639 nm) to excite the sample fluorescence subsequently. Four emission filters

• transmitting 420–480, ≥490, ≥560, and ≥640 nm were used to visualize different fluorescence emissions of the cuticle components. We have visualized the dorsal and ventral cuticle from the foretibiae of males and females. Behavior To describe the grooming behavior, living individuals were observed and video

Dual-functionalized architecture enables stable and tumor cell-specific SiO₂NPs in complex biological fluids

• Iris Renata Sousa Ribeiro,
• Raquel Frenedoso da Silva,
• Romênia Ramos Domingues,
• Adriana Franco Paes Leme and
• Mateus Borba Cardoso

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1238–1252, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.100

• SiO2NPs and SiO2NPs-ZW-FO (8.9 mg·mL–1) were added such that the amount of folate receptor was twice that of SiO2NPs-ZW-FO. The incubation was carried out for 3 h at room temperature, so the supernatant was collected and analyzed. The samples were measured using the fluorescence technique (Tecan Infinite

• immunoprecipitation test was performed to confirm the functionalization of SiO2NPs-ZW-FO and evaluate their recognition by the folate receptor by monitoring the fluorescence of the supernatant. Once the NPs are recognized by the receptor, the fluorescence signal of the supernatant is decreased, which was verified in

• greater intensity for the SiO2NPs-ZW-FO (Figure 1g). This reduction indicates that the functionalization process was successful and that folate remained active and could bind to the receptor. Based on the analytical curve (R2 = 0.9997 and sensitivity = 73800.9, arbitrary fluorescence units per mg·mL–1

Realizing active targeting in cancer nanomedicine with ultrasmall nanoparticles

• André F. Lima,
• Giselle Z. Justo and
• Alioscka A. Sousa

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1208–1226, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.98

• -infrared (NIR) dye MPA. Tumor-bearing mice were employed to assess the tumor specificity of AuNC-MPA, AuNC-MPA-cRGD, and AuNC-MPA-cRGD-AS1411 using in vivo NIR fluorescence imaging. Both targeted AuNCs accumulated in the tumor, while the control AuNC-MPA showed negligible accumulation. However, the

• histopathology featuring Cy5-fluorescence microscopy, HER2 immunohistochemical staining, and autoradiography images. This figure was adapted from [145] (© 2018 Feng Chen et al., published by Springer Nature, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, https

Unveiling the potential of alginate-based nanomaterials in sensing technology and smart delivery applications

• Shakhzodjon Uzokboev,
• Khojimukhammad Akhmadbekov,
• Ra’no Nuritdinova,
• Salah M. Tawfik and
• Yong-Ill Lee

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1077–1104, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.88

• . Among the eleven common metal cations tested, Hg2+ cations entirely extinguished the fluorescence, whereas Cu2+ cations caused a noticeable drop in fluorescence intensity (Figure 4). Another research studied alginate-based materials for water purification. Because cellulose/alginate’s molecular chain

• ’ ability to detect acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, glyoxal, and benzaldehyde was assessed. With the limits of detection (LOD) values ranging from 0.001 to 0.18 μM (0.106–10.44 ppb), all aldehyde fluorescence spectra showed impressive linear relationships in the range of 0.05–200 μM. With good recovery rates of

• sensor. Another fluorescence-based smart sensor from alginate nanofilms was prepared [122]. Scientists proved that relative humidity could be detected using a guar gum–sodium alginate (GGSA) nanocomposite film. The study found that the fluorescence of biocomposite films under UV light varies at various

Entry of nanoparticles into cells and tissues: status and challenges

• Kirsten Sandvig,
• Tore Geir Iversen and
• Tore Skotland

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1017–1029, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.83

• imaging (i.e., positron emission tomography (PET), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), optical/fluorescence, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT; using X-ray) and ultrasound imaging), and the spatial resolution, depth of imaging, sensitivity, and advantages

• /disadvantages of using various methodological approaches [81]. So far, most ADME studies with small animals have been performed using fluorescence; however, labelling with radioactive isotopes for PET or SPECT imaging is growing in popularity due to enhanced imaging depth and spatial resolution for whole-body

• imaging. It is often useful to apply a combination of different imaging modalities when performing ADME studies of NPs. It is important to be aware that most methods used to label NPs or EVs with a fluorescence molecule or a radioactive isotope will change their surface properties, and this should be

Therapeutic effect of F127-folate@PLGA/CHL/IR780 nanoparticles on folate receptor-expressing cancer cells

• Thi Ngoc Han Pham,
• Phuong-Thao Dang-Luong,
• Hong-Phuc Nguyen,
• Loc Le-Tuan,
• Xuan Thang Cao,
• Thanh-Danh Nguyen,
• Vy Tran Anh and
• Hieu Vu_Quang

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 954–964, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.78

• the chemotherapy drug CHL. IR780 exhibits fluorescence in the infrared region, which is suitable for pre-clinical applications [12][13]. CHL in cancer treatment attaches to the DNA double strands and prevents them from splitting, disrupting the division and proliferation of cancer cells [12][13

• nanoparticles to follow the targeting of nanoparticles as well as using it as a photosensitizer [23][48][49][50][51][52]. First, IR780 has an excitation wavelength of 777–780 nm and an emission wavelength of 798–823 nm, which is suitable for obtaining noninvasive near-infrared fluorescence images for clinical

• enter cells that express folate receptors, such as breast cancer cell MCF-7 and liver cancer cell HepG2. Cells that express folate negatively, like HEK 293, showed the same level of Cou-6 fluorescence. The F127-folate@PLGA/CHL/IR780 nanoparticles are more toxic to cancer cells than the F127@PLGA/CHL

The effect of age on the attachment ability of stick insects (Phasmatodea)

• Marie Grote,
• Stanislav N. Gorb and
• Thies H. Büscher

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 867–883, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.72

• contrast were adjusted. 6 Widefield fluorescence microscopy (WFM) Autofluorescence signals of insect cuticle can be used to investigate the material composition of the arthropod exoskeleton [49]. To scan for differences in the fluorescence, a selection of tarsi across all age groups was examined using WFM

• investigation using fluorescence microscopy. Resilin-containing structures within the claws could potentially work as damping mechanisms to reduce wear and risk of damage [69]. Claws are presumed to be more resistant to wear than the soft and pliable adhesive pads [68][71]. Most claw breakages were observed at

• represent areas of stiffened pad cuticle. Other ageing marks with derived autofluorescence revealed signs of persistent damage to the pad cuticle (Figure 7 and Figure 8). Such dark spots, observed using both fluorescence techniques, are likely scars resulting from repaired damage of the pad cuticle [17