Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ying Huang, Rui-Han Gao, Ming Liu, Li-Xia Chen, Xin-Long Ni, Xin Xiao, Hang Cong, Qian-Jiang Zhu, Kai Chen, Zhu Tao
Summary: This review summarizes various QSFs assembled via OSIQs, which can be classified as being assembled by self-induced OSIQ, anion-induced OSIQ, and aromatic-induced OSIQ. The design and construction of QSFs with novel structures and specific functional properties may establish a new research direction in Q[n] chemistry.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Cristina Gila-Vilchez, Mari Carmen Manas-Torres, Oscar Dario Garcia-Garcia, Alfredo Escribano-Huesca, Laura Rodriguez-Arco, Victor Carriel, Ismael Rodriguez, Miguel Alaminos, Modesto Torcuato Lopez-Lopez, Luis Alvarez de Cienfuegos
Summary: Fibrin hydrogels made from human plasma fibrinogen have excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability and are widely used in regenerative medicine. By combining fibrinogen with Fmoc-FF and Fmoc-RGD, we have developed composite hydrogels that have improved mechanical properties compared to pure fibrin gels. These composite gels show excellent biocompatibility in vitro and do not cause any inflammatory response or tissue damage in vivo, making them potential vehicles for drug or growth factor release.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Cristina Gila-Vilchez, Mari Carmen Manas-Torres, Oscar Dario Garcia-Garcia, Alfredo Escribano-Huesca, Laura Rodriguez-Arco, Victor Carriel, Ismael Rodriguez, Miguel Alaminos, Modesto Torcuato Lopez-Lopez, Luis Alvarez de Cienfuegos
Summary: Fibrin hydrogels made by self-assembly of fibrinogen from human plasma are highly biocompatible and biodegradable. However, they have limited mechanical properties and are expensive to obtain. To address these issues, composite hydrogels made of fibrinogen, Fmoc-FF, and Fmoc-RGD were prepared. These composite gels exhibited improved mechanical properties compared to pure fibrin gels and showed excellent biocompatibility ex vivo. In vivo experiments showed that these gels do not cause inflammation or tissue damage and are completely resorbed, making them suitable for cell, drug, or growth factor release vehicles.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jing Yu, Kai Xu, Xiaojing Chen, Xiaodan Zhao, Yuxuan Yang, Dake Chu, Yongliang Xu, Qiang Zhang, Yanfeng Zhang, Yilong Cheng
Summary: In this study, an advanced hydrogel was prepared through one-pot free-radical copolymerization, demonstrating excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility, with vast potential in biomedical and flexible electronic applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zehao Gong, Qiang Yan
Summary: A new category of supramolecular hydrogel system held by multiple radical-radical interactions is reported, with photosensitive cross-linking structure. The mechanical performance of the resulting hydrogel materials can be regulated by temporal control of light irradiation, and the reversible collapse of the hydrogels can be promoted by adding radical scavenger or exerting reduction voltage.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qinfu Lu, Yueying Han, Ying Ma, Shanshan Lv
Summary: This study discovered a new design for silk fibroin-based hydrogels based on host-guest interactions, and showed that the properties of the hydrogels could be adjusted by varying the solvation methods for silk fibroin regeneration and the conjugation methods for beta-cyclodextrins.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yusuke Sugioka, Jin Nakamura, Chikara Ohtsuki, Ayae Sugawara-Narutaki
Summary: This study reports the formation of thixotropic hydrogels containing nanofibers of double-hydrophobic elastin-like polypeptides at a concentration an order of magnitude lower than previously reported ELP hydrogels. Chemical crosslinking of nanofibers improves the recovery of the hydrogels, providing deeper insight into the structure-property relationships of self-assembling polypeptides.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yanjun Gong, Zhaozhen Cao, Zongze Zhang, Rongjuan Liu, Fenghua Zhang, Jingjing Wei, Zhijie Yang
Summary: Nanoscale curvature is crucial for regulating the chirality of self-assembled nanocomposites, as shown in this study. The supramolecular chirality depends on the curvature of the nanoparticles, with high curvature leading to opposite chirality compared to low curvature.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zeng Liu, Xing Wu, Shu He, Jia Liu, Xinyu Wei, Wei Shao
Summary: This study presents a supramolecular self-assembled strategy to construct a poly(acrylic acid)-based hydrogel with efficient self-healing performance and high-precision sensing performance. The hydrogel exhibits excellent mechanical properties, light transmission, electrical conductivity, sensitivity, and self-healing ability, making it a multifunctional material with great potential in the field of strain sensing.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qiucheng Li, Xiaolong Liu, Eden B. Aklile, Shaowei Li, Mark C. Hersam
Summary: The study reports the self-assembly of mixed-dimensional lateral heterostructures consisting of 2D metallic borophene and 1D semiconducting armchair-oriented graphene nanoribbons (aGNRs). The systematic study and refinement of on-surface polymerization process from monomers to organometallic intermediates to demetallization result in borophene/aGNR lateral heterojunctions with structurally and electronically abrupt interfaces, providing insight for precise nanoelectronics.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zongjian Liu, Ling Liu, Zhenggen Zhong, Yuanyuan Ran, Jianing Xi, Jin Wang
Summary: Supramolecular hydrogels cross-linked by non-chemical bonds have been widely used in various fields. This work discovered and synthesized supramolecular hydrogels self-assembled between two insoluble nano building blocks, resulting in ultralight hybrid silica aerogels with ultralow density and high porosity. This innovative strategy allows for the design and synthesis of customized aerogels with specific physical properties.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Gervasio Zaldivar, Jiachen Feng, Leonardo Lizarraga, Yafan Yu, Luana de Campos, Kelly Mari Pires de Oliveira, Kurt H. Piepenbrink, Martin Conda-Sheridan, Mario Tagliazucchi
Summary: The colonization of biomedical surfaces by bacterial biofilms is concerning due to their higher antimicrobial resistance compared to liquid cultures. Developing antimicrobial coatings for complex-shaped medical objects is an important research direction. This work reports the preparation of antibacterial surfaces via electrodeposition of a self-assembling hydrogel of cationic peptide-amphiphiles (PAs). The hydrogels inhibit the growth of various bacteria and prevent the formation of biofilms and colonies.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Cheng Xu, Xiongzhi Zhang, Simin Liu
Summary: This study reports a low-molecular-weight hydrogelator for constructing graphene oxide-based supramolecular hybrid hydrogels, which exhibit shearthinning, self-healing properties, and stimuli-responsive behavior to pH and competing guests. The proposed concept of assembled electrostatic cross-linker (AEC) can also be applied to construct other novel stimuli-responsive supramolecular materials.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hucheng Wang, Xiaoming Fu, Guanyao Gu, Shengyu Bai, Runlai Li, Weimin Zhong, Xuhong Guo, Rienk Eelkema, Jan H. van Esch, Zhixing Cao, Yiming Wang
Summary: Living organisms are capable of dynamically changing their structures for adaptive functions through sophisticated reaction-diffusion processes. This study demonstrates the creation of active supramolecular hydrogels with programmable lifetimes and macroscopic structures using a simple reaction-diffusion strategy. The hydrogels can autonomously disintegrate over time and their growth process can be explained by a reaction-diffusion model. This work serves as a starting point for the development of life-like materials with adaptive structures and functionalities, and also presents a conceptual approach to dynamic information storage in soft materials.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yu-Jie Zhu, Ya Gao, Min-Min Tang, Julius Rebek, Yang Yu
Summary: Supramolecular capsules are nanoscale containers used for studying molecular behavior, with practical applications in various fields. Self-assembly is an effective approach in constructing these capsules, utilizing noncovalent interactions. Bowl-shaped cavitand structures made from resorcinarenes have advantages for building supramolecular capsules, especially when held together by unconventional halogen and chalcogen bonds.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Biology
Azad Farzadfard, Jannik Nedergaard Pedersen, Georg Meisl, Arun Kumar Somavarapu, Parvez Alam, Louise Goksoyr, Morten Agertoug Nielsen, Adam Frederik Sander, Tuomas P. J. Knowles, Jan Skov Pedersen, Daniel Erik Otzen
Summary: Farzadfard et al. conducted a comprehensive analysis on a range of C-terminal truncations of aSN, revealing the importance of high C-terminus charge for decreased fibrillation rates. Truncated aSN showed decreased ability to form oligomers, disrupt synthetic vesicles, and exhibit cell toxicity, while still promoting or inhibiting aggregation through intramolecular interactions. Truncation of the C-terminal domain not only increased fibrillation tendency but also suppressed toxic oligomer formation, with changes in electrostatic potential serving as a double-edged safety guard.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Helena Ostergaard Rasmussen, Daniel T. Weltz Wollenberg, Huabing Wang, Kell K. Andersen, Cristiano L. P. Oliveira, Christian Isak Jorgensen, Thomas J. D. Jorgensen, Daniel E. Otzen, Jan Skov Pedersen
Summary: This study investigates the interaction between Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase (TlL) and the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) at different pH conditions. The results reveal that TlL forms a stable dimer with SDS at pH 8.0, maintaining its activity, while at lower pH, TlL is more sensitive to SDS and adopts a less stable core-shell structure.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mikkel Bregnhoj, Steven J. Roeters, Adam S. Chatterley, Fani Madzharova, Rolf Mertig, Jan Skov Pedersen, Tobias Weidner
Summary: This study reports on the secondary structure and orientation of the S1 segment of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein at the air-water interface. The results show that the S1 segment remains folded at this interface and predominantly binds as a monomer.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY B
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mariana Kober, Silvia Illa-Tuset, Lidia Ferrer-Tasies, Evelyn Moreno-Calvo, Witold I. Tatkiewicz, Natascia Grimaldi, David Pina, Alejandro Perez Perez, Vega Lloveras, Jose Vidal-Gancedo, Donatella Bulone, Imma Ratera, Jan Skov Pedersen, Dganit Danino, Jaume Veciana, Jordi Faraudo, Nora Ventosa
Summary: This study investigates the stability and formation mechanism of CHOL/CTAB quatsomes, which are nanovesicles formed through the self-assembly of cholesterol and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide in water. Experimental and simulation results show that CHOL/CTAB quatsomes are thermodynamically stable nanovesicles, but they do not exhibit the classical membrane curvature induced by composition asymmetry.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Helena O. Rasmussen, Amit Kumar, Ben Shin, Fisentzos Stylianou, Lee Sewell, Yingqi Xu, Daniel E. Otzen, Jan Skov Pedersen, Steve J. Matthews
Summary: Bacterial functional amyloids contribute to biofilm development and serve as a protective mechanism against the immune system and antibiotics. Recent interest has focused on strategies to target amyloid formation and interrupt biofilm formation due to their antimicrobial potential. The interaction between the components FapA, FapB, and FapC is crucial for Fap fibril biogenesis, with FapA acting as a chaperone to prevent FapC fibrillation in the periplasm.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Truus de Vrije, Ricardo M. Nagtegaal, Ruud M. Veloo, Frans H. J. Kappen, Frits A. de Wolf
Summary: By feeding ethanol to Pseudomonas putida growing in liquid obtained from acidogenic digestion of organic municipal solid waste, production of medium chain length polyhydroxyalkanoate (mcl-PHA) up to about 6 g.L-1 was achieved. Washing the wet, heat-inactivated Pseudomonas cells with ethanol at the end of the fermentation eliminated the need for drying the biomass and allowed the removal of contaminating lipids before solvent-mediated extraction of PHA. 'Green' solvents were used to extract 90 to near 100% of the mcl-PHA, and purities of 71-78% were obtained by centrifugation and decantation without further filtration for biomass removal.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mariaconcetta Sicurella, Walter Pula, Karolina Musial, Katarzyna Cieslik-Boczula, Maddalena Sguizzato, Agnese Bondi, Markus Drechsler, Leda Montesi, Elisabetta Esposito, Peggy Marconi
Summary: This study investigated the use of an ethosome gel loaded with dimethyl fumarate as a potential treatment for HSV-1 infections. The study evaluated the effect of drug concentration on size distribution and stability of ethosomes and demonstrated the antiviral activity of the gel. The results showed that the gel effectively reduced viral growth and was safe for use on the skin.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Ewan K. S. McRae, Helena Ostergaard Rasmussen, Jianfang Liu, Andreas Boggild, Michael T. A. Nguyen, Nestor Sampedro Vallina, Thomas Boesen, Jan Skov Pedersen, Gang Ren, Cody Geary, Ebbe Sloth Andersen
Summary: RNA origami is a method for designing RNA nanostructures that can self-assemble through co-transcriptional folding. This study uses cryogenic electron microscopy to determine the structure of RNA origami sheets and bundles, revealing structural parameters and folding principles. The study also combines sheets and bundles to construct a multidomain satellite shape and characterizes its flexibility using cryo-electron tomography.
NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Christian E. Rusbjerg-Weberskov, Mette Liere Johansen, Jan S. Nowak, Daniel E. Otzen, Jan Skov Pedersen, Jan J. Enghild, Nadia Sukusu Nielsen
Summary: Human periostin is a matricellular protein that plays important roles in extracellular matrix remodeling, tumor development, and inflammatory diseases. The C-terminal domain of periostin interacts with other domains and proteins, potentially contributing to the pathogenesis of diseases such as atopic dermatitis.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
C. R. R. C. Lima, R. J. S. Lima, A. C. C. Bandeira, R. A. A. Couto, M. V. R. Velasco, H. N. Bordallo, C. L. P. Oliveira
Summary: This study investigated the effect of acid straightening on the morphology and ultrastructure of Caucasian hair using complementary experimental methods. The results showed that acid straightening changed the structure of the hair and modified its physicochemical and mechanical properties. The findings of this study are important for evaluating the action mode and efficiency of cosmetic treatments.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED CRYSTALLOGRAPHY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Maddalena Sguizzato, Francesca Ferrara, Markus Drechsler, Anna Baldisserotto, Leda Montesi, Stefano Manfredini, Giuseppe Valacchi, Rita Cortesi
Summary: In this study, two different lipid-based nanosystems (Transferosomes and Monoolein Aqueous Dispersions) were compared as delivery systems for Ferulic Acid (FA) in topical application. The results showed that LBNs with poloxamer 188 effectively controlled the release of the drug, but the non-ionic surfactant type affected the release rate. Patch tests on human subjects demonstrated the safety of all LBN formulations applied under occlusive conditions for 48 hours. Skin biopsies suggested that TFs and MADs might protect against structural skin damage and oxidative environment induced by O3 exposure.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Vera Tchakalova, Cristiano Luis Pinto Oliveira, Antonio Martins Figueiredo Neto
Summary: A new lyotropic, fragranced, viscoelastic fluid with a complex structure is obtained from fragranced microemulsions by adding a fatty acid. The formation of anisotropically shaped and highly oriented micelles in aqueous solution is achieved by nonhomogeneous mixing of an appropriate nonionic surfactant, a fatty acid, and a fragrance oil. The viscosity and nano- and microstructures of the fluid are controlled by the balance of fatty acids and fragrance molecules, which behave as a cosurfactant and segregate in the micelles. X-ray scattering and rheological methods characterize the transition from isotropic microemulsion to a more structured viscoelastic solution. With the ability to solubilize and retain fragrance, this complex structured fluid can be used as a 2-in-1 fragrance-solubilizing liquid product compatible with various consumer products for home and body care.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yu Wu, Borislav Angelov, Yuru Deng, Takehiko Fujino, Md Shamim Hossain, Markus Drechsler, Angelina Angelova
Summary: Phosphorylated CREB plays a crucial role in preventing and regenerating neurological disorders, and the use of liquid crystalline lipid-peptide nanoparticles as delivery systems enhances its activity, thus enabling more efficient use of nanomedicines in neuroregeneration.
COMMUNICATIONS CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Maddalena Sguizzato, Alessia Pepe, Anna Baldisserotto, Riccardo Barbari, Leda Montesi, Markus Drechsler, Paolo Mariani, Rita Cortesi
Summary: In this study, gels based on xanthan gum and poloxamer 407 were developed to deliver natural antioxidant molecules. Niosomes composed of Span 20 or Tween 20 were produced, and their effects on the release of active ingredients were evaluated. The use of poloxamer micellar hydration phase and Span 20 resulted in lower release rates. The gels based on poloxamer 407 had better spreadability, while those based on xanthan gum showed higher adhesiveness.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Raphael F. Moral, Antonio A. Malfatti-Gasperini, Luiz G. Bonato, Brener R. C. Vale, Andre F. V. Fonseca, Lazaro A. Padilha, Cristiano L. P. Oliveira, Ana F. Nogueira
Summary: Perovskite nanocrystal superlattices and nanoplate self-assembly in solvents have significant impact on optical properties. The formation of nanoplate stacks can be induced by adjusting the nanoplate concentration and colloidal suspension viscosity. The degree of aggregation of perovskite nanoplates shows a positive correlation with the solvent viscosity. This self-assembly has important implications for Forster resonant energy transfer (FRET) in perovskite nanoplates.
MATERIALS HORIZONS
(2023)
