Article
Polymer Science
Die Li, Tao Yang, Xinzhao Luo, Qiang Zhang
Summary: Glucose-containing polymer and boronic acid functionalized tetraphenylethylene self-assemble into glyco-nanoparticles with aggregation-induced emission effect. Phenols with vicinal diols can break the reversible boronate esters connecting the nanoparticles, making them a selective and sensitive fluorescent probe.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Hyeong Jun Jo, Akhmad Irhas Robby, Seul Gi Kim, Gibaek Lee, Byung Chan Lee, Sung Young Park
Summary: A smartphone-based electrochemical biosensor using boronic acid-modified polymer dot coated electrode was developed for detecting bacterial contamination. It showed high sensitivity, low LOD, and reusability, with good selectivity towards bacteria in real environmental samples. The biosensor offers a simple approach for bacteria monitoring.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hiroyuki Shinchi, Fumikazu Komaki, Masaharu Yuki, Haruka Ohara, Naohiro Hayakawa, Masahiro Wakao, Howard B. Cottam, Tomoko Hayashi, Dennis A. Carson, Toshiro Moroishi, Yasuo Suda
Summary: Synthetic small-molecule Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) ligands can serve as potential immunotherapeutic agents, and their formulation with macromolecules enhances their pharmaceutical properties. This study developed a second-generation glyco-nanoadjuvant and found that the linker length significantly affects the adjuvant activity.
ACS CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alessia Pancaro, Michal Szymonik, Panagiotis G. Georgiou, Alexander N. Baker, Marc Walker, Peter Adriaensens, Jelle Hendrix, Matthew Gibson, Inge Nelissen
Summary: Gold nanorods are a promising platform for nanoplasmonic biosensing, but their binding responses in complex biological fluids are significantly affected by the formation of biocorona. It is crucial to tune the exact nature of the biocorona to ensure accurate sensing results.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Natalia Stopikowska, Przemyslaw Wozny, Markus Suta, Teng Zheng, Stefan Lis, Marcin Runowski
Summary: This study analyzes the impact of excitation and detection geometry, as well as sample thickness, on the spectroscopic properties and performance of luminescent thermometers. It finds that thick-layer samples exhibit significant changes in luminescence intensity ratios compared to thin-layer samples, resulting in different absolute and relative sensitivities for different sample thicknesses. These changes are attributed to a reabsorption effect, particularly pronounced in the transmission (back-illuminated) geometry of thick-layer samples. The results of this study have important implications for the accuracy of optical temperature monitoring using Er3+ ions.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Minyang Zhao, Yong Yan, Hanqiong Guo, Yujie Zhang, Haotian Wu, Yuan Fang, Yaqing Liu
Summary: Effective identification and real-time inactivation of pathogenic microorganisms are crucial for public health. A multifunctional colorimetric sensor array using TMB as a probe successfully identifies nine types of pathogenic bacteria and distinguishes drug-resistant strains. HAuCl4 is found to act as a germicidal agent to inactivate bacteria and prevent bacterial contamination.
Article
Polymer Science
Nazihah Nasri, Arjulizan Rusli, Naozumi Teramoto, Mariatti Jaafar, Ku Marsilla Ku Ishak, Mohamad Danial Shafiq, Zuratul Ain Abdul Hamid
Summary: This paper discusses various types of antiviral and antimicrobial coating agents, elaborating on the action mode for each type of antimicrobial agent against pathogens. Additionally, surface properties of the designed antiviral and antimicrobial polymer coatings with their influencing factors are discussed, along with showcasing several surface modification techniques to improve surface properties. Various developed research on the development of antiviral/antimicrobial polymer coatings to curb the COVID-19 pandemic are also presented in this review.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Giulia Battistelli, Maria Proetto, Alexandra Mavridi-Printezi, Matteo Calvaresi, Alberto Danielli, Paolo Emidio Constantini, Claudia Battistella, Nathan C. Gianneschi, Marco Montalti
Summary: Fluorogenic nanoparticles that can respond to different physiological environments and differentially release drugs have great potential in nanomedicine. pH-responsive NPs, especially, have the ability to distinguish cancer tissues, release drugs selectively, and act as pH biosensors. The assembly of ROMP block-copolymers provides a solid route for the design and synthesis of pH-responsive fluorogenic micelles. This approach shows promise in the development of novel nano-theranostic agents.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Sumithra Y. Srinivasan, Virendra Gajbhiye, Dhananjay Bodas
Summary: The study focused on the use of magnetic nanoparticles coated with conducting polymer for the simultaneous separation and detection of bacterial pathogens. Impedance analysis and conductivity measurements were carried out on 15 µl samples, successfully detecting E. coli at a concentration of 10 CFU ml(-1) within 10 minutes.
Review
Microbiology
Jane Chepsergon, Lucy N. Moleleki
Summary: This paper reviews the interactions between plants and rhizosphere microbial communities, specifically bacteria, and their effects on plant health. The focus is on the mechanisms of recruiting beneficial bacteria and the competition between rhizosphere bacteria. Understanding these interactions can help manipulate microbiomes for improved agriculture outcomes.
CURRENT OPINION IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Kinga Mylkie, Pawel Nowak, Patryk Rybczynski, Marta Ziegler-Borowska
Summary: Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have great potential in biomedical applications, with synthetic biopolymers used as protective coating for protein immobilization. Recent research has shown advances in the physical and chemical immobilization of enzymes, antibodies, and serum proteins using polymer-coated MNPs.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Yixin Zeng, Peng Wang, Baoluo He, Shujuan Liu, Qian Ye, Feng Zhou
Summary: Marine biological pollution is a global challenge in marine engineering. MXene nanosheets and zwitterionic polymers have been investigated as effective materials for marine anti-biofouling. In this study, MXene-PDA was prepared by self-assembling polydopamine layer on the MXene nanosheets, followed by introducing the zwitterionic polymer PEIS through a Michael addition reaction to obtain MXene-PEIS. The resulting MXene-PEIS exhibited excellent antifouling performance through the cooperative antifouling effect of MXene nanosheets and PEIS (88% improved antibacterial rate and 98% decrease in microalgae adhesion density). Furthermore, the nanocomposite antifouling coatings (MXene-PEIS/SP) showed good antifouling performance due to the synergy among MXene, PEIS, and self-polishing coatings.
PROGRESS IN ORGANIC COATINGS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Rashed Almousa, Xin Wen, Gregory Anderson, Dong Xie
Summary: The study aimed to synthesize and coat a biocompatible polymer with functional groups onto PVC surface to enhance antibacterial and antifouling properties. Results showed that the polymer-coated PVC surface significantly reduced cell and bacterial adhesion, while also exhibiting strong antibacterial activity.
POLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Balamurugan Arumugam, Lakshmanan Muthulakshmi, Sayee Kannan Ramaraj
Summary: In this study, a novel bionanocomposite (CeO2 NPs/rGO) was prepared using an in-situ method and utilized for the detection of toxic organophosphorus insecticide - Profenofos (PFS). CeO2 NPs (Ce3+/Ce4+) were strongly bound to rGO through π-π* electrostatic interaction, resulting in enhanced electroconductivity via electron transfer to the interlayers. The bionanocomposite exhibited a LOD of 0.004 μM, a wide response range of 0.01-170 μM, superior selectivity and sensitivity of 2.63 μA μM-1cm-2. The proposed sensor demonstrated excellent reproducibility and stability, making it suitable for real-time analysis of a wide range of pesticides.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Monica Jimenez-Carretero, Javier Rodriguez-Lopez, Cristina Ropero-Moreno, Juan Granada, Josemaria Delgado-Martin, Manuel Martinez-Bueno, Antonia Fernandez-Vivas, Concepcion Jimenez-Lopez
Summary: The development of improved systems for rapid detection of trace infectious agents is essential. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are an interesting alternative due to their large surface area for maximizing interaction with microorganisms and their magnetic susceptibility for concentration using an external magnetic field. This study synthesized biomimetic magnetic nanoparticles (BMNPs) using MamC protein and demonstrated their efficacy in concentrating and detecting bacteria without the need for post-production coating. The system achieved specific detection of Staphylococcus aureus down to 10 CFU/mL using qPCR, making it a cost-effective alternative for bacteria detection in fluid samples.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Akalabya Bissoyi, Ruben M. F. Tomas, Yanan Gao, Qiongyu Guo, Matthew I. Gibson
Summary: This study successfully cryopreserved hepatocyte spheroids using macromolecular cryoprotectants added to DMSO solutions, which significantly improved post-thaw recovery and minimized cryo-injury related membrane damage. Adding polyampholytes also rescued reduced actin polymerization, potentially linked to intracellular ice formation. This research may facilitate access to off-the-shelf and ready-to-use frozen spheroids, reducing the need for in-house culturing and the number of in vivo experiments.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Sarah M. Batt, Szilvi Toth, Beatriz Rodriguez, Katherine A. Abrahams, Natacha Veerapen, Giacomo Chiodarelli, Liam R. Cox, Patrick J. Moynihan, Joel Lelievre, Klaus Futterer, Gurdyal S. Besra
Summary: DprE2 is an important enzyme for the synthesis of DPA and arabinogalactan, making it a significant drug target for M. tuberculosis. Two compounds from the GSK-177 box set, GSK301A and GSK032A, were identified through overexpression studies of Mt-DprE2 target. The Mt-DprE1-DprE2 complex was purified and a new in vitro DprE2 assay was developed, based on the oxidation of the reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide cofactor. Although no inhibition was observed by the two GSK compounds in the DprE2 assay, spontaneous mutant generation suggested a possible pro-drug activation pathway involving fgd1 and fbiC.
Article
Microbiology
Alexander D. H. Kingdon, Asti-Rochelle Meosa-John, Sarah M. Batt, Gurdyal S. Besra
Summary: Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a deadly pathogen causing tuberculosis infections and the leading cause of death globally from a single infectious agent. The identification of additional drugs and the development of strategies to combat drug resistance are crucial in achieving the goals of the End TB 2030 strategy. Vanoxerine, a dopamine re-uptake inhibitor, has been found to have anti-mycobacterial activity, disrupting the membrane electric potential and inhibiting mycobacterial growth without detectable resistance, suggesting its potential as a tool compound or for further development.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Marta M. P. S. Neves, Sarah-Jane Richards, Alexander N. N. Baker, Marc Walker, Panagiotis G. G. Georgiou, Matthew I. I. Gibson
Summary: Glycoforms of proteins can indicate disease state, making it crucial to develop new tools for detecting protein glycosylation. This study presents a sandwich bio-assay approach using antibodies immobilised on biolayer interferometry sensors to select proteins, and gold nanoparticles functionalised with lectins to identify specific glycoforms. The nanoparticles significantly enhance the signal, allowing the detection of glycoforms at low concentrations without the need for enrichment or manual steps. Proof of concept using prostate specific antigen shows the potential of glycoform analysis in distinguishing cancerous and non-cancerous status.
NANOSCALE HORIZONS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Saloni Yadav, Aastha Soni, Omprakash Tanwar, Rajendra Bhadane, Gurdyal S. Besra, Neha Kawathekar
Summary: This review provides an in-depth analysis of the structural requirements for DprE1 inhibitors, including both covalent and non-covalent inhibitors, their binding patterns, and their biological activity data in vitro and in vivo. It also introduces a protein quality score (PQS) and an active-site map of the DprE1 enzyme to aid in the development of new anti-TB drugs.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lukas Eickhoff, Mira Kessler, Christopher Stubbs, Jakob Derksen, Martina Viefhues, Dario Anselmetti, Matthew I. I. Gibson, Berthold Hoge, Thomas Koop
Summary: This study explores the relationship between the molecular size of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and its ice nucleation activity. The experiments show that the ice nucleation activity of shorter PVA chains significantly decreases with a decrease in molar mass. The results support the view that PVA polymers and oligomers act as heterogeneous ice nucleators.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Huba L. Marton, Peter Kilbride, Ashfaq Ahmad, Matthew I. Gibson, Antonia P. Sagona
Summary: Bioprocessing and biotechnology utilize microorganisms for various applications, but bacteriophage contamination poses a challenge to product quality and requires extensive decontamination. We demonstrate that poly(acrylic acid) can prevent phage-induced killing of bacterial hosts and replication, without affecting recombinant protein expression. This simple, low-cost additive offers a practical solution to reduce phage contamination.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yicheng Gong, Chuancun Wei, Jun Wang, Nengjiang Mu, Qinhong Lu, Chengyao Wu, Ning Yan, Huifang Yang, Yao Zhao, Xiuna Yang, Sudagar S. Gurcha, Natacha Veerapen, Sarah M. Batt, Zhiqiang Hao, Lintai Da, Gurdyal S. Besra, Zihe Rao, Lu Zhang
Summary: Arabinogalactan (AG) is an essential component in mycobacterial species, and AftA is a key enzyme involved in AG biosynthesis. The cryo-EM structure of Mtb AftA reveals its dimeric assembly and the participation of a metal ion in its interaction. Structural analysis and mutagenesis studies provide insights into the priming mechanism catalyzed by AftA in Mtb AG biosynthesis, which can contribute to anti-TB drug discovery.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nidhi Kedia-Mehta, Marta M. Pisarska, Christina Rollings, Chloe O'Neill, Conor De Barra, Cathriona Foley, Nicole A. W. Wood, Neil Wrigley-Kelly, Natacha Veerapen, Gurdyal Besra, Ronan Bergin, Nicholas Jones, Donal O'Shea, Linda V. Sinclair, Andrew E. Hogan
Summary: In this study, it was found that the activation of MAIT cells leads to increased abundance of MYC, a key metabolic regulator and transcription factor. Two MYC-controlled metabolic pathways, amino acid transport and glycolysis, were found to be necessary for MAIT cell proliferation. The study also showed that MAIT cells from obese individuals have decreased MYC abundance upon activation, resulting in impaired cell proliferation and function.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Suzanne E. Engelen, Francesca A. Ververs, Angela Markovska, B. Christoffer Lagerholm, Jordan M. Kraaijenhof, Laura I. E. Yousif, Yasemin-Xiomara Zurke, Can M. C. Gulersonmez, Sander Kooijman, Michael Goddard, Robert J. van Eijkeren, Peter J. Jervis, Gurdyal S. Besra, Saskia Haitjema, Folkert W. Asselbergs, Eric Kalkhoven, Hidde L. Ploegh, Marianne Boes, Vincenzo Cerundolo, G. K. Hovingh, Mariolina Salio, Edwin C. A. Stigter, Patrick C. N. Rensen, Claudia Monaco, Henk S. Schipper
Summary: This study reveals that circulating lipoproteins form complexes with lipid antigens to facilitate their transport and uptake by antigen-presenting cells, leading to enhanced iNKT cell activation. This discovery uncovers a novel mechanism of lipid antigen delivery to APCs and provides further insight into the immunological capacities of circulating lipoproteins.
Article
Immunology
Andrew Chancellor, Robert Alan Simmons, Rahul C. Khanolkar, Vladimir Nosi, Aisha Beshirova, Giuliano Berloffa, Rodrigo Colombo, Vijaykumar Karuppiah, Johanne M. Pentier, Vanessa Tubb, Hemza Ghadbane, Richard J. Suckling, Keith Page, Rory M. Crean, Alessandro Vacchini, Corinne De Gregorio, Verena Schaefer, Daniel Constantin, Thomas Gligoris, Angharad Lloyd, Miriam Hock, Velupillai Srikannathasan, Ross A. Robinson, Gurdyal S. Besra, Marc W. Van der Kamp, Lucia Mori, Raffaele Calogero, David K. Cole, Gennaro De Libero, Marco Lepore
Summary: Canonical MAIT TCRs with dual reactivity to microbial and self-antigens can recognize MR1 promiscuously, allowing MAIT cell responses in the absence of microbial infection. MAIT TCRs can also crossreact with self-antigens and perform T-helper-like functions in vitro. The promiscuity of MR1 recognition by a canonical MAIT TCR is associated with unique TCR β-chain features enriched in self-reactive MAIT cells of healthy individuals. These findings suggest a broader role of MAIT cells in immune homeostasis and diseases beyond microbial immunosurveillance.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Katherine A. Abrahams, Sarah M. Batt, Sudagar S. Gurcha, Natacha Veerapen, Ghader Bashiri, Gurdyal S. Besra
Summary: This study identifies an enzyme required for the synthesis of the mycobacterial cell wall as the target of Pretomanid and delamanid, two pro-drugs used for tuberculosis treatment. The findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of action and potential clinical applications of these drugs.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yanan Gao, Akalabya Bissoyi, Nina L. H. Kinney, Thomas F. Whale, Qiongyu Guo, Matthew I. Gibson
Summary: Spheroids are better at mimicking 3-D tissue niches than standard cell cultures, but cryopreserving them is challenging due to the limitations of conventional cryoprotectants. This study demonstrates that chemically-programmed extracellular ice nucleation combined with proline pre-conditioning can significantly improve post-thaw recovery of spheroids. This highlights the importance of identifying compounds and materials to address both biochemical and biophysical damage pathways beyond standard cryoprotectants.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Huba L. Marton, Peter Kilbride, Ashfaq Ahmad, Antonia P. Sagona, Matthew I. Gibson
Summary: Bioprocessing and biotechnology rely on microorganisms for the production of various products. However, phage contamination poses a significant challenge. In this study, we found that poly(acrylic acid) can prevent phage-induced killing and replication of bacteria without affecting recombinant protein expression. This simple and cost-effective additive offers a practical solution to reduce phage contamination.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Izabela Stupka, Artur P. Biela, Bernard Piette, Agnieszka Kowalczyk, Karolina Majsterkiewicz, Kinga Borzecka-Solarz, Antonina Naskalska, Jonathan G. Heddle
Summary: Artificial protein cages, such as TRAP-cages, have potential applications in vaccines and drug delivery. TRAP-cages have the ability to control the disassembly conditions by modifying the interface between their building blocks. By using TRAP rings with different numbers of monomers, it is possible to predict the formation of other cages.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Guo Zhang, Yu Wang, Hua Qiu, Lei Lu
Summary: This study presents a one-pot synthesis method for flower-like AMPs@EAMP particles by combining antimicrobial peptides with ellagic acid, offering enlarged surface area, excellent biocompatibility, and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. In vivo studies indicate their potential for tissue repair and immune barrier reconstruction.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Jiamei Zhang, Lingshuang Wang, Cheng Xu, Yingui Cao, Shengsheng Liu, Rui L. Reis, Subhas C. Kundu, Xiao Yang, Bo Xiao, Lian Duan
Summary: Pluronic F127 modified silk fibroin film with different types of antibacterial agents could accelerate wound recovery by promoting fibroblast adhesion, eradicating bacteria, and facilitating angiogenesis and re-epithelialization.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Yinsheng Liu, Mingyue Wang, Yinfei Hui, Lei Sun, Yanrui Hao, Henlong Ren, Hao Guo, Wu Yang
Summary: In this study, a rare-earth hybrid luminescent material was developed for the detection of a biomarker for anthrax. The material showed excellent selectivity and high sensitivity, allowing for the determination of the biomarker in saliva and urine. Additionally, a convenient point-of-care testing method using fluorescent test paper and a smartphone was established for the initial diagnosis of anthrax.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2024)
Review
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Wenshuai Yang, Jingsi Chen, Ziqian Zhao, Meng Wu, Lu Gong, Yimei Sun, Charley Huang, Bin Yan, Hongbo Zeng
Summary: Injectable hydrogels with shear-thinning and/or in situ formation properties offer distinct advantages in bioengineering applications, as they can be directly delivered to target sites, possess self-healing abilities, and simplify the implantation process.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2024)