Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Erica Scarel, Marco De Corti, Maurizio Polentarutti, Giovanni Pierri, Consiglia Tedesco, Silvia Marchesan
Summary: This work investigates the self-assembly behavior of heterochiral, aliphatic dipeptides in green solvents. It finds that water in acetonitrile enables the formation of organogels, while other solvents and oils form metastable gels. X-ray diffraction analysis reveals the supramolecular packing modes of the dipeptides in amphipathic layers.
JOURNAL OF PEPTIDE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marina Kurbasic, Ana M. Garcia, Simone Viada, Silvia Marchesan
Summary: The study focused on the catalytic effects of bioactive hydrogels based on tripeptide self-assembly, specifically exploring the impact of modifications on the hydrogel and esterase mimicry activity.
The synthesis and characterization of three analogues with terminal modifications were analyzed, and their self-assembly, hydrogelation, and esterase-like biocatalysis were tested through various techniques.
These findings offer valuable insights into how chemical modifications affect the self-assembly of biocatalytic hydrogels and can potentially aid in the design of supramolecular catalysts for enhanced performance in the future.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ottavia Bellotto, Slavko Kralj, Michele Melchionna, Paolo Pengo, Matic Kisovec, Marjetka Podobnik, Rita De Zorzi, Silvia Marchesan
Summary: This study investigated the self-assembling behavior of distinct stereoisomers of Ile-Phe and Phe-Ile in PBS to form hydrogels, confirming peptide purity and identity through NMR, mass spectrometry, and crystalline XRD data. One stereoisomer was found to exhibit fast kinetics and the highest elastic modulus, making it the only gelator in the study to self-organize into stable hydrogels with distinctive features.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Soham Dutta, Yongju Yun, Michael Widom, Andrew J. Gellman
Summary: Research has shown that equilibrium adsorption of amino acid enantiomer mixtures onto chiral and achiral surfaces results in an amplification of surface enantiomeric excess, leading to enantiopurification of chiral adsorbates by adsorption. This process can be well-described by the 2D Ising model, which predicts the formation of homochiral monolayers from adsorption of racemic mixtures or prochiral molecules on achiral surfaces, suggesting enantiopurification without a noticeable chiral driving force.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Saikat Pahan, Sanjit Dey, Gijo George, Souvik Panda Mahapatra, DRGKoppalu R. Puneeth Kumar, Hosahudya. N. Gopi
Summary: In this study, chiral beta-double helices constructed from specific amino acids were observed in both single crystals and in solution. These structures can transport ions across membranes, suggesting their potential applications in designing functional foldamers.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Dmitry A. Gruzdev, Galina L. Levit, Victor P. Krasnov, Valery N. Charushin
Summary: This review highlights the increasing interest in derivatives of dicarba-closo-dodecaboranes and dicarba-nido-undecaboranes (carboranes) for modern medicinal chemistry and materials science. It discusses the combination of carborane residues and amino acid fragments to obtain promising medicinal agents and unique materials, as well as the preparation and applications of compounds combining amino acid and peptide residues with carborane clusters. Special attention is given to the preparation of enantiopure conjugates and the chirality origins in these compounds, aiming to stimulate further fundamental research in this field.
COORDINATION CHEMISTRY REVIEWS
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marco Scarel, Silvia Marchesan
Summary: Cyclodipeptides and 2,5-diketopiperazines have gained great interest for their diverse biological activities and self-assembly properties into gels, showing resistance to enzymatic hydrolysis. Latest research focuses on their synthesis, self-assembly, and innovative applications.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Haolu Wang, Matthias Heger, Mohamad H. Al-Jabiri, Yunjie Xu
Summary: The homo- and heterochiral protonated dimers of asparagine with serine and with valine were studied using infrared multiple-photon dissociation (IRMPD) spectroscopy. The structures and properties of these dimers were determined using quantum-chemical calculations and experimental observations, and possible chiral and kinetic influences on the experimental results were discussed.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Petr Rozhin, Slavko Kralj, Brigitte Soula, Silvia Marchesan, Emmanuel Flahaut
Summary: Supramolecular hydrogels formed from simple peptides can be improved by the addition of carbon nanomaterials, although their interaction with the peptide structure needs to be investigated. This study compares the performance of single-walled and double-walled carbon nanotubes as additives for a tripeptide hydrogel, with the latter showing superior results. Various spectroscopic techniques, thermogravimetric analysis, microscopy, and rheology data provide detailed insights into the structure and behavior of these nanocomposite hydrogels.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ana M. Garcia, Michele Melchionna, Ottavia Bellotto, Slavko Kralj, Sabrina Semeraro, Evelina Parisi, Daniel Iglesias, Paola D'Andrea, Rita De Zorzi, Attilio V. Vargiu, Silvia Marchesan
Summary: Self-assembling peptides with proline as a beta-breaker and diphenylalanine motif were studied for their ability to form diverse nanostructures. The stereo-configuration of amino acids played a crucial role in directing these peptides to assemble into nanoparticles, nanotapes, or fibrils. Additionally, the study found that heterochirality could strategically interfere with pathological processes, potentially offering future therapeutic applications with resistance to degradation and biocompatibility.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Davide Marin, Michal Bartkowski, Slavko Kralj, Beatrice Rosetti, Paola D'Andrea, Simone Adorinni, Silvia Marchesan, Silvia Giordani
Summary: Nanocomposite hydrogels combining self-assembling tripeptide and carbon nano-onions were developed through covalent and non-covalent approaches. The tripeptide coated the nano-onions and extended their stability in aqueous dispersions. The materials showed high compatibility and could be loaded with CNOs at the highest level reported for nanocarbons. In vitro experiments demonstrated excellent cytocompatibility.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Yuan Zhao, Ying Zhang, Huilin Liu, Baoguo Sun
Summary: A chiroptical system based on chiral assembly graphene quantum dots was developed for visual testing of D-phenylalanine, and successfully applied to intracellular chiroptical imaging.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Om Shanker Tiwari, Ruth Aizen, Massimiliano Meli, Giorgio Colombo, Linda J. W. Shimon, Noam Tal, Ehud Gazit
Summary: Molecular self- and co-assembly have the ability to form diverse and well-defined supramolecular structures with notable physical properties. By exploring the co-assembly of L-His with different aromatic amino acids, including Phe, Tyr, and Trp, we expanded the structural space of amino acid nanomaterials. The best seamless co-assembly was observed between L-His and L-Phe, resulting in the formation of single crystals.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Sabahudin Hrapovic, Camilo F. Martinez-Farina, Jessie Sui, Jean-Danick Lavertu, Usha D. Hemraz
Summary: Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have the potential to design new therapeutics by inhibiting bacterial growth. Chitosan nanocrystals (ChsNCs), formed from seafood waste, have primary amino groups on their surface and can be used as a scaffold. By functionalizing ChsNCs with amino acids and peptides, specific cells can be targeted.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Sabahudin Hrapovic, Camilo F. Martinez-Farina, Jessie Sui, Jean-Danick Lavertu, Usha D. Hemraz
Summary: This study developed a new method to functionalize chitosan nanocrystals with amino acids and peptides using solid phase peptide synthesis. The resulting functionalized rod-shaped nanomaterials showed potential in therapeutic applications.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giovanni A. A. Bassan, Silvia Marchesan
Summary: Metal-ion coordination is widely used to control the supramolecular behavior of building blocks into functional materials. Peptides, in particular, offer great chemical diversity for metal-binding modes and have inherent biocompatibility and biodegradability, making them attractive for applications in medicine, sensing, and environmental remediation. This review focuses on the progress made in the last 5 years in this exciting field and provides an overview of the future directions in research.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Davide Marin, Michal Bartkowski, Slavko Kralj, Beatrice Rosetti, Paola D'Andrea, Simone Adorinni, Silvia Marchesan, Silvia Giordani
Summary: Nanocomposite hydrogels combining self-assembling tripeptide and carbon nano-onions were developed through covalent and non-covalent approaches. The tripeptide coated the nano-onions and extended their stability in aqueous dispersions. The materials showed high compatibility and could be loaded with CNOs at the highest level reported for nanocarbons. In vitro experiments demonstrated excellent cytocompatibility.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Samuel E. Clark, Andrew W. Heard, Charlie T. McTernan, Tanya K. Ronson, Barbara Rossi, Petr Rozhin, Silvia Marchesan, Jonathan R. Nitschke
Summary: A double-walled tetrahedral metal-organic cage was assembled in solution using silver(I), 2-formyl-1,8-naphthyridine, halide, and a threefold-symmetric triamine. The cage has an inner set of tetrahedron walls that are surrounded by the outer four, with significant interior volume for binding anionic guests. External binding clefts located at the edges of the cage can bind small aromatic guests. The exchange of halide ions on the silver clusters allows for modulation of the cavity volume, enabling targeted binding behavior.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Luka Suhadolnik, Marjan Bele, Miha Cekada, Primoz Jovanovic, Nik Maselj, Anja Loncar, Goran Drazic, Martin Sala, Nejc Hodnik, Janez Kovac, Tiziano Montini, Michele Melchionna, Paolo Fornasiero
Summary: A versatile approach for producing cluster- and single atom-based thin-film electrode composites is described in this article. The TiOxNy-Ir catalyst developed in this study was prepared from sputtered Ti-Ir alloy with 0.8 +/- 0.2 at % Ir in alpha-Ti solid solution. The prepared catalyst exhibited high oxygen evolution reaction activity and has potential applications in electrocatalysis. The article provides a detailed description of the new method and a high-performance thin film catalyst, along with suggestions for future development in this field.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Petr Rozhin, Slavko Kralj, Brigitte Soula, Silvia Marchesan, Emmanuel Flahaut
Summary: Supramolecular hydrogels formed from simple peptides can be improved by the addition of carbon nanomaterials, although their interaction with the peptide structure needs to be investigated. This study compares the performance of single-walled and double-walled carbon nanotubes as additives for a tripeptide hydrogel, with the latter showing superior results. Various spectroscopic techniques, thermogravimetric analysis, microscopy, and rheology data provide detailed insights into the structure and behavior of these nanocomposite hydrogels.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Giuseppe Sportelli, Gaia Grando, Manuela Bevilacqua, Giacomo Filippini, Michele Melchionna, Paolo Fornasiero
Summary: In this study, the use of graphitic carbon nitride (g-CN) for the photocatalytic radical formylation of anilines is proposed as a sustainable and attractive alternative to current methods. The reaction occurs under mild conditions and employs air as an oxidant. The ability of g-CN to reach an excited state upon visible-light absorption plays a crucial role in triggering the formation of reactive a-amino radical species from anilines.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Giuseppe Gentile, Marc Morant-Giner, Lucia Cardo, Michele Melchionna, Paolo Fornasiero, Maurizio Prato, Giacomo Filippini
Summary: 2H-MoS2 is a promising semiconductor with earth-abundant nature, low toxicity, and low cost. Although it has demonstrated good catalytic activity in various energy-related processes, its application in catalysis for C-C bond forming reactions in organic synthesis remains largely unexplored. The challenges arise from the difficulty of using bulk 2H-MoS2 due to its low surface area, which requires high catalytic loadings for acceptable yields and makes the optimization process expensive and tedious. In this study, we developed a 2H-MoS2-mediated synthesis of valuable bis(indolyl)methane derivatives and optimized the reaction conditions using the Design of Experiments method.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yu Zhang, Luca Mascaretti, Michele Melchionna, Olivier Henrotte, Stepan Kment, Paolo Fornasiero, Alberto Naldoni
Summary: A fabrication approach was developed to create TiN/F-doped carbon hybrids with high catalytic activity for H2O2 production. These hybrids showed a maximum H2O2 selectivity of 90% and achieved a H2O2 productivity of 207 mmol g(TiN) (-1) h(-1) at 0.2 V vs RHE. The formation of nanocomposites played a key role in achieving high currents, with increased TiO x N y surface content promoting higher H(2)O(2) selectivity and fluorinated nanocarbon imparting good stability to the electrodes due to their superhydrophobic properties.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Anna Lenarda, Michele Melchionna, Santeri Aikonen, Tiziano Montini, Paolo Fornasiero, Tao Hu, Michael Hummel, Juho Helaja
Summary: Activated carbons obtained from organosolv lignin were used as catalysts for aerobic oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) reactions. The relationship between structure and activity was investigated, and the distribution of oxygen functionality was found to play a crucial role. The catalytic activity was associated with C=O surface functionalities, which was confirmed by blocking experiments. The breadth of the catalysts' applicability was explored through selected relevant ODH reactions.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Miriam Marchi, Edoardo Raciti, Sai Manoj Gali, Federica Piccirilli, Hendrik Vondracek, Arianna Actis, Enrico Salvadori, Cristian Rosso, Alejandro Criado, Carmine D'Agostino, Luke Forster, Daniel Lee, Alexandre C. Foucher, Rajeev Kumar Rai, David Beljonne, Eric A. Stach, Mario Chiesa, Roberto Lazzaroni, Giacomo Filippini, Maurizio Prato, Michele Melchionna, Paolo Fornasiero
Summary: The manipulation of carbon nitride (CN) structures through microwave treatment enhances the activity of CN-based photocatalysts for Ni dual photocatalysis. This approach improves the efficiency of C-X (X = N, S, O) couplings in organic synthesis reactions. The formation of carbon vacancies and subsequent evolution into triazole and imine N species play a crucial role in the enhanced reactivity of the material.
Review
Polymer Science
Paola Alletto, Ana Maria Garcia, Silvia Marchesan
Summary: This concise review focuses on the progress in the field of hydrolyses in the past 5 years, discussing their potential applications in various industrial sectors.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
M. Monti, E. Scarel, A. Hassanali, M. Stener, S. Marchesan
Summary: This study uncovers the conformational differences that drive self-assembly of dipeptides into distinct outcomes. Through in silico and experimental data, the electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra of self-assembling dipeptides were analyzed, revealing the importance of folded or extended conformers in the self-assembly process.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Simone Adorinni, Giulio Goti, Lorenzo Rizzo, Federica Grassi, Slavko Kralj, Fatima Matroodi, Mirco Natali, Rita De Zorzi, Silvia Marchesan, Luca Dell'Amico
Summary: The conjugation of photoactive benzophenone with diphenylalanine resulted in a self-assembling photocatalyst, which was investigated in the E -> Z photoisomerization of stilbene derivatives.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Ottavia Bellotto, Paola D'Andrea, Silvia Marchesan
Summary: Dipeptides are promising candidates for biomaterials due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ease of preparation. This review examines the dipeptide sequences reported so far for their ability to form nanotubes, which often possess water-filled channels as seen in single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Furthermore, the potential applications of these dipeptides span a wide range, including drug delivery, regenerative medicine, bioelectronics, and bioimaging.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Erica Scarel, Marco De Corti, Maurizio Polentarutti, Giovanni Pierri, Consiglia Tedesco, Silvia Marchesan
Summary: This work investigates the self-assembly behavior of heterochiral, aliphatic dipeptides in green solvents. It finds that water in acetonitrile enables the formation of organogels, while other solvents and oils form metastable gels. X-ray diffraction analysis reveals the supramolecular packing modes of the dipeptides in amphipathic layers.
JOURNAL OF PEPTIDE SCIENCE
(2023)
