Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Isabel Gonzalez, Mario Gonzalez-Arjona, Ana Santos-Coquillat, Javier Vaquero, Elena Vazquez-Ogando, Antonio de Molina, Hector Peinado, Manuel Desco, Beatriz Salinas
Summary: A novel chemical approach for robust attachment of commercial fluorescent dyes to exosome surface was reported, demonstrating no alteration of original physicochemical properties. Successful validation of the methodology in cell cultures and healthy mice indicates its potential for in vitro and in vivo applications. The fluorescently labeled exosomes were effectively visualized with optical imaging.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jie-Ling Liang, Gong-Xun Cao, Feng-Ying Zheng, Shun -Xing Li, Feng-Jiao Liu, Lu-Xiu Lin, Xu-Guang Huang, Zi-Huan Zhang, Jing-Yin Zheng, Qian-Yan Huang
Summary: This study selected polystyrene as a representative nanoplastic and persistent pollutant, and prepared a novel fluorescent material for the identification and quantitative determination of polystyrene by embedding graphene oxide quantum dots. The material exhibited good biocompatibility and fluorescent tracing properties.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Shuai Huang, Yuan Gao, Yonghong Wang, Fengzhi Li, Weidi Xiao, Woo-ping Ge, Yanchang Li, Ping Xu
Summary: The researchers demonstrated an artificial tandem hybrid ubiquitin-binding domain (ThUBD) that has high affinity for all ubiquitin chains and can be used as a tool for global ubiquitination profiling research. They labeled fluorescein on the cysteine residues of ThUBD to create a fluorescein-labeled ThUBD (ThUBD-Flu) probe for direct imaging and visualization of polyubiquitination signals. Compared to traditional methods, ThUBD-Flu is more sensitive and accurate in detecting ubiquitination signals. It provides a widely applicable, super-sensitive, and unbiased technique for in situ detection of intracellular polyubiquitination signals through immunofluorescence staining.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ilabahen Patel, Jeremiah Woodcock, Ryan Beams, Stephan J. Stranick, Ryan Nieuwendaal, Jeffrey W. Gilman, Marina R. Mulenos, Christie M. Sayes, Maryam Salari, Glen DeLoid, Philip Demokritou, Bryan Harper, Stacey Harper, Kimberly J. Ong, Jo Anne Shatkin, Douglas M. Fox
Summary: An optimal methodology for locating and tracking cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) is crucial to evaluate the environmental health and safety properties of these nanomaterials. A new boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY) reactive fluorescent probe, meso-DichlorotriazineEthyl BODIPY (mDTEB), was used to label CNFs for ingestion exposure studies. The photoluminescence properties of mDTEB-labeled CNFs include excellent stability and high quantum yield. In vitro and in vivo studies showed that CNFs and mDTEB-labeled CNFs did not exhibit cytotoxicity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Neus Gacias-Amengual, Lena Wohlschlager, Florian Csarman, Roland Ludwig
Summary: In this study, lignocellulosic enzymes from the white rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium were localized on model substrates and poplar wood using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Two detection approaches were investigated, revealing the innermost secondary cell wall layer as the preferential attack point for cellulose-degrading enzymes. The methods presented are suitable for visualizing enzymes during catalytic biomass degradation and can be further utilized for interaction studies in biorefineries.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Diana C. Novo, Kevin J. Edgar
Summary: Polysaccharides are widely used in biomedical applications, such as therapeutic agents and sensors, due to their compatibility with various tissues. Fluorescent labeling allows for sensitive monitoring of polysaccharide-based materials, improving drug-delivery system design. This review discusses fluorophore selection, methods of attaching polysaccharides, and the utility of fluorescent polysaccharides as smart materials in biomedicine, focusing on their applications as environment-sensitive biosensors, imaging tools, and molecular rulers. The advantages, disadvantages, and future prospects of these self-reporting materials are also explored.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2024)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michael A. Turner, Thinzar M. Lwin, Siamak Amirfakhri, Hiroto Nishino, Robert M. Hoffman, Paul J. Yazaki, Michael Bouvet
Summary: Fluorescent-conjugated anti-CEA antibodies have been proven to improve the detection and resection of tumors in both murine models and clinically, showing important potential to enhance cancer diagnosis and surgery. Additionally, this emerging technology has also been successfully applied in photoimmunotherapy treatment for cancer.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhishang Ye, Lan Yao, Chang Geun Yoo, Wei Liu, Xianzhi Meng, Yan Xiong, Haitao Yang
Summary: In this study, vanillin was used to produce 2-O-propargyl coniferin, which allowed for the introduction of alkynyl groups at the ortho position of the benzene ring without affecting the structure of the lignin side chains and functional groups. The results showed that the alkynyl-labeled lignin monomer had good biocompatibility and could potentially participate in the biosynthesis of lignin while having negligible impact on its structure.
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Shaoyong Cai, Guangjie Song, Guofan Zhang, Lei Wang, Tianlan Jian, Jiatong Xu, Fengyu Su, Yanqing Tian
Summary: This study introduces a cellulose-based ink system for improving the dispersion of natural dyes with low solubility in water, and prepares three sensing labels with different dyes through simple screen-printing. Each sensing label exhibits unique characteristics in terms of optical property, NH3-sensitivity, and fluorescent color-changing routes at different NH3 concentrations, while maintaining excellent stability in various humidity and temperature conditions. These labels are utilized to construct a multicolor fluorescent sensor array for visually monitoring the freshness of shrimp, providing a practical tool for consumers.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Theresa Guo, Sophie S. Jang, Ryotaro Ogawa, Morgan Davis, Edward Ashworth, Christopher V. Barback, David J. Hall, David R. Vera
Summary: Fluorescent-labeled Tc-99 m-tilmanocept demonstrates feasibility and accuracy in SLNB for oral cavity cancer, identifying lymph nodes that may not be detected by radioactivity.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Rossella Santonocito, Rossana Parlascino, Alessia Cavallaro, Roberta Puglisi, Andrea Pappalardo, Francesco Aloi, Antonino Licciardello, Nunzio Tuccitto, Santa Olga Cacciola, Giuseppe Trusso Sfrazzetto
Summary: This study presents the design and development of a fluorescent array-based sensor, equipped with different organic receptors, capable of selectively detecting three plant pathogenic fungi. The detection of these fungi can be easily performed using a smartphone, making it the first example of using a smartphone as a detector for microscopic fungal plant pathogens through a fluorescent array. This research represents a proof-of-concept for the development of practical sensor devices that can detect pathogens in plant products, food, or environmental samples, ensuring food and human health security.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jiayi Lin, Linlin Xu, Yuling Zheng, Dalin Wu, Jun Yue
Summary: This study reports a fluorescence probe with a core-shell structure that can selectively label different types of bacteria and biofilms. The results demonstrate the potential application of this probe in bacterial research.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lei Wang, Xiaochen Jia, Zeyu Dou, Xiaoqian Li, Wenjing Bao, Chaoran Ma, Hongye Wang, Maofeng Dong, Ying Zhang
Summary: Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), an organic pollutant commonly found in soil, has detrimental effects on animal reproduction and is mutagenic, teratogenic, and carcinogenic. The study identified efficient DBP degrading bacterial strains and developed an immobilized microbial agent, n-HAP/SA + DNB-S1, which effectively remediates DBP contaminated soil.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Jingxin Zhou, Na Li, Ping Liu, Zhiwei Liu, Lili Gao, Tifeng Jiao
Summary: Quercetin plays a crucial role in the medical field, but its poor solubility in water limits its absorption and effectiveness as a drug in the body. Chitosan nanoparticles, on the other hand, can serve as drug delivery carriers for poorly soluble drugs. This study successfully prepared chitosan nanoparticles and investigated the drug loading properties of quercetin.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL BIOMATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Estefania Sanchez-Rodriguez, Laura Alejandra Vazquez-Aguilar, Sara Biel-Glesson, Jose Ramon Fernandez-Navarro, Juan Antonio Espejo-Calvo, Jose Maria Olmo-Peinado, Rafael de la Torre, Monserrat Fito-Colomer, Maria Isabel Covas, Concepcion Romero, Manuel Brenes, Emilio Martinez de Victoria, Angel Gil, Maria Dolores Mesa
Summary: This study evaluated the postprandial effects of virgin olive oils enriched with bioactive compounds from the olive fruit on plasma glucose, insulin, and gastrointestinal hormones responses in healthy adults. The findings suggest that olive oil enriched with triterpenes can reduce insulin release, while olive oil with high polyphenol content can lower plasma glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL FOODS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Simone Ghinato, Davide Territo, Andrea Maranzana, Vito Capriati, Marco Blangetti, Cristina Prandi
Summary: The nucleophilic acyl substitution reaction of aliphatic and (hetero)aromatic amides with organolithium reagents in cyclopentyl methyl ether proceeds efficiently, providing ketones with up to 93% yield while effectively suppressing over-addition reactions. The methodology allows for straightforward synthesis of ketones under aerobic conditions without the need for pre-activated amides. The study demonstrates a paradigm shift in the reactivity of carboxylic acid amides with organolithiums.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Organic
Stefano Nejrotti, Cristina Prandi
Summary: This review summarizes the advances in the synthesis and functionalization of furans via gold catalysis between 2016 and 2020, focusing on different synthetic methods, functionalization reactions, and tandem reactions.
SYNTHESIS-STUTTGART
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pengbo Liang, Clara Schmitz, Beatrice Lace, Franck Anicet Ditengou, Chao Su, Eija Schulze, Julian Knerr, Robert Grosse, Jean Keller, Cyril Libourel, Pierre-Marc Delaux, Thomas Ott
Summary: Legumes have the ability to associate with rhizobia for nitrogen-fixing root nodule symbiosis. In Medicago truncatula, root hair colonization by Sinorhizobium meliloti begins from young root hairs, which physically entwine around the symbiont to form rhizobial traps. This unique process involves alterations in membrane organization, cytosolic calcium gradient, actin rearrangements, and symbiotic responses in legumes.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Valentina Dell'Oste, Francesca Spyrakis, Cristina Prandi
Summary: Strigolactones are a class of plant hormones that play a role in plant responses to various stresses, with potential agricultural and medical applications. Research has shown their potential in promoting sustainable agriculture and as anti-cancer and antimicrobial agents in medicine.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Fabio Bucciol, Elia Maffeis, Emanuela Calcio Gaudino, Laszlo Jicsinszky, Silvia Tagliapietra, Alessandro Barge, Cristina Prandi, Giancarlo Cravotto
Summary: The study focuses on selectively synthesizing active pharmaceutical molecules using microwave irradiation and a specific catalyst, with higher yield achieved under specific starting material.
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Elisa De Marchi, Davide Arnodo, Elia Maffeis, Dina Scarpi, Cristina Prandi, Ernesto G. Occhiato
Summary: The synthesis of both enantiomers of a key intermediate in the synthesis of halofuginone was achieved through a Candida antarctica lipase B (CAL-B)-catalyzed kinetic resolution, using p-chlorophenylbutyrate (PCPB) as the acylating reagent in the versatile solvent cyclopentyl methyl ether (CPME). High enantiomeric ratio (E) values were obtained, with a single iteration yielding highly enantioenriched (95% ee) compounds, facilitating the preparation of (+)-halofuginone in a three-step procedure.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gizem Antika, Zeynep Ozlem Cinar, Esma Secen, Mehmet Ozbil, Esra Tokay, Feray Kockar, Cristina Prandi, Tugba Boyunegmez Tumer
Summary: Strigolactones (SLs), a type of phytohormones, show potent antitumor activity by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis, and causing cell cycle arrest. In addition, SL analogs may serve as potential therapeutic agents for glioma by regulating key gene expressions. Further in vitro studies and clinical assessments are warranted.
ACS CHEMICAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Chiara Bellomo, Davide Zanetti, Francesca Cardano, Sohini Sinha, Mahdi Chaari, Andrea Fin, Andrea Maranzana, Rosario Nunez, Marco Blangetti, Cristina Prandi
Summary: A small library of 2,6- and 3,5-distyrenyl-substituted carborane-BODIPY dyes was efficiently synthesized by Pd-catalyzed Heck coupling reaction, allowing for increased molecular diversity and enhanced emission quantum yields. The compounds exhibited significant bathochromic shift compared to parent fluorophore scaffolds, with absorption and emission patterns being practically unaffected by different substituents or carborane isomers.
Article
Plant Sciences
Valentina Fiorilli, Marco Forgia, Alexandre de Saint Germain, Giulia D'Arrigo, David Cornu, Philippe Le Bris, Salim Al-Babili, Francesca Cardinale, Cristina Prandi, Francesca Spyrakis, Francois-Didier Boyer, Massimo Turina, Luisa Lanfranco
Summary: In this study, a fungal receptor for strigolactones (SLs), named CpD14, was identified in Cryphonectria parasitica. Through computational, biochemical, and genetic analysis, the researchers demonstrated that CpD14 interacts with and hydrolyzes SLs. The study also showed that gene inactivation of CpD14 reduces fungal sensitivity to SLs, further supporting the role of SLs as multifunctional molecules in plant-microbe interactions.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Simone Ghinato, Federica De Nardi, Paola Bolzoni, Achille Antenucci, Marco Blangetti, Cristina Prandi
Summary: This paper reports a straightforward and efficient method utilizing lithium amide as a metalating agent to promote the metalation/anionic Fries rearrangements of O-aryl carbamates, under aerobic/ambient-friendly reaction conditions. This method enables the sustainable preparation of salicylamide derivatives with high levels of chemoselectivity within ultrafast reaction times, working at room temperature in the presence of air/moisture and using environmentally responsible cyclopentyl methyl ether as a solvent. Furthermore, the regioselective manipulation of O-2-tolyl carbamates has been achieved using interchangeably alkyllithiums or lithium amides, with an unexpected beneficial contribution from the utilization of biorenewable protic eutectic mixtures as non-innocent reaction media.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Davide Arnodo, Eugenio De Nardo, Simone Ghinato, Salvatore Baldino, Marco Blangetti, Cristina Prandi
Summary: A straightforward and sustainable protocol for the tetrahydropyranylation of alcohols was reported using bioinspired acidic natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) as reaction media. The method allowed the preparation of tetrahydropyranyl ethers from primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols with high chemoselectivity and short reaction times, without the need for additional catalysts and under air. The scalability and recyclability of the NADESs were also demonstrated, making it possible to perform multigram preparations of THP ethers with no loss of catalytic activity up to ten recycling steps. Telescoped, one-pot tetrahydropyranylation/nucleophilic acyl substitution transformations using the same eutectic mixture were also shown.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Davide Arnodo, Elia Maffeis, Francesco Marra, Stefano Nejrotti, Cristina Prandi
Summary: Over the past decade, deep eutectic solvents have gained recognition in the scientific community for their wide range of applications and advantages in promoting organic reactions. In recent years, various examples of biocatalyzed processes have been reported, utilizing eutectic mixtures as reaction media to improve selectivity and sustainability. This review aims to serve as a 'toolbox' guide for organic synthesis, showcasing newly reported protocols in the field, categorized by reaction class.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Davide Arnodo, Carolina Meazzo, Salvatore Baldino, Marco Blangetti, Cristina Prandi
Summary: This study reports the synthesis of acetals in acidic natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) where the solvent itself acts as a catalyst for the reaction. The reaction is performed under feasible conditions without the need for external additives, catalysts or water-removing techniques, and it has a wide scope of application. The products can be easily recovered, and the reaction medium can be fully recycled and reused without a decrease in catalytic activity after 10 cycles. Notably, the entire process has been successfully scaled up to gram scale.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Simone Ghinato, Carolina Meazzo, Federica De Nardi, Andrea Maranzana, Marco Blangetti, Cristina Prandi
Summary: A mild and efficient telescoped procedure for the stereoselective alkenylation of simple, non-activated amides using LiCH2SiMe3 and carbonyl compounds as surrogates of alkenyllithium reagents is reported. Our methodology relies on the formation of stable tetrahedral intermediates, which, upon collapse into highly reactive lithium enolates in a solvent-dependent fashion, allows for the assembly of alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones in a single synthetic operation with high stereoselectivity.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Danilo Correddu, Sabrina Helmy Aly, Giovanna Di Nardo, Gianluca Catucci, Cristina Prandi, Marco Blangetti, Chiara Bellomo, Elisabetta Bonometti, Guido Viscardi, Gianfranco Gilardi
Summary: This study found that the cytochrome P450 BM3 mutants have enhanced and specific epoxidation activity for geraniol and linalool, forming valuable oxidized derivatives, highlighting the significance of these enzymes for industrial applications.