Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yanchao Wang, Maosheng Li, Shixue Wang, Youhua Tao, Xianhong Wang
Summary: SCA monomers derived from amino acids are more reactive than thiolactones for ultrafast and selective ROP, resulting in controlled molecular weight, low dispersities, and retained stereoregularity of the synthesized polythioesters.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Junqiu Shi, Qingmei Sun, Wenli Wang, Chang Li, Haiyang Yin, Haolan Li, Runxin Teng, Zhen Fan, Yunqing Zhu, Jianzhong Du
Summary: This review discusses the important role of naturally occurring and artificial vesicles in cellular transport, as well as the advantages and limitations of artificial vesicles in biological applications. It also proposes future challenges and directions for next-generation polymersomes in synthesis, self-assembly techniques, and biomedical applications.
SCIENCE CHINA-MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Maosheng Li, Shuai Zhang, Xiaoyong Zhang, Yanchao Wang, Jinlong Chen, Youhua Tao, Xianhong Wang
Summary: The study describes an effective unimolecular anion-binding organocatalysis for ring-opening polymerization of O-carboxyanhydrides (OCAs), achieving the synthesis of highly isotactic poly(phenyllactic acid) (Ph-PLA) through a dynamic cooperative anion-binding mechanism. This approach addresses the challenge of synthesizing high molecular weight stereoregular polyesters by facilitating efficient chain propagation and maintaining high selectivity for OCA ring-opening over side reactions.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Kuen Hee Eom, Shuwei Li, Eun Gyeong Lee, Jae Ho Kim, Jung Rae Kim, Il Kim
Summary: Cell-penetrating peptides are facilitated by the presence of arginine or other guanidinium groups. However, little research has been done on the impact of these functional groups on antimicrobial peptides. In this study, a series of cationic linear, star, and multi-branched copolymers were synthesized and their antibacterial efficacy was tested. The results showed that the structure and composition of the copolymers significantly influenced their antibacterial activity, with the multi-branched structure exhibiting the highest efficacy.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zehong Cheng, Jing Guo, Jia Pan, Ying Liu, Huan Wei, Jishan Li, Song Liu, Yuanyuan Hu, Yugang Bai
Summary: In this study, a disintegrable initiator array was developed for the synthesis of well-defined polypeptides using purified N-carboxyanhydride monomers. The fast disintegration of the initiation system after polymerization allowed for the efficient conjugation of polypeptides. The high activity of the benzhydrylium ends on the polypeptides enabled the construction of complex hybrid materials.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Kai Li, Zheng Li, Yong Shen, Xiaohui Fu, Chongyi Chen, Zhibo Li
Summary: The nucleophilicity of initiators for ROP of NCA was enhanced by the organobase TMG, leading to rapid polymerization and controlled molecular weights of polypeptides. This method simplifies NCA ROP, allows for the synthesis of block copolypeptides and expands the applications of synthetic polypeptides in various fields.
Article
Polymer Science
Tobias A. Bauer, Christian Muhl, Dieter Schollmeyer, Matthias Barz
Summary: The use of racemic mixtures of NCAs can improve reaction rates and monomer conversion, the controlled living nature of polypeptide ring-opening polymerization enables the synthesis of high DP polypeptides and triblock copolymers with symmetric molecular weight distributions through sequential monomer addition.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Min Zhou, Jingcheng Zou, Longqiang Liu, Ximian Xiao, Shuai Deng, Yueming Wu, Jiayang Xie, Zihao Cong, Zhemin Ji, Runhui Liu
Summary: This study demonstrates a living and controlled copolymerization to prepare sequence-tunable poly-alpha/beta-peptides, showing a prominent solvent-driven characteristic. It provides random-like copolymers of poly-alpha/beta-peptides in THF and block-like copolymers of poly-alpha/beta-peptides in a mixed solvent of CHCl3/H2O (95/5, v/v), opening new avenues for sequence-tunable polymerization and enabling facile synthesis of proteolysis tunable poly-alpha/beta-peptides for diverse applications.
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Mohsen Khodadadi Yazdi, Payam Zarrintaj, Ali Khodadadi, Ahmad Arefi, Farzad Seidi, Hanieh Shokrani, Mohammad Reza Saeb, Masoud Mozafari
Summary: Architecting a suitable platform for biomedical applications involves balancing simplicity and complexity. Polysaccharides (PSAs) are crucial in various aspects of our lives, including food resources, structural materials, and energy storage. They have also become indispensable ingredients in food and cosmetics. PSA-based hydrogels have been extensively studied in biomedical applications, showing optimal performance through different designs.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Richard Hoogenboom
Summary: Poly(2-oxazoline)s have gained significant interest in the past decade, especially in the field of biomedical applications. This perspective article discusses the emerging trends in the area of poly(2-oxazoline)s, including synthetic advances, development of high molar mass polymers, expansion of the monomer range, and development of degradable derivatives. It also highlights the use of poly(2-oxazoline)s in studying polymer properties, biomedical applications such as drug delivery and 3D scaffolds, and other applications in organic devices and polymer gel electrolytes. The article concludes with a discussion on the future vision for poly(2-oxazoline)s.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jiadong Tang, Maosheng Li, Xianhong Wang, Youhua Tao
Summary: We have achieved the one-pot production of sequence-controlled block copolymer from mixed monomers using a switchable catalyst. The method allows for chemoselective and efficient polymerization reactions, resulting in a high conversion rate of CO2.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hector Soria-Carrera, Isabel Franco-Castillo, Pilar Romero, Santiago Martin, Jesus M. de la Fuente, Scott G. Mitchell, Rafael Martin-Rapun
Summary: The innovative On-POM polymerization strategy combines inorganic scaffolds with amino acids, allowing the synthesis of hybrid materials with additive or synergistic properties, such as bactericidal poly(lysine)-POM hybrids. This versatile method provides a flexible approach for tailoring and enhancing the specificity and performance of hybrid antimicrobial materials.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Ana P. C. Almeida, Joao N. Saraiva, Goncalo Cavaco, Raquel P. Portela, Catarina R. Leal, Rita G. Sobral, Pedro L. Almeida
Summary: Bacterial cellulose-based membranes have gained increasing attention as dressings for healing purposes. This study produced, modified, and characterized hydrated and dehydrated BC membranes for biomedical applications. The results showed that the cross-linked bacterial cellulose membranes exhibit suitable physical properties for use as wound dressings.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pedro Lavrador, Marco R. Esteves, Vitor M. Gaspar, Joao F. Mano
Summary: Recent advances in the design of stimuli-responsive nanocomposite hydrogels have expanded their potential for operating as advanced systems in various biomedical applications, benefitting from tailored single or multi-responsiveness. The combination of hydrogels and nanoparticles showcases an intrinsic ability to react to external or internal/physiological stimuli, developing intelligent systems with application-oriented features.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Meiyao Wang, Lili Xu, Min Lin, Zhibo Li, Jing Sun
Summary: The block copolymer PEG-b-P(Lys-TPE) with reversible pH-responsive AIE characteristics was synthesized via imine bonds. The reversible detachment of TPE residues from polypeptides with pH variation in the presence of organic solvents led to reversible variation of fluorescence intensity. This work provides a convenient and universal strategy to efficiently construct AIEgens with reversible stimuli-responsive properties, serving as potential candidates for new generations of smart fluorescent nanomaterials.
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Michail-Panagiotis Minadakis, Konstantinos F. Mavreas, Dionysios D. Neofytos, Maria Paschou, Artemis Kogkaki, Varvara Athanasiou, Michael Mamais, Daniele Veclani, Hermis Iatrou, Alessandro Venturini, Evangelia D. Chrysina, Panagiota Papazafiri, Thanasis Gimisis
Summary: This study reports the synthesis and study of (E)-2-cyano-3-(p-(dimethylamino)phenyl)-N-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl)acrylamide (RotA), which acts as a strong inhibitor of rabbit muscle glycogen phosphorylase (RMGPb) and exhibits strong fluorescence signals when bound in the catalytic channel of RMGPb. Delivery of RotA through nanoparticles showed efficient colocalization with glycogen phosphorylase (GP) and significant biological effects in cell growth and GP inhibition.
ORGANIC & BIOMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Aggeliki Stamou, Hermis Iatrou, Constantinos Tsitsilianis
Summary: This study developed PLL-g-NIPAm with LCST thermosensitivity by grafting N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAm) onto polylysine (PLL), and the LCST is influenced by pH and ionic strength.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dimitrios Skoulas, Sarinj Fattah, Dandan Wang, Sally-Ann Cryan, Andreas Heise
Summary: 8-arm star polypeptides consisting of cationic polylysine and hydrophilic polysarcosine blocks were synthesized. The enzymatic hydrolysis and disintegration of the polypeptides showed a strong dependence on structural arrangements. The polyplexes formed by the polypeptides were capable of complexing plasmid DNA, had sizes around or below 200 nm, and could transport through mucus.
MACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nikitas Georgiou, Aikaterini Katsogiannou, Dimitrios Skourtis, Hermis Iatrou, Demeter Tzeli, Stamatia Vassiliou, Uros Javornik, Janez Plavec, Thomas Mavromoustakos
Summary: The structure assignment and conformational analysis of thiosemicarbazone KKI15 and thiocarbohydrazone KKI18 were performed using NMR spectroscopy and DFT calculations. The most favorable energy values were observed when the two compounds adopted the E configuration of their double bonds. In addition, molecular binding experiments showed potential targets for the compounds, with the enzyme butyrylcholinesterase exhibiting the strongest binding energy.
Article
Polymer Science
Valeria Castelletto, Lucas de Mello, Foteini Arfara, Hermis Iatrou, Jani Seitsonen, Ian W. Hamley
Summary: This study investigated the unique structures of PARG and PLGA polypeptides using various analytical methods, revealing that they mainly adopt PPII conformation and form fractal-like precipitate structures. Understanding the structure of polypeptide complex precipitates contributes to the comprehension of phase separation in polyelectrolyte complexes and coacervation, and sheds light on the formation of inter-cellular bodies of proteins and peptides.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aikaterini G. Karra, Ioannis Tsialtas, Foteini D. Kalousi, Achilleas Georgantopoulos, Evangelia Sereti, Konstantinos Dimas, Anna-Maria G. Psarra
Summary: Mitochondria are crucial for cellular physiology as they generate energy and regulate biological functions. Dysregulation of mitochondrial function is associated with various pathologies, including cancer. The mitochondrial glucocorticoid receptor (mtGR) plays a role in regulating mitochondrial transcription, metabolism, energy production, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. The interaction between mtGR and pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), a key player in cancer metabolism, suggests the involvement of mtGR in cancer development. In this study, using a xenograft mouse model, overexpression of mtGR in hepatocarcinoma cells was found to promote tumor growth, reduce OXPHOS biosynthesis and PDH activity, and alter glucose metabolism, similar to the Warburg effect. Autophagy activation in mtGR-associated tumors further supports tumor progression. Increased mitochondrial localization of mtGR is suggested to contribute to tumor progression via mtGR/PDH interaction, suppressing PDH activity and modulating mtGR-induced mitochondrial transcription, favoring glycolytic energy production in cancer cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Hubert Buksa, Thomas J. Neal, Spyridon Varlas, Saul J. Hunter, Osama M. Musa, Steven P. Armes
Summary: The reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) aqueous dispersion polymerization of 4-hydroxybutyl acrylate (HBA) with a carboxylic acid-based water-soluble RAFT agent at pH 8 leads to the formation of anionic PHBA latex particles of around 200 nm diameter. The weakly hydrophobic PHBA chains enable stimulus-responsive behavior in the latexes. Addition of water-miscible hydrophilic monomer, 2-(N-(acryloyloxy)-ethylpyrrolidone) (NAEP), allows for in situ molecular dissolution of the PHBA latex and subsequent formation of sterically stabilized PHBA-PNAEP diblock copolymer nanoparticles of around 57 nm diameter. This new approach to reverse sequence polymerization-induced self-assembly provides valuable insights.
Editorial Material
Polymer Science
Stergios Pispas, Spiros H. H. Anastasiadis, Hermis Iatrou
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Edwin C. Johnson, Spyridon Varlas, Oleta Norvilaite, Thomas J. Neal, Emma E. Brotherton, George Sanderson, Graham J. Leggett, Steven P. Armes
Summary: This study demonstrates the chemical adsorption of aldehyde-functional diblock copolymer spherical nanoparticles onto amine-functionalized surface-grafted polymer brushes via dynamic Schiff base chemistry. The aldehyde-functional brushes were treated with excess small-molecule diamine, and the resulting imine linkages were converted into secondary amine bonds via reductive amination. Friction force microscopy studies showed that the nanoparticles formed multiple dynamic imine bonds with the brushes, leading to a mean surface coverage of approximately 0.33, regardless of the nanoparticle size.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Maria-Eleni Kargaki, Foteini Arfara, Hermis Iatrou, Constantinos Tsitsilianis
Summary: We investigated the rheological behavior of a graft copolymer polyampholyte composed of polyacrylic acid (PAA) backbone grafted by Poly (L-lysine) (PAA-b-PLL). The hydrogel formed by self-assembly displayed interesting properties such as low critical gel concentration, elastic response, extended critical strain, shear responsiveness, injectability, 3D printability, and self-healing. The properties of the hydrogel were pH-dependent and influenced by the presence of salt due to the changes in PLL secondary structure and crosslinking mode.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mahir Mohammed, Bryn A. Jones, Evelina Liarou, Paul Wilson
Summary: Single-barrel scanning electrochemical cell microscopy has been utilized to achieve localized polymerization of acrylamide with fine control. This technique allows for controlled synthesis and deposition of polyacrylamide or synthesis of polyacrylamide brushes from initiator-functionalised electrode surfaces. The method provides a novel approach for achieving precise control over the reactions and resulting polymer features.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lingyuan Zhu, Liping Liu, Spyridon Varlas, Rui-Yang Wang, Rachel K. O'Reilly, Zaizai Tong
Summary: This study investigates the effect of lattice match and core compatibility on seeded growth behavior using crystallizable aliphatic polycarbonates with different numbers of methylene groups (xCH(2), x = 4, 6, 7, 12) as model polymers. The results show that seeded growth with better core compatibility and a smaller lattice mismatch follows epitaxial growth, while seeded growth with better core compatibility but a larger lattice mismatch shows nonepitaxial growth. Additionally, seeded growth with poor core compatibility and a larger lattice mismatch results in polydisperse platelet micelles.
Article
Polymer Science
Maria-Eleni Karga, Maria-Eleni Kargaki, Hermis Iatrou, Constantinos Tsitsilianis
Summary: In this study, the rheological behavior of a graft copolymer solution that self-assembles into a hydrogel network was investigated. The copolymer showed strong elasticity and self-healing properties. The stiffness and swelling of the hydrogel could be controlled by adjusting pH conditions. The hydrogel exhibited excellent injectability and instantaneous self-healing, making it a potential candidate for various biomedical applications.
Article
Polymer Science
Isabella R. Dorsman, Derek H. H. Chan, Victoria J. Cunningham, Steven L. Brown, Clive N. Williams, Spyridon Varlas, Steven P. Armes
Summary: This study prepared behenyl methacrylate-based diblock and statistical copolymers as additives for modifying the crystal habit of wax. The statistical copolymers exhibited lower crystallization and melting temperatures compared to the diblock copolymers. Temperature-dependent turbidimetry studies showed reduced crystallization temperatures when using the copolymers. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed that the copolymers led to smaller crystal sizes and/or higher crystal aspect ratios.
Article
Polymer Science
Setuhn Jimaja, Spyridon Varlas, Jeffrey C. Foster, Daniel Taton, Andrew P. Dove, Rachel K. O'Reilly
Summary: We report the synthesis of redox- and pH-sensitive block copolymer micelles that contain chiral cores composed of helical poly(aryl isocyanide)s. The introduction of cross-links and stimulus-sensitive nanostructures are achieved through post-polymerisation modification with various diamines. The stimuli-responsiveness of the nanoparticles towards a reducing agent and pH is evaluated by following the change in size using dynamic light scattering.
