Article
Polymer Science
Kevin Hagmann, Carolin Bunk, Frank Boehme, Regine von Klitzing
Summary: The preparation and investigation of gel films from a model amphiphilic polymer conetwork provide a better understanding of the structure-property relationship in both bulk phase and interfacial materials. The study finds that the polarity of solvents affects the swelling ability, surface structure, and mechanical properties of the gel films.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Chunyu Zhang, Yan Sun, Xiaoyan Dong
Summary: This study successfully developed a novel enzyme-polymer conjugate by covalently coupling a zwitterionic polymer with side dimethyl chains (pID) to Candida rugosa lipase (CRL). The resulting conjugates showed higher catalytic activity, thermostability, and pH tolerance compared to the native enzyme. The findings suggest that enzyme conjugation to zwitterionic polymers has promising potential for improving enzyme performance.
CHINESE JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jihang Zhang, Zhaoxin Wang, Wei Zhuang, Hesamoddin Rabiee, Chenjie Zhu, Jiawei Deng, Lei Ge, Hanjie Ying
Summary: This study investigates the use of graphene-based materials as immobilized enzymes in the field of biocatalysis. The researchers designed a nanobiological interface between graphene oxide (GO) and lipase TL, which could be tuned through molecular dynamics simulations and chemical modulation. The reduced graphene oxide (rGO) showed improved catalytic activity compared to GO, and 4 hours of reduction with ascorbic acid yielded the highest enzyme activity. The study also explored the drawbacks of hydrophobic nanomaterials on enzyme production and suggested the potential of hydrophilic nanomaterials in enhancing enzyme activity.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Arka Biswas, Arvind K. Singh Chandel, Nikita Anuradha, Nikita Vadadoriya, Vijay Mamtani, Suresh K. Jewrajka
Summary: This study reports the construction of amphiphilic conetwork (APCN)-based surfaces with potent antimicrobial activity and biofilm inhibition ability. The separation of lipophilic alkyl groups from the cationic network was found to enhance the antibacterial properties. The APCN coatings showed heterogeneously distributed alkyl chains, crosslinking junctions, and unreacted vinyl imidazole groups. The antibacterial activity of the APCN coatings increased with increasing alkyl chain length and had a stronger effect on Escherichia coli bacteria.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hassan Monhemi
Summary: This study investigated the simulation of a model protein in supercritical CO2 using different biomolecular force fields. The results showed that all force fields confirmed deviations in protein structure in supercritical CO2, with varying degrees of flexibility changes observed among the different force fields.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Qikai Tian, Jing Zhang, Jing Yan, Shaobin Zhang, Ziyi Yu
Summary: Pickering interfacial biocatalysis has gained significant attention due to the need for cleaner and more efficient chemical industry. The crucial step in this process is the preparation of enzyme-loaded particles, which often involves complex modification and functionalization processes. This study presents a one-step method to generate polymer nanoparticles with innate carboxyl functional groups, offering adjustable wettability and excellent reusability and storage stability for the immobilized enzymes.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ondrej Pleskac, Helena Sovova, Marie Sajfrtova
Summary: Continuous flow hydrolysis of blackcurrant seed oil in supercritical carbon dioxide catalyzed by immobilized lipase Lipozyme TL IM was studied. The effects of enzyme load, pressure, temperature, and CO2 flow rate on conversion were evaluated. The regioselectivity of lipase-catalyzed hydrolysis increased the omega-3/omega-6 ratio in the produced diglycerides compared to the original oil.
JOURNAL OF CO2 UTILIZATION
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Jennifer Andrea Villamil Jimenez, Margaux Haurat, Rayan Berriche, Fabien Baillon, Martial Sauceau, Matteo Chaussat, Jean-Marc Tallon, Andrzej Kusiak, Michel Dumon
Summary: The study investigates the use of supercritical CO2 assisted two-step batch foaming process combined with laser or ultrasound technology for polymer foaming. The ultrasound technique has a significant effect on cellular morphology, resulting in a decrease in cell size, an increase in cell density, and a decrease in thermal conductivity. Both ultrasound and laser techniques can produce micro porosity. This study opens up new avenues for further research on these two methods for assisting supercritical CO2 batch foaming.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ahmed Abd El-Fattah, Elizabeth Grillo Fernandes, Federica Chiellini, Emo Chiellini
Summary: Amphiphilic copolymers with interesting architecture and tunable properties are promising materials for biomedical applications. Enzymatic catalysis provides a suitable alternative for the preparation of these materials without the use of toxic catalysts. The structure-property relationship of copolymers was studied by varying the molecular weight of Pluronic (EPE) and the molar ratios between ε-caprolactone monomer and EPE macro-initiator (M/In). The obtained copolymers were chemically characterized and their morphologies evaluated. The results showed a correlation between the differential scanning calorimetry data and X-ray diffraction data, suggesting the importance of the central block length in crystal formation. Preliminary cytotoxicity experiments confirmed the non-toxic nature of the copolymers.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sara T. R. Velasquez, Daseul Jang, Peter Jenkins, Peng Liu, Liu Yang, LaShanda T. J. Korley, Nico Bruns
Summary: Amphiphilic polymer conetworks (APCNs) are polymer networks composed of hydrophilic and hydrophobic chain segments. The mechanical properties of APCNs can be improved by incorporating PBLA peptides, and the secondary structure of the peptide chains can be tailored to enhance toughness and extensibility. This bio-inspired approach paves the way for applications that benefit from significantly increased mechanical properties.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Axel Briand, Antoine Leybros, Olivier Doucet, Marion Vite, Ayoub Gasmi, Jean Christophe Ruiz, Fabrice Lamadie, Agnes Grandjean
Summary: This article investigates the potential of using super-critical CO2 foaming of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) in photovoltaic modules as a safe way to dismantle them layer by layer. The study analyzes the effects of CO2 temperature, pressure, and depressurization rate on the deformation of EVA layers. The results show that mechanical stress is an important factor in the delamination process, and the success of separation depends on operating parameters and the properties of neighboring layers.
JOURNAL OF CO2 UTILIZATION
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
F. Rafiee, M. Rezaee
Summary: Immobilized enzymes, particularly lipase on chitosan support, have attracted significant attention due to their advantages in industry and biochemistry. This review highlights the recent studies on lipase immobilization and discusses the potential solutions for current limitations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Correction
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Lizhi Hu, Libin Sun, Jun Li, Liangjun Qi, Xu Zhang, Dianyu Yu, Elfalleh Walid, Lianzhou Jiang
Summary: A correction to the paper has been published.
BIOPROCESS AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ye Zhou, Jannik Nedergaard Pedersen, Jacob Nedergaard Pedersen, Nykola C. Jones, Soren Vronning Hoffmann, Steen Vang Petersen, Jan Skov Pedersen, Adam Perriman, Renjun Gao, Zheng Guo
Summary: This study focuses on the anionization of a carboxylate-enriched mutant of Bacillus subtilis lipase A (8M) to produce biofluids with enhanced hydrolytic activity. The resulting biofluids show a 2.5-fold increase in activity compared to those based on anionic polymer surfactants. Additionally, the use of anion-type biofluids with Myoglobin (Mb) is evaluated, revealing partial recovery of the active alpha-helix level in the biofluids. These highly active solvent-free liquid enzymes exhibit increased thermal stability and open up new possibilities in solvent-free liquid protein research.
Article
Materials Science, Coatings & Films
Sabarison Pandiyarajan, Po-Ju Hsiao, Ai-Ho Liao, Muthusankar Ganesan, Sheng-Tung Huang, Ho-Chiao Chuang
Summary: The study investigated the influence of electrodeposition conditions on the electrochemical performance of Cu/PVP composite materials, with results indicating that the electrodeposition quality and performance were optimal under ultrasonic-assisted supercritical-CO2 (US-SC-CO2) conditions.
SURFACE & COATINGS TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Manuel Rodriguez-Perdigon, Setuhn Jimaja, Laetitia Haeni, Nico Bruns, Barbara Rothen-Rutishauser, Curzio Rueegg
Summary: The crosstalk between cancer cells and tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) plays a crucial role in tumor progression. In this study, a delivery platform called CSF1Ri-loaded PMs was developed, which effectively promotes the repolarization of M2-like macrophages and minimizes cytotoxicity, showing promise for macrophage-based immunotherapy approaches.
MACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Michele Clerc, Cem Tekin, Sebastian Ulrich, Rafael V. M. Freire, Stefan Salentinig, Nico Bruns, Luciano F. Boesel
Summary: Researchers have found that conjugating DASAs to polydimethylsiloxanes in polymer matrices can enhance the photoswitching performance. Additionally, DASA-functionalized polydimethylsiloxane networks offer a solution for fast and efficient photoswitching in bulk materials.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chao Guo, Robert J. Chadwick, Adam Foulis, Giada Bedendi, Andriy Lubskyy, Kyle J. Rodriguez, Michela M. Pellizzoni, Ross D. Milton, Rebecca Beveridge, Nico Bruns
Summary: In this study, the reconstitution of myoglobin variants with different cofactors showed improved catalytic efficiency for guaiacol and TCP substrates. The incorporation of Fe-Ce6 and Mn-Ce6 cofactors into myoglobin scaffold enhanced peroxidase activity.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sara T. R. Velasquez, Daseul Jang, Peter Jenkins, Peng Liu, Liu Yang, LaShanda T. J. Korley, Nico Bruns
Summary: Amphiphilic polymer conetworks (APCNs) are polymer networks composed of hydrophilic and hydrophobic chain segments. The mechanical properties of APCNs can be improved by incorporating PBLA peptides, and the secondary structure of the peptide chains can be tailored to enhance toughness and extensibility. This bio-inspired approach paves the way for applications that benefit from significantly increased mechanical properties.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Micael G. Gouveia, Justus P. Wesseler, Jobbe Ramaekers, Christoph Weder, Philip B. V. Scholten, Nico Bruns
Summary: Protein-based therapeutics are a rapidly growing family of drugs that offer an attractive alternative to traditional therapeutic approaches. However, the use of protective carriers, such as lipid-based structures, is sometimes necessary due to the sensitivity of proteins to denaturation. Despite the advantages of polymersome-based targeted drug-delivery systems over lipid-based structures, the translation of polymersome formulations into approved pharmaceuticals has been slow. This review article highlights key obstacles in the development of polymersomes as protein nanocarriers and suggests areas for further exploration to advance their clinical translation.
CHEMICAL SOCIETY REVIEWS
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
Sam Russell, Nico Bruns
Summary: Fragrances are widely used in various applications and encapsulation is an effective method to limit their loss and sustain their release. This review provides an overview of different materials and techniques for fragrance encapsulation, with a focus on cyclodextrins, polymer microcapsules, inorganic microcapsules, block copolymer micelles, and polymersomes.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alexandre Redondo, Livia K. Bast, Kenza Djeghdi, Martino Airoldi, Daseul Jang, LaShanda T. J. Korley, Ullrich Steiner, Nico Bruns, Ilja Gunkel
Summary: Commodity plastics, such as thermoplastic polyurethanes (PUs), often need reinforcement for commercial use. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) offer a green and scalable solution, but achieving efficient CNC reinforcement of PUs with industrial melt processing is challenging. In this study, a hydrophilic PU and filter paper-sourced CNCs were used to create strong reinforced melt-processed nanocomposite fibers.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Andrea Belluati, Iain Harley, Ingo Lieberwirth, Nico Bruns
Summary: A bio-inspired membrane made of Pluronic L-121 is created around Escherichia coli, providing protection and enabling the bacteria to resist harsh conditions. The polymer membrane also enhances the bacteria's ability to degrade toxic compounds and serves as a platform for surface modifications. The encapsulated bacteria exhibit improved sturdiness and gain new metabolic functionalities without genetic engineering.
Article
Polymer Science
Justus P. Wesseler, Grant M. Cameron, Peter A. G. Cormack, Nico Bruns
Summary: Polymers with donor-acceptor Stenhouse adducts (DASAs) are important light-responsive materials that can undergo reversible isomerization under visible light. This allows for on-demand property changes in a non-invasive manner. The incorporation of DASAs into crosslinked polymer networks is explored in this study, specifically in styrene-divinylbenzene-based polymer microspheres. The DASA-functionalized microspheres showed significant changes in their properties upon irradiation, making them suitable for applications in various fields.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Andrea Belluati, Dominic Happel, Malte Erbe, Nicole Kirchner, Anna Szelwicka, Adrian Bloch, Valeria Berner, Andreas Christmann, Brigitte Hertel, Raheleh Pardehkhorram, Amin Reyhani, Harald Kolmar, Nico Bruns
Summary: This work utilizes surface-displayed horseradish peroxidase to explore enzymatic catalysis in bioRAFT polymerization and bioATRP, facilitating polymer synthesis on the surface of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells. BioATRP outperforms bioRAFT polymerization in this study. The modification of living yeast cells with synthetic polymers allows for significant changes in yeast phenotype and provides new possibilities in bioorthogonal cell-surface engineering.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Andrea Belluati, Setuhn Jimaja, Robert J. Chadwick, Christopher Glynn, Mohamed Chami, Dominic Happel, Chao Guo, Harald Kolmar, Nico Bruns
Summary: This study introduces enzymatically synthesized polymer-based artificial cells that are capable of expressing proteins. These artificial cells are generated using biocatalytic atom transfer radical polymerization-induced self-assembly, and can encapsulate various cargoes. They act as microreactors for enzymatic reactions and biomineralization, and can express proteins when supplied with amino acids. The formation of internal compartments through actin polymerization alters the internal structure of the cells. These artificial cells have the potential to mimic bacteria and have important applications.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Michele Clerc, Sara Sandlass, Omar Rifaie-Graham, Julie A. Peterson, Nico Bruns, Javier Read de Alaniz, Luciano F. Boesel
Summary: Donor-acceptor Stenhouse adduct (DASA) photoswitches have attracted a lot of attention due to their negative photochromism, visible light absorbance, synthetic tunability, and large property changes. However, there are still challenges in understanding their behavior and incorporating them into polymers. This review summarizes the current understanding of DASA design and switching properties, discusses strategies of incorporating DASAs into polymers, and explores emerging applications of DASA photoswitches in polymeric materials.
CHEMICAL SOCIETY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Andriy Lubskyy, Chao Guo, Robert J. Chadwick, Alke Petri-Fink, Nico Bruns, Michela M. Pellizzoni
Summary: By mutating the protein, wild-type myoglobin was transformed into an artificial metalloenzyme capable of catalyzing the cyclization reaction of halogenated unsaturated compounds for the synthesis of gamma-lactams. This new activity was achieved not only in purified protein, but also in crude cell lysate and in whole cells.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Hao Wang, Ning Liu, Fuxu Yang, Nannan Hu, Mingyue Wang, Meiying Cui, Nico Bruns, Xingang Guan
Summary: This study successfully developed an efficient siRNA delivery system using a protein nanocage and demonstrated its potential for inhibiting tumor growth in vivo.
ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Konstantinos Kossenas, Symon K. Podilchak, Davide Comite, Pascual D. Hilario Re, George Goussetis, Sumanth K. Pavuluri, Samantha J. Griffiths, Robert J. Chadwick, Chao Guo, Nico Bruns, Christine Tait-Burkard, Jurgen G. Haas, Marc P. Y. Desmulliez
Summary: This paper introduces an innovative remote surface sterilization method for the new coronavirus. The method involves applying a liquid film and using a beacon signal and retrodirective antenna array for sterilization. Experimental results show that the method can achieve sterilization in a short amount of time and has a wide angular coverage range. The paper also validates the method through modeling and measurement results, and presents an additional experiment on virus deactivation through microwave heating. The method has potential applications in sterilizing ambulances, medical equipment, and IoT devices.
IEEE JOURNAL OF ELECTROMAGNETICS RF AND MICROWAVES IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY
(2022)
