Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Ziv Azoulay, Polina Aibinder, Ayala Gancz, Jacob Moran-Gilad, Shiri Navon-Venezia, Hanna Rapaport
Summary: FKF, a tripeptide with potential antimicrobial activity, forms a pure peptide hydrogel phase made of natural amino acids. The hydrogel exhibits bactericidal activity against E. coli and P. aeruginosa, and reduces P. aeruginosa contamination in a rat skin lesion model.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hailiang Liu, Yueming Liu, Yang Qin, Yan Huang, Kaikai Chen, Changfa Xiao
Summary: The amphiphilic PVC-g-PPEGMA/PTFEMA graft copolymer membrane, designed and synthesized through free radical polymerization, demonstrates excellent antifouling properties and long-term hydrophilic stability due to the synergistic effect of hydrophilic and low surface energy segments.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Layde T. Carvalho, Ana Julia R. M. Teixeira, Rodolfo M. Moraes, Rennan F. S. Barbosa, Rafaela C. Queiroz, Dayane B. Tada, Daniella R. Mulinari, Derval S. Rosa, Maria Ines Re, Simone F. Medeiros
Summary: Pullulan is a biopolymer that has attracted attention due to its immunogenicity, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and hydrophilic nature. It can be modified through chemical reactions to expand its range of applications. In this study, cationic pullulan-based polymers with hydrophilic or amphiphilic properties were successfully synthesized. The results suggest that these polymers could be used in pharmaceutical fields such as drug delivery.
REACTIVE & FUNCTIONAL POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jun-Cai Chen, Zhe Cui, Yu-Zhuang Gao, Yi-Xian Wu
Summary: Through chemical reactions, graft copolymers of PZLL-g-PTHF and PLL-g-PTHF were synthesized, which exhibit different properties and applications, such as protein adsorption inhibition and antibacterial activity, with potential biomedical applications.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kenta Shinga, Takahiro Iwata, Kazuya Murata, Yoko Daitoku, Junya Michibata, Jan Vincent V. Arafiles, Kentarou Sakamoto, Misao Akishiba, Tomoka Takatani-Nakase, Seiya Mizuno, Fumihiro Sugiyama, Miki Imanishi, Shiroh Futaki
Summary: This study presents a new cell-permeable ACAL peptide, L17ER4, that efficiently delivers proteins into cells. Compared to other peptides, L17ER4 exhibits higher delivery efficacy and can induce gene recombination in vivo.
BIOORGANIC & MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
A. A. Glagoleva, V. V. Vasilevskaya
Summary: Amphiphilic homopolymers exhibit higher occupation and thinner adsorbed layer at the liquid-liquid interface compared to copolymers with random, alternating, and multiblock distributions of groups. The structure formed by amphiphilic homopolymers is asymmetric and contains fewer loops and tails.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yan Zhang, Yaru Hu, Huayong Xie, Maili Liu, Jun Yang, Cong Ma
Summary: This study characterized the conformation of Syb-2 in different assembly states using solid-state NMR experiments and found that it has a highly dynamic nature and α-helical contents. The coupling between Syb-2 and Syx-1 TMDs, as well as the high mobility of the C-terminal segment of Syb-2 TMD, were identified as crucial for inner membrane merger. These findings provide new insights into the role of Syb-2 TMD in membrane fusion and improve the understanding of the structural mechanism of SNARE complex assembly. The study highlights the significance of membrane environments in elucidating the mechanism of membrane proteins.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Thi Ha My Phan, Xiu-Hao Chen, Shiang-Ting Huang, Jeng-Shiung Jan
Summary: This study investigated the hydrogelation of amphiphilic triblock copolymers based on poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and sheet-like polypeptides. The triblock copolymers were synthesized using PEG-diamine and two L-cysteine derivatives as hydrophilic initiators and hydrophobic segments, respectively. The results showed that the chain length, block ratio, and functional group on the side chain played important roles in determining the amphiphilic balance and non-covalent interactions, which affected the hydrogelation and mechanical properties of the triblock copolymers. In particular, the sheet-like poly(S-benzyl-L-cysteine) was found to be a good hydrogelator. This study highlighted the potential of using amphiphilic triblock copolymers with sheet-like polypeptide segments for preparing hydrogels with tunable properties.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Miroslav Janata, Sachin Gupta, Eva Cadova, Pavla Angelisova, Bankala Krishnarjuna, Ayyalusamy Ramamoorthy, Vaclav Horejsi, Vladimir Raus
Summary: Amphiphilic polymers are widely used in the isolation and functional studies of membrane proteins. This study addressed the limitations of carboxylate groups in these polymers by replacing them with more acidic sulfonate groups. The newly synthesized copolymers solubilized membranes and liposomes, and remained soluble at low pH and in the presence of Mg2+ ions.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Yudan Yi, Qingyong Sun, Qijun Li, Bi Shi, Ya-nan Wang
Summary: Producing metal-free leather is an effective approach to eliminate Cr pollution and achieve sustainable development of the leather industry. However, current metal-free tanning technologies have limitations in terms of water sorption and charge properties. By using cationic amphiphilic acrylic copolymers (PSD) as retanning agents, the properties of metal-free leather can be significantly improved, including enhanced hydrophobicity, better dye absorption, and excellent filling effect.
PROGRESS IN ORGANIC COATINGS
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Topaz Levi, Gal Yosefi, Ronit Bitton, Hanna Rapaport
Summary: This article presents the development of hierarchically ordered planar and spherical macroscopic membranes constructed by an amphiphilic and cationic beta-sheet peptide that spontaneously assembles with the negatively charged alginate biopolymer. The suitability of these membranes as substrates for cell culture applications was examined, and the results demonstrate their stability and potential use in studying cancer cells and cell therapies.
POLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jianlong Wang, Chao Li, Kai Han, Jinfeng Yuan, Zhicheng Pan, Mingwang Pan
Summary: Researchers synthesized amphiphilic functional terpolymers through in-situ copolymerization and prepared terpolymer ultrafiltration membranes. These membranes showed advantages over blend membranes with stable covalent bonding and excellent antifouling and permeable properties. This research provides a new strategy for facile preparation of amphiphilic functional ultrafiltration membranes and effective removal of micropollutants.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Xiuhua Sun, Shanshan Pan, Zhiren Guo, Yingxin Cui, Liang Ma, Xiaosong Yu, Taijiang Gui, Shougang Chen, Yan Liu, Changlu Gao
Summary: Cationic amphiphilic copolymers were synthesized and self-assembled into core-shell nanoparticles in chloroform. The polarity change of the solvent caused the reversion of the core-shell structure, resulting in zwitterionic copolymers. Coatings embedded with these copolymers showed reduced water contact angle and protein adsorption. The copolymers exhibited bactericidal activity, with less than 1.0% bacteria left on the coating surfaces after 24 hours.
PROGRESS IN ORGANIC COATINGS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Kehan Cheng, Takaya Ohno, Masahiro Teraguchi, Takashi Kaneko, Toshiki Aoki
Summary: New types of multi-stranded graft copolymers (AGSs) with good permeability and permselectivity were synthesized by selective three-step polymerization, possibly due to the formation of micropores and ultramicropores.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Roja Hadianamrei, Jiqian Wang, Stephen Brown, Xiubo Zhao
Summary: Gene therapy as an alternative to pharmacotherapy has gained attention, requiring the use of gene vectors for delivery. The development of short cationic amphiphilic peptides with anticancer activity for selective delivery of siRNA and ODNs to cancer cells shows potential for highly selective gene delivery to cancer cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Biophysics
Orakan Hanpanich, Atchara Lomae, Atsushi Maruyama, Tanapat Palaga, Orawon Chailapakul, Nattaya Ngamrojanavanich
Summary: This study reports the development of an isothermal, label-free electrochemical biosensor for point-of-care (POC) diagnostic applications. The biosensor is designed based on target-driven MNAzyme cleavage activity and can rapidly detect DNA and RNA. Integration of an artificial chaperone-enhanced MNAzyme system further enhances the analytical performance of the biosensor, reducing the detection time and improving the detection limit. The proposed biosensing platform shows simple fabrication and operation, good selectivity, and versatility in complex mixtures of total RNA.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Atsuhiro Kojima, Juki Nakao, Naohiko Shimada, Naoki Yoshida, Yota Abe, Yu Mikame, Tsuyoshi Yamamoto, Takehiko Wada, Atsushi Maruyama, Asako Yamayoshi
Summary: In the process of cell development and differentiation, 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) plays an important role in transcriptional regulation and abnormal DNA methylation is associated with various diseases. This study discovered a photo-crosslinking property of Ps-Oligo to ds-DNA containing 5-mC in the presence of PAA-g-Dex, which could be a powerful tool for detecting 5-mC in genomic DNA.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jun Wang, Naohiko Shimada, Atsushi Maruyama
Summary: This study demonstrates the use of a cationic copolymer, PLL-g-Dex, to enhance the efficiency of DNA hybridization chain reaction (HCR). PLL-g-Dex accelerates the initiation and growth steps of HCR, resulting in increased production of high molecular weight HCR products. Furthermore, PLL-g-Dex protects the HCR system from nucleases, enabling HCR in the presence of serum components.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yamato Tanaka, Chun Hao Niu, Taira Sasaki, Shouhei Nomura, Atsushi Maruyama, Naohiko Shimada
Summary: Ureido polymers demonstrate unique phase behavior and have a positive effect on protein refolding through liquid-liquid phase separation. Incubation at a specific temperature enhances protein release and refolding.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Tsukuru Masuda, Shutaro Takahashi, Takuro Ochiai, Takayoshi Yamada, Naohiko Shimada, Atsushi Maruyama
Summary: Lipid bilayer transformations are important in cellular engineering and drug delivery technology. By adding specific peptides and cationic copolymers, cell-sized lipid vesicles can be transformed into 2D nanosheets. The design of a thermoresponsive copolymer allows for spontaneous 2D/3D transformation in response to temperature, enabling the creation of smart nanointerfaces and convertible biomaterials based on lipids.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shuya Fan, Tadao Takada, Atsushi Maruyama, Mamoru Fujitsuka, Kiyohiko Kawai
Summary: Fluorescence imaging uses changes in intensity and wavelength to analyze multiple targets. Blinking, as an additional parameter, can increase the number of targets that can be identified simultaneously. By using DNA as a platform, the processes of electron transfer leading to blinking were elucidated, and different blinking patterns were observed depending on the DNA sequence. The blinking patterns were successfully described using a combination of electron transfer rate constants. Thus, molecules with various blinking patterns can be developed by tuning electron transfer, increasing the number of targets that can be analyzed simultaneously.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Atchara Lomae, Pattarachaya Preechakasedkit, Orakan Hanpanich, Tugba Ozer, Charles S. Henry, Atsushi Maruyama, Ekawat Pasomsub, Angsana Phuphuakrat, Sirirat Rengpipat, Tirayut Vilaivan, Orawon Chailapakul, Nipapan Ruecha, Nattaya Ngamrojanavanich
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the development of portable diagnostic tools for detecting and controlling the spread of the disease. In this study, a smartphone-assisted Sensit Smart potentiostat was combined with a paper-based electrochemical sensor to detect SARS-CoV-2. The sensor utilized a disposable paper-based device with a modified working electrode that captures the target DNA. The developed sensor demonstrated high specificity and achieved accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2 in patient samples.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jun Wang, Hayashi Raito, Naohiko Shimada, Atsushi Maruyama
Summary: This study investigates the effects of a series of cationic copolymers on DNA catalytic hairpin assembly, revealing that one copolymer significantly enhances the reaction rate by 30-fold and alleviates the dependency on toehold length and GC content, thus improving the circuit's robustness against interference. The use of this cationic copolymer proves to be an efficient approach to enhance the operation rate and robustness of toehold-mediated DNA circuits, opening up possibilities for more flexible design and broader application.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Seiya Takemura, Naohiko Shimada, Atsushi Maruyama
Summary: Molecular chaperones play essential roles in physiological reactions by regulating biomacromolecules. This study demonstrates the photoresponsive activation of a cationic comb-type copolymer as a molecular chaperone, enhancing the disruptive activity of proteins and inducing morphological changes.
JOURNAL OF BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE-POLYMER EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wancheng Zhang, Shutaro Takahashi, Naohiko Shimada, Atsushi Maruyama
Summary: By changing the pH within the physiological range, lipid nanosheets with high structural stability can be reversibly converted to cell-sized vesicles using the membrane disruptive peptide E5 and a cationic copolymer anchored on lipid membranes.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Jun Wang, He Huang, Orakan Hanpanich, Naohiko Shimada, Atsushi Maruyama
Summary: This study demonstrates that the catalytic activity of a Na+-dependent DNAzyme can be enhanced by adding a cationic copolymer and PEG in a molecular crowded environment, resulting in a significant increase in reaction rate.
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Takuya Komachi, Shunya Kawai, Yuki Hirayama, Atsushi Maruyama, Naohiko Shimada
Summary: This study found that liquid droplets resulting from liquid-liquid phase separation can be formed when two types of polymers are mixed in aqueous media. Cooling-induced liquid droplets formed by PAU can entrap DNAzyme, significantly enhancing its activity. This phenomenon suggests that the liquid droplets induced by PAU are efficient reaction media for DNAzymes.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhiyuan Shi, Yong Hu, Xin Li
Summary: Controlled drug delivery systems that can respond to mechanical force offer a unique solution for on-demand drug activation and release. Among various mechanical stimuli, ultrasound (US) has advantages in achieving spatiotemporally controlled drug release. Traditional US-triggered drug release relies on heat-induced phase transitions or chemical transformations, while the cutting-edge approach of Sonopharmacology leverages polymer mechanochemistry. The remaining challenges and potential future directions in this field are also discussed.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lijie Zheng, Yuanzheng Chen, Xun Gu, Yingying Li, Hanqing Zhao, Wenjun Shao, Tao Ma, Chuanbin Wu, Qingqing Wang
Summary: In this study, a novel dosage form consisting of dissolving microneedles and an adhesive transdermal patch was developed for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that the combination of drugs delivered by this dosage form effectively reduced joint inflammation and damage.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kyungjik Yang, Hwa Seung Han, Seung Hwan An, Kyung Hoon Park, Keonwook Nam, Shinha Hwang, Yuyeon Lee, Sung Yeon Cho, Taehyung Kim, Deokyeong Choe, Sang Won Kim, Wonkyu Yu, Hyunah Lee, Jiyong Park, Sangguan You, Dong- Gyu Jo, Ki Young Choi, Young Hoon Roh, Jae Hyung Park
Summary: This study developed CP-loaded CS microcapsules to enhance the oral bioavailability of CP through controlled gastrointestinal delivery. The optimized microcapsules exhibited desirable physicochemical properties, showed anti-photoaging effects via antioxidant activity, and achieved controlled release in the gastrointestinal tract. This research provides a simple and economical approach for enhancing the oral bioavailability of CP for customized bioactive compound administration.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Huiyang Li, Shuo Liu, Wenjin Dai, Bingmei Yao, Yong Zhou, Sujia Si, Hairong Yu, Riguang Zhao, Fang Jin, Liqun Jiang
Summary: Changes in bodily fluid pressures are crucial in diseases like high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). Researchers have developed hydrostatic pressure-sensitive multivesicular liposomes (PSMVLs) that can release drugs in response to pressure changes, with potential applications in HAPE treatment. Animal experiments showed that this system provides better protection for lung tissues and respiratory function, reducing the occurrence of pulmonary edema.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qian Hu, Hongbing Lan, Yinmei Tian, Xiaonan Li, Mengmeng Wang, Jiao Zhang, Yulin Yu, Wei Chen, Li Kong, Yuanyuan Guo, Zhiping Zhang
Summary: Coacervate droplets formed through liquid-liquid phase separation have potential as delivery vesicles for therapeutics. However, their lack of physiological stability and membranes are challenges. In this study, polylysine-polynucleotide complex coacervate droplets with favorable stability were formulated to concentrate molecules and nanoparticles. Phospholipid membranes were further coated on the droplets to create coacervate-based artificial protocells (ArtPC) with membrane-like structures. These biofunctional ArtPC effectively reduced blood uric acid levels and prevented renal injuries.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaowei Wang, Hongwei Lu, Fang Luo, Dan Wang, Apeng Wang, Xuelei Wang, Wenkai Feng, Xiaobo Wang, Jiayi Su, Mingliang Liu, Guimin Xia
Summary: Four novel lipid-like GEM diesters were synthesized and encapsulated into liposomes to improve the antitumor efficacy of Gemcitabine. The liposomes loaded with dimyristoyl GEM (LipodmGEM) showed enhanced cellular uptake, improved inhibition of cell migration, and a greatly extended half-life compared to free Gemcitabine. LipodmGEM successfully enriched the drug in the tumor and exhibited excellent anticancer efficacy in vivo with negligible systemic toxicity.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pengyu Li, Jieyi Pan, Yating Dong, Yingying Sun, Yalong Wang, Kang Liao, Yili Chen, Xin Deng, Shihui Yu, Haiyan Hu
Summary: Chronic pulmonary infection caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a serious public health problem with high mortality rates. In this study, infection-microenvironment responsive nanoparticles were developed to eradicate biofilms and inhibit virulence. These nanoparticles showed promising results in treating chronic pulmonary infections.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yajing Sun, Ze Lu, John A. Taylor, Jessie L. S. Au
Summary: A recent development in cancer chemotherapy is the use of cytotoxics to induce tumor-specific immune response through immunogenic cell death (ICD). This study describes a method that utilizes immunostaining and machine-learning to identify cells with ecto-CRT in intact 3-dimensional tissues. The method was successfully applied to study drug-induced ICD in human bladder cancer.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2024)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rafat Ali, Shantanu Sen, Rohil Hameed, Aamir Nazir, Sandeep Verma
Summary: This review provides a focused overview of emerging strategies for delivering gasotransmitters in a controlled and sustained manner to reestablish neurophysiological homeostasis.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jing Chen, Xinyi Zhang, Jinshen Zhang, Zhaoxia Wang, Guilan Zhu, Ming Geng, Jinmiao Zhu, Yajun Chen, Wei Wang, Youcui Xu
Summary: In this study, a multifunctional responsive hydrogel system was developed for synergistic reoxygenation and chemo/photothermal therapy. The hydrogel system showed both therapeutic effects against metastatic breast cancer and wound infection, making it a promising strategy for treating and preventing tumor recurrence and associated wound infection.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Baoshan Huang, Na Zhang, Xinying Qiu, Rui Zeng, Shuimiao Wang, Mengxia Hua, Qing Li, Kaihui Nan, Sen Lin
Summary: This study revealed that robust ROS can oxidize mitochondrial DNA (ox-mtDNA) and cause its release into the cytosol, resulting in the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. By using the mitochondria-targeted antioxidant SkQ1 and a novel mitochondria-targeted nanoparticle (SkQ1 NP), it was found that mitochondrial ROS scavenging could in situ inhibit DED-induced mtDNA oxidation and suppress NLRP3-mediated inflammation.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wenqi Liu, Cheng Hu, Linyu Long, Shuyi He, Wen Zhang, Zhicun Wang, Li Yang, Yunbing Wang
Summary: Myocardial infarction is the leading cause of cardiovascular mortality, and current treatment methods have limitations. This study developed a smart carrier that can release different therapeutic substances for different pathological processes, effectively improving cardiac function, promoting cardiac repair, and preventing ventricular remodeling.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2024)
