Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Matthew K. Vasher, Gokay Yamankurt, Chad A. Mirkin
Summary: A new hairpin-like siRNA-SNA design is introduced in this study to prevent guide strand dissociation, resulting in enhanced stability, reduced cytotoxicity, and more durable gene knockdown compared to traditional hybridized siRNA-SNAs. This novel approach significantly improves the biological function and establishes a next-generation SNA construct for life science and medical research.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hassan H. Fakih, Adam Katolik, Elise Malek-Adamian, Johans J. Fakhoury, Sepideh Kaviani, Masad J. Damha, Hanadi F. Sleiman
Summary: Spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) show great potential as drug delivery vectors for nucleic acid therapeutics, with recent modifications enhancing stability and gene silencing potency. A cleavable DNA-based spacer is essential for maximum activity, and the modularity of FANA-SNA allows for versatile applications in gene silencing for various targets. Transfection-free delivery is superior for modified SNAs compared to free FANA oligonucleotides.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Lulu Qiao, Jonatan Nino-Sanchez, Rachael Hamby, Luca Capriotti, Angela Chen, Bruno Mezzetti, Hailing Jin
Summary: Spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) is a promising technology for disease control in plants, but it is limited by the instability of RNA. In this study, we used artificial nanovesicles (AVs) to encapsulate and protect double stranded RNA (dsRNA) against Botrytis cinerea. The results showed that AVs enabled efficient delivery and uptake of dsRNA, providing prolonged RNAi-mediated protection against B. cinerea on plant material.
PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Carla Calabrese, Amelie Maertens, Alessandra Piras, Carmela Aprile, Leonarda Francesca Liotta
Summary: TiO2 nanomaterials were synthesized through a sol-gel method using titanium butoxide as a precursor, Pluronic F127 as a template, toluene as a swelling agent, and acidic water or ethanol as reaction solvents. The synthesis medium influenced the phase composition of the solids, with ethanol promoting dispersed anatase particles and water leading to a rutile phase. The photocatalytic activity of the samples was tested by the photodegradation of Rhodamine B.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kim Nguyen, Turnee N. Malik, John C. Chaput
Summary: The primary obstacle of using DNA enzymes as gene silencing agents in clinical applications is their low activity. This study demonstrates the chemical evolution of a modified DNAzyme with strong catalytic activity under near physiological conditions. The modified enzyme achieves similar turnover rates as the unmodified parent sequence under forcing conditions. The results of this study illustrate the potential of chemical evolution in discovering new chemotype combinations for therapeutic applications of DNAzymes.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jian Shu, Xudong Li, Juanjuan Dang, Yong Liu, Shanzhou Duan, Rongying Zhu, Lichen Yin, Yongbing Chen
Summary: This study presents a promising strategy to reverse drug resistance in cancer by intervening in cancer bioenergetics using RNA interference. The development of a densely packed, guanidine-rich spherical helical polypeptide for encapsulating chemotherapeutic drugs and siRNA shows potential for enhancing drug delivery and inhibiting drug efflux. The down-regulation of PKM2 through RNA interference effectively suppresses glycolysis metabolism, depletes energy supply for drug transporters, and induces apoptosis, thereby improving the efficacy of chemotherapy against drug-resistant tumors.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jungsoo Park, Michael Evangelopoulos, Matthew Kuo Vasher, Sergej Kudruk, Namrata Ramani, Vinzenz Mayer, Alexander Carlos Solivan, Andrew Lee, Chad Alexander Mirkin
Summary: Formulating small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) as spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) enhances their stability, cellular uptake, and gene silencing activity. The use of calcium chloride (CaCl2) instead of sodium chloride (NaCl) increases cytosolic delivery and reduces endosomal entrapment, resulting in improved efficacy.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kai Jiao, Qinglong Yan, Linjie Guo, Zhibei Qu, Shuting Cao, Xiaoliang Chen, Qian Li, Ying Zhu, Jiang Li, Lihua Wang, Chunhai Fan, Fei Wang
Summary: A method for efficiently capturing oncogenic microRNAs in living cells by compartmenting nucleic acids on the surface of poly-adenine-based spherical nucleic acids has been reported. The polyA-SNAs exhibit high cell entry efficiency and improved miRNA capture ability, serving as high-efficacy miRNA sponges for inhibiting tumor growth.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yan Zhang, Chenglin Yi, Wenhao Dong, Di Zheng, Yiqun Yang, Wei Li, Xiaozheng Duan, Dong Yang, Zhihong Nie
Summary: This study presents a general strategy for the scalable synthesis of highly monodisperse silica-based nanoparticles (SNPs) with sub-50 nm diameter. By utilizing copolymers as templates, ultrasmall single-chain nanoparticles are formed and used as seeds for the production of uniform SNPs. The composition and architecture of the copolymers play a crucial role in the formation of the seeds and the uniform deposition of silica. The study also demonstrates the ability to produce asymmetric Janus-like and dumbbell-like SNPs by tailoring the copolymer architecture.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Christophe Lachance-Brais, Mostafa Rammal, Jathavan Asohan, Adam Katolik, Xin Luo, Daniel Saliba, Antranik Jonderian, Masad J. Damha, Matthew J. Harrington, Hanadi F. Sleiman
Summary: DNA hydrogels are programmable and biocompatible materials that can respond to complex stimuli, making them valuable in various applications. However, the existing DNA hydrogels are soft and lack functionality. In this study, a DNA/small-molecule motif is used to create stiff hydrogels, reaching high storage modulus. These hydrogels have tunable mechanical properties, self-healing ability, and respond to multiple stimuli. They can be used for delivering antisense oligonucleotides and enhancing gene silencing efficacy. This work extends the capabilities of DNA hydrogels and provides promising materials for various applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bora Jang, Hyejin Jang, Hyunsook Kim, Minjeong Kim, Michaela Jeong, Gyeong Seok Lee, Kyuri Lee, Hyukjin Lee
Summary: This study reports a universal chemical modification approach for Dicer substrate RNA nanostructures by optimizing protein-RNA interactions. The optimized RNA nanostructures showed excellent binding and processability with RNA binding proteins and significantly enhanced in vivo gene silencing activity.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Shrusti S. Patel, Ella N. Hoogenboezem, Fang Yu, Carlisle R. DeJulius, R. Brock Fletcher, Alex G. Sorets, Fiona K. Cherry, Justin H. Lo, Mariah G. Bezold, Nora Francini, Richard d'Arcy, Jordan E. Brasuell, Rebecca S. Cook, Craig L. Duvall
Summary: This study explores the use of ternary siRNA nanoparticles (si-NPs) for gene silencing in tumors. By optimizing the molecular weight and ratio of the core and surface polymer components, safe and effective si-NPs with strong inhibitory effects were developed. This work provides new insights into the structure-function relationships of ternary si-NPs and identifies strategies for safe and potent oncogene silencing.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sheng Wang, Yan Wang, Yu Zhuang, Wei Lian, Hengdong Ren, Yin Liu, Tianshu Zhang, Ling Bing Kong
Summary: Palygorskite/ZnS nanocomposites with enhanced photocatalytic activity for degrading rhodamine B were successfully synthesized. The incorporation of Pal improved adsorption and reduced recombination rate, leading to increased efficiency. The nanocomposites show potential for cost-effective degradation of organic dyes.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Abdullah A. Alamoudi, Paula A. Mendez, David Workman, Andreas G. Schatzlein, Ijeoma F. Uchegbu
Summary: Therapeutic gene silencing in the brain can be achieved through intranasal administration of siRNA-poly(ethylene glycol) based polyplexes. These polyplexes have low toxicity and can effectively silence specific genes in brain cells.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Masayuki Nashimoto
Summary: The article introduces TRUE gene silencing technology and the potential use of sgRNA as a new therapeutic approach, explaining the physiological role of tRNase Z(L) and the mechanism of gene silencing using sgRNA, and discusses its potential applications in treating diseases such as multiple myeloma.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Felix J. Rizzuto, Casey M. Platnich, Xin Luo, Yao Shen, Michael D. Dore, Christophe Lachance-Brais, Alba Guarne, Gonzalo Cosa, Hanadi F. Sleiman
Summary: The study demonstrates that slow proton dissipation can select for otherwise inaccessible morphologies of fibers built from DNA and cyanuric acid, influence the growth mechanism of supramolecular polymerization, and convert branched, interwoven networks into nanocable superstructures.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Christophe Lachance-Brais, Christopher D. Hennecker, Asem Alenaizan, Xin Luo, Violeta Toader, Monica Taing, C. David Sherrill, Anthony K. Mittermaier, Hanadi F. Sleiman
Summary: Nucleobase mimicking small molecules have been discovered as a strategy to reconfigure DNA, promising to extend the structural and functional diversity of nucleic acids. In this work, the addition of substituted cyanuric acid molecules successfully programmed polyadenine strands to assemble into supramolecular fibers, coating DNA triple helices with alkylamine or alcohol units. The study showed that small changes in the small molecule functional group can lead to large structural and energetic variations in the overall assembly, allowing for the controlled formation of hierarchical, hybrid DNA assemblies through the addition and variation of small, functionalized molecules.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Daniel Saliba, Tuan Trinh, Christophe Lachance-Brais, Alexander L. Prinzen, Felix J. Rizzuto, Donatien de Rochambeau, Hanadi F. Sleiman
Summary: This research introduces a novel DNA nanotweezer that achieves simultaneous, asymmetric elongation of the molecular core through PCR, enabling the DNA tweezer to have a wider range of motion and the ability to respond to complex stimuli. The DNA nanotweezer can wrap around multiple streptavidin units, providing site-specific streptavidin recognition capability.
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ronald A. M. Buijsen, Aurelie Lacroix, Joseph Ochaba, Daniel O'Reilly, Leonora Abdullahu, Erin M. McConnell
NUCLEIC ACID THERAPEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Felix J. Rizzuto, Michael D. Dore, Muhammad Ghufran Ra, Xin Luo, Hanadi F. Sleiman
Summary: The sequence and length of single-stranded DNA directly influence the self-assembly of sequence-defined DNA block copolymers. Changing only the sequence of DNA can result in different structures, and the secondary structure of poly(adenine) DNA strands drives a temperature-dependent polymerization and assembly mechanism.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tyler M. Brown, Hassan H. Fakih, Daniel Saliba, Jathavan Asohan, Hanadi F. Sleiman
Summary: A barrier for biological applications of DNA structures is their instability to nucleases. This study explores the use of UV-mediated thymine dimerization to crosslink and stabilize DNA nanostructures. The researchers compare different methods of DNA irradiation and show that all approaches can achieve nuclease protection, but with varying levels of off-target crosslinking and damage. They also demonstrate a mild irradiation condition that enhances serum stability while maintaining DNA function. This methodology has potential applications in nucleic acid therapy and nanotechnology.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Muhammad Ghufran Rafique, Jacob M. M. Remington, Finley Clark, Haochen Bai, Violeta Toader, Dmytro F. F. Perepichka, Jianing Li, Hanadi F. F. Sleiman
Summary: The study focuses on the systematic research of polymer structure, pathway mechanism, and supramolecular morphology in order to assemble water-soluble block copolymers into two-dimensional structures. By using sequence-defined triblock DNA amphiphiles, the researchers successfully polymerized free-standing DNA nanosheets in water. They found that the alkyl chain core formed a cell membrane-like structure, and the distal pi-stacking chromophore block folded back to interact with the hydrophilic DNA block on the nanosheet surface. This interaction was crucial for sheet formation and showed sensitivity to DNA sequence. The findings open up possibilities for applications in cell sensing, nucleic acid therapeutic delivery, and enzyme arrays.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Christophe Lachance-Brais, Mostafa Rammal, Jathavan Asohan, Adam Katolik, Xin Luo, Daniel Saliba, Antranik Jonderian, Masad J. Damha, Matthew J. Harrington, Hanadi F. Sleiman
Summary: DNA hydrogels are programmable and biocompatible materials that can respond to complex stimuli, making them valuable in various applications. However, the existing DNA hydrogels are soft and lack functionality. In this study, a DNA/small-molecule motif is used to create stiff hydrogels, reaching high storage modulus. These hydrogels have tunable mechanical properties, self-healing ability, and respond to multiple stimuli. They can be used for delivering antisense oligonucleotides and enhancing gene silencing efficacy. This work extends the capabilities of DNA hydrogels and provides promising materials for various applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sinan Faiad, Quentin Laurent, Alexander L. Prinzen, Jathavan Asohan, Daniel Saliba, Violeta Toader, Hanadi F. Sleiman
Summary: Nucleic acid therapeutics (NATs) are efficient tools for gene expression modulation and treating undruggable diseases. Spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) can effectively deliver small NATs to cells and protect them from degradation while improving biodistribution and reducing immune activation. Self-assembled SNAs, nanostructures made from a single DNA-polymer conjugate, have similar properties as small molecule encapsulation. A study on the factors that govern the fate of self-assembled SNAs reveals the importance of extracellular stability for recognition by membrane receptors and cellular uptake, as well as the requirement for intracellular dissociation for efficient therapeutic release. Disulfide-crosslinked SNAs combine these two properties and result in efficient and non-toxic gene silencing therapeutics. These findings will aid in the translation of self-assembled structures for in vivo gene silencing applications.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pierre Picchetti, Stefano Volpi, Marianna Rossetti, Michael D. Dore, Tuan Trinh, Frank Biedermann, Martina Neri, Alessandro Bertucci, Alessandro Porchetta, Roberto Corradini, Hanadi Sleiman, Luisa De Cola
Summary: The development of smart nanoparticles with responsive features has expanded the applications of NP-based drugs, vaccines, and diagnostic tools. By combining nucleic acid interactions and sol-gel chemistry, researchers have successfully incorporated synthetic nucleic acids into organosilica nanoparticles, enabling them to respond to various biological, physical, and chemical inputs.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pierre Picchetti, Stefano Volpi, Maria Sancho-Albero, Marianna Rossetti, Michael D. Dore, Tuan Trinh, Frank Biedermann, Martina Neri, Alessandro Bertucci, Alessandro Porchetta, Roberto Corradini, Hanadi Sleiman, Luisa De Cola
Summary: Organosilica nanoparticles with responsive organic building blocks offer promising opportunities for drug formulation, biomolecule delivery, and diagnostics. In this study, the researchers combined nucleic acid interactions with sol-gel chemistry to create dynamic supramolecular bridging units in the silica-based nanoparticles. These nanoparticles exhibit programmable responses to temperature and biological inputs.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Donatien de Rochambeau, Maciej Barlog, Felix J. Rizzuto, Quentin Laurent, Xin Luo, Kai Lin Lau, Hassan S. Bazzi, Hanadi F. Sleiman
Summary: The research focuses on the impact of monomer sequence on the self-assembly behavior of supramolecular materials. By precisely controlling the monomer sequence, the researchers demonstrate how small differences in sequence can lead to significant morphological changes, such as the formation of spheres or nanosheets. The ability to explore these subtle variations in polymer sequence enables the systematic study of supramolecular chemistry and the rational design of functional polymers.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Daniel Saliba, Xin Luo, Felix J. Rizzuto, Hanadi F. Sleiman
Summary: DNA nanotubes, built with high aspect ratio and encapsulation potential, have potential for various biological and materials applications. A systematic investigation was conducted to modulate the length, flexibility, and longitudinal patterns of wireframe DNA nanotubes through experimental and computational design. The design concepts enable fine-tuning of nanotube stiffness and may pave the way for the development of designer nanotubes for studying cellular internalization, biodistribution, and uptake mechanisms for structures of varied shapes and sizes.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hassan H. Fakih, Adam Katolik, Elise Malek-Adamian, Johans J. Fakhoury, Sepideh Kaviani, Masad J. Damha, Hanadi F. Sleiman
Summary: Spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) show great potential as drug delivery vectors for nucleic acid therapeutics, with recent modifications enhancing stability and gene silencing potency. A cleavable DNA-based spacer is essential for maximum activity, and the modularity of FANA-SNA allows for versatile applications in gene silencing for various targets. Transfection-free delivery is superior for modified SNAs compared to free FANA oligonucleotides.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dan He, Yawen Li, Fuwen Zhao, Yuze Lin
Summary: High trap density in organic solar cells leads to localized charge carriers and reduced carrier lifetime, limiting device efficiency. This feature article summarizes the recent advances of trap suppression by material design and device engineering.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Olivier Monfort, Arshitha Madhusudhan, Martin Motola
Summary: This article presents the advantages of coupling photocatalysis and Fenton-based processes for environmental remediation and discusses their synergy. It critically examines the simultaneous triggering of these two processes and provides insights into research approaches. The study aims to enhance understanding of this complex process and highlight the potential integration of new catalysts in current wastewater treatment technology.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Manideepa Dhar, Chittaranjan Mishra, Avijit Das, Uttam Manna
Summary: An approach of 'polymerization of monomers in its aggregated form' has been introduced to tailor the water wettability of fibrous and porous substrates, achieving hydrophobicity to superhydrophobicity transition, as well as patterned wettability. This facile chemical method provides a durable coating with adjustable and patterned wettability for various potential applications.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Saswat Ranjan Bhoi, Chhanda Debnath, Shikha Gandhi
Summary: In this article, a novel catalytic reaction using Pd(0) and Bronsted acid is reported for the synthesis of biologically important imidazolidinone-fused N-heterocycles through redox-neutral intramolecular N-allylation of indoles and pyrroles with alkynes. This atom-economical method is applicable to a wide range of substrates and eliminates the need for leaving groups or oxidizing agents commonly used in traditional allylation reactions.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Longkun Chen, Mingshuai Zhang, Meichen Liu, Zhuoyuan Liu, Yuetong Qiu, Zhilai Zhang, Fuchao Yu, Jiuzhong Huang
Summary: In this study, an efficient Rh(III)-catalyzed selective mono- and dual-C-H bond functionalization/cyclization with iodonium ylide as the sole coupling partner was demonstrated. Fused benzodiazepine skeletons were obtained in excellent yields, providing an improved approach to dual C-H unsymmetrical functionalization.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alice Kennett, Sven Epple, Gabriella van der Valk, Irene Georgiou, Evelyne Gout, Romain R. Vives, Angela J. Russell
Summary: This study presents the design and synthesis of sulfated disaccharide inhibitors based on IdoA(2S)-GlcNS(6S), which showed potent inhibition of Sulf-2. The results suggest that IdoA(2S)-GlcNS(6S) is the shortest fragment size required for effective inhibition of Sulfs, and a trisulfated disaccharide is identified as the minimal fragment size of heparan sulfate for effective endosulfatase inhibition.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mauro Garbini, Andrea Brunetti, Riccardo Pedrazzani, Magda Monari, Massimo Marcaccio, Giulio Bertuzzi, Marco Bandini
Summary: The self-adaptability of galvanostatic electrolysis was found to be helpful in a multistage chemo- and diastereoselective electrochemically promoted cyclodimerization of chalcones. Through a series of reductive events, densely functionalized cyclopentanes with five contiguous stereocenters were obtained (25 examples, yields up to 95%, dr values up to >20:1). Further experimental and electrochemical investigations indicated the crucial role of dynamic kinetic resolution of the aldol intermediate in the reaction mechanism.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dhananjay S. Nipate, Neha Meena, Prakash N. Swami, Krishnan Rangan, Anil Kumar
Summary: In this study, the synthesis of functionalized benzo[a]phenazines and indazolo[2,3-a]quinolines was achieved through Rh(III)-catalyzed oxidative annulation of 2-arylquinoxalines and 2-aryl-2H-indazoles with allyl alcohols. The method showed a wide substrate scope, excellent functional group tolerance, good to high yields of annulated products, and the capability for scaled-up synthesis. A tentative mechanism of the annulation reaction was proposed based on a preliminary mechanistic investigation.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ruonan Zhang, Abudukadi Tudi, Xia Yang, Xuping Wang, Zhihua Yang, Shujuan Han, Shilie Pan
Summary: A new lead tellurium borate material with a unique fundamental building block [B4O10] was synthesized and found to exhibit high birefringence. The structure-property relationship was discussed using first-principles calculations.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Amresh Kumar Singh, Baishali Thakurta, Anupam Giri, Monalisa Pal
Summary: This study introduces three key concepts for the quick synthesis of large-scale high-quality 2D materials films and their utilization in device fabrication.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Reina Hagiwara, Shun Nishimura, Kosuke Okeyoshi
Summary: A copolymer-conjugated nanocatalytic system has been developed to improve electron transfer and enhance photoinduced H2 generation.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
