Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Caixin Gong, Wei Guan, Xiangmei Liu, Yufeng Zheng, Zhaoyang Li, Yu Zhang, Shengli Zhu, Hui Jiang, Zhenduo Cui, Shuilin Wu
Summary: This study focuses on clearing multidrug-resistant bacteria through nonantibiotic treatments. The researchers combined a thermally responsive donor of nitric oxide with food-grade Lactobacillus casei extracts to create biomimetic microparticles. These microparticles can disrupt bacterial metabolisms and cell membranes, leading to the death of multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The researchers also found that these microparticles can weaken bacterial toxicity and promote cell proliferation. By encapsulating the microparticles into a polymer, a dual-mode antibacterial hydrogel was developed, which showed long-term sterilization and fast disinfection effects. Additionally, the hydrogel accelerated wound healing.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Akiyo Suga, Marina Kawaguchi, Tetsuro Yonesaki, Yuichi Otsuka
Summary: This study identified key amino acid residues important for the interaction between gp37 protein in the distal tip (DT) region of T4 long tail fibers and OmpC of Escherichia coli, shedding light on the mechanism underlying phage host specificity. The results suggest that the shapes of both proteins at the binding interface play crucial roles in their interactions. Multiple phage mutants capable of adsorbing to various E. coli receptors were successfully isolated using a mutant T4 phage library with artificial modifications in the DT region, providing a basis for altering host specificity in phage therapy development.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hannah Tsunemoto, Joseph Sugie, Eray Enustun, Kit Pogliano, Joe Pogliano
Summary: In this study, the interactions between the jumbo phage CYRILLIC CAPITAL LETTER EFKZ and antibiotics against Pseudomonas aeruginosa were investigated. Different classes of antibiotics showed varying effects on phage replication, with some strongly inhibiting replication and others having minimal impact. A computational model was developed to explain how the dynamic properties of the PhuZ spindle contribute to phage nucleus centering and why certain antibiotics affect nucleus positioning. These findings provide important insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the interactions between antibiotics and jumbo phage replication.
Article
Microbiology
Ines Bleriot, Lucia Blasco, Olga Pacios, Laura Fernandez-Garcia, Maria Lopez, Concha Ortiz-Cartagena, Antonio Barrio-Pujante, Felipe Fernandez-Cuenca, Alvaro Pascual, Luis Martinez-Martinez, Jesus Oteo-Iglesias, Maria Tomas
Summary: In this study, the proteins isolated from 21 novel lytic phages of Klebsiella pneumoniae were analyzed to search for defense mechanisms against bacteria and to determine the infective capacity of the phages. Moreover, the defense mechanisms of clinical isolates of K. pneumoniae infected by phages were investigated through a proteomic study. The findings of this study provide insight into the molecular mechanisms involved in the phage-host bacterial interactions and highlight the importance of further research in this field.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fan Cui, Sophie Marbach, Jeana Aojie Zheng, Miranda Holmes-Cerfon, David J. Pine
Summary: This article investigates the DNA-mediated interactions between colloids and proposes a theoretical model to predict the molecular-level behavior of adhesion and melting. By combining experimental measurements and theoretical analysis, the study provides a quantitative and predictive approach for guiding material design with DNA nanotechnology.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Visuta Engkagul, Chris Rader, Nanetta Pon, Stuart J. Rowan, Christoph Weder
Summary: By combining a cationic polymer with negatively charged, carboxylated CNCs provided as a sodium salt, nanocomposites with a high CNC content can be prepared, resulting in significant reinforcement without CNC aggregation.
Article
Crystallography
Qingfeng Wu, Kristen Carlson, Qi Cheng, Xisen Wang, Zhaohui Li
Summary: The interactions between cationic dyes and negatively charged mineral surfaces, specifically palygorskite and sepiolite, were investigated in this study. It was found that the dimer molecules formed on the surface of the minerals contributed to the higher TB uptake in addition to cation exchange. Palygorskite was shown to be a better carrier for cationic dyes due to its limited SSA and large CEC values, while sepiolite had a loosely dimeric formation due to its large SSA and limited CEC values.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Federico Fadda, Daniel A. A. Matoz-Fernandez, Rene van Roij, Sara Jabbari-Farouji
Summary: Many motile microorganisms communicate with each other and their environments through chemical signaling and self-generated chemical gradients. The interplay between crowding and chemotactic interactions on their collective behavior remains poorly understood. In this study, we use simulations to investigate the effect of packing fraction on the formation of non-equilibrium structures in a monolayer of diffusiophoretic self-propelled colloids. We observe a new phase-separated state resulting from a competition between long-range diffusiophoretic interactions and motility.
Review
Microbiology
Anne Chevallereau, Benoit J. Pons, Stineke van Houte, Edze R. Westra
Summary: This review explores the composition and evolution of phage communities and their roles in controlling the population and evolutionary dynamics of bacterial communities. The study emphasizes the need for greater ecological realism in laboratory studies to better understand the complexity of microbial communities thriving in natural environments.
NATURE REVIEWS MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Roberto C. Molina-Quiroz, Cecilia A. Silva-Valenzuela
Summary: Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria and have been used as a model system in microbial genetics and molecular biology. Understanding the arms race between bacteria and phages is important for the design of phage-based therapies for bacterial infections. Vibrio species and their phages provide a suitable model to study these interactions in aquatic environments.
CURRENT OPINION IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Martina Havlikova, Adam Jugl, Jitka Krouska, Jana Szabova, Ludmila Mravcova, Tereza Venerova, Chien-Hsiang Chang, Miloslav Pekar, Filip Mravec
Summary: High-resolution ultrasound spectroscopy, size and zeta-potential titrations, and isothermal titration calorimetry were used to characterize the interactions between hyaluronan and catanionic ion pair amphiphile vesicles. The interactions showed a correlation between data from size titration, HR-US, and visual observation. Intensity of interactions and the disaggregation were dependent on the molecular weight of hyaluronan.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joanna Morcinek-Orlowska, Karolina Zdrojewska, Alicja Wegrazyn
Summary: DNA polymerases are enzymes that synthesize DNA and play important roles in DNA replication, repair, and genetic recombination. Phage-encoded DNA polymerases exhibit unique structural and functional properties, which are crucial for the survival of these viruses and can also be utilized in genetic engineering and biotechnology.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shoko Mori, Kaoru Nomura, Kohki Fujikawa, Tsukiho Osawa, Masafumi Shionyu, Takao Yoda, Tsuyoshi Shirai, Shugo Tsuda, Kumiko Yoshizawa-Kumagaye, Shun Masuda, Hideki Nishio, Taku Yoshiya, Sonomi Suzuki, Maki Muramoto, Ken-ichi Nishiyama, Keiko Shimamoto
Summary: Inducing the integration of newly synthesized proteins into appropriate locations is a crucial biological function. MPIase, a proteinaceous factor found in organisms, plays an essential role in membrane protein integration. This study investigated the interaction between MPIase and a model substrate, revealing the detailed mechanisms of membrane protein integration. The results demonstrated direct interactions between MPIase and the substrate protein, shedding light on the molecular processes involved.
ACS CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mohsin Javed, Shahid Iqbal, Ishrat Fatima, Sohail Nadeem, Ayesha Mohyuddin, Muhammad Arif, Adnan Amjad, Sammia Shahid, Fwzah H. Alshammari, Mohammed Issa Alahmdi, Eslam B. Elkaeed, Rami M. Alzhrani, Nasser S. Awwad, Hala A. Ibrahium, Muhammad Abdul Qayyum
Summary: This work studied the interaction and micellization properties of CTAB with amino acids in different solvents. The concentration of added amino acids and the binary solvent mixture were found to affect the critical micelle concentration of CTAB, with an increase in concentration leading to an increase in CMC, while an increase in temperature leading to a decrease in CMC.
COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Samuel Stenberg, Clifford E. Woodward, Jan Forsman
Summary: The study demonstrates quantitative and qualitative differences in interactions between two perfectly conducting surfaces in a salt solution compared to those between equally charged non-conducting surfaces. Despite these differences, there are also similarities in behaviors. The dependence of the free energy barrier height on salt concentration displays a non-monotonic relationship, reaching a minimum when a flat profile of apparent surface charge density is achieved, outside the Stern layer.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Izabo Pereira Meneses, Stephanie Dias Novaes, Rafael Sobral Dezotti, Pedro Vitoriano Oliveira, Denise Freitas Siqueira Petri
Summary: The study investigated the adsorption of MB, Cr(VI), and BPA using modified cryogels CMCBG-CTAB, showing removal capacities of 100%, 70%, and 95% respectively. The presence of synergistic effects in binary or ternary mixtures resulted in increased adsorption of Cr(VI) ions, while the adsorption of MB was significantly reduced in the presence of Cr(VI) ions. The adsorption of BPA was not significantly affected by the presence of MB or Cr(VI). The adsorbents showed good recyclability with no significant efficiency loss after five cycles.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Stephanie Dias Novaes, Pedro Vitoriano Oliveira, Denise Freitas Siqueira Petri
Summary: Adsorbents made of HPMC and BG microparticles were used for the separation of EE2 in batch and fixedbed columns, showing enhanced mechanical properties and stability. However, decreased efficiency was observed when adsorbing EE2 from river water.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alex Carvalho Alavarse, Emilli Caroline Garcia Frachini, Rafael Leonardo Cruz Gomes da Silva, Vitoria Hashimoto Lima, Amin Shavandi, Denise Freitas Siqueira Petri
Summary: Polysaccharides and proteins are essential macromolecules for biomedical hydrogels. Chemical hydrogels, which have chemical bonds mediated by crosslinkers, offer better chemical, mechanical, and dimensional stability compared to physical hydrogels. This review revisits the crosslinking reactions between synthetic or natural crosslinkers and polysaccharides or proteins. It discusses the mechanisms, evaluation methods, and challenges in creating safe chemical hydrogels for biomedical applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Bruno S. Dario, Rafael Pereira, Denise F. S. Petri
Summary: This study introduces two bulky surfactants for stabilizing commercial TiO2 particles. The results show that the negatively charged surfactant adsorbs more efficiently on TiO2 particles than the uncharged surfactant, providing colloidal stability for the particles.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Alex C. Alavarse, Mahta Mirzaei, Amin Shavandi, Denise F. S. Petri
Summary: Bioactive peptides from natural resources have attracted attention for their beneficial biological properties in skin wound healing. Polysaccharides, known for their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ease of modification, were used as carriers for peptide delivery to wounds. Xanthan hydrogels modified with the peptide VW-9 showed increased swelling and efficient release of the peptide. These modified hydrogels were compatible with fibroblast and macrophage cells, and effectively reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines in activated cells. Consequently, VW-9-modified xanthan hydrogels hold promise for skin wound healing applications.
BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Emilli C. G. Frachini, Jessica S. G. Selva, Paula C. Falcoswki, Jean B. Silva, Daniel R. Cornejo, Mauro Bertotti, Henning Ulrich, Denise F. S. Petri
Summary: CAF was loaded into Gel/Alg/MNP hydrogels to achieve sustained release, and the presence of Ca2+ and EMF enhanced the release of CAF. The released concentration of CAF from Gel/Alg/MNP hydrogels in PBS/CaCl2 at 37°C was 0.35 mM, promoting cell viability.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Rachel Zaia, Giovanna M. Quinto, Livia C. S. Camargo, Rodrigo T. Ribeiro, Ana M. Carmona-Ribeiro
Summary: This study presents cationic and hydrophilic coatings made from two different nanoparticles on glass for antimicrobial activity. The coatings effectively killed bacteria and fungi, with a combination of PDDA damaging cell walls and Gr interacting with cell membranes. The coatings were transient and lost their antimicrobial activity after washing and drying. The findings suggest potential applications in biomedicine.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Camila Gruber Chiaregato, Oigres Daniel Bernardinelli, Amin Shavandi, Edvaldo Sabadini, Denise Freitas Siqueira Petri
Summary: This study systematically investigated the interactions between HPMC cryogels and water molecules in the presence and absence of a surfactant and CaO2 microparticles. Regardless of the DS and MS, most water molecules exhibited transverse relaxation time t2 typical of intermediate water and a small population of tightly bound water. HPMC cryogels with the highest DS showed the slowest swelling rate and the highest contact angle values, providing the optimal conditions for a slow reaction with CaO2. The presence of surfactant favored hydrophobic interactions, resulting in a higher swelling rate and lower contact angle values.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Laise M. Furtado, Marcio Yee, Rodrigo Fernandes, Ticiane S. Valera, Rosangela Itri, Denise F. S. Petri
Summary: The type and concentration of surfactants have an impact on the rheological behavior of HPMC chains in hydrogels, affecting the microstructure and mechanical properties of HPMC cryogels. SDS surfactants can form bead necklaces with HPMC chains, significantly increasing the storage modulus and compressive modulus. AOT surfactants cannot form bead necklaces and result in softer cryogels compared to pure HPMC cryogels.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Alex Carvalho Alavarse, Jean Bezerra Silva, Henning Ulrich, Denise Freitas Siqueira Petri
Summary: Hydrogels of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/sodium alginate (SA) with randomly distributed magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and magnetically oriented MNPs were prepared. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and magnetic force microscopy (MFM) were used to evaluate the topography and magnetic domains distribution. The results showed that the orientation of magnetic domains led to an increase of surface roughness, which decreased the viability of HT-22 cells. These findings are important for situations where control of cell proliferation is necessary.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mario A. B. S. Nunes, Dairon P. Fuentes, Jose A. F. S. Mesquita, Roberto C. O. Romano, Rafael G. Pileggi, Pedro V. Oliveira, Denise F. S. Petri
Summary: This study successfully removed Cr(VI) ions from wastewater using sugarcane bagasse/polydopamine adsorbents and incorporated the spent adsorbents into cement, demonstrating a sustainable management of liquid and solid wastes.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Alex Carvalho Alavarse, Emilli Caroline G. Frachini, Jean Bezerra Silva, Rafael dos Santos Pereira, Henning Ulrich, Denise Freitas Siqueira Petri
Summary: In this study, citric acid was used as a mediator for the crosslinking and grafting of xanthan gum (XG) chains with amino acids. The coatings showed favorable surface energy and cell adhesion properties.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMER TECHNOLOGIES AND APPLICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Douglas L. Fritzen, Elaine A. de Mattos, Denise F. S. Petri, Veronica C. Teixeira, Everton Bonturim, Lucas C. Rodrigues
Summary: This study demonstrates the production of translucent flexible persistent composites based on Sr2MgSi2O7:Eu2+,Dy3+ and their potential applications in enhancing technologies with persistent luminescence and high transmittance.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Ana Maria Carmona-Ribeiro
Summary: This article explores the role of nanovaccines in preventing or treating cancer, infectious diseases, and diseases caused by parasites. The main properties of novel adjuvants are nanosize, cationic character, and biocompatibility, even at low doses.
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Ana T. Semeano, Fabiano A. Tofoli, Juliana C. Correa-Velloso, Ana P. de Jesus Santos, Agatha Oliveira-Giacomelli, Rafaela R. Cardoso, Mateus A. Pessoa, Edroaldo Lummertz da Rocha, Gustavo Ribeiro, Merari F. R. Ferrari, Lygia Pereira, Yang D. Teng, Denise F. S. Petri, Henning Ulrich
Summary: This study investigated the effects of magnetic nanoparticles and external magnetic fields on neural induction of pluripotent stem cells. The presence of magnetic nanoparticles facilitated cell migration and neuronal maturation, while the application of magnetic fields stimulated cell proliferation and fate decisions, depending on the origin and developmental stage of the stem cells. Mechanistic analysis revealed the modulation of ionic homeostasis and proteins involved in cytostructural, liposomal, and cell cycle checkpoint functions as the underlying mechanisms. These findings highlight the potential of magnetic stimulation for neural differentiation and function modulation, as well as the risks associated with excessive stimulation.
STEM CELL REVIEWS AND REPORTS
(2022)
