Article
Polymer Science
Kaixuan Ren, Matthew C. Blosser, Noah Malmstadt
Summary: The study demonstrates the light-triggered unique shape transformation of calcein-loaded giant polymersomes, which form tubular protrusions and budded vesicles under excitation. The initial polymersomes transform to connected spherical vesicles, and eventually to a mother vesicle with an inner daughter vesicle, providing a potential platform to mimic cell morphology changes.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Review
Polymer Science
Tamuka Chidanguro, Yoan C. Simon
Summary: Polymersomes as polymer materials with compartmentalized, hollow structures and cargo-carrying capabilities have attracted increasing attention in various fields such as biomedicine, catalysis, and diagnostics. Recent advancements in morphological control of polymersomes have enhanced their utility and potential applications in different fields, leveraging newly acquired knowledge about their nature.
POLYMER INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wei Gong, Wenqiang Zhang, Florencia A. Son, Kuiwei Yang, Zhijie Chen, Xinfa Chen, Jianwen Jiang, Yan Liu, Omar K. Farha, Yong Cui
Summary: By introducing highly flexible 18-crown-6-ether functionalities into a homochiral Zr-MOF, a rapid topology transition was achieved, leading to exceptional capacity for enantioadsorptive and solid-phase extractive separation of the racemic drug molecule of lansoprazole with high enantiomeric excess values.
Article
Polymer Science
Xiao-Fei Xu, Ren-Man Zhu, Cai-Yuan Pan, Ye-Zi You, Wen-Jian Zhang, Chun-Yan Hong
Summary: This study investigates PISA driven by the synergistic effects of solvophobic and aromatic interactions to fabricate polymeric vesicles and tubes with adjustable aspect ratios. Controlling vesicular size in the range of sub-100 nm to micrometer in PISA is realized by copolymerization of different comonomers in various proportions to adjust intermolecular interactions. Moreover, polymeric tubes with adjustable aspect ratios are produced by applying the cooperativity of aromatic and solvophobic interactions.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Rasangi M. Perera, Sudipta Gupta, Tianyu Li, Markus Bleuel, Kunlun Hong, Gerald J. Schneider
Summary: The study investigated the structural features of polymersomes in the presence of NaCl, revealing a transformation from spherical to elongated vesicles at low salt concentration and to multivesicular structures at high salt concentration. Analysis showed changes in membrane thickness, PDMS hydrophobic segment, and vesicle radius, indicating a combined result of osmotic imbalance and ion-membrane interactions.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xuefeng Li, Yixin Wang, Qiang Yan
Summary: Fabricating nanoscale assemblies that respond to gas signaling molecules, this study presents a SO2-responsive polymersome system that can be transformed into long nanotubes upon intake of SO2 gas. The membrane of the polymersomes exhibits dose-dependent permselectivity to SO2, enabling selective transfer of cargos across the bilayers. These findings provide insights into the understanding and mimicking of gas signaling molecules in shaping biomembranes and managing transmembrane traffic.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Theona Sucu, Meng Wang, Michael P. Shaver
Summary: A novel bis(1,3-dioxolan-4-one) monomer was developed from L-(+)-tartaric acid and can be used as a cross-linker to produce cross-linked, degradable polymers. The structure and properties of the polymers can be tuned by the choice and composition of co-monomers, allowing for high performance and adjustable degradation. This research provides a solution for the production of sustainable thermosets with controllable degradability.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Soisungwan Satarug, Supabhorn Yimthiang, Phisit Pouyfung, Tanaporn Khamphaya, David A. Vesey
Summary: The global prevalence of diabetes and its major complication, diabetic nephropathy, is at an epidemic level. Cadmium exposure can induce kidney damage, but little is known about its nephrotoxicity in the diabetic population. A study compared cadmium exposure, kidney function, and tubular dysfunction in diabetics and non-diabetics in Thailand. The results showed that diabetics had a higher risk of tubular dysfunction and reduced kidney function compared to non-diabetics. Cadmium exposure and beta(2)-microglobulin excretion were associated with kidney damage. Tubular dysfunction was more severe in diabetics even after adjusting for other factors.
Article
Polymer Science
Sjoerd J. Rijpkema, Rik van Egeraat, Wei Li, Daniela A. Wilson
Summary: This study reports a synthesis method for stable and catalytically active polymer vesicle nanoreactors. By cross-linking the polymer vesicle membranes, the stability and permeability issues are addressed, allowing the incorporation of functional handles. Additionally, co-assembly with specific ratios of polymers also results in the formation of pores, further expanding the application of this nanoreactor.
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
M. A. Hossain, Th. Baxevanis
Summary: A 3D finite-strain constitutive model for the deformation response of NiTi at the single crystal level is proposed, taking into account reversible phase transformation, plastic deformation, and rate effects. The model is efficiently implemented and validated through simulations, providing insights into the interaction between phase transformation and plastic deformation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PLASTICITY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zhen Chen, Daoyong Cong, Shilei Li, Yin Zhang, Shaohui Li, Yuxian Cao, Shengwei Li, Chao Song, Yang Ren, Yandong Wang
Summary: A Ni-Fe-Mn-In microwire with both giant tensile superelasticity and a magnetic-field-induced first-order phase transformation was developed, exhibiting recoverable strain of more than 20% in the temperature range of 233-283 K and up to 13.9% recoverable strain under constant tensile stress of 225 MPa. This microwire also achieved a large reversible magnetocaloric effect with an isothermal entropy change Delta S-m of 15.1 J kg(-1) K-1 for a field change from 0.2 T to 5 T, demonstrating great potential for application in miniature multi-functional devices.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xueyi Wang, Silvia Moreno, Susanne Boye, Ping Wen, Kehu Zhang, Petr Formanek, Albena Lederer, Brigitte Voit, Dietmar Appelhans
Summary: The study developed an artificial organelles system with stimuli-triggered regulation ability, achieving pH regulation by triggering out-of-equilibrium state with chemical fuels, providing a new approach for constructing artificial eukaryotic cell biomimetics.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Hui Sun, Xiaoyan Zhou, Ying Leng, Xiao Li, Jianzhong Du
Summary: This study demonstrates a method to transform amorphous nanobowls into crystalline ellipsoids through UV-induced trans-cis isomerization. The approach utilizes an azobenzene-containing amphiphilic homopolymer as a building block and introduces hydrogen bonding and pi-pi interactions to promote the formation of nanobowls. Upon UV irradiation, the nanobowls disassemble and reassemble into crystalline ellipsoids. It is found that a high incubation temperature is critical for the isomerization and rearrangement of polymer chains.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Jamshid Kadirkhanov, Cheng-Lin Yang, Zi-Xuan Chang, Ren-Man Zhu, Cai-Yuan Pan, Ye-Zi You, Wen-Jian Zhang, Chun-Yan Hong
Summary: In this study, it was observed that in situ cross-linking PISA can not only produce cross-linked structures, but also promote morphology transition, leading to the generation of polymeric nano-objects with higher order morphologies.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Peng Zhou, Yichen Zhang, Changsheng Zhao
Summary: This study presents an ultrastable and reusable stomatocyte nanomotor using a photo-crosslinkable block copolymer. The resulting nanomotors, equipped with a covalently crosslinked membrane, can withstand the destruction of organic solvents, resist the corrosion of strong acidic and alkali solutions, and repeatedly move many times.
Article
Polymer Science
Yigit Altay, Antoni Llopis-Lorente, Loai K. E. A. Abdelmohsen, Jan C. M. van Hest
Summary: This study utilizes polymer nanoreactors as responsive nano-compartments to study the kinetics of cascade reactions and explore their functions under different population states. The results show that chemical cascading is faster in associated nanoreactor populations, and the impact of competing agents is less pronounced.
MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Antoni Llopis-Lorente, Bastiaan C. Buddingh', R. Martinez-Manez, Jan C. M. van Hest, Loai K. E. Abdelmohsen
Summary: This article demonstrates population behavior in microorganisms based on quorum sensing communication. Researchers utilized giant lipid vesicles loaded with sender-receiver machinery (enzymes and responsive biomolecules) to achieve quorum sensing behavior in an artificial cell population. The system allows for the examination of collective output based on cell density, fuel concentration, and proximity, which are important factors controlling natural quorum sensing behavior.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Daan Sondag, Stijn Verhoeven, Dennis W. P. M. Lowik, Mark van Geffen, Cornelis van't Veer, Waander L. van Heerde, Thomas J. Boltje, Floris P. J. T. Rutjes
Summary: The blood coagulation cascade is a complex process involving multiple enzymes, cofactors, and substrates, and its dysregulation can lead to bleeding disorders and thrombosis. This review summarizes the key proteases involved in blood clot formation and fibrinolysis, their recognition and hydrolysis of endogenous peptide sequences, and the use of synthetic peptide probes for measuring their activity. The information provided in this review can contribute to the development of novel anticoagulant therapies and specific substrates for point-of-care diagnosis of coagulation pathologies.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Thijs W. van Veldhuisen, Wiggert J. Altenburg, Madelief A. M. Verwiel, Lenne J. M. Lemmens, Alexander F. Mason, Maarten Merkx, Luc Brunsveld, Jan C. M. van Hest
Summary: Membraneless organelles play a crucial role in spatial organization and regulation of intracellular processes. This study presents a coacervate system that utilizes the 14-3-3 scaffold protein to investigate enzymatically regulated recruitment of 14-3-3-binding proteins. Synthetic coacervates efficiently load 14-3-3 and phosphorylated binding partners, allowing for increased local concentration and controlled release of proteins.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biochemical Research Methods
Goncalo J. L. Bernardes, Peng Zou, Zhifei Dai, Erin Lavik, Jan van Hest, Gang Zheng, Nathan Quinn, Christina M. MacLaughlin, Theresa M. Reineke
BIOCONJUGATE CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Daan Sondag, Stijn Verhoeven, Dennis W. P. M. Lowik, Mark van Geffen, Cornelis van't Veer, Waander L. van Heerde, Thomas J. Boltje, Floris P. J. T. Rutjes
Summary: The blood coagulation cascade is a complex physiological process that involves multiple enzymes, cofactors, and substrates, leading to clot formation. Serine proteases play a crucial role, and abnormalities in their activity can result in life-threatening bleeding disorders and thrombosis. This review summarizes the important proteases involved in blood coagulation and fibrinolysis, their recognition and hydrolysis of endogenous peptide sequences, and synthetic peptide probes for measuring their activity. The information in this review can contribute to the development of novel anticoagulant therapies and specific substrates for point-of-care diagnosis of coagulation pathologies.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Organic
Stefan van Rootselaar, Evert Peterse, Daniel Blanco-Ania, Floris P. J. T. Rutjes
Summary: Piperidine alkaloids are a type of alkaloid characterized by a six-membered nitrogen-containing heterocycle. They are mainly found in plants and have interesting biological and pharmacological activities. The synthesis of piperidine alkaloids and their derivatives is important for drug discovery due to their low natural abundance.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wouter P. van den Akker, Hanglong Wu, Pascal L. W. Welzen, Heiner Friedrich, Loai K. E. A. Abdelmohsen, Rolf A. T. M. van Benthem, Ilja K. Voets, Jan C. M. van Hest
Summary: We constructed pH-responsive bicontinuous nanospheres (BCNs) with nonlinear transient permeability and catalytic activity. These BCNs were made from amphiphilic block copolymers containing pH-responsive groups and loaded with the enzymes urease and horseradish peroxidase (HRP). The transient membrane permeability switch was achieved through the pH-increasing effect of urease, resulting in a dampening behavior of the catalytic output of HRP upon addition of urea.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Tom Dekker, Mathilde A. C. H. Janssen, Christina Sutherland, Rene W. M. Aben, Hans W. Scheeren, Daniel Blanco-Ania, Floris P. J. T. Rutjes, Maikel Wijtmans, Iwan J. P. de Esch
Summary: The success of fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) is closely related to library design. A workflow in KNIME software has been created to guide the design of fragment libraries, considering chemical diversity and novelty of the fragments, as well as their three-dimensional (3D) character. This design tool can create large and diverse libraries or select representative compounds to enrich existing libraries.
ACS MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alexander B. Cook, Sebastian Novosedlik, Jan C. M. van Hest
Summary: Cells with self-sustaining compartmentalized systems have complex biomolecule and metabolite interactions. Liquid-liquid phase separation plays an important role in achieving biological function. Artificial cell research aims to combine synthetic materials and nonliving macromolecules into ordered assemblies with cell-like functions, with complex coacervates being the best platform for accurately mimicking eukaryotic cytoplasm.
ACCOUNTS OF MATERIALS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Marleen H. M. E. van Stevendaal, Arjan Hazegh Nikroo, Alexander F. Mason, Jitske Jansen, N. Amy Yewdall, Jan C. M. van Hest
Summary: Oligonucleotide conjugation is a versatile molecular tool for regulating protein activity. This study presents a state-of-the-art labeling strategy by genetically incorporating bioorthogonal groups into proteins to achieve site-specific DNA conjugation. The results demonstrate a new direction for spatiotemporal regulation of chemokine-receptor interactions, which is promising for tissue engineering applications.
BIOCONJUGATE CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Roy A. J. F. Oerlemans, Jingxin Shao, Marleen H. M. E. van Stevendaal, Hanglong Wu, Tania Patino Padial, Loai K. E. A. Abdelmohsen, Jan C. M. van Hest
Summary: The application of transition-metal catalysts in living cells is a promising approach to facilitate reactions not naturally occurring. However, the usage of metal complexes is often restricted by limited biocompatibility, toxicity, and susceptibility to inactivation by cell's defense mechanisms. In this study, a second-generation Hoveyda-Grubbs catalyst was incorporated into polymeric vesicles, acting as artificial organelles, to facilitate intracellular ring-closing metathesis reactions. This is the first example of using polymersome-based artificial organelles with an active ruthenium catalyst for carbon-carbon bond formation.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Mathijs J. Bouma, Ruud L. E. G. Aspers, Marco Tessari, Floris P. J. T. Rutjes, Roan Fraser, Martin C. Feiters
Summary: Non-hydrogenative Para-Hydrogen Induced Hyperpolarization (nhPHIP) is a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) hyperpolarization technique that has been used to analyze complex biological samples containing amino acids. A computational study based on Density Function Theory (DFT) was performed to analyze the structures and properties of the relevant catalysts and amino acids. The results provided detailed explanations for the observed trends in thermal NMR experiments.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yanyan Zhu, Shoupeng Cao, Meng Huo, Jan C. M. van Hest, Hailong Che
Summary: Polymersomes are highly stable vesicular nanostructures self-assembled from amphiphilic block copolymers, and have various applications in drug delivery, nanomedicine, biological nanoreactors, and artificial cells. However, polymersomes prepared with high molecular weight components typically exhibit low permeability. This review focuses on the design and strategies for fabricating permeable polymersomes, and highlights their applications and challenges in the field of biomedical utilities.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Antoni Llopis-Lorente, Maaike J. G. Schotman, Heorhii V. Humeniuk, Jan C. M. van Hest, Patricia Y. W. Dankers, Loai K. E. A. Abdelmohsen
Summary: This study explores the relationship between cellular mechanical features and metabolic function in artificial cells and creates an artificial cell platform that displays viscoadaptive behavior through internal supramolecular interactions.
