Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Qiaochu Jiang, Wenjun Zhan, Xiaoyang Liu, Lin Bai, Manli Wang, Ying Xu, Gaolin Liang
Summary: The authors present an assembly-driven, regioselective metal-free azide-alkyne cycloaddition reaction with potential applications in biomedical contexts. In the absence of metal ions, supramolecular self-assembly in an aqueous solution is used to achieve excellent regioselectivity in the reaction, paving the way for more metal-free reactions in chemical biology.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Junfeng Chen, Aoon Rizvi, Joseph P. Patterson, Craig J. Hawker
Summary: This study reports a method to prepare libraries of discrete PEG analogues with a branched, nonlinear structure, which can achieve efficient nanoparticle assembly while reducing antibody recognition. The results illustrate the advantages of discrete macromolecules in terms of improved properties and reduced antibody responses.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Wenjie Han, Miao He, Yunhan Zhang, Junxiang Zhou, Zhigang Li, Xiaoyu Liu, Xiaoyun Sun, Xue Yin, Dongbao Yao, Haojun Liang
Summary: The emergence of synthetic biology enables the construction of cell-assembly biosystems with specific gene expression and function. This study explores the process of cell migration and assembly regulated by cadherins by constructing different cadherin plasmids and introducing them into different cells. The findings have potential applications in the construction of self-assembling synthetic tissues and organoids.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Armira Azuar, Mohini A. Shibu, Nomin Adilbish, Nirmal Marasini, Hong Hung, Jieru Yang, Yacheng Luo, Zeinab G. Khalil, Robert J. Capon, Waleed M. Hussein, Istvan Toth, Mariusz Skwarczynski
Summary: Peptide-based vaccines are composed of defined antigenic peptide epitopes designed to induce controlled immune responses. New multiepitope vaccine candidates against Group A Streptococcus show potential efficacy, with production simplified due to the use of physical mixing for generati
BIOCONJUGATE CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Muhammad Humayun Bilal, Nasir Mahmood, Muhammad Haris Samiullah, Karsten Busse, Joerg Kressler
Summary: Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) based networks were prepared using click chemistry and copper-catalyzed reactions. The physical properties and network structure were investigated, and the influence of stoichiometry and molar mass on network strength was analyzed. Tensile testing was performed based on different thicknesses of PEG networks to study stress oscillation phenomenon.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Zhan Li, Zongxin Li, Junfei Hu, Xingwei Feng, Minghua Zhang, Gaigai Duan, Ruimeng Zhang, Yiwen Li
Summary: Researchers reported the construction of amphiphiles using shape-persistent Janus particles and their unique self-assembly behavior to form unimolecular and oligomeric micellar nanostructures in solutions. This study provides a model system for generating unconventional micelle structures through solution self-assembly with low degrees of polymerization.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sonia Lopez, Ignacio Gracia, Rodrigo Plaza-Pedroche, Juan Francisco Rodriguez, Jose Manuel Perez-Ortiz, Julian Rodriguez-Lopez, Maria Jesus Ramos
Summary: Molecular hybridization is a strategy to combine pharmacophores into a single molecule, resulting in enhanced activity and affinity. In this study, novel hybrids combining anticancer drug 5-fluorouracil with antioxidant coumarin derivatives were synthesized. These hybrids exhibited good antioxidant properties and the ability to form stable nanoparticles in aqueous media. They showed superior cytotoxicity against human pancreatic cancer cells compared to free 5-fluorouracil.
Review
Polymer Science
Hu Li, Raffaello Papadakis
Summary: Graphene has outstanding properties and potential applications across various research and technology areas, but its insolubility and poor dispersibility are major issues. Tethering sugars onto graphene through click-chemistry is gaining attention for improving these properties and opening new routes for biomedical and environmental applications. This review focuses on recent modifications of graphene and other carbon rich materials through click chemistry.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Israa A. Seliem, Siva S. Panda, Adel S. Girgis, Yassmin Moatasim, Ahmed Kandeil, Ahmed Mostafa, Mohamed A. Ali, Eman S. Nossier, Fatma Rasslan, Aladdin M. Srour, Rajeev Sakhuja, Tarek S. Ibrahim, Zakaria K. M. Abdel-samii, Amany M. M. Al-Mahmoudy
Summary: Novel small molecules with quinoline scaffolds were synthesized and assessed for their anti-SARS-CoV2 activity, with compounds 10g and 12c showing high potency and significant efficacy in comparison to reference drugs.
BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Alberto Ongaro, Giovanni Desiderati, Erika Oselladore, Davide Auricchio, Maurizio Memo, Giovanni Ribaudo, Claudia Sissi, Alessandra Gianoncelli
Summary: This study found that guanine-rich sequences can form G-quadruplex structures in oncogenes and telomeres, inhibiting immortalization of cancer cells. Researchers improved ligand design based on an anthraquinone scaffold using click chemistry to enhance side chain length and interactions with nucleobases, leading to increased stability and selectivity towards G4 DNA.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Przemyslaw Bieganski, Martina Godel, Chiara Riganti, Daniel Fabio Kawano, Joanna Kopecka, Konrad Kowalski
Summary: A library of 1,4- and 1,5-triazole ferrocenyl derivatives of erlotinib were synthesized and their anticancer activity was studied against erlotinib-sensitive and erlotinib-resistant lung cancer cells. Among the compounds investigated, two isomers showed superior activity against erlotinib-resistant cells, with a mechanism of action different from erlotinib.
BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Laura J. Macdougall, Timothy E. Hoffman, Bruce E. Kirkpatrick, Benjamin D. Fairbanks, Christopher N. Bowman, Sabrina L. Spencer, Kristi S. Anseth
Summary: This study utilizes synthetic gelation to induce reversible molecular stasis in living cells, effectively altering essential processes and providing a novel method for dynamic manipulation of intracellular mechanics.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Arua Clayton Da Silva, Teuku Fawzul Akbar, Thomas Edward Paterson, Carsten Werner, Christoph Tondera, Ivan Rusev Minev
Summary: This research explores the method of directly assembling semi-synthetic hydrogels on electronically conductive surfaces, which improves the electrochemical properties of the metal-electrolyte interface. Furthermore, a promising route towards engineering electrically addressable extracellular matrices is highlighted by printing arrays of hydrogels with binary cell adhesiveness on flexible conductive surfaces.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Timo Glaser, Jannick Meinecke, Christian Laenger, Julian Heep, Ulrich Koert, Michael Duerr
Summary: The synthesis of organic bilayers on silicon was achieved through a combination of surface functionalization under ultrahigh vacuum conditions and solution-based click chemistry; each reaction step was monitored in UHV, with up to 50-60% of the ethynyl cyclopropyl cyclooctyne molecules on the surface reacting with the azide groups.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Hao Liu, Xiangmin Ding, Tianli Liu, Jing Sun
Summary: The fabrication of hierarchical superstructures using bioinspired polymeric materials has great potential. Researchers have developed a new approach to assemble supramolecular structures in a one-pot preparation using crystallizable polypeptoids-based block copolymers. By systematically tuning the temperature and solvent, both hairy and crew-cut supermicelles were successfully prepared.
MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
Courtney J. Thompson, Nick Ainger, Pierre Starck, Oleksandr O. Mykhaylyk, Anthony J. Ryan
Summary: The components of a shampoo formulation, including surfactant, deposition polymer, structuring polymer, and viscosity modifiers, play important roles and their interactions influence each other's functions. This review provides a detailed discussion on the fundamental functions of these components and the mechanisms by which they perform their roles. It also examines how these components could hinder or facilitate processes through interaction.
MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Biographical-Item
Materials Science, Composites
Anthony J. Ryan, Phil Coates
PLASTICS RUBBER AND COMPOSITES
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Mengmeng Xu, Fangrong Tan, Wanru Luo, Yifan Jia, Yan Deng, Paul D. Topham, LinGe Wang, Qianqian Yu
Summary: Current antibacterial methods are often ineffective and harmful to normal healthy tissue. Chemodynamic therapy (CDT) provides an ideal strategy for bacterial-related diseases by exploiting the infection microenvironment (IME). We have developed an intelligent antibacterial system using nano catalytic ZIF-67@Ag2O2 nanosheets, which can self-generate H2O2 in the mildly acidic IME environment.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Mengmeng Xu, Xiaoqi Xie, Yuan Liu, Paul D. Topham, Yuandong Zeng, Jilai Zhan, LinGe Wang, Qianqian Yu
Summary: Nanocatalytic therapy has emerged as a highly potential strategy for cancer therapeutics due to the advantages of in situ production of toxic agents. However, the limited amount of endogenous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the tumor microenvironment commonly restricts their catalytic efficacy. In this study, carbon vesicle nanoparticles (CV NPs) with high near-infrared (NIR) photothermal conversion efficiency were used as carriers. Ultrafine platinum iron alloy nanoparticles (PtFe NPs) were grown in situ on the CV NPs to encapsulate a drug and phase-change material. The multifunctional nanocatalyst exhibited a NIR-triggered photothermal effect and promoted bio-reduction of the drug through H2O2 generation and catalysis, showing promising potential for targeted cancer treatment.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Stephen D. P. Fielden, Matthew J. Derry, Alisha J. Miller, Paul D. Topham, Rachel K. O'Reilly
Summary: Biological cells are surrounded by phospholipid membranes to retain their contents. The fusion of phospholipid membranes mediates the movement of material within and between cells, allowing mixing of contents or excretion of material. While biological membrane fusion is well-studied, the controlled fusion of polymer-based membranes is largely unexplored. In this study, triggered polymersome fusion was demonstrated using out-of-equilibrium polymersomes formed by ring-opening metathesis polymerization-induced self-assembly, which persist until a specific chemical signal triggers their fusion. This research is important for developing communication methods between polymersomes and emulating life-like behaviors in synthetic nanotechnology.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Daniel T. W. Toolan, Michael P. Weir, Rachel C. Kilbride, John E. Anthony, Neil C. Greenham, Richard H. Friend, Akshay Rao, Oleksandr O. Mykhaylyk, Richard A. L. Jones, Anthony J. Ryan
Summary: Controlling the dispersion of inorganic quantum dots (QDs) in organic semiconductor (OSC) nanocomposite films is crucial for optoelectronic devices. In this study, small changes to the OSC host molecule were found to significantly affect QD dispersibility within the host matrix. While it is common to modify QD surface chemistry to improve dispersibility, blending two different OSCs was shown to be an alternative route for optimizing QD dispersibility, resulting in a fully mixed OSC matrix phase.
Article
Polymer Science
Sawarot Phetsuk, Robert Molloy, Paul D. Topham, Brian J. Tighe, Puttinan Meepowpan, Wanich Limwanich, Winita Punyodom
Summary: Understanding the kinetics and mechanisms of polymerization, particularly the role of a catalyst or initiator used, allows for the manipulation and control of the fabrication of new materials by the most convenient, straightforward routes. This study investigated the kinetics of D-lactide polymerization using different initiating systems, and found that liquid tin(II) butoxide (Sn(OnBu)(2)) was a more efficient initiator compared to other commonly used systems. High-molecular-weight poly(D-lactide) with moderate dispersity was obtained using 0.1 mol% liquid Sn(OnBu)(2) as the initiator at 120 degrees C.
POLYMER INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Chatmani Buachi, Charothar Thammachai, Brian J. Tighe, Paul D. Topham, Robert Molloy, Patchara Punyamoonwongsa
Summary: Bee propolis, a natural substance used in alternative medicine, has limited water solubility which causes skin irritation and immune response when combined with alcohol solvents. To overcome this issue, researchers developed a new drug delivery system based on lipid nanodiscs, which showed improved encapsulation efficiency and non-toxicity in low doses. These nanodiscs can enhance the solubility and therapeutic effects of poorly water-soluble drugs.
ARTIFICIAL CELLS NANOMEDICINE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Marta Maso-Martinez, Benjamin Fryer, Dimitri Aubert, Benjamin Peacock, Rebecca Lees, Graham A. Rance, Michael W. Fay, Paul D. Topham, Alfred Fernandez-Castane
Summary: Magnetosomes, biologically-derived magnetic nanoparticles produced by magnetotactic bacteria, show potential as an alternative to chemically-synthesized MNPs. In this study, three disruption techniques were compared for extracting magnetosomes, and high-pressure homogenization was found to result in optimal chain integrity. The use of nano-flow cytometry (nFCM) for characterizing magnetosomes was also demonstrated, with promising results for individual magnetosome applications. Overall, this work contributes to the development of a robust magnetosome production platform.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Manasanan Namhongsa, Donraporn Daranarong, Robert Molloy, Sukunya Ross, Gareth M. Ross, Adisorn Tuantranont, Dheerawan Boonyawan, Jiraporn Tocharus, Sivanan Sivasinprasasn, Paul D. Topham, Brian J. Tighe, Winita Punyodom
Summary: In this study, two-component scaffolds consisting of a 3D-printed component and an electrospun fiber component were fabricated and treated with N-2-Ar plasma to enhance their surface properties. The plasma treatment significantly improved the surface roughness, wettability, and hydrophilicity of the scaffolds. The 3D-printed component provided mechanical strength, while the electrospun fiber component promoted cell attachment and proliferation. The designed scaffolds showed potential for supporting cell regeneration in biomedical applications.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Guoxing Liao, Lei Chen, Yunjie Zhang, Oleksandr O. Mykhaylyk, Paul D. Topham, Daniel T. W. Toolan, Matthew J. Derry, Jonathan R. Howse, Qianqian Yu, Guiju Feng, Linge Wang
Summary: Block copolymer-based nanoproducts have great potential in high-end applications, but there is a lack of detailed studies on the nanofabrication process and the monitoring of concomitant self-assembled structural transitions. This study utilizes time-resolved small-angle X-ray scattering to track the nanostructural changes. The results provide guidelines for accessing various nanostructures from self-assembling block copolymers.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Paul D. Topham, Raymond J. Boucher, Taihyun Chang, Miroslava Duskova Smrckova, Wesley S. Farrell, Jiasong He, Michael Hess, Wenbing Hu, Helena J. Hutchins-Crawford, Daniel J. Keddie, Peter E. Mallon, Jan Merna, Natalie Stingelin, Adriana Sturcova, Jiri Vohlidal
Summary: In order to supplement the series of Brief Guides issued by International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), the first Brief Guide to Polymer Characterization is introduced here. This article serves as a concise overview of characterization methods for polymer science beginners, students, non-specialists, as well as a useful manual for researchers and technicians. Unlike simple low molar mass chemical substances, polymers are composed of non-identical macromolecules that differ from each other mainly in terms of size, shape, and sometimes the arrangement or positioning of atoms within macromolecules. Due to their distinct properties, polymer characterization relies on specialized equipment and techniques. This Brief Guide specifically focuses on the structural characterization of polymers, aiming to provide readers with an initial understanding of commonly used techniques for analyzing these structural aspects.
PURE AND APPLIED CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Libby J. Marshall, Simona Bianco, Rebecca E. Ginesi, James Doutch, Emily R. Draper, Dave J. Adams
Summary: Preparation of multicomponent systems allows for changing the properties of low molecular weight gelator-based systems. By varying the concentration ratio, we can tune the properties of the multicomponent systems before gelation, during gelation, and in the gel state. Changing the chirality of a single component also affects the properties of these systems. This work provides insights into tuning the properties of multicomponent systems composed of two gelators with the same basic structural design.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Courtenay Patterson, Santanu Panja, Wanli Liu, Andrew R. Mount, Adam Squires, Dave J. Adams
Summary: We demonstrate the use of Fmoc-3 to form hydrogels at basic pH and achieve the first electrodeposition of a low molecular weight gelator at high pH using an electrochemically generated pH gradient. Additionally, we show that electrodeposition can facilitate the simultaneous growth of two hydrogels at opposing pH extremes on different electrodes.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kristoffer Kortsen, Morgan Reynolds-Green, Bradley Hopkins, Alison McLellan, Matthew J. Derry, Paul D. Topham, Jeremy J. Titman, Daniel J. Keddie, Vincenzo Taresco, Steven M. Howdle
Summary: A new and robust methodology is reported for the synthesis of PS-PMMA core-shell particles using seeded dispersion polymerization in supercritical carbon dioxide. The core-shell ratio can be predictably controlled by manipulating the reagent stoichiometry. The key development is the iterative addition of the MMA shell monomer to the pre-prepared PS core, resulting in isolated single particle populations with distinct and controllable core-shell morphologies.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)