Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Diego Navarro-Barreda, Cesar A. Angulo-Pachon, Francisco Galindo, Juan F. Miravet
Summary: The anionic azobenzene-appended derivative of l-ValylGlycine self-assembles into nanotubes in water. Irradiation with 365 nm light triggers trans-cis isomerization of the azobenzene unit, leading to tube disassembly. Thermal or photoinduced (457 nm light) recovery of the trans isomer restores the nanotubes.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hongjun Jin, Ziyan Wu, Weilin Lin, Yinye Chen, Jingran Zhang, Ruyi Zheng, Haibing Wei, Qinghua Chen, Qingrong Qian, Jianbin Huang, Jie Zhang, Yun Yan
Summary: In this study, size-controllable tetragonal nanoprisms were formed through crystallization-directed ionic self-assembly (CDISA) by evaporating a micellar solution on solid substrates. The length and width of the nanoprisms can be easily tuned by varying the initial concentration. This precise size-control strategy is expected to provide new possibilities for designing advanced materials with size-controllable anisotropic nanostructures.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Keitaro Suyama, Mika Mawatari, Daiki Tatsubo, Iori Maeda, Takeru Nose
Summary: Elastin and elastin-like peptides (ELPs) are potential base materials for drug-delivery systems and metal-scavenging agents due to their characteristics. Studies have shown that branching ELPs may have advantageous properties in biomaterials compared to their linear counterparts. The multimerization of short ELPs via NTA is a useful strategy to obtain thermoresponsive molecules.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shengtao Yao, Yue Liao, Rizhao Pan, Weiping Zhu, Yufang Xu, Yangyang Yang, Xuhong Qian
Summary: In this study, a hybrid microsystem combining DNA and peptides was developed. The microsystem demonstrated liquid-liquid phase separation to generate microdroplets and showed the ability to trap and react with guest molecules, providing potential applications in biomaterials inspired by life.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jan Pille, Antonio Aloi, Duc H. T. Le, Ilia Vialshin, Nathalie van de Laar, Kirsten Kevenaar, Maarten Merkx, Ilja K. Voets, Jan C. M. van Hest
Summary: This study introduces a novel pathway-dependent assembly method based on stimulus-responsive polymers, which can form monodisperse and stable polymeric particles under specific heating conditions. This method shows high efficiency in encapsulating cargo, such as fluorescent proteins and bioluminescent enzymes, and maintaining their function within cells.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sandra Kroell, Kersten S. Rabe, Christof M. Niemeyer
Summary: This study reports a rational re-engineering of the genetically fusible SNAP-tag linker, resulting in increased coupling efficiency with benzylguanine-modified oligonucleotides and DNA origami nanostructures. The novel linker, combined with another efficient oligonucleotide binding tag, allowed orthogonal assembly of an enzyme cascade on DON, showing higher activity than free solubilized enzymes. This connector system and the validation methods used represent important tools for further developing multienzyme systems based on DNA origami nanostructures.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jin Yan, Yang Wang, Xiao Li, Dongnan Guo, Zhengjun Zhou, Ge Bai, Jianhui Li, Na Huang, Jiajie Diao, Yong Li, Wangxiao He, Wenjia Liu, Kaishan Tao
Summary: Self-assembling peptide hydrogels present a promising approach for treating liver bleeding, with a nano-band-aid (NBA) developed through a three-stage self-assembly process of two functionalized peptides demonstrating rapid and effective control of bleeding in animal experiments.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yao Sun, Binbin Xu, Jinjie Li, Yuqing Wang, Xinxin Li, Shaoliang Lin
Summary: The bottom-up fabrication of hierarchical assembled structures using liquid crystalline block copolymers is challenging but important. In this study, hierarchical platelets with a LC azobenzene core were prepared by the self-assembly of a diblock copolymer. The dimensions and morphologies of the platelets were tunable by manipulating the nucleation and aggregation. The slow cooling rate of the annealing process transformed the platelets from stacked leaf-shaped structures to 3D rectangular structures. UV irradiation induced a morphological revolution of the platelets. These tunable platelets have potential applications in functional materials.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ka-Chung Tong, Pui-Ki Wan, Chun-Nam Lok, Chi-Ming Che
Summary: Platinum(ii) complexes can self-assemble into nanostructures, induce cancer cell death, and demonstrate anti-tumor activity.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Maria Khalid, Tasmina Kanwal, Salim Saifullah, Muhammad Imran, Shafi Ullah, Muhammad Raza Shah
Summary: This study reports the synthesis of a lysine-containing peptide amphiphile capable of self-assembling into cylindrical nanostructures and loading hydrophobic drugs, suggesting its potential as an effective vehicle for nanoscale drug delivery.
JOURNAL OF CLUSTER SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiao-Yun Yan, Qing-Yun Guo, Zhiwei Lin, Xian-You Liu, Jun Yuan, Jing Wang, Haomin Wang, Yuchu Liu, Zebin Su, Tong Liu, Jiahao Huang, Ruimeng Zhang, Yicong Wang, Mingjun Huang, Wei Zhang, Stephen Z. D. Cheng
Summary: By assembling T-shaped amphiphiles, polymeric molecular frameworks with good solution processability and thermal stability were successfully constructed, revealing their internal structure and demonstrating great potential in scalable fabrications.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuhan Wang, Xinxin Li, Debin Zheng, Yumiao Chen, Zhenghao Zhang, Zhimou Yang
Summary: A novel strategy utilizing self-assembly between ALP and PD-L1 to selectively degrade PD-L1 in tumor cells is reported. This strategy selectively encapsulates PD-L1 in nanomaterials for further degradation, showing potential for inhibiting tumor growth in animal models.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Bingdong Chang, Ding Zhao
Summary: A controllable assembly strategy based on 3D aligned silicon nanowires is presented, utilizing a focused electron beam to induce dielectrophoretic forces and achieve elastic deformations and sticking between adjacent nanowires. The process is performed in a vacuum environment to exclude capillary or hydrodynamic forces. Ordered organizations and hierarchical assembly are explored, with the observation of unsynchronized assembly in two layers of nanowires, providing insights into nanoscale sticking phenomena and electrostatic actuations in nanoelectromechanical systems.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hao Kong, Bin Liu, Guozheng Yang, Yun Chen, Gang Wei
Summary: The interactions between biomolecules and material interfaces are vital for the design and synthesis of functional bionanomaterials. This study demonstrates the self-assembly behavior of the GNNQQNY peptide on mica and highly oriented pyrolytic graphite surfaces, and investigates the effects of various factors on the formation of peptide nanofibers and nanoribbons. The results suggest that adjusting the experimental parameters effectively enables the formation of peptide nanoribbons on both material interfaces.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Goutam Ghosh, Kalathil K. Kartha, Gustavo Fernandez
Summary: The study highlights the significant influence of aromatic interactions on the mechanistic pathways of peptide self-assembly. Despite the peptides having similar morphologies, the minor structural difference leads to different packing modes and self-assembly mechanisms.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Brigida Bochicchio, Giselle C. Yeo, Pearl Lee, Deniz Emul, Antonietta Pepe, Antonio Laezza, Nicola Ciarfaglia, Daniela Quaglino, Anthony S. Weiss
Summary: This study identifies novel cell-adhesive sites in the tropoelastin N-terminal region between domains 12 and 16, which interact with alpha V and alpha 5 beta 1 integrin receptors to facilitate cell attachment and spreading. The findings suggest that domains 12-16 of tropoelastin direct initial cell attachment through cell-surface heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycans, followed by integrin-promoted attachment and spreading, advancing our understanding of elastin matrix biology.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Antonio Laezza, Antonietta Pepe, Brigida Bochicchio
Summary: This study successfully conjugated elastin peptide with methacrylated hyaluronic acid for the production of electrospun scaffolds. The improved processability and characteristics of the conjugated compound were confirmed through morphology and conformation studies.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Mariangela Curcio, Brigida Bochicchio, Antonietta Pepe, Antonio Laezza, Adriana De Stefanis, Julietta Rau, Roberto Teghil, Angela De Bonis
Summary: In recent years, significant progress has been made in developing new technologies for engineered interfaces to repair and regenerate osteochondral units. A combination of electrospinning and pulsed laser deposition techniques has been proposed to fabricate a multi-component scaffold with desired properties for tissue engineering. The results showed that a combination of synthetic and natural polymers in the scaffold, along with a bioactive glass-ceramic material supplemented with manganese ions, can induce mineralization in connective tissues, making it a promising approach for osteochondral tissue regeneration.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alessandra Scelsi, Brigida Bochicchio, Andrew M. Smith, Antonio Laezza, Alberto Saiani, Antonietta Pepe
Summary: The assembly of gelating peptides with elastin-inspired peptide or dipeptide was investigated, revealing different nanotopologies and mechanical properties that could be utilized for fabricating materials with desired properties.
Article
Plant Sciences
Antonella Vitti, Israel Pagan, Brigida Bochicchio, Angelo De Stradis, Pasquale Piazzolla, Antonio Scopa, Maria Nuzzaci
Summary: Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), which is transmitted by aphids and seeds, has a significant impact on agronomic production. This study reveals that correct virion assembly is crucial for seed infection, and incorrect assembly prevents seed transmission.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Antonio Laezza, Arcangelo Celeste, Mariangela Curcio, Roberto Teghil, Angela De Bonis, Sergio Brutti, Antonietta Pepe, Brigida Bochicchio
Summary: This study focuses on the electrospun scaffolds for aprotic lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), using amorphous poly-D,L-lactide (PDLLA) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) at different concentrations and ratios. The embedding of nanocrystals in the scaffolds was confirmed, and the nanofibrous morphology and electrochemical behavior were evaluated. Among the different categories, the P12 series showed nonhomogeneous electrolyte resistance and electrochemical stability, while P10 exhibited potential for application in LIBs with standard formulation.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Antonietta Pepe, Antonio Laezza, Angela Ostuni, Alessandra Scelsi, Alessandro Laurita, Brigida Bochicchio
Summary: A straightforward synthetic protocol was developed to anchor disaccharides, maltose and lactose, onto gelatin sponges for specific cell interactions. The resulting decorated sponges maintained their porous structure and showed significant differences in cellular morphology when HepG2 cells were cultured on them. This protocol could provide new insights into the influence of small carbohydrates on cell adhesion and differentiation processes.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Antonio Laezza, Antonietta Pepe, Auberi Henry, Laurent Duca, Brigida Bochicchio
Summary: This work describes a successful study on the delivery of salicylic acid from electrospun scaffolds. Hybrid scaffolds made of chitosan, cellulose nanocrystals, and poly-D,L-lactide polymers were produced, and the presence of these materials in the scaffolds was confirmed using various spectroscopic techniques. In vitro studies revealed the contribution of embedded polysaccharides to drug release and showed different degradation patterns. Additionally, the scaffolds were found to be non-toxic to fibroblast cell cultures.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Biophysics
J. Dandurand, E. Dantras, C. Lacabanne, A. Pepe, B. Bochicchio, V Samouillan
Summary: Three elastin peptides derived from a particular elastin sequence (exon 30) were investigated to clarify the relationship between structural organization and physical properties in the solid state. One of these peptides encoded by exon 30 gives rise to irreversible precipitation into amyloid fibers, while the others form either organized structures or coacervate. The study attempted to correlate the behavior of these peptides in the solid state with their propensity to lead to reversible or irreversible aggregation in vivo.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yiping Yin, Zhe Wang, Hua Zou
Summary: This study presents a novel method for preparing dimpled polymer-silica nanocomposite particles using interfacial swelling-based seeded polymerization. The optimized conditions allow for a relatively high percentage of dimpled particles to be achieved.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Brenden D. Hoehn, Elizabeth A. Kellstedt, Marc A. Hillmyer
Summary: Porous materials with nanometer-scale pores have important applications as nanoporous membranes. In this study, ABA triblock copolymers were used as precursors to produce nanoporous polymeric membranes (NPMs) in thin film form by degrading the end blocks. Polycyclooctene (PCOE) NPMs with tunable pore sizes were successfully prepared using solvent casting technique. Oxygen plasma etching was employed to improve the surface porosity and hydrophilicity of the membranes. This study provides a straightforward method to produce tough NPMs with high porosity and hydrophilic surface properties.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Vladislav S. Petrovskii, Stepan I. Zholudev, Igor I. Potemkin
Summary: This article investigates the behavior of linear and ring polypeptide chains in aqueous solution and explores the properties of the complexes formed by these chains with oppositely charged surfactants. The results demonstrate that the complexes of linear supercharged unfolded polypeptides and the corresponding surfactants exhibit impressive adhesive properties.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Merve Cevik, Serkan Dikici
Summary: Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death globally, and vascular grafts are a promising treatment option. This study focuses on tissue-engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) using decellularized parsley stems as a potential biomaterial. The decellularized parsley stems showed suitable properties for TEVGs, providing a suitable environment for human endothelial cells to form a pseudo endothelium. This study showcases the potential of using parsley stems for TEVGs.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Gustavo A. Vasquez-Montoya, Tadej Emersic, Noe Atzin, Antonio Tavera-Vazquez, Ali Mozaffari, Rui Zhang, Orlando Guzman, Alexey Snezhko, Paul F. Nealey, Juan J. de Pablo
Summary: The optical properties of liquid crystals are typically controlled by electric fields. In this study, we investigate the effects of microfluidic flows and acoustic fields on the molecular orientation and optical response of nematic liquid crystals. We identify several previously unknown structures and explain them through calculations and simulations. These findings hold promise for the development of new systems combining sound, flow, and confinement.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xinjun Wu, Xin Guan, Shushu Chen, Jiangpeng Jia, Chongyi Chen, Jiawei Zhang, Chuanzhuang Zhao
Summary: This research presents a novel shape memory hydrogel with a remodelable permanent shape and programmable cold-induced shape recovery behavior. The hydrogel is prepared using specific treatment methods to achieve shape fixation by heating and shape recovery by cooling. Additionally, deformable devices can be obtained by assembling hydrogel blocks with different concentrations.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Rebecca Hengsbach, Gerhard Fink, Ulrich Simon
Summary: This study examines the properties of DNA functionalized pNipmam microgels and pure pNipmam microgels at different concentrations of sodium chloride and in PBS solutions using temperature dependent H-1-NMR measurements. The results show that DNA modification affects the volume phase transition temperature and the addition of salt and PBS further enhances this effect.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ningyi Li, Junhong Li, Lijingting Qing, Shicheng Ma, Yao Li, Baohui Li
Summary: This paper investigates the self-assembly behavior of colloids with competing interactions under spherical confinement and finds that different ordered structures can be formed under different sized spherical confinements. Moreover, more perforated structures are formed in smaller spheres.