Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuan Liu, Xiaonan Wang, Xiaowan Fan, Mengyue Ge, Ling Fang, Ye Yuan, Lei Chen, Jing Jiang, Anmin Cao, Lizeng Gao
Summary: Given the challenge of bacterial resistance to antibiotics, there is an urgent need to develop alternative antibacterial agents. A coordination-precipitation method is developed for the synthesis of metal sulfide nanocrystals and the evaluation of their antibacterial effectiveness. The study reveals the correlation between phase transformation and the antibacterial mechanism of metal sulfides, providing a fundamental basis for designing non-antibiotic antibacterial candidates against bacterial resistance.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Harlan L. Pietz, Ata Abbas, Zachary Lee Johnson, Michael L. Oldham, Hiroaki Suga, Jue Chen
Summary: This study identifies a macrocyclic peptide CPI1 that inhibits the function of MRP1 and blocks substrate transport. The findings suggest that CPI1 could be a potential therapeutic candidate.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Manon Berger, Anna Lechanteur, Brigitte Evrard, Geraldine Piel
Summary: RNA interference is a promising mechanism for gene silencing and disease treatment, but the stability of siRNA in blood is a challenge. Lipoplexes and LNPs are commonly used to deliver and protect siRNA, yet clinical translation remains difficult with only few RNAi drugs approved by the FDA. Innovative formulations incorporating pH-sensitive lipids, peptides, and polymers aim to enhance siRNA efficacy for effective antitumor effects in complex tumor environments.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sean H. Ellacott, Carlos Sanchez-Cano, Edward D. H. Mansfield, Julia Y. Rho, Ji-Inn Song, Raoul Peltier, Sebastien Perrier
Summary: The study investigated the influence of different design elements of cyclic peptide-polymer nanotubes (CPNTs) on cellular uptake, identifying an efficiently taken up tube structure with a size between 8 and 16 nm. These nanotubes were able to penetrate to the core of cells and provided insights into the behavior of CPNTs in cellular systems.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Valentyn Dzyhovskyi, Kamila Stokowa-Soltys
Summary: Transition metal ions, such as iron, copper, zinc, manganese, and nickel, play essential roles in various biological processes. Bacteria have developed mechanisms for acquiring and transporting these ions involving proteins and smaller molecules. FeoB is a representative protein belonging to the Feo family involved in ferrous iron transport, which is poorly described in Gram-positive pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus. This study characterized the binding modes of Cu(II), Fe(II), and Zn(II) to FeoB fragments using potentiometric and spectroscopic techniques, and found that all studied ligands can form stable complexes with transition metal ions, with Ac-ETSHDKY-NH2 peptide showing the most effective metal ion binding.
JOURNAL OF INORGANIC BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Hayate Shida, Akihiro Taguchi, Sho Konno, Kentaro Takayama, Atsuhiko Taniguchi, Yoshio Hayashi
Summary: We have developed a new one-pot disulfide-driven cyclic peptide synthesis method. The entire process is conducted in solid phase, eliminating the need for complicated work up procedures. Simple cleavage of a peptidyl resin allows for the production of high-purity cyclic disulfide peptides. Using this method, oxytocin was synthesized with an isolated yield of 28% over 13 steps.
CHEMICAL & PHARMACEUTICAL BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Shan Shi, Qinghua Deng, Hang Zhang, Liang Feng, Xiangjun Xu, Jie Ding, Hui Chang, Lian Zhou
Summary: With increasing total strain amplitudes, the Ti-6Al-4V-0.55Fe alloy showed softening behavior and more plastic deformation during cyclic loading. Additionally, phase transformation and recrystallization occurred under high stress amplitudes, leading to crack propagation along grain boundaries and lamellar interfaces.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FATIGUE
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Hong Yan, Fen-Er Chen
Summary: This review highlights the recent progress in solid-phase total synthesis of naturally occurring small peptides from 2014 to July 2021, which not only aids in the identification of peptide structures and synthesis of analogues, but also simplifies the isolation of intermediates.
ADVANCED SYNTHESIS & CATALYSIS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Martin Calvelo, Charlotte Lynch, Juan R. Granja, Mark S. P. Sansom, Rebeca Garcia-Fandino
Summary: The study investigated the behavior of two self-assembling peptide motifs through MD simulations, demonstrating the impact of water molecules in nanopores on channel properties. Different water models exhibit varying dynamic behavior in self-assembled cyclic peptide nanotubes, influencing water diffusion and ion flux through the channels.
Article
Polymer Science
Sukwon Kang, Jaeyong Lee, Hyeongkeon Yoon, Junho Jang, Eunyoung Kim, Jin Kon Kim
Summary: In this study, densely and tetragonally packed inverted PS cylinders with a square cross-section were observed by utilizing a binary blend of S4VP and SHS copolymers.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qinglin Li, Lizhuo Zhang, Jiayan Lang, Zhuo Tan, Qingqing Feng, Fei Zhu, Guangna Liu, Zhangguo Ying, Xuefei Yu, He Feng, Heqing Yi, Qingliang Wen, Tiefeng Jin, Keman Cheng, Xiao Zhao, Minghua Ge
Summary: This research developed a new nanoparticle (LPm NP) that efficiently delivers mRNA to increase NIS expression in anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) cells. In vivo studies show that intratumoral injection of NIS mRNA formulated in optimized LPm NP significantly increases NIS expression in ATC tumor tissue, resulting in increased iodine 131 accumulation and significant inhibition of tumor growth.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nattanan Jiwacharoenchai, Lueacha Tabtimmai, Duangnapa Kiriwan, Chonticha Suwattanasophon, Supaphorn Seetaha, Chomdao Sinthuvanich, Kiattawee Choowongkomon
Summary: The cyclic peptide NP1 shows promising inhibitory effects against TK-EGFR with high specificity, potentially serving as a novel candidate for targeted therapy against EGFR-driven cancer cell lines without hepatotoxicity.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Liu-Cheng Chen, Hao Yu, Xin-Yu Wang, Qian Zhang, Viktor V. Struzhkin, Xiao-Jia Chen
Summary: Chemical doping and applying pressure are two effective methods to create superconductivity. Pressure is more powerful but does not cause impurities or defects. The three major mechanisms of superconductivity are electron-phonon interactions, spin fluctuations, and valence fluctuations. Lead telluride is a promising candidate for valence-mediated superconductivity. Through systematic studies, it is found that co-doped PbTe exhibits superconductivity in the orthorhombic phase mediated by mixed valency on the In sites.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chung-Yin Lin, Subrata Chakraborty, Chia-Wei Wong, Dar-Fu Tai
Summary: The study attempted to synthesize naturally occurring alpha-cyclic tripeptide cyclo(GPE), but ended up with the synthesis of alpha-cyclic hexapeptide cyclo(GPE(OBn))(2) which was then converted to cyclic hexapeptide cyclo(GPE)(2). Cyclization at higher temperature induced racemization.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Carmen C. Mayorga-Martinez, Jaroslav Zelenka, Karel Klima, Michaela Kubanova, Tomas Ruml, Martin Pumera
Summary: Modern micro/nanorobots have versatile capabilities for biomedical and environmental tasks. Magnetic microrobots are particularly promising for biomedical applications, as they can be fully controlled by a rotating magnetic field without the use of toxic fuels. These microrobots can also form swarms to perform tasks at a larger scale.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Calvin K. Lee, Jeremy Vachier, Jaime de Anda, Kun Zhao, Amy E. Baker, Rachel R. Bennett, Catherine R. Armbruster, Kimberley A. Lewis, Rebecca L. Tarnopol, Charles J. Lomba, Deborah A. Hogan, Matthew R. Parsek, George A. O'Toole, Ramin Golestanian, Gerard C. L. Wong
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xingyue Yang, He Ren, Hong Zhang, Gengqi Liu, Zhen Jiang, Qian Qiu, Cui Yu, Niren Murthy, Kun Zhao, Jonathan F. Lovell, Yumiao Zhang
Summary: Novel antibiotic cross-linked micelles were developed to enhance drug encapsulation efficiency, reduce systemic toxicity, and improve safety profiles. These micelles showed increased tolerability in mice and reduced nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity, while maintaining antibacterial efficacy and even enhancing antimicrobial effects against resistant strains. This approach represents a promising strategy for developing new biomaterials from existing antibiotics and improving drug formulation.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Jingchao Zhang, Shubin Li, Tao Sun, Yiwu Zong, Weiwen Zhang, Kun Zhao
Summary: A simple and switchable method for labelling Type IV pili (TFP) was developed in this study, allowing for a deeper understanding of the roles of TFP in bacterial activities. This method was successfully used to characterize the morphology and motility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa pili, as well as to study the replenishment dynamics of the pilin pool.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Huaqing Liu, Yiwu Zong, Kun Zhao
Summary: Experimental study on the diffusion of single micron-sized Brownian square platelets on cylindrical surfaces with different radii of curvature in the presence of depletion attractions reveals that the translational motion is diffusive along the axial direction, sub-diffusive along the circumferential direction due to gravity-induced confinement, and the rotational motion displays a sub-diffusive behavior due to orientation-dependent depletion attractions. The confinement effect decreases as the radius of curvature increases and can be tuned through surface curvatures and/or depletion attractions. This work provides insights on controlling the translational and rotational dynamics of anisotropic particles on curved surfaces with depletion attractions.
Article
Biology
Wenchao Zhang, Mei Luo, Chunying Feng, Huaqing Liu, Hong Zhang, Rachel R. Bennett, Andrew S. Utada, Zhi Liu, Kun Zhao
Summary: The study reveals the critical role of MSHA pili as a brake and anchor during the landing process of Vibrio cholerae in viscoelastic environments. Loss of MSHA pili leads to a more dramatic increase in mean path length in viscoelastic non-Newtonian fluids compared to viscous Newtonian ones.
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Mingwei Liu, Kun Zhao
Summary: Micro- and nanomotors are micro/nanoparticles that can autonomously move in complex fluids, driven by different power sources. This field has rapidly evolved with significant innovations contributed by researchers globally. Recent applications in water remediation and biomedical microrobots are highlighted, with challenges discussed for future development.
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Huaqing Liu, Yiwu Zong, Zhanglin Hou, Thomas G. Mason, Kun Zhao
Summary: This study experimentally investigated the phase behavior of two types of kites in a two-dimensional system, revealing a phase sequence of isotropic fluid-hexagonal rotator crystal-square crystal, contrary to Monte Carlo simulations. A model based on local polymorphic configurations (LPCs) was proposed to understand the appearance of square lattice order in dense kite systems, providing a new route for custom-designed self-assembly of colloids by controlling LPCs.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Huaqing Liu, Yiwu Zong, Mengjie Zu, Thomas G. Mason, Fangfu Ye, Kun Zhao
Summary: The study investigates the self-assembly of Brownian colloids on curved surfaces, demonstrating the significant influence of curvature on the phase behavior. Experimental findings reveal phase diagram changes with curvature, while simulations illustrate helical structures formed by square platelets packing on cylinders. These results highlight the control over particle self-assembly through curvature and depletion attraction-induced orientational confinement.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biology
Jingchao Zhang, Huijun Wu, Di Wang, Lanxin Wang, Yifan Cui, Chenxi Zhang, Kun Zhao, Luyan Ma, Gerald Pier
Summary: Biofilm formation is a major cause of persistent infections. The intracellular glycosyl hydrolase PslG plays a crucial role in the synthesis of the exopolysaccharide PSL, which is essential for biofilm matrix formation in the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Lack of PslG or its hydrolytic activity enhances PSL signaling, affects cyclic-di-GMP levels during cell division, and alters the localization of PSL, resulting in the formation of long chains of bacterial cells and fast-forming biofilm microcolonies.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Chunying Feng, Shufeng Zhao, Yiwu Zong, Qing He, William Winarto, Wenchao Zhang, Andrew S. Utada, Kun Zhao
Summary: This study investigates the dynamics of amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) during microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) using microscopy and Raman microspectroscopy. It reveals that the MICP process inside droplets can be divided into three stages: liquid, gel-like ACC, and precipitated CaCO3 stages. The formation and dissolution of gel-like ACC structures and their mechanical properties are observed and analyzed. The size, morphology, and lifetime of the gel-like structures depend on the concentration of Ca2+.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yiwu Zong, Kun Zhao
Summary: Manipulating self-assembled structures through shape-control of constitute particles is an interesting and challenging route to make new functional materials. Recent advances in particle fabrication techniques have expanded our understanding of the self-assembly of anisotropic building blocks. This mini-review summarizes the recent progress on the self-assembly of non-spherical colloids in both experiments and simulations, with a focus on polygonal platelets and their associated models.
CURRENT OPINION IN SOLID STATE & MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hong Zhang, Wenchao Zhang, Yiwu Zong, Dongyang Kong, Kun Zhao
Summary: In this study, the effects of different factors on bacterial adhesion and evolution at the oil-water interface were investigated using Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 as a model system. The results showed that PAO1 cells exhibited chemotactic behavior towards dodecane. The dynamics analysis revealed a transition from reversible to irreversible attachment of cells at the interface, accompanied by interface aging and the formation of a gel-like interface. Exopolysaccharides played an important role in this process. These findings provide insights into bacterial behavior at the oil-water interface and may lead to the development of strategies for controlling bacterial colonization.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Longfei Luo, Chengcheng Liang, Hong Zhang, Yiwu Zong, Kun Zhao
Summary: In this study, polystyrene colloidal particles with multiple concavities were mass-produced through dispersion polymerization techniques. By controlling the delayed feeding time of the cross-linker divinylbenzene and its dosage, various shapes of anisotropic colloids were successfully synthesized. The results suggest that the formation mechanisms of different concavities differ, with monomers in the big chamber having priority to polymerize.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dewei Yi, Hong Zhang, Wenchao Zhang, Yiwu Zong, Kun Zhao
Summary: Patterned calcium carbonate materials with controlled morphologies have been successfully fabricated through a green template-assisted microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation approach. The optimized parameters significantly influence the pattern formation, showing good scalability of this eco-friendly fabrication method.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yana Duan, Zhanglin Hou, Yiwu Zong, Fangfu Ye, Kun Zhao
Summary: The research reveals that for systems with a concentrated arrested region, the ratio of n-merization increases with the increase of area fraction, eventually becoming the dominant reaction in the system; dynamic heterogeneity originates from the divergent size of clusters consisting of high-mobility particles; high-mobility particles have a higher ability to react with others at high area fractions, and binding reactions are spatially correlated with dynamic heterogeneity.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2021)
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.
