Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yan-Yan Xie, Xiao-Tong Qin, Jiaxing Zhang, Mei-Yan Sun, Feng-Ping Wang, Meimei Huang, Shi-Ru Jia, Wei Qi, Yuefei Wang, Cheng Zhong
Summary: Molecular chirality plays a significant role in the self-assembly of antimicrobial peptides, ultimately affecting their antimicrobial activity. Heterochiral peptides exhibit more stable helical nanofibers and superior antimicrobial activity against bacteria, opening up possibilities for fabricating efficient antimicrobial materials by controlling the chirality and structure of the materials.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tan Hu, Michaela Kaganovich, Zohar Shpilt, Apurba Pramanik, Omer Agazani, Siyi Pan, Edit Tshuva, Meital Reches
Summary: In this study, two extremely short peptides, DOPA-Phe-NH2 and DOPA-Phe(4F)-NH2, were found to self-assemble into spherical nanoparticles with antiviral activity. When applied on a glass substrate, these peptide assemblies effectively deactivated viruses and showed low toxicity towards mammalian cells. These findings provide a new strategy for the design and development of antiviral coatings.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Priscila Cardoso, Samuel Appiah Danso, Andrew Hung, Chaitali Dekiwadia, Nimish Pradhan, Jamie Strachan, Brody McDonald, Kate Firipis, Jacinta F. White, Arturo Aburto-Medina, Charlotte E. Conn, Celine Valery
Summary: Microbial resistance to antibiotics is becoming a major crisis, and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are being explored as an alternative. This study reports the design of Fmoc-peptides with dual functionality, as antimicrobial agents and hydrogelators. Molecular dynamics simulations predicted the self-assembly of Priscilicidin into nanostructures in water, and experimental results confirmed its antimicrobial activity and hydrogel-forming capacity, including against multidrug resistant strains.
FRONTIERS IN CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jeong-Wan Choi, Soo-Hyung Choi, Jong-In Won
Summary: Two different ELP diblock copolymers were synthesized in this study, and the physical properties vary with pH, temperature, and salt concentration. Physical analyses showed that hydrophobic core micelles can be generated in response to changing surroundings, and self-assembly behavior is closely related to the character of charged amino acids and specific anions in solution.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Martin Wolff, Klaus Gast, Andreas Evers, Michael Kurz, Stefania Pfeiffer-Marek, Anja Schueler, Robert Seckler, Anja Thalhammer
Summary: Exendin-4 is a pharmaceutical peptide used to control insulin secretion, and oligomerization is pH dependent with low compactness. The key forces driving oligomerization are helix-helix interactions and interactions of a conserved hydrophobic moiety. The structural hypothesis suggests specific key interactions in the trimer form of exendin-4.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ashmeet Singh, Jeong-Un Joo, Dong-Pyo Kim
Summary: The study demonstrates an ultrafast self-assembly method using microfluidic reactors to obtain different nanostructures, and investigates their hydrolase enzyme activity mimicking performance. The well-ordered nanostructures obtained through this ultrafast self-assembly process show improved catalytic efficiency.
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yi Lou, Baoli Zhang, Xingyu Ye, Zhen-Gang Wang
Summary: Enzymes are widely used in various fields for their remarkable catalytic properties, which are mainly due to the spatial arrangement of the essential functional groups in their active structures. Building enzyme-like active sites in artificial catalysts, which aim to rival native enzymes in catalytic efficacy, is a challenge. De novo designed peptides have been used as building blocks to self-assemble into enzyme-mimicking catalysts by configuring their side chain groups to form catalytically active pockets. This review discusses the progress, structure-activity relationships, and future directions of peptides-based supramolecular catalysts with aldolase-, hydrolase-, and oxidase-like activities.
MATERIALS TODAY NANO
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Phillip A. Taylor, April M. Kloxin, Arthi Jayaraman
Summary: In this study, a computational approach was used to investigate the relationship between the design of collagen-like peptide (CLP) heterotrimers and their thermal stability, self-assembly behavior, and formation of supramolecular structures. The results showed that increasing the length of the 'sticky' ends of the heterotrimers led to lower melting temperatures and influenced the size and morphology of the aggregates. Additionally, a minimum 'sticky' end length of four repeat units was required for the formation of percolated networks.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Fengbin Wang, Ordy Gnewou, Shengyuan Wang, Tomasz Osinski, Xiaobing Zuo, Edward H. Egelman, Vincent P. Conticello
Summary: Our study investigates the assembly of an octapeptide sequence and determines the atomic structure of the resulting fibrils using cryoelectron microscopy, revealing parallel and antiparallel beta sheets. The results demonstrate the chaotic nature of peptide self-assembly and underscore the importance of cryo-EM structural analysis for understanding these complex materials at near-atomic resolution.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Aaron Pantoja Angles, Alexander U. Valle-Perez, Charlotte Hauser, Magdy M. Mahfouz
Summary: Many applications of synthetic biology rely on engineered microbes, but to prevent harm to the target system, microbial biocontainment systems (MBSs) are needed to inhibit the proliferation of these engineered microbes. In the past decade, various strategies have been developed to tightly control the growth of engineered microbes, enabling medical, industrial, and agricultural applications.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Manzar Abbas, Hepi Hari Susapto, Charlotte A. E. Hauser
Summary: A new synthesis strategy for gold-peptide composite nanomaterials is reported in this study, where gold nanoparticles self-align on assembled nanofibers of ultrashort oligopeptides. The composite material shows catalytic ability to degrade environmental pollutants and has potential applications in biomedical and bio-catalysis without the need for external chemical reagents.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Jonathan Jen Jie Tay, Neel Rahul Obordo Karve, Kiat Hwa Chan
Summary: In this study, two doxorubicin analogues (A(1) and A(2)) were designed and synthesized, and their X-ray crystal structures were obtained. It was found that A(1) reacted with Re(CO)(5)(OTf) to form complex 1, and A(2) reacted with Re(CO)5(OTf) to form complex 2. Both complexes were found to be unstable in solution and showed weak coordination to rhenium carbonyl. Therefore, direct coordination of rhenium carbonyl is not feasible for modulating the pharmacological profile of doxorubicin.
JOURNAL OF ORGANOMETALLIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Rosario Perez-Pedroza, Fatimah Al-Jalih, Jiayi Xu, Manola Moretti, Giuseppina R. Briola, Charlotte A. E. Hauser
Summary: Three-dimensional bioprinting systems have great potential in tissue engineering, but specific materials are needed for organoid growth. This study used a self-assembling peptide system to create a laminin-like bioink, which promoted cell adhesion and lumen formation in cancer stem cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOPRINTING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Elena Herrera-Ponce de Leon, Alexander U. Valle-Perez, Zainab N. Khan, Charlotte A. E. Hauser
Summary: Smart and intelligent biomaterials can be designed to carry out special tasks in modern medicine and sustainability, and can identify and respond to environmental stimuli. These materials have diverse applications in health (e.g. tissue engineering, drug delivery and biosensors) and emerging environmental areas such as ecosystem restoration. The use of 3D printing technology enables automated bio-manufacturing with higher precision, allowing the design of eco-friendly and sustainable solutions for challenges in both modern medicine and the environment.
CURRENT OPINION IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shahid Chaudhary, Zahir Ali, Muhammad Tehseen, Evan F. Haney, Aaron Pantoja-Angles, Salwa Alshehri, Tiannyu Wang, Gerard J. Clancy, Maya Ayach, Charlotte Hauser, Pei-Ying Hong, Samir M. Hamdan, Robert E. W. Hancock, Magdy Mahfouz
Summary: This study demonstrates the efficient production of bioactive amidated AMPs through transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana line expressing the mammalian enzyme peptidylglycine alpha-amidating mono-oxygenase. The AMPs purified from plants exhibit robust killing activity against highly virulent and antibiotic-resistant pathogens, and can prevent their biofilm formation when used in combination with antibiotics. The techno-economic analysis also shows the potential economic advantages and scalability for industrial use of this platform.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sebastian Schmidt-Roach, Rebecca Klaus, Abdulaziz M. Al-Suwailem, Alejandro R. Prieto, Julian Charriere, Charlotte A. E. Hauser, Carlos M. Duarte, Manuel Aranda
Summary: Since 1950, coral abundance worldwide has declined by 60%, making coral reef restoration imperative to maintain ecosystem services. However, current restoration efforts are costly and inefficient. Therefore, we present a suite of technologies that improve scalability and effectiveness through streamlined workflows and novel monitoring approaches. These technologies enhance coral reproduction, replenish degraded reefs, and create visually appealing habitats while minimizing carbon emissions.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Panayiotis Bilalis, Abdulelah A. Alrashoudi, Hepi H. Susapto, Manola Moretti, Salwa Alshehri, Sherin Abdelrahman, Amr Elsakran, Charlotte A. E. Hauser
Summary: This study reports the synthesis of a peptide-based adhesive inspired by the adhesive properties of mussel foot proteins. The adhesive showed comparable or superior strength compared to commercial adhesives when applied in air or underwater. It also exhibited good cytocompatibility and potential applications in wound healing and coral reef restoration.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sherin Abdelrahman, Rui Ge, Hepi H. Susapto, Yang Liu, Faris Samkari, Manola Moretti, Xinzhi Liu, Robert Hoehndorf, Abdul-Hamid Emwas, Mariusz Jaremko, Ranim H. H. Rawas, Charlotte A. E. Hauser
Summary: Cells' interactions with their microenvironment influence their morphological features and regulate crucial cellular functions. Most biological data available are based on inadequate in vitro two-dimensional cellular models. In this study, ultrashort self-assembling peptide sequences were used to create efficient three-dimensional in vitro models of human dermal fibroblast cells. The results showed distinct metabolic and transcriptomic profiles of 2D and 3D cultured cells, indicating the importance of utilizing 3D models to study complex mechanisms.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Ebtehal Alsolme, Saleh Alqahtani, Musa Fageeh, Duna Barakeh, Nitesh K. Sharma, Serghei Mangul, Heather A. Robinson, Amany Fathaddin, Charlotte A. E. Hauser, Malak Abedalthagafi
Summary: This study analyzed the mutation frequencies of common actionable genes in 107 Saudi Arabian patients with colorectal cancer using targeted NGS. The results showed frequent mutations in several genes, and a positive association between poorly differentiated tumors and survival rates. This preliminary analysis of molecular markers in this population can provide valuable insights into the disease progression.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ali H. Aldoukhi, Panayiotis Bilalis, Dana M. Alhattab, Alexander U. Valle-Perez, Hepi H. Susapto, Rosario Perez-Pedroza, Emiliano Backhoff-Garcia, Sarah M. Alsawaf, Salwa Alshehri, Hattan Boshah, Abdulelah A. Alrashoudi, Waleed A. Aljabr, Manal Alaamery, May Alrashed, Rana M. Hasanato, Raed A. Farzan, Roua A. Alsubki, Manola Moretti, Malak S. Abedalthagafi, Charlotte A. E. Hauser
Summary: Continuous monitoring of antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 is crucial for public health. Researchers have developed a multiplex serological assay using antigen-fused peptide epitopes, which showed improved sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy compared to single peptide epitopes or mixtures. This method can be applied to various pathogen detections, supporting the development of point-of-care tests.
ACS BIO & MED CHEM AU
(2023)
Proceedings Paper
Engineering, Biomedical
Noofa Hammad, Zainab N. Khan, Alexander U. Valle-Perez, Charlotte A. E. Hauser
Summary: 3D bioprinting technology has promising applications in regenerative medicine and drug testing for fabricating patient-specific replicas of human organs and bones. This paper proposes a machine learning model to predict optimized peptide flow rates for the microfluidic-based pumping component of a 3D bioprinting system, improving efficiency and stability.
MICROFLUIDICS, BIOMEMS, AND MEDICAL MICROSYSTEMS XXI
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Violeta Dediu, Jana Ghitman, Gratiela Gradisteanu Pircalabioru, Kiat Hwa Chan, Florina Silvia Iliescu, Ciprian Iliescu
Summary: The rapid development of antimicrobial resistance due to broad antibiotic utilization in healthcare and food industries is a critical global public health issue. Nanotechnology offers new materials with unique properties and adaptability to address drug-resistant bacterial infections in safe and targeted ways. Photothermal antibacterial nanomaterials, such as plasmonic metals, semiconductors, and organic polymers, show promise in developing controllable hyperthermia as antibacterial platforms. This review discusses the current state of the art in photothermal antibacterial nanomaterials, strategies for optimizing antimicrobial efficiency, antibacterial mechanisms, and potential applications in biofilm removal and infected wound therapy. The challenges, limitations, and future perspectives of photothermal antimicrobial therapy are also explored.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Manola Moretti, Maria Hountondji, Rui Ge, Abdul-Hamid Emwas, Panayiotis Bilalis, Hepi H. Susapto, Abdulelah Alrashoudi, Xinzhi Liu, Giuseppina R. Briola, Charlotte A. E. Hauser
Summary: Enhancing the adhesive properties of ultrashort self-assembling peptide (USP) hydrogels by incorporating catechol moieties, which can be beneficial for marine environmental applications such as coral regeneration. Among the three USP hydrogels tested, the IIZKDo hydrogel showed the best adhesion and mechanical properties.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yihua Loo, Andrew C. A. Wan, Charlotte A. E. Hauser, E. Birgitte Lane, Paula Benny
Summary: A novel peptide hydrogel-based skin construct has been developed, showing pluristratified epidermis after in vitro culture, with higher stratification marker expression compared to collagen-based constructs. Transepithelial electrical resistance also indicates mature barrier function in peptide constructs.