Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Deepa Yadav, Hitesh Kumar Dewangan
Summary: PEGylation is a technique for improving the maintenance time and beneficial properties of drugs by covalently attaching polyethylene glycol (PEG) to molecules. It plays an important role in enhancing the therapeutic potential and drug delivery system，and is widely used in pharmaceutical field to improve drug properties.
JOURNAL OF BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE-POLYMER EDITION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Taro Shimizu, Mizuki Awata, Amr S. Abu Lila, Chihiro Yoshioka, Yoshino Kawaguchi, Hidenori Ando, Yu Ishima, Tatsuhiro Ishida
Summary: In this study, we developed a delivery system using hydroxy PEG-modified liposomes (HO-PEG-Lip) that efficiently activated the complement system, facilitated the association with MZ-B cells, and significantly enhanced antigen delivery in vivo. The manipulation of HO-PEG density at 2 mol% in total lipids led to a successful induction of OVA-specific IgG response after a single intravenous injection. This new delivery technique may provide a simple and effective way to deliver antigens to MZ-B cells, inducing a significant humoral immune response.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Seungyeon Choi, Lane D. Yutzy, Yun Hee Ko, Jin-Kyun Lee, Jangwook P. Jung, Myungwoong Kim
Summary: We have developed a chemical approach to fabricate reactive organic thin films that are simple, clean, scalable, photopatternable, chemically adjustable, and versatile. These thin films exhibit effective biocompatibility, controlled reactivity, and processability on various surface types, making them suitable for defining surface activity for interfacing biological objects.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dong-Han Lee, Seo-Yoon Choi, Ki-Kyung Jung, Jun-Young Yang, Ja-young Jeong, Jae-Ho Oh, Sung-Hyun Kim, Jin-Hee Lee
Summary: By comparing PEG-coated group with the original group, the study evaluated the sensitization responses induced by PEGylation on the human body, and the results indicated that PEGylated nanomaterials did not lead to skin sensitization.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Xinqi Xu, Tianheng Chen, Lian Xu, Juan Lin
Summary: In this study, laccase was immobilized on modified magnetic nanoparticles, improving the enzyme's thermostability and efficiency for polymerization of phenols.
ENZYME AND MICROBIAL TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
A. S. Eremina, Yu Kargina, A. Yu Kharin, D. Petukhov, V. Yu Timoshenko
Summary: A one-step procedure using polyethylene glycol (PEG) coating during grinding in a planetary ball mill has been proposed to stabilize mesoporous silicon nanoparticles in aqueous solutions. The nanoparticles were found to have a size of 50-100 nm, preserved nanocrystallinity and mesopores, and remained stable in aqueous solution for at least 24 hours. This PEGylation method offers a way to control the physical properties and stability of mesoporous silicon nanoparticles for biomedical applications.
MICROPOROUS AND MESOPOROUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Morgan D. McSweeney, Limei Shen, Alexander C. DeWalle, Jordan B. Joiner, Elizabeth C. Ciociola, Dharmendra Raghuwanshi, Matthew S. Macauley, Samuel K. Lai
Summary: This study explored the effectiveness of prophylaxis with free PEG or tolerogenic PEGylated liposomes as a strategy to reduce the amount of APA induced by subsequently administered PEGylated liposomes. The results showed that a single administration of free PEG alone was capable of markedly reducing the APA response to PEG-liposomes for up to 2 months, which was comparable to, and often exceeded, interventions with different tolerogenic PEG-liposomes. These findings support further research on free PEG prophylaxis as a potential strategy to mitigate the APA response to sensitizing PEGylated therapeutics.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Swarnima Rawat, Nilanjal Misra, Sher Singh Meena, Shubhangi S. Shelkar, N. Naveen Kumar, Narender Kumar Goel, Virendra Kumar
Summary: Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles were functionalized with epoxy and used as templates for one-step covalent immobilization of laccase enzyme. The immobilized laccase showed higher thermal stability and recyclability compared to the free enzyme. It demonstrated efficient catalytic degradation of a textile dye.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Yubuki Nakamura, Marina Nasu, Yutaka Shindo, Kotaro Oka, Daniel Citterio, Yuki Hiruta
Summary: Zwitterionic polymers with net-neutral charge and affinity for cancer cell surfaces exhibit antifouling ability. Six pH-responsive mixed-charge polymers were developed, and the effect of side chain hydrophobicity on their interaction with cancer cell membranes was investigated. The polymers were synthesized using different carboxylic acid monomers and ratios of the neutral spacer moiety, resulting in tunable surface charge switching from net-neutral to positive in response to a weakly acidic tumor environment. The hydrophobicity and pH-responsive nature of these polymers led to pH-selective toxicity, disrupting cell membrane integrity.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Shengzhuang Tang, Jesse Chen, Jayme Cannon, Mona Chekuri, Mohammad Farazuddin, James R. R. Baker Jr, Su He Wang
Summary: The study examined the feasibility of a new drug delivery system using laponite (LAP) and cyclic poly(ethylene glycol) (cPEG). Hybrid nanocrystals of various shapes were made by attaching cyclized PEG to laponite nanodiscs. The LAP-cPEG formulation showed higher drug loading efficiency and stability compared to the laponite-poly(ethylene glycol) LAP-mPEG system. The results suggest that cPEG nanoparticles have the potential to improve drug delivery systems and warrant further investigation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bibifatima Kaupbayeva, Hironobu Murata, Gordon S. Rule, Krzysztof Matyjaszewski, Alan J. Russell
Summary: Protease-protease interactions are crucial for biological cascades and can be utilized in the design of targeted drugs.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Deepa Yadav, Bhupesh C. Semwal, Hitesh Kumar Dewangan
Summary: PEGylation of dendrimer conjugates can increase the targeting and release of chemotherapeutic drugs at the tumor site, reducing side effects and enhancing drug circulation time.
JOURNAL OF BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE-POLYMER EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhefan Yuan, Patrick McMullen, Sijin Luozhong, Pranab Sarker, Chenjue Tang, Tao Wei, Shaoyi Jiang
Summary: By using hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC) technique, we discovered the hidden hydrophobicity in polymers that are typically considered hydrophilic and found a correlation between hidden hydrophobicity and polymer immunogenicity. Through polyzwitterion modification and HIC technique, we are able to generate protein conjugates with extremely low immunogenicity, overcoming the barriers of eliminating anti-drug and anti-polymer antibodies.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ahlem Meziadi, Navid Zuberi, Hendrick W. de Haan, Marc A. Gauthier
Summary: This study reveals that the inefficiency of bioconjugation reactions, such as protein PEGylation, is caused by the excluded volume effect (EVE) between methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) (mPEG) and proteins. The researchers found that this EVE leads to the self-assembly of proteins and reactive mPEG into separate protein-rich and mPEG-rich domains. By adding unreactive low-molecular weight mPEG as a co-solvent, the association between the larger protein and reactive mPEG can be promoted, resulting in improved reaction efficiency.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Matthias Gabriel, Christophe Michel Raynaud, Christian Bollensdorff
Summary: Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is a commonly used elastomeric polymer with a hydrophobic surface, hindering many applications. This study presents a novel wet-chemistry-based method to modify the PDMS surface, resulting in an amino-functionalized surface. The modified PDMS surfaces show cell-adhesive or nonthrombogenic properties through conjugation with RGD peptide, polyethylene glycol (PEG) or heparin. Additionally, antifouling surfaces are created to prevent platelet adhesion and hydrophobic recovery. These findings provide versatile surface functionalization methods for PDMS and are applicable in biomedical applications.
MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tarsila G. Castro, Tiago Ferreira, Teresa Matama, Florentina-Daniela Munteanu, Artur Cavaco-Paulo
Summary: This study investigated the effects of acetylation and phosphorylation on the function of Tau protein using molecular modelling techniques. The results showed that these post-translational modifications alter the charge state of Tau protein and interfere with its ability to bind microtubules, providing important insights for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENERAL SUBJECTS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xue Yang, Jing Zhao, Artur Cavaco-Paulo, Jing Su, Hongbo Wang
Summary: Enzyme immobilization provides enhanced stability for laccase and improves the adsorption and degradation efficiency of pollutants. In this study, bimetallic Cu/Zn ZIFs were used as a protective carrier for laccase, showing high operational stability and efficient decolorization of dye wastewater. The encapsulated laccase could be recovered and reused multiple times, indicating great potential for water remediation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Diana Rocha, David S. Freitas, Jessica Magalhaes, Mariana Fernandes, Sonia Silva, Jennifer Noro, Artur Ribeiro, Artur Cavaco-Paulo, Madalena Martins, Carla Silva
Summary: The demand for products based on natural ingredients is increasing among cosmetic and textile consumers. Cork extracts contain components of interest with special properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities, that might improve the effectiveness of cosmetic formulations currently on the market and may impart new characteristics to textiles.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
David S. Freitas, Vania Quesado, Diana Rocha, Jennifer Noro, Madalena Martins, Artur Cavaco-Paulo, Carla Silva
Summary: In this study, the enzymatic synthesis was employed as a sustainable approach for producing polyesters, aiming to reduce toxicity and operational costs. The use of NADES as a source of monomers for polymerization reactions catalyzed by lipase was detailed. The high conversion rates (above 70%) and simplicity of production, along with the non-toxicity and low cost of NADES, make them a greener and cleaner option for synthesizing high value-added products.
Article
Materials Science, Textiles
Euijin Shim, Carla Silva, Artur Cavaco-Paulo, Hye Rim Kim
Summary: This study investigated the effects of modifying bacterial cellulose as a template on the in situ polymerization of catechol by laccase. The modification involved sulfonation and the entrapment of carboxymethyl cellulose. After the in situ polymerization, conductive and colored bacterial cellulose composites were obtained. The results suggest the potential of modified bacterial cellulose as a template for the formation of functional polymers and composite materials.
TEXTILE RESEARCH JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Textiles
Yu Li, Jing Su, Tarsila G. Castro, Artur Cavaco-Paulo
Summary: Commercial hair perming damages both hair fiber quality and human health due to the use of strong reducing agents. This study demonstrates the use of tyrosine as a cross-linking agent for reshaping hair by breaking disulfide bonds and rearranging new bonds between keratin molecules. The results show that tyrosine can successfully cross-link amines and thiols, providing a potential alternative to commercial perming products. This new methodology offers a gentle and user-friendly approach in the hair care industry.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL FIBERS
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tarsila G. Castro, Manuel Melle-Franco, Cristina E. A. Sousa, Artur Cavaco-Paulo, Joao C. Marcos
Summary: This review provides a comprehensive overview of non-canonical amino acids and their applications in designing peptidomimetics. These amino acids are widely found in nature and can enhance stability and biological function. Experimental and molecular modeling approaches are used to classify different classes of non-canonical amino acids based on their ability to induce specific secondary structures. This knowledge is crucial in the field of peptidomimetics, which has the potential to develop new bioactive molecules and materials.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
David S. Freitas, Vania Quesado, Diana Rocha, Jennifer Noro, Madalena Martins, Artur Cavaco-Paulo, Carla Silva
Summary: This study presents a detailed investigation on the feasibility of synthesizing polyesters through lipase-catalyzed esterification using Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES) as the source of monomers in an anhydrous medium. Three different NADES composed of glycerol and an organic base or acid were used for the synthesis of polyesters, and high conversion rates (above 70%) and at least 20 monomeric units (glycerol:organic acid/base 1:1) were achieved according to matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) analysis.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Nannan Li, David S. Freitas, Joana Santos, Armando Venancio, Jennifer Noro, Jing Su, Hongbo Wang, Carla Silva, Artur Cavaco-Paulo
Summary: The development of products from natural plant sources is crucial for the circular economy and global sustainability. This study focused on using cork and grape wastes to obtain valuable compounds through mild extraction and laccase oxidation. The polymeric compounds obtained showed remarkable antioxidant and antiaging properties, indicating great potential for applications in various industries.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
David S. Freitas, Diana Rocha, Jennifer Noro, Tarsila G. Castro, Artur Cavaco-Paulo, Carla Silva
Summary: This study investigated different natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) as solvents for laccase-assisted polymerization of catechol and phenolics from coffee. The results showed that NADES could be a green and cost-effective solvent for the bioproduction of novel polymers.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Diana Rocha, David S. Freitas, Tarsila G. Castro, Jennifer Noro, Artur Cavaco-Paulo, Carla Silva
Summary: This study investigates the effect of water on the physicochemical properties and structural features of glycerol:lactic acid deep eutectic mixture. The results demonstrate that when water enters the system, the hydrogen bonds between the eutectic components break but new ones are formed, creating stronger interactions. These unprecedented results unravel the potential of these novel mixtures for multiple applications.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2023)
