Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shanshan Zhang, Sajid Asghar, Chenqi Zhu, Junxiu Ye, Ling Lin, Liu Xu, Ziyi Hu, Zhipeng Chen, Feng Shao, Yanyu Xiao
Summary: This study presents a multi-functional delivery system (APND-3) designed to address the issues of poor drug delivery to the brain in Alzheimer's disease (AD) treatment. The system, based on a novel peptide (MOP) with self-assembling properties, significantly enhances the delivery of MOP to the brain, reducing A beta deposition and improving neurological outcomes in AD model mice.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Siddhartha Banerjee, Divya Baghel, Md Hasan Ul Iqbal, Ayanjeet Ghosh
Summary: Spontaneous aggregation of amyloid beta (Afi) proteins is a key pathological feature of Alzheimer's disease, but the structure of early-stage aggregates is not well understood. This study used atomic force microscopy-infrared nanospectroscopy to investigate the aggregation process of Afi 16-22 and found a structural transition from oligomers with parallel β-sheets to antiparallel fibrils.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
I. Caglar Tanrikulu, Lianna Dang, Lekha Nelavelli, Aubrey J. Ellison, Bradley D. Olsen, Song Jin, Ronald T. Raines
Summary: This study successfully designed synthetic collagen hydrogels by maximizing the interactions of the triple helix structure of collagen. It further explored the relationship between self-assembly of short CMPs and interfiber association.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yanxin Xiang, Can Liu, Shinan Ma, Xiaoting Wang, Linyong Zhu, Chunyan Bao
Summary: In this study, a pH-responsive peptide (MA-FIID) is designed and introduced into a poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) backbone (PNIPAM) to construct bilayer and heterogeneous hydrogel actuators based on the assembly and disassembly of peptide molecules under different pH conditions. These peptide-containing hydrogel actuators can perform controllable bending, bucking, and complex deformation under pH stimulation. Meanwhile, the Hofmeister effect of PNIPAM hydrogels endows these peptide-containing hydrogels with enhanced mechanical strength, ionic stimulus response (CaCl2), and excellent shape-memory property.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Matthew J. Webber, E. Thomas Pashuck
Summary: Hydrogels prepared via self-assembly offer scalable and tunable platforms for drug delivery applications. Peptides are widely used as building blocks for self-assembly, while stimuli-responsive self-assembly provides opportunities for more precise drug action. Double-network hydrogels combine the beneficial properties of both self-assembled and covalent networks.
ADVANCED DRUG DELIVERY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Peter Faller, Christelle Hureau
Summary: Controlling protein and peptide aggregation in vitro and obtaining reproducible results poses a challenge, which is scarcely reported and discussed in the literature, potentially hindering progress in the field and misleading newcomers.
FRONTIERS IN CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ana M. Garcia, Michele Melchionna, Ottavia Bellotto, Slavko Kralj, Sabrina Semeraro, Evelina Parisi, Daniel Iglesias, Paola D'Andrea, Rita De Zorzi, Attilio V. Vargiu, Silvia Marchesan
Summary: Self-assembling peptides with proline as a beta-breaker and diphenylalanine motif were studied for their ability to form diverse nanostructures. The stereo-configuration of amino acids played a crucial role in directing these peptides to assemble into nanoparticles, nanotapes, or fibrils. Additionally, the study found that heterochirality could strategically interfere with pathological processes, potentially offering future therapeutic applications with resistance to degradation and biocompatibility.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Manuel G. Ricardo, Peter H. Seeberger
Summary: Biomaterials with improved biological features can be obtained by conjugating glycans to nanostructured peptides. Peptide-glycan chimeras were successfully obtained through the merging of peptide and glycan solid-phase syntheses using a bifunctional monosaccharide. Different chimeras containing various sugars and peptides were prepared and exhibited different self-assembling properties.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Manuel G. Ricardo, Peter H. Seeberger
Summary: Biomaterials with improved biological features can be obtained by conjugating glycans to nanostructured peptides. Creating peptide-glycan chimeras requires superb chemoselectivity. We expedite access to such chimeras by merging peptide and glycan solid-phase syntheses employing a bifunctional monosaccharide.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Chun Yin Jerry Lau, Enrico Mastrobattista
Summary: Self-assembling peptides are a prominent class of supramolecular materials with good biocompatibility. Significant progress has been made in studying the supramolecular organization of peptide assemblies to control material properties. Peptide self-assembly is a complex pathway governed by the assembly pathway.
CURRENT OPINION IN COLLOID & INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Milad Zangiabadi, Avijit Ghosh, Yan Zhao
Summary: The aggregation of Aβ peptides in Alzheimer's disease involves complex interactions between hydrophobic and polar residues. Molecularly imprinted nanoparticle (MINP) receptors strongly bind specific segments of Aβ(40), inhibiting the aggregation of monomeric A040 through binding residues 21-30 near the loop region. Residues 11-20, including the internal 0 strand closer to the N-terminal, represent the best target for disaggregating already formed aggregates during the polymerization phase. Binding residues 1-10 have the greatest effect on disaggregation in the saturation phase.
Article
Polymer Science
James P. Warren, Matthew P. Culbert, Danielle E. Miles, Steven Maude, Ruth K. Wilcox, Paul A. Beales
Summary: Self-assembling peptides are a versatile biomaterial that can form self-supporting hydrogels. Balancing attractive and repulsive forces through peptide charge and hydrogen bonding is crucial for successful hydrogel formation. A net peptide charge of +/-2 and modulating hydrogen bonding can optimize the assembly and viscoelastic properties of the hydrogel. These findings demonstrate the potential of controlling self-assembly mechanisms to create structures with desired properties.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hai Xu, Henghao Yu, Yingjie Chen, Jing Deng, Zhaoyu Chen, Peng Zhou, Jian R. Lu, Jun Yang, Yurong Zhao
Summary: Zippers between complementary sidechains have potential in preparing peptide self-assemblies with long-range ordering. This study achieved well-defined nanostructures through nonpolar zippers by designing a series of short amphiphilic peptides. Only one peptide, Ac-I3VGK-NH2, could self-assemble into wide and uniform nanoribbons, thanks to the formation of extensive nonpolar zippers between beta-sheets. The failure of other peptide variants highlighted the importance of the interaction mode of hydrophobic sidechains in the formation of wide and flat nanoribbons.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
William J. Howitz, Gretchen Guaglianone, Kate J. McKnelly, Katelyn Haduong, Shareen N. Ashby, Mohamed Laayouni, James S. Nowick
Summary: This study investigates the role of charge in the oligomeric assembly, toxicity, and membrane destabilization of peptides derived from A beta and its familial mutants. The findings suggest that the charge of the amino acid side chain, rather than its size or hydrophobicity, accounts for the differences in the behavior of the E22 familial mutants of A beta.
ACS CHEMICAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Samuel J. Bunce, Yiming Wang, Sheena E. Radford, Andrew J. Wilson, Carol K. Hall
Summary: This study employed a combination of techniques to investigate the assembly process of a synthetic amyloid-forming peptide A beta(16-22), revealing the structural characteristics of anti-parallel, in-register beta-strands assembly confirmed by molecular dynamics simulations. The findings provide detailed insights into the self-assembly mechanism and pave the way for exploring larger, more complex peptides responsible for human disease.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Kenrick Koh, Jun Kit Wang, James Xiao Yuan Chen, Shu Hui Hiew, Hong Sheng Cheng, Bartosz Gabryelczyk, Marcus Ivan Gerard Vos, Yun Sheng Yip, Liyan Chen, Radoslaw M. Sobota, Damian Kang Keat Chua, Nguan Soon Tan, Chor Yong Tay, Ali Miserez
Summary: This study developed a biocompatible fusion protein hydrogel that can encapsulate and release stem cell secretome, leading to improved healing and reduced inflammation in chronic wounds.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Massimo Bagnani, Silas Ehrengruber, Wei Long Soon, Mohammad Peydayesh, Ali Miserez, Raffaele Mezzenga
Summary: In this study, a green process was developed to obtain protein-based bioplastics using rapeseed cake. The effects of different protein extraction methods were investigated, and it was found that alkaline extraction at pH 12 resulted in the highest protein extraction yields, while isoelectric point precipitation (IP) led to the highest protein purity. The resulting proteins were used to develop bioplastics films with improved properties compared to films obtained from native monomers.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Biophysics
Luan Quang Le, Kaicheng Zhu, Haibin Su
Summary: Understanding prokaryotic cell growth requires a multiscale modeling framework that considers the kinetics pathway of ribosomes and the molecular responses to nutrient conditions. The competitive binding between cognate and near-cognate tRNAs for ribosomes can be modulated by [Mg2+]. A kinetics framework is developed to bridge ribosomal synthesis to cell growth, optimizing the cell growth rate by varying the characteristics of ribosomal synthesis through cellular responses to different nutrient conditions. Experimental measurements show quantitative agreement with two quadratic scaling relations: nutrient flux versus cell mass and ribosomal number versus growth rate.
BIOPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ali Miserez, Jing Yu, Pezhman Mohammadi
Summary: Materials produced from natural biopolymers provide a sustainable alternative to synthetic polymers, with harmless degradation products. This review explores the chemical design and biofabrication of protein-based materials, including their primary sequences and structural levels, as well as their mechanical response. The latest research on artificially producing protein-based materials using biotechnology and synthetic biology is also discussed.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shu Hui Hiew, Yang Lu, Hao Han, Rui A. Goncalves, Serena Rosa Alfarano, Raffaele Mezzenga, Atul N. Parikh, Yuguang Mu, Ali Miserez
Summary: Modular peptide repeats in load-bearing proteins often have conserved sequences and give specific mechanical properties to materials. This study identified the GX8 peptide with the sequence GLYGGYGX in various organisms. By mutating the X residue, GX8 can self-assemble into different structures with different properties, from liquid-like coacervate microdroplets to hydrogels to stiff solid materials. The study highlights the role of pi-pi stacking, hydrophobic interactions, and hydrogen bonding in driving the self-assembly and mechanical response of GX8 peptides.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Syed Maricar, Sushanth Gudlur, Ali Miserez
Summary: Rationally designed biomolecular condensates have been widely used as drug-delivery systems, but their potential in (bio)sensing applications has not been explored. In this study, a simple and rapid assay for detecting E. coli was described, which combines phase-separating peptide condensates and aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-fluorogen. The assay can detect E. coli within 2 hours in spiked water samples and has a faster detection speed compared to commercially available E. coli detection kits.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kalok Chan, Long Thanh Ta, Yong Huang, Haibin Su, Zhenyang Lin
Summary: In this study, a simple molecular representation method was developed using machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques to predict rate constants of aryl bromides in palladium-catalyzed Sonogashira coupling reactions. The results demonstrate the importance of incorporating domain knowledge into machine learning for improved data analysis.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Thorbjorn Erik Koppen Christensen, Jia Qing Isaiah Chua, Nina Kolln Wittig, Mads Ry Vogel Jorgensen, Innokenty Kantor, Jesper Skovhus Thomsen, Ali Miserez, Henrik Birkedal
Summary: This study reveals the mechanism of how stomatopods use their weaponized appendage dactyl clubs to break mollusc shells. The side of the club can be mineralized by either amorphous mineral, calcite crystallites or a mixture of both. Moreover, it was found that calcite crystallites can form as early as 1 week after the club moults. These findings provide important insights into the function and evolution of the club.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Sunyoung Hur, Christophe Methivier, Axel Wilson, Michele Salmain, Souhir Boujday, Ali Miserez
Summary: The protein MrCP20 in the calcareous base plate of the acorn barnacle Megabalanus rosa plays a role in regulating biomineralization and growth of the barnacle. It affects the kinetics of crystal nucleation and growth, as well as stabilizes a specific polymorph of calcium carbonate. The results provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of biomineralization and other functional roles of MrCP20.
ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Wei Long Soon, Mohammad Peydayesh, Tym de Wild, Felix Donat, Rinku Saran, Christoph R. Muller, Lorenz Gubler, Raffaele Mezzenga, Ali Miserez
Summary: Increasing carbon emissions have led to accelerated climate change, calling for a shift towards greener materials and sustainable manufacturing processes. Biobased industrial byproducts, such as chicken feather waste, have the potential to be converted into renewable energy materials. In this study, chicken feathers were processed to create proton-conductive membranes for fuel cells, protonic transistors, and water-splitting devices. The membranes demonstrated good functionality and conductivity. By converting industrial waste into low-cost and scalable renewable energy materials, this green manufacturing process can contribute to a fully circular economy with a neutral carbon footprint.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yue Sun, Xiaojie Xu, Liwei Chen, Wei Leong Chew, Yuan Ping, Ali Miserez
Summary: CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing tools have great potential for developing various therapeutic treatments. However, the efficient intracellular delivery of the editing machinery is a challenge. This study utilized a phase-separating peptide with intracellular redox-triggered release properties to encapsulate and deliver all three forms of CRISPR/Cas9 editing machinery, resulting in higher transfection and editing efficiency compared to commercially available transfection reagents.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Carmine P. P. Cerrato, Axel Leppert, Yue Sun, David P. P. Lane, Marie Arsenian-Henriksson, Ali Miserez, Michael Landreh
Summary: This study utilizes mass spectrometry to investigate the assembly and disassembly properties of redox-sensitive coacervate microdroplets composed of a short peptide rich in histidine and tyrosine. It is found that the release of the short peptide from the coacervates can be detected under reducing conditions, providing a quantitative measurement for disassembly. This method allows for monitoring the disassembly and cargo release of therapeutic carriers without the need for additional labels.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jiawei Zheng, Xinjun He, Yuniu Zhang, Benzheng Lyu, Jinwook Kim, Shiang Li, Xinhui Lu, Haibin Su, Wallace C. H. Choy
Summary: Solution-processed top electrodes using metallic nanoparticles have been proposed for the large-scale industrialization of organic solar cells (OSCs). A compact-packing-enabled fabrication approach is introduced for the efficient stacking and sintering of metallic nanoparticles, leading to high conductivity and high reflectance top electrodes. The use of gallic acid-assisted silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) results in high-quality AgNP films with uniform particle size distribution and superior storage stability, enabling the achievement of a record high efficiency of 14.69% for large-area solution-processed OSCs.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kaicheng Zhu, Saber Naserifar, William A. Goddard, Haibin Su
Summary: In this work, detailed atomistic simulations were performed to investigate the dynamic properties of supercooled water. The analysis revealed multiscale features in the transient relaxation dynamics, with classical Langevin behavior dominating at fast timescales and two different activation barriers at long timescales. The modulation of the entropy spectrum by temperature was explained using a three-state model that involved a topological transition of the hydrogen-bond network. The quantitative characterization of the network topology provided valuable insights for further studies on the transient relaxation dynamics of supercooled water.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2023)