Article
Chemistry, Physical
Elias Rafael de Sousa, Douglas Xavier de Andrade, Guilherme Colherinhas
Summary: In this study, a theoretical investigation of peptide membranes formed by the EF4K amino acid sequence was conducted. The results showed that the membrane structures exhibited stable packing of the -F4- group and strong interactions between the polar heads of the peptides, which are important for the generation of long structures.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2022)
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
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Naoki Tsutsumi, Akitaka Ito, Azumi Ishigamori, Masato Ikeda, Masayuki Izumi, Rika Ochi
Summary: In this study, a novel bola-amphiphilic glycosylated lipopeptide-type supramolecular hydrogelator is presented, exhibiting reversible thermochromism and gel-sol transition. The investigation focused on the effects of different numbers of F residues on gelation ability and morphology of self-assembled nanostructures.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jiaxuan Chen, Dandan Zhu, Baoping Lian, Kangjie Shi, Peng Chen, Ying Li, Wenyi Lin, Ling Ding, Qiulin Long, Yang Wang, Erik Laurini, Wenjun Lan, Yun Li, Aura Tintaru, Caoyun Ju, Can Zhang, Sabrina Pricl, Juan Iovanna, Xiaoxuan Liu, Ling Peng
Summary: Nucleic acid therapeutics serve as an important drug modality for targeting undruggable targets, responding to evolving pathogens, and precision medicine at the gene level. Dendrimers, as precision delivery systems, have been utilized for selective and on-demand delivery of DNA and siRNA. The properties and performance of these dendrimers were systematically studied, and they exhibited cargo-adaptive and selective delivery, tumor targeting, and redox-responsive cargo release. The dendrimers outperformed currently available vectors in tumor and cancer cell-specific delivery of siRNA and DNA therapeutics in various cancer models. This study provides a pathway for engineering tailor-made vectors for nucleic acid delivery and precision medicine.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wenzheng Zhang, Dinesh Dhumal, Xiaolei Zhu, Brigino Ralahy, Aleksandra Ellert-Miklaszewska, Jing Wu, Erik Laurini, Yi-Wen Yao, Chai-Lin Kao, Juan L. Iovanna, Sabrina Pricl, Bozena Kaminska, Yi Xia, Ling Peng
Summary: In this study, novel bola-amphiphilic glycodendrimers with mannose and glucose terminals, and a hydrophobic thioacetal core responsive to reactive oxygen species, were reported. The unique bola-amphiphilic feature enhanced the binding to lectin compared to conventional amphiphiles. Moreover, these dendrimers effectively targeted mannose receptors and glucose transporters on cell surfaces, exhibiting great promise for targeted delivery.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Ziv Azoulay, Polina Aibinder, Ayala Gancz, Jacob Moran-Gilad, Shiri Navon-Venezia, Hanna Rapaport
Summary: FKF, a tripeptide with potential antimicrobial activity, forms a pure peptide hydrogel phase made of natural amino acids. The hydrogel exhibits bactericidal activity against E. coli and P. aeruginosa, and reduces P. aeruginosa contamination in a rat skin lesion model.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kui Wang, Guo-Jie Gao, Xiao-Yan Wang
Summary: The study successfully lowered the critical micelle concentration of congo red by the host-guest interactions between calixpyridinium and anionic bola surfactants, resulting in a valuable visible-light response for the complete photodegradation of congo red.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yan Jiang, You Zhao, Ai-Qing Zhang, Xinxiang Lei, Si-Yong Qin
Summary: A solvent-tailored ordered self-assembly strategy was developed to create anisotropic nanomaterials, with a trace amount of water found to be a predominant factor in directing peptide self-assembly into an anisotropic meso-matrix in DMSO. The obtained meso-matrix was then utilized to measure the anisotropic RDC parameter of organic molecules for structural elucidation.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sinan Bayindir, Abdullah Saleh Hussein, Ferruh Lafzi, Mahmut Toprak
Summary: The main objective of this study is to synthesize fluorescent bola-amphiphilic-TPE and investigate its wide range of photochemical properties. The TSC-TPE-TSC was initially synthesized and its interactions with various metal ions were studied using UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. The study revealed turn-off sensor characteristics of TSC-TPE-TSC against Hg2+ and Cu2+ ions. Additionally, the study also investigated the interactions of TSC-TPE-TSC and TSC-TPE-TSC-Hg2+ and TSC-TPE-TSC-Cu2+ with anions. TSC-TPE-TSC-Hg2+ displayed specific turn-on fluorescence characteristics against I? ions. The LOD values for TSC-TPE-TSC/metals (Cu2+ or Hg2+) and TSC-TPE-TSC-Hg2+/I? were calculated to be 2.42 (for Cu2+), 0.39 (for Hg2+), and 3.70 (for I?), respectively. The binding's morphology was determined using 1H NMR, FTIR, and DFT experiments. The alternate combination of HgCl2 and [Bu4N]I with TSC-TPE-TSC showed switchable off/on variation in all reversal assays. Efficient methods for the detection of Hg2+, Cu2+, and I? were established in tap water, distilled water, and EtOH/H2O solvent systems.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Zhiliang Li, Duyen K. Tran, Mary Nguyen, Tengyue Jian, Feng Yan, Samson A. Jenekhe, Chun-Long Chen
Summary: This study presents the synthesis of a novel amphiphilic diblock peptoid with a terminal conjugated oligoaniline, which self-assembles into highly crystalline nanotubes with excellent stability and conductivity. The ordered structure directed by the peptoid allows for efficient electrical transport, showcasing a promising strategy for creating complex nanostructures with useful electronic and optoelectronic properties.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jingwu Zhu, Jiang Tian, Chao Yang, Junpeng Chen, Lihuang Wu, Mengni Fan, Xiaojun Cai
Summary: This study presents a novel synergistic antibacterial strategy based on PDT and NO gas therapy using Ce6@Arg-ADP as a carrier, which shows enhanced biofilm penetration and antibacterial effects. The combination of O-1(2) and NO offers notable synergistic effects, promoting wound healing effectively.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jean Rouillon, Lamiaa M. A. Ali, Kamel Hadj-Kaddour, Raphael Marie-Luce, Guillaume Simon, Melanie Onofre, Sandrine Denis Quanquin, Marion Jean, Muriel Albalat, Nicolas Vanthuyne, Guillaume Micouin, Akos Banyasz, Magali Gary-Bobo, Cyrille Monnereau, Chantal Andraud
Summary: In this study, the (Z) and (E)-isomers of a tetraphenylethylene-based chromophore were separated and functionalized, resulting in water-soluble polymer nanoparticles. Comparisons with previous studies demonstrate that the later functionalization can effectively control the self-assembly of the nanoparticles and improve their biocompatibility towards the imaged organism.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Roman V. Rodik, Sergiy O. Cherenok, Viktoriia Y. Postupalenko, Sule Oncul, Vladyslava Brusianska, Petro Borysko, Vitaly I. Kalchenko, Yves Mely, Andrey S. Klymchenko
Summary: This study reports on the self-assembly behavior of anionic amphiphilic calixarenes in aqueous media. The calixarenes with phosphonate groups and alkyl chains can form micelles of about 10 nm diameter and complex cationic peptides into nanoparticles. Cellular studies show that these anionic amphiphilic calixarenes have low cytotoxicity and enable the internalization of fluorescently labeled peptides into live cells.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Carlos Noble Jesus, Rhys Evans, Joe Forth, Carolina Estarellas, Francesco Luigi Gervasio, Giuseppe Battaglia
Summary: The study presents the design, simulation, synthesis, and reversible self-assembly of nanofibrils using polyhistidine-based oligopeptides. The inclusion of aromatic amino acids in the histidine block leads to the formation of amyloid-like fibrils with distinct antiparallel beta-strands. The structures undergo self-assembly in response to pH changes, offering potential for biotechnological and biomedical applications with pH-responsive fibrils in a physiologically relevant range.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Dong-Hyun Kang, Won Bae Han, Hyun Il Ryu, Nam Hyuk Kim, Tae Young Kim, Nakwon Choi, Ji Yoon Kang, Yeon Gyu Yu, Tae Song Kim
Summary: This study presents an electric-field-assisted self-assembly technique for controllable and scalable fabrication of 3-dimensional block copolymer (BCP)-based artificial cell membranes (3DBCPMs) immobilized on predefined locations. Topographically and chemically structured microwell array templates facilitate uniform patterning of BCPs and serve as reactors for the effective growth of 3DBCPMs, which diverse shapes, sizes and stability can be tuned by modulating the BCP concentration and the amplitude/frequency of the electric field. The potential of 3DBCPMs for a variety of biological applications is highlighted by performance of in vitro protein-membrane assays and mimicking of human intestinal organs.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Freddy A. Nunez, Ana C. H. Castro, Vivian L. de Oliveira, Ariane C. Lima, Jamille R. Oliveira, Giuliana X. de Medeiros, Greyce L. Sasahara, Keity S. Santos, Alexandre J. C. Lanfredi, Wendel A. Alves
Summary: Even after over 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic, research on rapid, inexpensive, and accurate tests remains essential for controlling and avoiding the global spread of SARS-CoV-2. Scientists have developed an impedimetric biosensor for COVID-19 serology testing, which showed high sensitivity and specificity in experiments with different samples.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ly Porosk, Heleri Heike Hark, Renata Naporano Bicev, Ilja Gaidutsik, Jekaterina Nebogatova, Eger-Jasper Armolik, Piret Arukuusk, Emerson Rodrigo da Silva, Ulo Langel
Summary: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disease that causes dementia, and its pathophysiological dynamics are driven by genetics with high heterogeneity in biological alterations and causes. The disease is characterized by the progression of aggregated amyloid-beta (A beta) or Tau neurofibrillary tangles. Current treatments for AD are not efficient, but recent breakthroughs have led to the discovery of potential therapeutic targets such as reducing brain inflammation and limiting A beta aggregation. This study demonstrates the successful use of A beta interacting protein sequences, particularly derived from Transthyretin, to reduce or target amyloid aggregation, and also predicts anti-inflammatory properties.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Heleri H. Hark, Ly Porosk, Lucas R. de Mello, Piret Arukuusk, Emerson R. da Silva, Kaido Kurrikoff
Summary: Despite efforts over the last three decades, there is still a lack of delivery platforms for nucleic acid-based therapeutics in the clinical stage. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) may offer solutions as potential delivery vectors. By designing a kinked structure in the peptide backbone and optimizing the charge distribution, the CPP NF55 has been shown to have potent in vivo activity, making it a potential candidate for delivering nucleic acid-based therapeutics for lung-associated diseases.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Freddy A. Nunez, Ana C. H. Castro, Isabela P. Daher, Edecio Cunha-Neto, Jorge Kalil, Silvia B. Boscardin, Alexandre J. C. Lanfredi, Vivian L. de Oliveira, Wendel A. Alves
Summary: The evaluation of serological responses to COVID-19 is crucial for population-level surveillance, developing new vaccines, and evaluating the efficacy of different immunization programs. A biosensor based on immobilization of the recombinant S protein on ZnONRs was employed for serological evaluation. The technology shows great potential for vaccine assessment and monitoring seroprevalence.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mariana M. L. Ferreira, Sinval E. G. de Souza, Caroline C. da Silva, Louise E. A. Souza, Renata N. Bicev, Emerson R. da Silva, Clovis R. Nakaie
Summary: The study investigates the physicochemical effects of pyroglutamination on the QHALTSV-NH2 peptide, a segment of cytosolic helix8 of the human C-X-C chemokine G-protein-coupled receptor type 4 (CXCR4). The modification significantly impacts the physicochemical features of the peptide. Experimental results showed that the rate of product formation increases with temperature, highlighting the need for caution during laboratory experiments. The pyroglutaminated analogue exhibits altered behavior in its chemical environment and when interacting with lipid models, suggesting a potential impact on its interaction with cell membranes.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Valeria Castelletto, Lucas de Mello, Emerson Rodrigo da Silva, Jani Seitsonen, Ian W. Hamley
Summary: Considerable interest has been shown in peptides with the Fmoc protecting group, as it can promote self-assembly and has applications in cell culture biomaterials. New amino acid analogues with the Smoc protecting group have been developed for water-based peptide synthesis. Self-assembly of Smoc-Ala, Smoc-Phe, and Smoc-Arg occurs above the critical aggregation concentration (CAC) and forms nanosheet, nanoribbon, or nanotube structures. Smoc-amino acids show excellent biocompatibility and are taken up by fibroblast cells without cytotoxicity.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Raul L. Ferreira, Walter Muniz Jr, Louise E. A. Souza, Hector M. C. Navarro, Lucas R. de Mello, Valmor R. Mastelaro, Tasso O. Sales, Cintya D. A. E. S. Barbosa, Adriana S. Ribeiro, Emerson R. da Silva, Melissa F. Landell, Italo N. de Oliveira
Summary: This study investigates the physicochemical and antimicrobial properties of carbon dots derived from the methyl red azo dye. The results show that these carbon dots exhibit low cytotoxicity and tunable photoluminescence, and can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) with a high singlet oxygen quantum efficiency. They also demonstrate strong antimicrobial activity against healthcare-relevant pathogens.
ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Thiago C. Lourenco, Lucas R. de Mello, Marcelo Y. Icimoto, Renata N. Bicev, Ian W. Hamley, Valeria Castelletto, Clovis R. Nakaie, Emerson R. da Silva
Summary: This study presents a strategy for fabricating highly ordered 1D nanostructures of Bradykinin (BK) using DNA fragments as a template for self-assembly. The nanoscale structure of BK-DNA complexes was revealed, showing the formation of ordered nanofibrils. The complexes retained the native bioactivity of BK and could induce a limited uptake of nucleotides by HEK-293t cells, which has not been previously reported.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Elisabetta Rosa, Carlo Diaferia, Lucas De Mello, Jani Seitsonen, Ian W. Hamley, Antonella Accardo
Summary: Short and ultra-short peptides are now being used as building blocks for self-assembled materials, with peptide aggregation being influenced by the amino acids in the sequence as well as their ability to interact with each other. By modifying peptides with polymeric moieties, alkyl chains, or other organic molecules, further structural and functional properties can be achieved. In this study, we synthesized and investigated the aggregation behavior of peptide amphiphiles (PAs) containing cationic tetra- or hexa-peptides derivatized with an alkyl chain. These PAs were able to form highly ordered nanostructures and biocompatible hydrogels, showing potential for tissue engineering and diagnostic applications.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jinghua Liu, Jingqing Li, Binyuan Liu, Ian W. Hamley, Shichun Jiang
Summary: The Mpemba effect and its inverse can be explained by nonequilibrium thermodynamics. While changes of state in polymers are generally non-equilibrium processes, the Mpemba effect is rarely seen in their crystallization. Polybutene-1 (PB-1) has the lowest critical cooling rate among polyolefins and tends to maintain its original structure and properties in the melt. Experimental observations confirm the presence of the Mpemba effect in both the crystallization of PB-1 in form II and form I obtained at low melting temperatures.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Freddy A. Nunez, Ana C. H. Castro, Vivian L. de Oliveira, Ariane C. Lima, Jamille R. Oliveira, Giuliana X. de Medeiros, Greyce L. Sasahara, Keity S. Santos, Alexandre J. C. Lanfredi, Wendel A. Alves
Summary: Research on rapid, inexpensive, and accurate tests for COVID-19 remains crucial for controlling the global spread of SARS-CoV-2. Serological assessment can support vaccine development and evaluate immunization efficacy. We developed a biosensor for COVID-19 serology testing using immobilized SARS-CoV-2 recombinant spike protein on modified electrodes.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Renata Naporano Bicev, Maximilia Frazao de Souza Degenhardt, Cristiano Luis Pinto de Oliveira, Emerson Rodrigo da Silva, Jeril Degrouard, Guillaume Tresset, Graziella Eliza Ronsein, Marilene Demasi, Fernanda Marques da Cunha
Summary: Glucose restriction enhances the activity of proteasomes in yeast cells, improving their ability to degrade proteins, possibly through phosphorylation of the proteasome subunit. However, this enhancement in activity does not result from changes in the conformation of the proteasome particles.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Biswanath Hansda, Biplab Mondal, Soumyajit Hazra, Krishna Sundar Das, Valeria Castelletto, Ian W. Hamley, Arindam Banerjee
Summary: Peptide-based multicomponent hydrogels offer tunable mechanical properties and physical characteristics, demonstrating good cell compatibility and sustained drug release capabilities, and have the potential to serve as scaffold materials for tissue engineering.