Article
Electrochemistry
ZhangFei Su, Barbara Goodall, J. Jay Leitch, Jacek Lipkowski
Summary: The ion channel properties of gramicidin A in a model floating bilayer lipid membrane were studied, showing that the transport of Na+ across the membrane is independent of the transport of the counterion and the conductivity of the gA sodium channel depends on the transmembrane potential, with more gA molecules inserting into the bilayer as the transmembrane potential decreases.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Mengjiao Mo, Xueshen Wang, Lingyue Ye, Yaoquan Su, Yang Zhong, Lingzhi Zhao, Yunyun Zhou, Juanjuan Peng
Summary: A ratiometric luminescence probe was developed for the sensitive and visualized detection of tetracyclines, demonstrating high efficiency in real samples such as tap and lake water, milk, pharmaceutical industry wastewater, honey and soil extract. Additionally, a portable paper device was fabricated for on-site analysis of TCs.
ANALYTICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Chenchen Yang, Yueyue Li, Na Wu, Yinchan Zhang, Wei Feng, Mingming Yu, Zhanxian Li
Summary: In this study, core-shell rare earth upconversion nanoparticles were synthesized and utilized for the fabrication of mercury ion colorimetric nanoprobes with rapid response and low detection limits. These nanoprobes could also be applied for Hg2+ imaging and localization in living cells and lysosomes.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaokan Yu, Wenao Ouyang, Hao Qiu, Zhijun Zhang, Zhimin Wang, Bengang Xing
Summary: ROS and RNS are essential oxidative metabolites of organisms, closely related to physiological, pathological and pharmacological processes. NIR nanoprobes based on UCNPs have great prospects in sensitive and deep-tissue detection of ROS/RNS, and significant progress has been made in this field.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Tingting Pan, Min Shen, Jiayan Shi, Juewei Ning, Fengyu Su, Jianxiang Liao, Yanqing Tian
Summary: Researchers developed K+ fluorescent nanoprobes for intracellular K+ sensing and imaging, and constructed an easy-operating and biocompatible method for measuring human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG) channel activity. This method was efficient for screening hERG channel inhibitors and imaging K+ channel activity in cancer cells.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Huang Shuai, Cheng Xiang, Lei Qian, Feng Bin, Liu Xiaohui, Ding Jipeng, Zhong Chang, Liang Jiahui, Zeng Wenbin
Summary: The study summarizes recent efforts in developing fluorescent probes for detecting mercury ions, highlighting strategies, methods, and capabilities of the probes, as well as proposing prospects for future research.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Miriam Hernandez-Morales, Victor Han, Richard H. Kramer, Chunlei Liu
Summary: FeRIC is a magnetogenetic technique using RF alternating magnetic fields to activate TRPV channels and increase cytosolic Ca2+ levels. The interaction between RF and ferritin increases free cytosolic iron levels, triggering the activation of specific pathological channels.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pavel Linkov, Pavel Samokhvalov, Maria Baryshnikova, Marie Laronze-Cochard, Janos Sapi, Alexander Karaulov, Igor Nabiev
Summary: Designing nanoprobes with quantum dots as photoluminescent labels shows promise for medical applications, but further optimization of their individual components is needed for enhanced diagnostic or therapeutic efficiency. Compact multifunctional nanoprobes have been engineered using bright CdSe/ZnS QDs, an antitumor agent, and direct conjugation via electrostatic interaction, allowing for versatile biomarker imaging and active substance delivery.
Article
Polymer Science
Francesca Coccia, Liudmyla Gryshchuk, Pierluigi Moimare, Ferdinando de Luca Bossa, Chiara Santillo, Einav Barak-Kulbak, Letizia Verdolotti, Laura Boggioni, Giuseppe Cesare Lama
Summary: Cellulose Nanocrystals (CNC) functionalized with suitable bio-based polyols can be used as reactive fillers in bio-based polyurethane foams to improve mechanical properties. The successful grafting of bio polyol on CNC was evaluated using FTIR analysis and thermogravimetric analysis, showing improved thermal stability and mechanical properties of the filled foams. Additionally, the morphology of the polyurethane foams was influenced by the functionalization of CNC.
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Zhenyu Hou, Mei Zhou, Yuanyuan Ma, Xiaoxuan Xu, Zhiqi Zhang, Shiwei Lai, Wenpei Fan, Jinbing Xie, Shenghong Ju
Summary: By synthesizing size-changeable nanoprobes of Gd2O3@BSA-BSA-Ce6 (BGBC), effective delivery of therapeutic agents and deep tumor penetration were achieved, promising for accurate tumor treatment.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MEDICINE AND MOLECULAR IMAGING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yueying Chen, Yuze Zhang, Qianhong Huang, Xiaoming Lin, Akif Zeb, Yongbo Wu, Zhiguang Xu, Xuan Xu
Summary: The article reviews the application and development of copper-based metal-organic frameworks (Cu-MOFs) and their derivative materials in various rechargeable batteries. It highlights the research progress in synthesis methods, structure, and electrochemical performance of Cu-MOFs, providing ideas and suggestions for their further development.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Mengqi Xu, Cong Mao, Haoting Chen, Lu Liu, Yabin Wang, Abid Hussain, Sulei Li, Xu Zhang, Ruslan G. Tuguntaev, Xing-Jie Liang, Weisheng Guo, Feng Cao
Summary: In this study, researchers developed a theranostic nanoprobes for the precise regression of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque (VASPs). The nanoprobes showed high specific accumulation in VASPs and achieved efficient plaque ablation and biological suppression of foamy macrophages. The study demonstrated the potential of targeted photodynamic therapy for the treatment of atherosclerosis.
ACTA PHARMACEUTICA SINICA B
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Helena Osthues, Nikos L. Doltsinis
Summary: The ReaxFF reactive force fields have been parameterized for azobenzene and its derivatives in both ground and first excited states, and verified with a wide range of ab initio reference data. Nonadiabatic surface hopping simulations using the optimized force fields yield photoisomerization effects of azobenzene in different environments, consistent with higher level theory and experiment. The model also demonstrates transferability to other azocompounds and adsorbates on metal surfaces.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Akanksha Gandhi, Rupesh Kariyat, Amaravadhi Harikishore, Marzieh Ayati, Anirban Bhunia, Nirakar Sahoo
Summary: Plants and insect herbivores engage in a relentless battle, with plants evolving strategies to detect and defend against herbivores through physical, structural, and chemical barriers. Plants perceive herbivory through mechanical and chemical means, with ion channels acting as first responders in defense signaling pathways. Recent studies have focused on early plant defense signaling in response to herbivory, highlighting the crucial role of ion channels.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiuping Li, Fengxia Sun, Rui Chang, Zhengjun Xie, Chifang Peng, Yi Zhang, Zhouping Wang, Guodong Liu
Summary: The design of a versatile oligonucleotide lateral flow assay nanoprobe for small-molecule detection is reported in this study. By optimizing the length of the probe, a sensitive detection of the target small molecule is achieved. The universality of the strategy is also demonstrated.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Sarah D. Rafiee, Samet Kocabey, Michael Mayer, Jonathan List, Curzio Rueegg
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Peter Niraj Nirmalraj, Jonathan List, Shayon Battacharya, Geoffrey Howe, Liang Xu, Damien Thompson, Michael Mayer
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anirvan Guha, Melissa L. McGuire, Geoffray Leriche, Jerry Yang, Michael Mayer
Summary: Thermoacidophilic archaea can survive in low pH environments by maintaining large proton gradients across their cell membranes. A new high-throughput method was used to measure the proton permeability of these membranes, revealing a reduced permeability at elevated temperatures due to the unique lipid structure. Analysis showed a high entropic cost associated with proton flux across archaea-mimetic membranes.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Aziz Fennouri, Jonathan List, Julie Ducrey, Jessica Dupasquier, Viktorija Sukyte, Simon F. Mayer, Reyner D. Vargas, Laura Pascual Fernandez, Frederick Bertani, Sandra Rodriguez Gonzalo, Jerry Yang, Michael Mayer
Summary: The study demonstrated a method to overcome the size limitation of protein pores for analyzing and characterizing globular biomolecules by programmably assembling peptide with single-stranded DNA to form pores of various diameters. The functionalization of these semisynthetic biological nanopores with DNA-cholesterol anchors increased their sensitivity to lipid membranes and prolonged their open-state lifetime, showing potential for enhanced cytotoxic activity against cancer cells.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anirvan Guha, Trevor J. Kalkus, Thomas B. H. Schroeder, Oliver G. Willis, Chris Rader, Alessandro Ianiro, Michael Mayer
Summary: Inspired by electric fish, a new artificial electric organ has been developed using a hybrid material of hydrogel-infused paper to provide larger current output than previous designs. This new power source makes it possible to power electronic devices and demonstrates that biology's mechanism of generating electricity can now be realized from soft materials.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Javier Antonio Alfaro, Peggy Bohlander, Mingjie Dai, Mike Filius, Cecil J. Howard, Xander F. van Kooten, Shilo Ohayon, Adam Pomorski, Sonja Schmid, Aleksei Aksimentiev, Eric V. Anslyn, Georges Bedran, Chan Cao, Mauro Chinappi, Etienne Coyaud, Cees Dekker, Gunnar Dittmar, Nicholas Drachman, Rienk Eelkema, David Goodlett, Sebastien Hentz, Umesh Kalathiya, Neil L. Kelleher, Ryan T. Kelly, Zvi Kelman, Sung Hyun Kim, Bernhard Kuster, David Rodriguez-Larrea, Stuart Lindsay, Giovanni Maglia, Edward M. Marcotte, John P. Marino, Christophe Masselon, Michael Mayer, Patroklos Samaras, Kumar Sarthak, Lusia Sepiashvili, Derek Stein, Meni Wanunu, Mathias Wilhelm, Peng Yin, Amit Meller, Chirlmin Joo
Summary: Single-cell profiling methods have greatly impacted the understanding of cellular heterogeneity, although proteome profiling at the single-cell level is still in the early stages. The development of new technologies, such as single-molecule protein sequencing and innovations in mass spectrometry, will eventually enable broad sequence coverage in single-cell proteomics, leading to new biological discoveries and opportunities for ultra-sensitive disease diagnostics.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Trevor J. Kalkus, Anirvan Guha, Philip B. V. Scholten, Dmitrii Nagornii, Ali Coskun, Alessandro Ianiro, Michael Mayer
Summary: Wearable technologies are changing the way people live, sparking interest in sustainable power sources that can capture energy from everyday activities. The inspiration from organisms like electric eels and torpedo rays, which can generate electricity solely from metabolic processes, has led to the development of devices that harness power from human breath by capturing carbon dioxide.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Cuifeng Ying, Jared Houghtaling, Michael Mayer
Summary: This article investigates the off-axis effects of nanoparticles translocating through a nanopore on the estimation parameters of particle characteristics. The study finds that particles located near the nanopore wall result in increased current blockades, leading to overestimation of particle volume. Furthermore, off-axis effects also influence the estimation of particle shape determined through resistive pulse analyses, causing significant deviations from reference values. By using a nanopore of minimal size and tethering the particles to a fluid coating on the nanopore wall, these off-axis effects can be minimized.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Trevor J. Kalkus, Caitlin J. Shanahan, Jansie Smart, Ali Coskun, Michael Mayer
Summary: This paper compares the maximum power densities achieved from the combination of reverse electrodialysis (RED) with carbon capture (CC) using various CC solvents, and finds that ammonia yields the highest power density. The work provides a foundation for future development of carbon capture technology.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ivana Domljanovic, Alessandro Ianiro, Curzio Ruegg, Michael Mayer, Maria Taskova
Summary: This study investigated the strand exchange kinetics of different nucleic acid sequences in the presence of various molecular additives and macromolecular crowders, revealing the significant impact of these factors on the displacement kinetics of duplex strands.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mauro Sousa de Almeida, Barbara Rothen-Rutishauser, Michael Mayer, Maria Taskova
Summary: Oligonucleotide therapeutics have promising potential, but the development of safe and effective delivery systems remains challenging. Research on multi-modified and multi-functional heteroduplex oligonucleotides has shown efficient gene silencing, providing insights for the design of future oligonucleotide therapeutics.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Alessandro Ianiro, Jose Augusto Berrocal, Remco Tuinier, Michael Mayer, Christoph Weder
Summary: This paper presents a theoretical investigation on a new actuator design using anisotropic colloidal particles grafted with stimuli-responsive polymer chains. These artificial muscles combine the osmotic actuation principle of hydrogels with the structural alignment of colloidal liquid crystals for directional motion. The study identifies the solubility, degree of polymerization, salt concentration, and grafting density of the polymer chains as important factors for actuator performance and tunability. Computational results suggest that the proposed material matches or exceeds the performances of natural muscles, providing guidelines for the realization of artificial muscles with predefined actuation properties.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Louise Bryan, Saurabh Awasthi, Yuanjie Li, Peter Niraj Nirmalraj, Sandor Balog, Jerry Yang, Michael Mayer
Summary: Researchers have developed a new method to fluorescently label Tau protein at its C-terminus without disturbing the microtubule binding region, allowing for the study of pathological protein aggregation. The C-terminal modification of Tau protein was found to have no significant impact on its properties, such as aggregation kinetics, secondary structure, and fibril morphology.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Arman Yousefi, Cuifeng Ying, Christopher D. J. Parmenter, Mahya Assadipapari, Gabriel Sanderson, Ze Zheng, Lei Xu, Saaman Zargarbashi, Graham J. Hickman, Richard B. Cousins, Christopher J. Mellor, Michael Mayer, Mohsen Rahmani
Summary: In this study, the dynamics of iron ion loading and biomineralization within a single, unlabeled ferritin protein were studied in real time using optical nanotweezers. This deepens the understanding of the iron uptake mechanism of ferritin proteins and may lead to new therapeutics for iron-related diseases.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Peter Niraj Nirmalraj, Marta D. Rossell, Walid Dachraoui, Damien Thompson, Michael Mayer
Summary: This study demonstrates the use of liquid-based atomic force microscope and graphene liquid-cell-based scanning transmission electron microscope to observe chemically induced protein unfolding. The results show that fully folded ferritin proteins transform into rings after urea treatment but not after guanidinium treatment. Nanorings are a specific signature of denaturation of holo-ferritins after exposure to sufficiently high urea concentrations. The study also suggests that electrostatic destabilization triggers denaturation of ferritin as urea makes direct contact with the protein and disrupts the water H-bonding network in the ferritin solvation shell.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)