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Tailoring Polymerization Controllability and Dispersity Through a Photoswitchable Catalyst Strategy.Macromolecular Rapid Communications Sep 2023Modulating on-demand polymerization is a challenge in synthetic macromolecules. Herein, tailoring polymerization controllability and dispersity during single-electron...
Modulating on-demand polymerization is a challenge in synthetic macromolecules. Herein, tailoring polymerization controllability and dispersity during single-electron transfer mediated living radical polymerization (SET-LRP) of methyl methacrylate (MMA) is achieved. Hexaarylbiimidazole (HABI) is employed as a photoswitchable catalyst, allowing reversible control of catalytic activity between an active and inactive state. In the presence of HABI and with the light on (active state), control SET-LRP of MMA follows first-order kinetics, resulting in polymers with a narrow molecular weight distribution. In contrast, polymerization responds to light and reverts to their original uncontrolled state with light off (inactive state). Therefore, repeatable resetting polymerization can be easily performed. The key to photomodulating dispersity is to use an efficient molecular switch to tailor the breadths of dispersity. Besides, the mechanism of HABI-mediated SET-LRP with switchable ability is proposed.
Topics: Polymerization; Polymers; Macromolecular Substances; Methylmethacrylate
PubMed: 37231589
DOI: 10.1002/marc.202300198 -
Bioconjugate Chemistry Nov 2023Alkyl halide side groups are selectively incorporated into monodispersed, computationally designed coiled-coil-forming peptide nanoparticles. Poly[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl...
Alkyl halide side groups are selectively incorporated into monodispersed, computationally designed coiled-coil-forming peptide nanoparticles. Poly[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] (PDMAEMA) is polymerized from the coiled-coil periphery using photoinitiated atom transfer radical polymerization (photoATRP) to synthesize well-defined, thermoresponsive star copolymer architectures. This facile synthetic route is readily extended to other monomers for a range of new complex star-polymer macromolecules.
Topics: Polymers; Polymerization; Methacrylates; Water
PubMed: 37874177
DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.3c00367 -
Biological Psychiatry Jan 202415q11.2 deletions and duplications have been linked to autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, and intellectual disability. Recent evidence suggests that dysfunctional...
BACKGROUND
15q11.2 deletions and duplications have been linked to autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, and intellectual disability. Recent evidence suggests that dysfunctional CYFIP1 (cytoplasmic FMR1 interacting protein 1) contributes to the clinical phenotypes observed in individuals with 15q11.2 deletion/duplication syndrome. CYFIP1 plays crucial roles in neuronal development and brain connectivity, promoting actin polymerization and regulating local protein synthesis. However, information about the impact of single nucleotide variants in CYFIP1 on neurodevelopmental disorders is limited.
METHODS
Here, we report a family with 2 probands exhibiting intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, spastic tetraparesis, and brain morphology defects and who carry biallelic missense point mutations in the CYFIP1 gene. We used skin fibroblasts from one of the probands, the parents, and typically developing individuals to investigate the effect of the variants on the functionality of CYFIP1. In addition, we generated Drosophila knockin mutants to address the effect of the variants in vivo and gain insight into the molecular mechanism that underlies the clinical phenotype.
RESULTS
Our study revealed that the 2 missense variants are in protein domains responsible for maintaining the interaction within the wave regulatory complex. Molecular and cellular analyses in skin fibroblasts from one proband showed deficits in actin polymerization. The fly model for these mutations exhibited abnormal brain morphology and F-actin loss and recapitulated the core behavioral symptoms, such as deficits in social interaction and motor coordination.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that the 2 CYFIP1 variants contribute to the clinical phenotype in the probands that reflects deficits in actin-mediated brain development processes.
Topics: Humans; Intellectual Disability; Actins; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Polymerization; Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing; Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein
PubMed: 37704042
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.08.027 -
Nanoscale Dec 2023Melanin-inspired nanomaterials offer unique photophysical, electronic and radical scavenging properties that are widely explored for health and environmental...
Melanin-inspired nanomaterials offer unique photophysical, electronic and radical scavenging properties that are widely explored for health and environmental preservation, or energy conversion and storage. The incorporation of functional melanin building blocks in more complex nanostructures or surfaces is typically achieved a bottom-up approach starting from a molecular precursor, in most cases dopamine. Here we demonstrate that indeed, the oxidative polymerization of dopamine, for the synthesis of melanin-like polydopamine (PDA), leads to the simultaneous formation of more than one nanosized species with different compositions, morphologies and properties. In particular, a low-density polymeric structure and dense nanoparticles () are simultaneously formed. The two populations could be separated and analyzed in real time using a chromatographic technique free of any stationary phase (flow field fractionation, FFF). The results following the synthesis of melanin-like PDA showed that the are formed only during the first 6 hours as a result of a supramolecular self-assembly-driven polymerization, while the formation of the polymer continues for about 36 hours. The two populations were also separated and characterized using TEM, UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence and light scattering spectroscopy, DLS, FTIR, ζ-potential measurements, gel electrophoresis and pH titrations. Interestingly, very different properties between the two populations were observed: in particular the polymer contains a higher number of catechol units (8 mmol g -OH) with respect to the (1 mmol g -OH) and presents a much higher antioxidant activity. The attenuation of light by is more efficient than that by the polymer especially in the Vis-NIR region. Moreover, while the scatter light with an efficiency up to 27% they are not fluorescent, and the polymer does not scatter light but shows an excitation wavelength-dependent fluorescence typical of multi-fluorophoric uncoupled systems.
Topics: Melanins; Biomimetics; Dopamine; Spectrum Analysis; Polymers
PubMed: 38059484
DOI: 10.1039/d3nr04696f -
PLoS Pathogens Jul 2023L. pneumophila propagates in eukaryotic cells within a specialized niche, the Legionella-containing vacuole (LCV). The infection process is controlled by over 330...
L. pneumophila propagates in eukaryotic cells within a specialized niche, the Legionella-containing vacuole (LCV). The infection process is controlled by over 330 effector proteins delivered through the type IV secretion system. In this study, we report that the Legionella MavH effector localizes to endosomes and remodels host actin cytoskeleton in a phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PI(3)P) dependent manner when ectopically expressed. We show that MavH recruits host actin capping protein (CP) and actin to the endosome via its CP-interacting (CPI) motif and WH2-like actin-binding domain, respectively. In vitro assays revealed that MavH stimulates actin assembly on PI(3)P-containing liposomes causing their tubulation. In addition, the recruitment of CP by MavH negatively regulates F-actin density at the membrane. We further show that, in L. pneumophila-infected cells, MavH appears around the LCV at the very early stage of infection and facilitates bacterium entry into the host. Together, our results reveal a novel mechanism of membrane tubulation induced by membrane-dependent actin polymerization catalyzed by MavH that contributes to the early stage of L. pneumophila infection by regulating host actin dynamics.
Topics: Legionella pneumophila; Actins; Polymerization; Phosphatidylinositol Phosphates; Vacuoles; Bacterial Proteins
PubMed: 37463171
DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011512 -
Carbohydrate Polymers Nov 2023Oral administration of chitooligosaccharides (COS) has been reported to alleviate colitis in mice. However, the mechanism of action of COS with specific polymerization...
Modulation of tryptophan metabolism via AHR-IL22 pathway mediates the alleviation of DSS-induced colitis by chitooligosaccharides with different degrees of polymerization.
Oral administration of chitooligosaccharides (COS) has been reported to alleviate colitis in mice. However, the mechanism of action of COS with specific polymerization degree on gut inflammation and metabolism remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of chitobiose (COS2), chitotetraose (COS4), and chitohexaose (COS6) on colitis, and to elucidate their underlying mechanisms. COS2, COS4, and COS6 were able to significantly alleviate colonic injury and inflammation levels. COS6 has the best anti-inflammatory effect. Furthermore, COS6 could down-regulate the level of indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase1 (IDO1) and restore the levels of indole, indoleacetic-3-acid (IAA), and indole-3-carbaldehyde (I3A) in the cecum of chronic colitis mice (p < 0.05), thereby regulating tryptophan metabolism. In the aromatic hydrocarbon receptor-IL-22 (AHR-IL-22) pathway, although there were differences between chronic colitis and acute colitis mice, COS intervention could restore the AHR-IL-22 pathway to normal, promote the expression of MUC2, and repair the intestinal mucosal barrier. In conclusion, the results of this study suggested that COS had a good inhibitory effect on IDO1 under inflammation and the changes of AHR and IL-22 levels at different stages of disease development. This provides new insights into the potential use of COS as a functional food for improving intestinal inflammation and metabolism.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Tryptophan; Polymerization; Colitis; Inflammation; Interleukin-22
PubMed: 37567716
DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2023.121180 -
Nanoscale Horizons Apr 2024Size-controlled drug delivery systems (DDSs) have gained significant attention in the field of pharmaceutical sciences due to their potential to enhance drug efficacy,... (Review)
Review
Size-controlled drug delivery systems (DDSs) have gained significant attention in the field of pharmaceutical sciences due to their potential to enhance drug efficacy, minimize side effects, and improve patient compliance. This review provides a concise overview of the preparation method, advancements, and applications of size-controlled drug delivery systems focusing on the sub-100 nm size DDSs. The importance of tailoring the size for achieving therapeutic goals is briefly mentioned. We highlight the concept of "template polymerization", a well-established method in covalent polymerization that offers precise control over molecular weight. We demonstrate the utility of this approach in crafting a monolayer of a polymer around biomolecule templates such as DNA, RNA, and protein, achieving the generation of DDSs with sizes ranging from several tens of nanometers. A few representative examples of small-size DDSs that share a conceptual similarity to "template polymerization" are also discussed. This review concludes by briefly discussing the drug release behaviors and the future prospects of "template polymerization" for the development of innovative size-controlled drug delivery systems, which promise to optimize drug delivery precision, efficacy, and safety.
Topics: Polymerization; Humans; Drug Delivery Systems; Drug Carriers; Particle Size; Polymers; Nanoparticles
PubMed: 38497369
DOI: 10.1039/d3nh00491k -
Macromolecular Rapid Communications Sep 2023Polymeric bowl-shaped nanoparticles (BNPs) are anisotropic hollow structures with large openings on the surface, which have shown advantages such as high specific area... (Review)
Review
Polymeric bowl-shaped nanoparticles (BNPs) are anisotropic hollow structures with large openings on the surface, which have shown advantages such as high specific area and efficient encapsulation, delivery and release of large-sized cargoes on demand compared to solid nanoparticles or closed hollow structures. Several strategies have been developed to prepare BNPs based on either template or template-free methods. For instance, despite the widely used self-assembly strategy, alternative methods including emulsion polymerization, swelling and freeze-drying of polymeric spheres, and template-assisted approaches have also been developed. It is attractive but still challenging to fabricate BNPs due to their unique structural features. However, there is still no comprehensive summary of BNPs up to now, which significantly hinders the further development of this field. In this review, the recent progress of BNPs will be highlighted from the perspectives of design strategies, preparation methods, formation mechanisms, and emerging applications. Moreover, the future perspectives of BNPs will also be proposed.
Topics: Polymers; Nanoparticles; Emulsions
PubMed: 37246639
DOI: 10.1002/marc.202300196 -
Macromolecular Rapid Communications Dec 2023Molecular bottlebrush (MBB) refer to a synthetic macromolecule, in which a mass of polymeric side chains (SCs) are covalently connected to a macromolecular backbone... (Review)
Review
Molecular bottlebrush (MBB) refer to a synthetic macromolecule, in which a mass of polymeric side chains (SCs) are covalently connected to a macromolecular backbone densely, representing an important type of unimolecular nanomaterial. The chemical composition, size, shape, and surface property of MBB can be precisely tailored by varying the backbones and SCs as well as the grafting density (G ). Meanwhile, the topological structure of backbones and SCs can also significantly affect the chemical and physical properties of MBBs. For the past few years, by combining the structure features of MBB, the polymers with diverse architectures using MBB as building block are synthesized, including linear, branched, and cyclic MBB etc. These promising architectural features will bring MBBs with diverse architectures and lots of applications in advanced materials. For this reason, this work is interested in giving a briefly summary of the recent progress on tailor of well-defined MBBs with diverse architectures using grafting-onto strategy combined with controlled polymerization technique.
Topics: Polymers; Macromolecular Substances; Nanostructures; Polymerization; Surface Properties
PubMed: 37625446
DOI: 10.1002/marc.202300362 -
Nature Protocols Feb 2024Crystalline polymer materials, e.g., hyper-crosslinked polystyrene, conjugate microporous polymers and covalent organic frameworks, are used as catalyst carriers,... (Review)
Review
Crystalline polymer materials, e.g., hyper-crosslinked polystyrene, conjugate microporous polymers and covalent organic frameworks, are used as catalyst carriers, organic electronic devices and molecular sieves. Their properties and applications are highly dependent on their crystallinity. An efficient polymerization strategy for the rapid preparation of highly or single-crystalline materials is beneficial not only to structure-property studies but also to practical applications. However, polymerization usually leads to the formation of amorphous or poorly crystalline products with small grain sizes. It has been a challenging task to efficiently and precisely assemble organic molecules into a single crystal through polymerization. To address this issue, we developed a supercritically solvothermal method that uses supercritical carbon dioxide (sc-CO) as the reaction medium for polymerization. Sc-CO accelerates crystal growth due to its high diffusivity and low viscosity compared with traditional organic solvents. Six covalent organic frameworks with different topologies, linkages and crystal structures are synthesized by this method. The as-synthesized products feature polarized photoluminescence and second-harmonic generation, indicating their high-quality single-crystal nature. This method holds advantages such as rapid growth rate, high productivity, easy accessibility, industrial compatibility and environmental friendliness. In this protocol, we provide a step-by-step procedure including preparation of monomer dispersion, polymerization in sc-CO, purification and characterization of the single crystals. By following this protocol, it takes 1-5 min to grow sub-mm-sized single crystals by polymerization. The procedure takes ~4 h from preparation of monomer dispersion and polymerization in sc-CO to purification and drying of the product.
Topics: Metal-Organic Frameworks; Carbon Dioxide; Polymerization; Polymers; Crystallization
PubMed: 38001366
DOI: 10.1038/s41596-023-00915-7