Diagnosing the miR-141 prostate cancer biomarker using nucleic acid-functionalized CdSe/ZnS QDs and telomerase

The microRNA, miR-141, is a promising biomarker for prostate cancer. We implement here a two-step sensing platform for the sensitive detection of miR-141. The first step involves the use of semiconductor CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) modified by FRET quencher-functionalized nucleic acids, that include the recognition sequence for miR-141 and a telomerase primer sequence for the second step of the analytical platform. Subjecting the probe-modified QDs to miR-141, in the presence of duplex specific nuclease, DSN, leads to the formation of a miR-141/probe duplex and to its DSN-mediated cleavage, while regenerating the miR-141. The DSN-induced cleavage of the quencher units leads to the activation of the fluorescence of the QDs, thus allowing the optical detection of miR-141 with a sensitivity corresponding to 1.0 × 10^–12 M. The nucleic acid residues associated with the QDs after cleavage of the probe nucleic acids by DSN act as primers for telomerase. The subsequent telomerase/dNTPs-stimulated elongation of the primer units forms G-quadruplex telomer chains. Incorporation of hemin in the resulting G-quadruplex telomer chains yields horseradish peroxidase-mimicking DNAzyme units, that catalyze the generation of chemiluminescence in the presence of luminol/H₂O₂. The resulting chemiluminescence intensities provide a readout signal for miR-141, DL = 2.8 × 10^–13 M. The first step of the sensing platform is non-selective toward miR-141 and the resulting fluorescence may be considered only as an indicator for the existence of miR-141. The second step in the sensing protocol, involving telomerase, provides a selective chemiluminescence signal for the existence of miR-141. The two-step sensing platform is implemented for the analysis of miR-141 in serum samples from healthy individuals and prostate cancer carriers. Impressive discrimination between healthy individuals and prostate cancer carriers is demonstrated.     

Corannulene derivatives for organic electronics: From molecular engineering to applications

This paper intends to provide an overview for using corannulene derivatives in organic electronics such as organic field-effect transistors (OFETs), organic solar cells (OSCs), and organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). We highlight the rational design strategies, tuning molecular orbital energy levels and arrangement in single crystals of corannulenes. The topological structure and properties of corannulene make it a unique candidate for organic electronics.     

Low band‐gap diketopyrrolopyrrole‐containing polymers for near infrared electrochromic and photovoltaic applications

Donor–acceptor type polymers bearing diketopyrrolopyrrole and 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene units are reported. The polymers are green and exhibit very low band‐gaps (1.19 eV) with strong and broad absorption (maxima of about 830 nm) in the near infrared (NIR) region in their neutral film states. The polymers display color changes between dark green and light blue with exceptional optical contrasts in the NIR regions of up to 78 and 63% as thin films and single‐layer electrochromic devices, respectively. Fast switching, good stabilities as well as high coloration efficiencies (743–901 cm² C^?1) were also observed. The polymers could also be potentially used as photovoltaic material, with a power conversion efficiency of up to 1.68%. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015 , 53, 1287–1295     

Synthesis of polymer with defined fluorescent end groups via reversible addition fragmentation transfer polymerization for characterizing the conformations of polymer chains in solutions

A new type of chain transfer agent used in reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization named 9‐anthracenylmethyl (4‐cyano‐4‐(N‐carbazylcarbodithioate) pentanoate) (ACCP) was synthesized with a total yield over 75% by the incorporation of both fluorescent donor and acceptor chromophores. Polymerization of heterotelechelic α,ω end‐labeled dye‐functionalized polystyrene (PS), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and poly(n‐butyl methacrylate) (PBMA) with adjustable molecular weights and narrow polydispersity could be conducted by a one‐pot procedure through RAFT polymerization with this bischromophore chain transfer agent. The polymerizations demonstrated “living” controlled characteristics. By taking advantage of the characteristic fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) response between the polymer chain terminals, the variation of chain dimensions in solution from the dilute region to the semidilute region can be monitored by changes in the ratio of the fluorescence intensities of the carbazolyl group to the anthryl group, which lends itself to potential applications in characterizing chain dimensions in solutions for thermodynamic or dynamic studies. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016 , 54, 2413–2420     

A new strategy for synthesis of branched cyclic peptide by Asn side-chain hydrazide ligation

Here, we report a new strategy for rapid synthesis of branched peptide by side-chain hydrazide ligation at Asn. The hydrazide was converted to thioester at Asn side chain by NaNO₂ and thiol reagent, and sequential ligation with an N-terminus Cys-peptide efficiently afforded the branched peptide. A branched cyclic peptide was successfully synthesized by side-chain ligation with a two-Cys-peptide and formation of a disulfide bond. This approach provides a new way for expeditious synthesis of branched peptides and facilitates the design of neopeptides as functional bio-mimics.