A quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics study on the hydrolysis mechanism of New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase-1

New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase-1 (NDM-1) has emerged as a major global threat to human health for its rapid rate of dissemination and ability to make pathogenic microbes resistant to almost all known β-lactam antibiotics. In addition, effective NDM-1 inhibitors have not been identified to date. In spite of the plethora of structural and kinetic data available, the accurate molecular characteristics of and details on the enzymatic reaction of NDM-1 hydrolyzing β-lactam antibiotics remain incompletely understood. In this study, a combined computational approach including molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations and quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics calculations was performed to characterize the catalytic mechanism of meropenem catalyzed by NDM-1. The quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics results indicate that the ionized D124 is beneficial to the cleavage of the C–N bond within the β-lactam ring. Meanwhile, it is energetically favorable to form an intermediate if no water molecule coordinates to Zn2. Moreover, according to the molecular dynamics results, the conserved residue K211 plays a pivotal role in substrate binding and catalysis, which is quite consistent with previous mutagenesis data. Our study provides detailed insights into the catalytic mechanism of NDM-1 hydrolyzing meropenem β-lactam antibiotics and offers clues for the discovery of new antibiotics against NDM-1 positive strains in clinical studies.     

A pH-sensitive controlled dual-drug release from meso-macroporous silica/multilayer-polyelectrolytes coated SBA-15 composites

A novel dual-drug delivery system based on mesoporous-macroporous silica/polyelectrolytes-SBA-15 has been synthesized. The structure and composition of these materials were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and N₂ adsorption–desorption measurements. In this system, water-soluble metformin hydrochloride and fat-soluble ibuprofen were used as model drugs to study the controlled release behavior. The pH-controlled release of individual drugs was obtained by the primary release of metformin hydrochloride from polyelectrolytes-SBA-15 in acid condition and the predominant release of ibuprofen from MMC in alkaline environment. The results show that the polyelectrolytes-SBA-15/mesoporous-macroporous silica can be used as dual-drug release system and the individual drug can be controlled release with the change of pH value of the environment.     

Preparation and photoelectrochemical performance of PbSe/BaTiO3/TiO2 composite film

By dipping-lifting in sol–gel solution and reducing process, the TiO₂ composite film on the glass plate was first prepared. Then, the PbSe/BaTiO₃/TiO₂ composite film was fabricated by interface reaction with BaTiO₃ and PbSe on the surface of TiO₂ composite film. The characterization results show that the uniform porous TiO₂ film is made up of the anatase crystal, and the PbSe/BaTiO₃/TiO₂ composite film is constructed by doping or depositing BaTiO₃ and PbSe nanoparticles on the surface of TiO₂ film. The photoelectrochemical measurement results indicate that the PbSe/BaTiO₃/TiO₂ composite film has an interesting photoelectrochemical conversion property.     

Elementary Photoelectronic Processes at a Porphyrin Dye/Single‐Walled TiO2 Nanotube Hetero‐interface in Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells: A First‐Principles Study

A unique one‐dimensional (1D) sandwich single‐walled TiO₂ nanotube (STNT) is proposed as a photoanode nanomaterial with perfect morphology and large specific surface area. We have thoroughly examined the elementary photoelectronic processes occurring at the porphyrin dye/STNT hetero‐interface in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) by theoretical simulation. It is desirable to investigate the interfacial photoelectronic processes to elucidate the electron transfer and transport mechanism in 1D STNT‐based DSSCs. We have found that the photoexcitation and interfacial charge separation mechanism can be described as follows. A ground‐state electron of the dye molecule (localized around the electron donor) is first promoted to the excited state (distributed electron donor), and then undergoes ultrafast injection into the conduction band of the STNT, leaving a hole around the oxidized dye. Significantly, the injected electron in the conduction band is transported along the STNT by means of Ti 3d orbitals, offering a unidirectional electron pathway toward the electrode for massive collection without the observation of trap states. Our study not only provides theoretical guidelines for the modification of TiO₂ nanotubes as a photoanode material, but also opens a new perspective for the development of a novel class of TiO₂ nanotubes with high power‐generation efficiency.     

A Triazatruxene‐Based Glycocluster as a Fluorescent Sensor for Concanavalin A

A new triazatruxene‐based fluorescent glycocluster has been designed, synthesized, and fully characterized by NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Furthermore, its specific and selective binding properties with concanavalin A (Con A) have been investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, and turbidity assay. The obtained results showed that the multivalent mannose‐modified triazatruxene exhibited specific binding with Con A, but no binding to peanut agglutinin (PNA) lectin or bovine serum albumin (BSA), corresponding to a two‐orders‐of‐magnitude higher affinity than that of monovalent mannose ligands. Most interestingly, a fluorescence enhancement of the triazatruxene‐based glycocluster was observed upon binding with Con A because of hydrophobic interactions involving sites close to the triazatruxene moiety. Furthermore, the inhibitory ability of the triazatruxene‐based glycocluster against ORN178‐ induced haemagglutination has been investigated by haemagglutination inhibition assay. The results indicated selective binding with ORN178.     

Instant Visual Detection of Picogram Levels of Trinitrotoluene by Using Luminescent Metal–Organic Framework Gel‐Coated Filter Paper

There is an ongoing need for explosive detection strategies to uncover threats to human security including illegal transport and terrorist activities. The widespread military use of the explosive trinitrotoluene (TNT) for landmines poses another particular threat to human health in the form of contamination of the surrounding environment and groundwater. The detection of explosives, particularly at low picogram levels, by using a molecular sensor is seen as an important challenge. Herein, we report on the use of a fluorescent metal–organic framework hydrogel that exhibits a higher detection capability for TNT in the gel state compared with that in the solution state. A portable sensor prepared from filter paper coated by the hydrogel was able to detect TNT at the picogram level with a detection limit of 1.82 ppt (parts per trillon). Our results present a simple and new means to provide selective detection of TNT on a surface or in aqueous solution, as afforded by the unique molecular packing through the metal–organic framework structure in the gel formation and the associated photophysical properties. Furthermore, the rheological properties of the MOF‐based gel were similar to those of a typical hydrogel.     

Atomic‐Level Alloying and De‐alloying in Doped Gold Nanoparticles

Atomically precise alloying and de‐alloying processes for the formation of Ag–Au and Cu–Au nanoparticles of 25‐metal‐atom composition (referred to as Ag_xAu_25?x(SR)₁₈ and Cu_xAu_25?x(SR)₁₈, in which R=CH₂CH₂Ph) are reported. The identities of the particles were determined by matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectroscopy (MALDI‐MS). Their structures were probed by fragmentation analysis in MALDI‐MS and comparison with the icosahedral structure of the homogold Au₂₅(SR)₁₈ nanoparticles (an icosahedral Au₁₃ core protected by a shell of Au₁₂(SR)₁₈). The Cu and Ag atoms were found to preferentially occupy the 13‐atom icosahedral sites, instead of the exterior shell. The number of Ag atoms in Ag_xAu_25?x(SR)₁₈ (x=0–8) was dependent on the molar ratio of Ag^I/Au^III precursors in the synthesis, whereas the number of Cu atoms in Cu_xAu_25?x(SR)₁₈ (x=0–4) was independent of the molar ratio of Cu^II/Au^III precursors applied. Interestingly, the Cu_xAu_25?x(SR)₁₈ nanoparticles show a spontaneous de‐alloying process over time, and the initially formed Cu_xAu_25?x(SR)₁₈ nanoparticles were converted to pure Au₂₅(SR)₁₈. This de‐alloying process was not observed in the case of alloyed Ag_xAu_25?x(SR)₁₈ nanoparticles. This contrast can be attributed to the stability difference between Cu_xAu_25?x(SR)₁₈ and Ag_xAu_25?x(SR)₁₈ nanoparticles. These alloyed nanoparticles are promising candidates for applications such as catalysis.     

Microenvironment Effects in Electrocatalysis: Ionic‐Liquid‐Like Coating on Carbon Nanotubes Enhances the Pd‐Electrocatalytic Alcohol Oxidation

A new catalyst consisting of ionic liquid (IL)‐functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) obtained through 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition support‐enhanced electrocatalytic Pd nanoparticles (Pd@IL(Cl^?)‐CNTs) was successfully fabricated and applied in direct ethanol alkaline fuel cells. The morphology, structure, component and stability of Pd@IL(Cl^?)‐CNTs were systematic characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Raman spectra, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The new catalyst exhibited higher electrocatalytic activity, better tolerance and electrochemical stability than the Pd nanoparticles (NPs) immobilized on CNTs (Pd@CNTs), which was ascribed to the effects of the IL, larger electrochemically active surface area (ECSA), and greater processing performance. Cyclic voltammograms (CVs) at various scan rates illustrated that the oxidation behaviors of ethanol at all electrodes were controlled by diffusion processes. The investigation of the different counteranions demonstrated that the performance of the IL‐CNTs hybrid material was profoundly influenced by the subtly varied structures of the IL moiety. All the results indicated that the Pd@IL(Cl^?)‐CNTs catalyst is an efficient anode catalyst, which has potential applications in direct ethanol fuel cells and the strategy of IL functionalization of CNTs could be available to prepare other carbonaceous carrier supports to enhance the dispersivity, stability, and catalytic performance of metal NPs as well.     

Electrospun Porous NiCo2O4 Nanotubes as Advanced Electrodes for Electrochemical Capacitors

Novel, porous NiCo₂O₄ nanotubes (NCO‐NTs) are prepared by a single‐spinneret electrospinning technique followed by calcination in air. The obtained NCO‐NTs display a one‐dimensional architecture with a porous structure and hollow interiors. The effect of precursor concentration on the morphologies of the products is investigated. Due to their unique structure, the prepared NCO‐NT electrode exhibits a high specific capacitance (1647 F g^?1 at 1 A g^?1), excellent rate capability (77.3 % capacity retention at 25 A g^?1), and outstanding cycling stability (6.4 % loss after 3000 cycles), which indicates it has great potential for high‐performance electrochemical capacitors. The desirable enhanced capacitive performance of NCO‐NTs can be attributed to the relatively large specific surface area of these porous and hollow one‐dimensional nanostructures.