Highly Efficient Synthesis of Monodisperse Poly(ethylene glycols) and Derivatives through Macrocyclization of Oligo(ethylene glycols)

A macrocyclic sulfate (MCS)‐based approach to monodisperse poly(ethylene glycols) (M‐PEGs) and their monofunctionalized derivatives has been developed. Macrocyclization of oligo(ethylene glycols) (OEGs) provides MCS (up to a 62‐membered macrocycle) as versatile precursors for a range of monofunctionalized M‐PEGs. Through iterative nucleophilic ring‐opening reactions of MCS without performing group protection and activation, a series of M‐PEGs, including the unprecedented 64‐mer (2850 Da), can be readily prepared. Synthetic simplicity coupled with versatility of this new strategy may pave the way for broader applications of M‐PEGs.     

Mechanokinetics of receptor–ligand interactions in cell adhesion

Receptor-ligand interactions in blood flow are crucial to initiate such biological processes as inflammatory cascade,platelet thrombosis,as well as tumor metastasis.To mediate cell adhesion,the interacting receptors and ligands must be anchored onto two apposing surfaces of two cells or a cell and a substratum,i.e.,two-dimensional(2D)binding,which is different from the binding of a soluble ligand in fluid phase to a receptor,i.e.,three-dimensional(3D) binding.While numerous works have been focused on3 D kinetics of receptor-ligand interactions in the immune system,2D kinetics and its regulations have been less understood,since no theoretical framework or experimental assays were established until 1993.Not only does the molecular structure dominate 2D binding kinetics,but the shear force in blood flow also regulates cell adhesion mediated by interacting receptors and ligands.Here,we provide an overview of current progress in 2D binding and regulations,mainly from our group.Relevant issues of theoretical frameworks,experimental measurements,kinetic rates and binding affinities,and force regulations are discussed.     

Topological structure of non-contractible loop space and closed geodesics on real projective spaces with odd dimensions

In this paper, we use Chas–Sullivan theory on loop homology and Leray–Serre spectral sequence to investigate the topological structure of the non-contractible component of the free loop space on the real projective spaces with odd dimensions. Then we apply the result to get the resonance identity of non-contractible homologically visible prime closed geodesics on such spaces provided the total number of distinct prime closed geodesics is finite.     

Multicomponent Self‐Assembly with a Shape‐Persistent N‐Heterotriangulene Macrocycle on Au(111)

Multicomponent network formation by using a shape‐persistent macrocycle ( MC6 ) at the interface between an organic liquid and Au(111) surface is demonstrated. MC6 serves as a versatile building block that can be coadsorbed with a variety of organic molecules based on different types of noncovalent interactions at the liquid–solid interface. Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) reveals the formation of crystalline bicomponent networks upon codeposition of MC6 with aromatic molecules, such as fullerene (C₆₀) and coronene. Tetracyanoquinodimethane, on the other hand, was found to induce disorder into the MC6 networks by adsorbing on the rim of the macrocycle. Immobilization of MC6 itself was studied in two different noncovalently assembled host networks. MC6 assumed a rather passive role as a guest and simply occupied the host cavities in one network, whereas it induced a structural transition in the other. Finally, the central cavity of MC6 was used to capture C₆₀ in a complex three‐component system. Precise immobilization of organic molecules at discrete locations within multicomponent networks, as demonstrated here, constitutes an important step towards bottom‐up fabrication of functional surface‐based nanostructures.     

Random close packing of spheres in a round cell

The paper describes the method of construction of cells containing large numbers (10⁵-10⁶) of close packed spheres, ranging in packing fractions from 0.2 to 0.60. The cells are constructed in a round form, utilizing varying surface curvature to prevent ordered packing. The properties of the cells are described by a series of distributions: (i) polar angle of contact points, (ii) maximum displacement of loose spheres, (iii) and Voronoi volumes for individual spheres. The cells of varying density appear to show the liquid-to-solid transition. All cells described here contain loose spheres. It is proposed that cells with zero loose spheres are ideal amorphous solids. Ideal amorphous solids are characterized by a number of elements, described herein.     

Palladium-catalyzed 2-pyridylmethyl-directed β-C(sp~3)—H activation and cyclization of aliphatic amides with gem-dibromoolefins:A rapid access to γ-lactams

The direct Pd-catalyzed β-C(sp³) H activation and cyclization of aliphatic amides bearing a removable 2-pyridylmethyl directing group with gem-dibromoolefins is described for the first time to construct a variety of γ-lactams.     

Macrocyclic peptides as regulators of protein-protein interactions

Protein-protein interactions are attractive but challenging targets for drug discovery. Recent technological progress and examples using macrocyclic peptides as protein interaction modulators are reviewed.     

A homopolymer based on double B←N bridged bipyridine as electron acceptor for all-polymer solar cells

A homopolymer based on double B ← N bridged bipyridine was reported as a novel polymer electron acceptor. The resulting all-polymer solar cells show power conversion efficiencies of 2.44%–3.04%.     

Improved Biodegradation of Synthetic Azo Dye by Anionic Cross-Linking of Chloroperoxidase on ZnO/SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> Nanocomposite Support

A novel ZnO nanowire/macroporous SiO₂ composite was used as a support to immobilize chloroperoxidase (CPO) by in situ cross-linking method. An anionic bi-epoxy compound was synthesized and used as a long-chained anionic cross-linker, and it was adsorbed on the surface of ZnO nanowires through static interaction before reaction with CPO, creating a new approach to change the structure, property, and catalytic performance of the produced cross-linking enzyme aggregates (CLEAs) of CPO. The immobilized CPO showed high activity in the decolorization of three azo dyes. The effect of various conditions such as the loading amount of CPO, solution pH, temperature, and dye concentration was optimized on the decolorization. Under optimized conditions, the decolorization percentage of Acid Blue 113, Direct Black 38, and Acid Black 10 BX reached as high as 95.4, 92.3, and 89.1%, respectively. The immobilized CPO exhibited much better thermostability and resistance to pH inactivation than free CPO. The storage stability and reusability were greatly improved through the immobilization. It was found from the decolorization of Acid Blue 113 that 83.6% of initial activity retained after incubation at 4 °C for 60 days and that 80.9% of decolorization efficiency retained after 12 cycles of reuses.