Recent Advances in the Synthesis and Biomedical Applications of Chain-End Functionalized Glycopolymers

Glycopolymers as multivalent clusters of carbohydrate derivatives have been proven effective tools in the study of carbohydrate-based biological processes and have shown great potential in biomedical applications. It has been found that the shape and size of glycopolymers, as well as the density and relative positioning of their glycan appendages, are very important regarding their effectiveness in bio-interactions. Recently, a variety of chain-end functionalized polymers have been explored for the preparation of structurally well-defined glycopolymers that have potential protein modification and microarray fabrication applications. This review summarizes recent advances in the synthesis and biomedical applications of chain-end functionalized glycopolymers.     

两亲性含糖嵌段共聚物在水中分子聚集形态的转变

两亲性嵌段共聚物在不同的介质中可形成不同形态的有序分子聚集体［１～３］．当其亲水段长度远大于亲油段时,在水中主要形成球形胶束［１］;但当亲水段长度远小于亲油段时,则形成多种形态的分子聚集体,即所谓的“ｃｒｅｗ－ｃｕｔ”聚集体,如球形、柱状、层状、囊泡和管状等［４］．Ｅｉｓｅｎｂｅｒｇ等［４～６］详细研究了聚苯乙烯－ｂ－聚丙烯酸在水中的“ｃｒｅｗ－ｃｕｔ”聚集体,发现聚集体的形态和多种因素有关,如共聚物组成、溶剂、ｐＨ值和金属离子等．以两亲分子形成的囊泡不但可以用来模拟生物膜的结构,而且在药物载体…     

新型两亲性含糖嵌段聚合物的合成与自组装

以β-环糊精(β-CD)和2-乙基-2-噁唑啉(EtOz)为原料, 通过活性端基化学偶联法制备了乙酰麦芽七糖/聚(2-乙基-2-噁唑啉)两嵌段聚合物(AcMH-b-PEtOz), 借助核磁共振氢谱、红外光谱和凝胶渗透色谱等手段证实了产物的化学结构. 采用核磁共振氢谱、荧光光谱、透射电子显微镜、动态光散射及紫外-可见分光光度等方法探讨了产物在水溶液中的自组装行为. 结果表明, 所得嵌段聚合物直接溶于水后可通过自组装形成纳米球形“核-壳”结构胶束, 同时具有温度响应性. 所得聚合物的临界胶束浓度(cmc)为4~7 mg/L, 平均粒径(d)为83~115 nm, 临界相转变温度(LCST)为49~64 ℃, 并且均可通过PEtOz的链长进行调控.     

Study on the Mechanism of Formation of 1‐Methylheptyl Phenyl Ether by the Isourea Method

The formation of (1R)‐1‐methylheptyl phenyl ether from (2S)‐octan‐2‐ol via its isourea derivative (S)‐ 1 follows a borderline mechanism. The intermediacy of a carbocation (see (S)‐ 2 ) can be demonstrated (Scheme 1). However, the extremely high inversion of configuration and the olefinic by‐products are also indicative of an S_N2 mechanism.     

Synthesis of Chain-End Functionalized PP and Applications in Exfoliated PP/Clay Nanocomposites

This paper summarizes our research to the preparation of chain-end functionalized isotactic polypropylene (i-PP) having a terminal functional group, such as an OH and an NH₂. The chemistry involves metallocene-mediated propylene polymerization using the rac-Me₂Si[2-Me-4-Ph(Ind)]₂ZrCl₂/MAO complex in the presence of styrene derivatives (St-f) and hydrogen, which serve as the chain transfer agents. The molecular weight of the resulting i-PP polymers with terminal OH or NH₂ groups (i.e., PP-t-OH and PP-t-NH₂) are inversely proportional to the molar ratio of [St-f]/[propylene]. Despite the extremely low concentration of functional groups, the high molecular weight NH₃⁺-terminated PP (PP-t-NH₃⁺) exhibits a distinctive advantage over other functional PP polymers containing side chain functional groups or long functional blocks. The terminal hydrophilic NH₃⁺ cation, with good mobility and reactivity, effectively ion-exchanges the cations (Li⁺, Na⁺, etc.) located between the clay interlayers, and anchors the PP chain to the clay surfaces. On the other hand, the remaining rest of the unperturbed, end-tethered, high molecular weight PP tail exfoliates the clay layers. This exfoliated structure is maintained even after further mixing of the PP-bearing platelets with pure, neat PP polymers.     

PDI-Regulated Disulfide Bond Formation in Protein Folding and Biomolecular Assembly

Disulfide bonds play a pivotal role in maintaining the natural structures of proteins to ensure their performance of normal biological functions. Moreover, biological molecular assembly, such as the gluten network, is also largely dependent on the intermolecular crosslinking via disulfide bonds. In eukaryotes, the formation and rearrangement of most intra- and intermolecular disulfide bonds in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are mediated by protein disulfide isomerases (PDIs), which consist of multiple thioredoxin-like domains. These domains assist correct folding of proteins, as well as effectively prevent the aggregation of misfolded ones. Protein misfolding often leads to the formation of pathological protein aggregations that cause many diseases. On the other hand, glutenin aggregation and subsequent crosslinking are required for the formation of a rheologically dominating gluten network. Herein, the mechanism of PDI-regulated disulfide bond formation is important for understanding not only protein folding and associated diseases, but also the formation of functional biomolecular assembly. This review systematically illustrated the process of human protein disulfide isomerase (hPDI) mediated disulfide bond formation and complemented this with the current mechanism of wheat protein disulfide isomerase (wPDI) catalyzed formation of gluten networks.     

光学单分子方法探测蛋白质的功能

过去20年中, 光学单分子探测的方法已经发展成为许多领域、特别是生物学领域研究的强有力工具. 单分子探测不仅能够给出物理量的平均值, 还可以给出有关分布的信息, 也能对一个分子的轨迹进行追踪. 这些独特的性质使单分子探测不仅仅在平衡体系, 如蛋白折叠、酶反应动力学、膜表面动力学等研究中发挥作用, 而且对非平衡体系的探测更具有其它方法无法比拟的优势, 同时单分子探测在生物活体中追踪分子时也有关键作用.     

Synthesis of Functionalized Dihydrobenzofurans by Direct Aryl C−O Bond Formation under Mild Conditions

A method for the synthesis of dihydrobenzofurans by a direct aryl C?O bond formation is described. A mechanistic pathway for the reaction, distinct from previously described similar transformations, allows for mild reaction conditions that are expected to be compatible with functionalized substrates.     

二硫键修饰的介孔二氧化硅微球的制备与表征

以一步法合成了巯丙基功能化的介孔二氧化硅微球, 微球的粒径在130～150 nm左右, 平均孔径为2.79 nm. 以所合成的微球为载体, 在其内、外表面修饰二硫键后, 在二硫键的另一端接枝了异硫氰酸荧光素(FITC), 并以FITC为标记物研究了二硫键在谷胱甘肽溶液中的断键情况. 实验结果表明, 微球上的二硫键具有在磷酸盐缓冲溶液(PBS, pH＝7.4)中稳定存在, 而在一定浓度的谷胱甘肽溶液中却能发生断键反应. 以高分辨透射电镜(HR-TEM)、N₂吸附-脱附实验表征了介孔二氧化硅微球的表面及孔道情况, 用Zeta电位分析、元素分析、热失重分析(TGA)等手段表征了微球上二硫键的接枝情况, 用荧光光度计(FLS)及紫外-可见分光光度计(UV-Vis)研究了谷胱甘肽对二硫键的断键情况的影响.     

微流路中利用DNA选择性固定蛋白质

报道了一种可控的通过DNA复合物在微流路中杂交固定蛋白质的方法. 微流路系统中的玻璃基底上固定寡聚核苷酸, 其中的层流提供了不同的DNA-蛋白质复合物. DNA的特异性识别可以将蛋白通过表面寻址固定在基底上. 并且在体系中引入了全内反射荧光技术来追踪整个过程. 此方法的特异性和灵敏度均较高, 且蛋白质的固定和去除可重复. 实验结果显示, 同时检测特异性和非特异性的识别, 可以有效提高生物检测的准确性. 这项技术可以提高具有微流路结构的生物传感器装置的检测质量.     

基于固体核磁共振方法的蛋白质组装体三维结构解析

蛋白质组装体广泛存在于生物体内,具有相关生物学功能或与人类的重要疾病密切相关。蛋白质组装体分子量大,通常难以溶解和结晶,限制了常用的结构研究手段如X射线晶体学和液体NMR等在其高分辨三维结构解析中的应用。固体核磁共振技术(ssNMR)在难溶、非结晶样品的三维结构解析中具有独特的优势,尤其随着固体NMR硬件包括高场磁体和高性能的探头、固体NMR多维脉冲实验技术和样品制备技术特别是同位素标记技术的快速发展,固体NMR已经成为了蛋白组装体三维结构解析的重要手段。在样品制备方法方面,强调了样品制备条件的优化对得到构象均一样品的重要性,以及丰富的同位素标记方法的使用对固体NMR谱图分辨率提高的重要作用。同时多种脉冲序列如质子驱动自旋扩散技术(PDSD),偶极辅助旋转共振技术(DARR),质子辅助重偶技术(PAR)或转移回波双共振技术(TEDOR)等的建立和发展为结构约束条件收集提供了基本的技术方法。此外,固体NMR与其它实验技术如扫描透射电镜(STEM),冷冻电镜(Cryo-EM)等和理论模拟方法的联用能显著地提高固体NMR的能力,从而能解析分子量更大、结构更复杂的蛋白质组装体的三维结构。本文以Aβ纤维和T3SS针状体的三维结构解析为例介绍固体NMR在蛋白质组装体结构研究的最新实验方法,重点介绍最新的距离约束条件获取的实验方法进展,以及固体NMR与其它实验和理论模拟研究手段的联用在蛋白质组装体结构解析上的最新进展,期望有助于读者对固体NMR技术在蛋白质组装体的三维结构解析方面的研究进展有所了解。     

Solid-Phase Peptide Modification via Deaminative Photochemical Csp3-Csp3 Bond Formation Using Katritzky Salts

Introduction of unnatural amino acids can significantly improve the binding affinity and stability of peptides. Commercial availability of such amino acids is limited, and their synthesis is a long and tedious process. We here describe a method that allows the functionalization of peptides directly on solid-support by converting lysine residues to Katritzky salts, and subjecting them to a photochemical Giese reaction under mild reaction conditions. The method avoids the need for amino acid synthesis and instead offers a late-stage modification route for rapid peptide diversification. While numerous modification approaches at the lysine amine have been described, this work provides the first example of deaminative functionalization of peptides at lysine. The two-step protocol is compatible with various substrates, lysine analogues, resins, and all proteinogenic amino acids. Finally, by leveraging solid-phase modification, this protocol facilitates the functionalization of longer peptides as was demonstrated using biologically relevant peptides of up to 15 amino acids.     

Synthesis of 2-Cyanobenzothiazoles via Pd-Catalyzed/Cu-Assisted C-H Functionalization/Intramolecular C-S Bond Formation from N-Arylcyanothioformamides

We report herein on a catalytic system involving palladium and copper to achieve the cyclization of N-arylcyanothioformamides and the synthesis of 2-cyanobenzothiazoles. The C-H functionalization/intramolecular C-S bond formation reaction was achieved in the presence of air, using 2.0 equiv of an inorganic additive (KI). In many cases, the reaction led to a sole product regioselectively obtained in good yields, allowing the synthesis of a wide range of substituted 2-cyanobenzothiazole derivatives, providing valuable building blocks for the design of more complex heterocyclic or molecular labeling systems.     

Synthesis of Block Copolymers and Asymmetric Star-Branched Polymers Comprised of Polyacetylene and Polystyrene Segments via Ionic Bond Formation

Summary. Novel ion-bonded AB diblock copolymers and three-arm AB₂ asymmetric star-branched polymers comprised of polyacetylene (A) and polystyrene (B) segments have been synthesized by the stoichiometric reaction of tert-amine-chain-end-functionalized poly(phenyl vinyl sulfoxide)s with either chain-end- or in-chain-carboxylated polystyrenes to link the two polymer segments via ionic bond, followed by thermal treatment to convert their poly(phenyl vinyl sulfoxide)s to polyacetylene segments. Periodic lamellar morphologies were observed in the cast films of such polymers by TEM measurement. The isolation of the nano-size sheet consisting of polyacetylene lamellar layers was attempted.     

Alternatives to Styrene- and Diisobutylene-Based Copolymers for Membrane Protein Solubilization via Nanodisc Formation

Styrene-maleic acid copolymers (SMAs), and related amphiphilic copolymers, are promising tools for isolating and studying integral membrane proteins in a native-like state. However, they do not exhibit this ability universally, as several reports have found that SMAs and related amphiphilic copolymers show little to no efficiency when extracting specific membrane proteins. Recently, it was discovered that esterified SMAs could enhance the selective extraction of trimeric Photosystem I from the thylakoid membranes of thermophilic cyanobacteria; however, these polymers are susceptible to saponification that can result from harsh preparation or storage conditions. To address this concern, we herein describe the development of α-olefin-maleic acid copolymers (αMAs) that can extract trimeric PSI from cyanobacterial membranes with the highest extraction efficiencies observed when using any amphiphilic copolymers, including diisobutylene-co-maleic acid (DIBMA) and functionalized SMA samples. Furthermore, we will show that αMAs facilitate the formation of photosystem I-containing nanodiscs that retain an annulus of native lipids and a native-like activity. We also highlight how αMAs provide an agile, tailorable synthetic platform that enables fine-tuning hydrophobicity, controllable molar mass, and consistent monomer incorporation while overcoming shortcomings of prior amphiphilic copolymers.     

Stereoselective Formation of Functionalized 2-Aryl-tetrahydrofurans from Aromatic Aldehydes via Intramolecular 1,3-Dipolar Cycloadditions (INOC and IOOC)

α-Allyloxyaldoximes 8, formed by the reduction of β-nitrostyrenes 5 with SnCl₂-2H₂O in the presence of an unsaturated alcohol, undergo either thermally induced intramolecular oxime olefin cycloaddition (IOOC) to bicyclic isoxazolidines 7, with stereospecific introduction of three stereocenters, or nitrile oxide olefin cycloadditions (INOC) to bicyclic isoxazolines 6. This provides an entry into functionalized tetrahydrofurans and tetrahydropyrans.     

Carbon−Fluorine Bond Formation via a Five-Coordinate Fluoro Complex of Ruthenium(II), Preliminary Communication

The 16-electron, five-coordinate fluoro complex [RuF(dppp)₂]PF₆ ( 1a ; dppp=propane-1,3-diylbis[diphenylphosphine] smoothly reacts with 1,3-diphenylallyl bromide (=1,1′-(3-bromoprop-1-ene-1,3-diyl)bis[benzene]) in dry CDCl₃ to give 1,3-diphenylallyl fluoride and [RuBr(dppp)₂]⁺ in nearly quantitative yield. Under similar conditions, bromide (or chloride)/fluoride exchange also occurs with chlorotriphenylmethane, bromodiphenylmethane, and tert-butyl bromide. The crystal structure of 1a is reported.     

Investigation of Protein Binding With All Solid‐State Ion‐Selective Electrodes

A potentiometric sensor for studying charge based adsorption of proteins was created using a single‐piece polyaniline‐PVC ion‐selective electrode (ISE). Three different ISEs, two for Na⁺ and one for Cl^? ion determination, were studied. The Na⁺‐ISEs consisted of a neutral calixarene‐based ionophore and one with a charged carrier dinonylnapthalenesulfonic acid (DNNSA) whereas for the Cl^? ISE, an anion exchanger tridodecylmethylammonium chloride (TDDMA⁺Cl^?), was used. The Na⁺ ISE with DNNSA as the charged carrier was successfully able to discriminate the binding of two different proteins (bovine serum albumin and lysozyme) based on their intrinsic charge.     

An In Situ Investigation of the Protein Corona Formation Kinetics of Single Nanomedicine Carriers by Self-Regulated Electrochemiluminescence Microscopy

Protein coronas are present extensively at the bio-nano interface due to the natural adsorption of proteins onto nanomaterials in biological fluids. Aside from the robust property of nanoparticles, the dynamics of the protein corona shell largely define their chemical identity by altering interface properties. However, the soft coronas are normally complex and rapidly changing. To real-time monitor the entire formation, we report here a self-regulated electrochemiluminescence (ECL) microscopy based on the interaction of the Ru(bpy)₃³⁺ with the nanoparticle surface. Thus, the heterogeneity of the protein corona is in situ observed in single nanoparticle “cores” before and after loading drugs in nanomedicine carriers. The label-free, optical stable and dynamic ECL microscopy minimize misinterpretations caused by the variation of nanoparticle size and polydispersity. Accordingly, the synergetic actions of proteins and nanoparticles properties are uncovered by chemically engineered protein corona. After comparing the protein corona formation kinetics in different complex systems and different nanomedicine carriers, the universality and accuracy of this technique were well demonstrated via the protein corona formation kinetics curves regulated by competitive adsorption of Ru(bpy)₃³⁺ and multiple proteins on surface of various carriers. The work is of great significance for studying bio-nano interface in drug delivery and targeted cancer treatment.