Nanobodies: Chemical Functionalization Strategies and Intracellular Applications

Nanobodies can be seen as next‐generation tools for the recognition and modulation of antigens that are inaccessible to conventional antibodies. Due to their compact structure and high stability, nanobodies see frequent usage in basic research, and their chemical functionalization opens the way towards promising diagnostic and therapeutic applications. In this Review, central aspects of nanobody functionalization are presented, together with selected applications. While early conjugation strategies relied on the random modification of natural amino acids, more recent studies have focused on the site‐specific attachment of functional moieties. Such techniques include chemoenzymatic approaches, expressed protein ligation, and amber suppression in combination with bioorthogonal modification strategies. Recent applications range from sophisticated imaging and mass spectrometry to the delivery of nanobodies into living cells for the visualization and manipulation of intracellular antigens.     

Is the non-physical states conjecture valid?

The canonical quantization for N = 1 supergravity in the context of gravitational minisuperspace described by Gowdy T ³ and Bianchi class A cosmological models is analyzed in order to search for physical states. There are indeed physical states in the minisuperspace sector of the theory. This fact entails that the non-physical states conjecture has a restricted validity, and in consequence it cannot be considered a general result.     

A new torsion-rotation fitting program for molecules with a sixfold barrier: Application to the microwave spectrum of toluene

A new program is described for fitting rotation-torsion energy levels in molecules like toluene, in which the frame (C₆H₅) has C_2v symmetry and the methyl top has C_3v symmetry, i.e., for molecules where the internal rotation barrier is expanded in cos6nα, where α is the internal rotation angle and n = 1,2,…. The program is based on the theoretical framework developed by Sørensen and Pedersen in their application of the Longuet-Higgins permutation-inversion group G₁₂ to the microwave spectrum of CH₃NO₂. It is specifically designed for sixfold barrier molecules, and allows the user to select almost any symmetry-allowed torsion-rotation term for inclusion in the fitting Hamiltonian. This program leads to a very successful fit of transitions in the microwave spectrum of toluene characterized by J ? 30, K_a ? 12, and by the free-rotor quantum number ∣m∣ ? 3. In these fits we included both published and rather extensive unpublished new measurements, for which fits using other torsion-rotation programs have not been very successful. The fit presented here uses 28 parameters to give an overall standard deviation of 7.4 kHz for 372 line frequencies, and results in a much improved value for the sixfold barrier for toluene, V₆ = 13.832068(3) cal mol⁻¹.     

Transportation of megawatt millijoule laser pulses via optical fibers?

Laser ignition is considered to be one of the most promising future concepts for internal combustion engines. It combines the legally required reduction of pollutant emissions and higher engine efficiencies. The igniting plasma is generated by a focused pulsed laser beam. Having pulse durations of a few nanoseconds, the pulse energy E _p for reliable ignition amounts to the order of 10 mJ. Different methods of laser ignition with an emphasis on fiber-based systems will be discussed and evaluated.     

Catalytic Activation of Imines by Chalcogen Bond Donors in a Povarov [4+2] Cycloaddition Reaction

Recently, chalcogen bonding has been investigated in more detail in organocatalysis and the scope of activated functionalities continues to increase. Herein, the activation of imines in a Povarov [4+2] cycloaddition reaction with bidentate cationic chalcogen bond donors is presented. Tellurium-based Lewis acids show superior properties compared to selenium-based catalysts and inactive sulfur-based analogues. The catalytic activity of the chalcogen bonding donors increases with weaker binding anions. Triflate, however, is not suitable due to its participation in the catalytic pathway. A solvent screening revealed a more efficient activation in less polar solvents and a pronounced effect of solvent (and catalyst) on endo : exo diastereomeric ratio. Finally, new chiral chalcogen bonding catalysts were applied but provided only racemic mixtures of the product.     

Ketendithioacetal-S-imide

Starting from 2-isopropylidene-1,3-dithiane, various ketene-dithioacetal-S-imides have been prepared and characterized by¹H- and¹³C-NMR spectra.

---

Ketendithioacetal-S-imideKurze Mitteilung