Modulation of Quorum Sensing in a Gram‐Positive Pathogen by Linear Molecularly Imprinted Polymers with Anti‐infective Properties

We describe the development, characterization, and biological testing of a new type of linear molecularly imprinted polymer (LMIP) designed to act as an anti‐infective by blocking the quorum sensing (QS) mechanism and so abrogating the virulence of the pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae . The LMIP is prepared (polymerized) in presence of a template molecule, but unlike in traditional molecular imprinting approaches, no cross‐linker is used. This results in soluble low‐molecular‐weight oligomers that can act as a therapeutic agent in vitro and in vivo. The LMIP was characterized by mass spectrometry to determine its monomer composition. Fragments identified were then aligned along the peptide template by computer modeling to predict the possible monomer sequence of the LMIP. These findings provide a proof of principle that LMIPs can be used to block QS, thus setting the stage for the development of LMIPs a novel drug‐discovery platform and class of materials to target Gram‐positive pathogens.     

A Cross‐linked Conjugated Polymer Photosensitizer Enables Efficient Sunlight‐Induced Photooxidation

Photooxidation under sunlight has potential in organic synthesis, bacterial killing, and organic waste treatment. Photosensitizers (PSs) can play an important role in this process. High ¹O₂ generation efficiency and excellent photostability under sunlight, as well as easy recyclability are ideal properties for PSs, but are not easy to achieve simultaneously. Herein, a pure organic porous conjugated polymer PS, CPTF, shows great photostability, large specific surface area, and high ¹O₂ generation efficiency under sunlight for photooxidation. For the oxidation of aromatic aldehyde to aromatic acid, the PS catalyst shows excellent recyclability, and enables solvent‐free reactions in high yields both under direct sunlight and simulated AM 1.5G irradiation. In addition, the successful application of CPTF as an antibacterial agent and organic waste decomposition under simulated AM 1.5G irradiation indicates the potential of CPTF in sunlight‐induced waste water treatment.     

A Biomimetic Escape Strategy for Cytoplasm Invasion by Synthetic Particles

The translocation of nanomaterials or complex delivery systems into the cytosol is a major challenge in nanobiotechnology. After receptor‐mediated endocytosis, most nanomaterials are sequestered and undergo degradation, therapy inactivation, or exocytosis. Herein we explore a novel surface particle coating made of adsorbed carbon nanotubes that provides coated materials with new properties that reproduce the viral cell‐invasive mechanisms, namely, receptor‐mediated endocytosis, endolysosomal escape, and cytosolic particle release preserving cell viability. This novel biomimetic coating design will enable the intracytoplasmic delivery of many different functional materials endowed with therapeutic, magnetic, optical, or catalytic functionalities, thus opening the door to a wide array of chemical and physical processes within the cytosolic or nuclear domains, and supporting new developments in the biotechnological, pharmaceutical, and biomedical industries.     

Transparent Omniphobic Coating with Glass‐Like Wear Resistance and Polymer‐Like Bendability

Transparent omniphobic or anti‐smudge coatings with glass‐like wear resistance and polymer‐like bendability have many potential applications but there are no reports of such materials. We Report herein a molecular composite possessing these properties. The composite is prepared via the photo‐initiated ring‐opening polymerization of the epoxide rings of glycidyloxypropyl polyhedral silsesquioxane (GPOSS). While the desired hardness is provided by the silica core, the flexibility is imparted by the glycidyloxypropyl network. Oil and water repellency is achieved without adversely affecting the other properties by incorporating a low‐surface‐tension liquid lubricant poly(dimethyl siloxane). On the final coating, various organic solvents and water readily and cleanly glide, while complex fluids, such as ink and paint facilely contract. These properties are retained after an initially flat coating sample is rolled into a U‐shape 500 times or is abraded with steel wool.