Fluorescence resonance energy transfer in a novel cyclodextrin–Peptide conjugate for detecting steroid molecules

Light emitting probes – approaches for interdisciplinary applications

Luminescent probes are key components of sensors to detect numerous bio- and chemical-analytes with high sensitivity and specificity. Sensing is the response of events like self-immolation, FRET, electron/charge transfer, etc. upon interaction.

Supramolecular Peptide/Surface Assembly for Monitoring Proteinase Activity and Cancer Diagnosis

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are a family of proteolytic enzymes, the expression of which in a key step of tumor progression has recently been better defined. The overexpression of one or more MMPs is thus common among malignant tumors. It may characterize tumor progression and help predict its response to chemotherapy. Consequently, the development of a device for measuring MMP activities is an important challenge for diagnosis and prognosis. In this study, we describe an innovative supramolecular peptide/surface assembly for screening MMP activities. This sensor was used to discriminate various MMP activities and to distinguish between invasive and noninvasive cancerous cell suspensions. Our results confirm the proof-of-concept of a powerful tool for the determination of the tumor aggressiveness and a technical building block for future development of MMP lab-on-chip devices.

Cyclodextrin-based molecular machines

This chapter overviews molecular machines based on cyclodextrins (CDs). The categories of CD-based molecular machines, external stimuli for CD-based molecular machines, and typical examples of CD-based molecular machines are briefly described.

Analysis of carbohydrates and glycoconjugates by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry: An update for 2003-2004

This review is the third update of the original review, published in 1999, on the application of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry to the analysis of carbohydrates and glycoconjugates and brings the topic to the end of 2004. Both fundamental studies and applications are covered. The main topics include methodological developments, matrices, fragmentation of carbohydrates and applications to large polymeric carbohydrates from plants, glycans from glycoproteins and those from various glycolipids. Other topics include the use of MALDI MS to study enzymes related to carbohydrate biosynthesis and degradation, its use in industrial processes, particularly biopharmaceuticals and its use to monitor products of chemical synthesis where glycodendrimers and carbohydrate-protein complexes are highlighted.

Binding of dimethyl 2,3-naphthalenedicarboxylate with alpha-, beta- and gamma-cyclodextrins in aqueous solution

Fluorescence has been used to investigate the complexes of 2,3-dimethyl naphthalenedicarboxylate with naturally occurring alpha-, beta- and gamma-cyclodextrins. Emission spectra upon excitation of the naphthoate group show two peaks whose ratio of intensities R is the sensitive to the medium polarity. The change of R with cyclodextrin concentration and temperature allows us to obtain the stoichiometry, the formation constants and the changes of enthalpy and entropy upon inclusion. Complexes show 1:1 stoichiometry. R extrapolated at [CD]-->infinity and the analysis of quenching and polarization measurements, as well as, molecular mechanics calculations in the presence of water, permit us to explain the geometry of the complexes, the possible location of the guest in conformity with thermodynamics parameters and the forces responsible for the complexation.