1
|
Balasco N, Diaferia C, Rosa E, Monti A, Ruvo M, Doti N, Vitagliano L. A Comprehensive Analysis of the Intrinsic Visible Fluorescence Emitted by Peptide/Protein Amyloid-like Assemblies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098372. [PMID: 37176084 PMCID: PMC10178990 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloid aggregation is a widespread process that involves proteins and peptides with different molecular complexity and amino acid composition. The structural motif (cross-β) underlying this supramolecular organization generates aggregates endowed with special mechanical and spectroscopic properties with huge implications in biomedical and technological fields, including emerging precision medicine. The puzzling ability of these assemblies to emit intrinsic and label-free fluorescence in regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, such as visible and even infrared, usually considered to be forbidden in the polypeptide chain, has attracted interest for its many implications in both basic and applied science. Despite the interest in this phenomenon, the physical basis of its origin is still poorly understood. To gain a global view of the available information on this phenomenon, we here provide an exhaustive survey of the current literature in which original data on this fluorescence have been reported. The emitting systems have been classified in terms of their molecular complexity, amino acid composition, and physical state. Information about the wavelength of the radiation used for the excitation as well as the emission range/peak has also been retrieved. The data collected here provide a picture of the complexity of this multifaceted phenomenon that could be helpful for future studies aimed at defining its structural and electronic basis and/or stimulating new applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Balasco
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council (CNR), Department of Chemistry, University of Rome Sapienza, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Diaferia
- Department of Pharmacy and CIRPeB, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides "Carlo Pedone", University of Naples "Federico II", Via Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Rosa
- Department of Pharmacy and CIRPeB, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides "Carlo Pedone", University of Naples "Federico II", Via Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra Monti
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), National Research Council (CNR), 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Menotti Ruvo
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), National Research Council (CNR), 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Nunzianna Doti
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), National Research Council (CNR), 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Luigi Vitagliano
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), National Research Council (CNR), 80131 Napoli, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Han Q, Wang Q, Gao A, Ge X, Wan R, Cao X. Fluorescent Quinoline-Based Supramolecular Gel for Selective and Ratiometric Sensing Zinc Ion with Multi-Modes. Gels 2022; 8:605. [PMID: 36286106 PMCID: PMC9601706 DOI: 10.3390/gels8100605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
A gelator 1 containing functional quinoline and Schiff base groups that could form organogels in DMF, DMSO, acetone, ethanol and 1,4-dioxane was designed and synthesized. The self-assembly process of geator 1 was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence emission spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and water contact angle. Under non-covalent interactions, gelator 1 self-assembled into microbelts and nanofiber structures with different surface wettability. Weak fluorescence was emitted from the solution and gel state of 1. Interestingly, gelator 1 exhibited good selectivity and sensitivity towards Zn2+ in solution and gel states along with its emission enhancement and change. The emission intensity at 423 nm of solution 1 in 1,4-dioxane was slightly enhanced, and a new emission peak appeared at 545 nm along with its intensity sequentially strengthened in the titration process. The obvious ratiometric detection process was presented with a limit of detection (LOD) of 5.51 μM. The detection mechanism was revealed by a theoretical calculation and NMR titration experiment, which was that Zn2+ induced the transition from trans- to cis- of molecule 1 and further coordinated with 1. This study will introduce a new method for the construction of functional self-assembly gel sensors for the detection of Zn2+.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Han
- Henan Province Key Laboratory of Utilization of Non-Metallic Mineral in the South of Henan Green Catalysis, Synthesis Key Laboratory of Xinyang City, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang 464000, China
| | - Qingqing Wang
- Henan Province Key Laboratory of Utilization of Non-Metallic Mineral in the South of Henan Green Catalysis, Synthesis Key Laboratory of Xinyang City, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang 464000, China
| | - Aiping Gao
- Henan Province Key Laboratory of Utilization of Non-Metallic Mineral in the South of Henan Green Catalysis, Synthesis Key Laboratory of Xinyang City, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang 464000, China
| | - Xuefei Ge
- Henan Province Key Laboratory of Utilization of Non-Metallic Mineral in the South of Henan Green Catalysis, Synthesis Key Laboratory of Xinyang City, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang 464000, China
| | - Rong Wan
- Henan Province Key Laboratory of Utilization of Non-Metallic Mineral in the South of Henan Green Catalysis, Synthesis Key Laboratory of Xinyang City, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang 464000, China
| | - Xinhua Cao
- Henan Province Key Laboratory of Utilization of Non-Metallic Mineral in the South of Henan Green Catalysis, Synthesis Key Laboratory of Xinyang City, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang 464000, China
- Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cuccu F, De Luca L, Delogu F, Colacino E, Solin N, Mocci R, Porcheddu A. Mechanochemistry: New Tools to Navigate the Uncharted Territory of "Impossible" Reactions. CHEMSUSCHEM 2022; 15:e202200362. [PMID: 35867602 PMCID: PMC9542358 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202200362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Mechanochemical transformations have made chemists enter unknown territories, forcing a different chemistry perspective. While questioning or revisiting familiar concepts belonging to solution chemistry, mechanochemistry has broken new ground, especially in the panorama of organic synthesis. Not only does it foster new "thinking outside the box", but it also has opened new reaction paths, allowing to overcome the weaknesses of traditional chemistry exactly where the use of well-established solution-based methodologies rules out progress. In this Review, the reader is introduced to an intriguing research subject not yet fully explored and waiting for improved understanding. Indeed, the study is mainly focused on organic transformations that, although impossible in solution, become possible under mechanochemical processing conditions, simultaneously entailing innovation and expanding the chemical space.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federico Cuccu
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e GeologicheUniversità degli Studi di CagliariCittadella Universitaria09042Monserrato, CagliariItaly
| | - Lidia De Luca
- Dipartimento di Chimica e FarmaciaUniversità degli Studi di Sassarivia Vienna 207100SassariItaly
| | - Francesco Delogu
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Meccanica, Chimica e dei MaterialiUniversità degli Studi di CagliariVia Marengo 209123CagliariItaly
| | | | - Niclas Solin
- Department of PhysicsChemistry and Biology (IFM)Electronic and Photonic Materials (EFM)Building Fysikhuset, Room M319, CampusVallaSweden
| | - Rita Mocci
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e GeologicheUniversità degli Studi di CagliariCittadella Universitaria09042Monserrato, CagliariItaly
| | - Andrea Porcheddu
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e GeologicheUniversità degli Studi di CagliariCittadella Universitaria09042Monserrato, CagliariItaly
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yuan Y, Solin N. Protein-Based Flexible Conductive Aerogels for Piezoresistive Pressure Sensors. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2022; 5:3360-3370. [PMID: 35694974 PMCID: PMC9297298 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.2c00348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
![]()
Gelatin is an excellent
gelling agent and is widely employed for
hydrogel formation. Because of the poor mechanical properties of gelatin
when dry, gelatin-aerogels are comparatively rare. Herein we demonstrate
that protein nanofibrils can be employed to improve the mechanical
properties of gelatin aerogels, and the materials can moreover be
functionalized with a an electrically conductive polyelectrolyte resulting
in formation of an elastic electrically conductive aerogel that can
be employed as a piezoresistive pressure sensor. The aerogel sensor
shows a good linear relationship in a wide pressure range (1.8–300
kPa) with a sensitivity of 1.8 kPa–1. This work
presents a convenient way to produce electrically conductive elastic
aerogels from low-cost protein precursors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yusheng Yuan
- Department of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, Biomolecular and Organic Electronics, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Niclas Solin
- Department of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, Biomolecular and Organic Electronics, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kamada A, Herneke A, Lopez-Sanchez P, Harder C, Ornithopoulou E, Wu Q, Wei X, Schwartzkopf M, Müller-Buschbaum P, Roth SV, Hedenqvist MS, Langton M, Lendel C. Hierarchical propagation of structural features in protein nanomaterials. NANOSCALE 2022; 14:2502-2510. [PMID: 35103743 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr05571b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Natural high-performance materials have inspired the exploration of novel materials from protein building blocks. The ability of proteins to self-organize into amyloid-like nanofibrils has opened an avenue to new materials by hierarchical assembly processes. As the mechanisms by which proteins form nanofibrils are becoming clear, the challenge now is to understand how the nanofibrils can be designed to form larger structures with defined order. We here report the spontaneous and reproducible formation of ordered microstructure in solution cast films from whey protein nanofibrils. The structural features are directly connected to the nanostructure of the protein fibrils, which is itself determined by the molecular structure of the building blocks. Hence, a hierarchical assembly process ranging over more than six orders of magnitude in size is described. The fibril length distribution is found to be the main determinant of the microstructure and the assembly process originates in restricted capillary flow induced by the solvent evaporation. We demonstrate that the structural features can be switched on and off by controlling the length distribution or the evaporation rate without losing the functional properties of the protein nanofibrils.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayaka Kamada
- Department of Chemistry, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Teknikringen 30, SE-100 44, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Anja Herneke
- Department of Molecular Sciences, SLU, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, BioCentrum, Almas allé 5, SE-756 61, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Patricia Lopez-Sanchez
- Department of Molecular Sciences, SLU, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, BioCentrum, Almas allé 5, SE-756 61, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Constantin Harder
- Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron, Notkestr. 85, D-22607 Hamburg, Germany
- Lehrstuhl für Funktionelle Materialien, Physik-Department, Technische Universität München, James-Franck-Str. 1, D-85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Eirini Ornithopoulou
- Department of Chemistry, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Teknikringen 30, SE-100 44, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Qiong Wu
- Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Teknikringen 56-58, SE-100 44, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Xinfeng Wei
- Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Teknikringen 56-58, SE-100 44, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Peter Müller-Buschbaum
- Heinz Maier-Leibniz Zentrum (MLZ), Technische Universität München, Lichtenbergstraße. 1, D-85748 Garching, Germany
- Lehrstuhl für Funktionelle Materialien, Physik-Department, Technische Universität München, James-Franck-Str. 1, D-85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Stephan V Roth
- Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron, Notkestr. 85, D-22607 Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Teknikringen 56-58, SE-100 44, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mikael S Hedenqvist
- Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Teknikringen 56-58, SE-100 44, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maud Langton
- Department of Molecular Sciences, SLU, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, BioCentrum, Almas allé 5, SE-756 61, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Christofer Lendel
- Department of Chemistry, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Teknikringen 30, SE-100 44, Stockholm, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yuan Y, Wang L, Porcheddu A, Colacino E, Solin N. Mechanochemical Preparation of Protein : hydantoin Hybrids and Their Release Properties. CHEMSUSCHEM 2022; 15:e202102097. [PMID: 34817915 PMCID: PMC9299789 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202102097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Mechanochemistry is a versatile methodology that can be employed both for covalent bond formation in organic synthesis as well as a mediator to allow preparation novel colloidal dispersions for drug delivery. Herein, ball-milling was employed for the solid-state preparation of fluorescent hydrophobic hydantoins, followed by the unprecedented mechanochemically-mediated complexation of hydrophobic hydantoins within hydrophilic protein β-lactoglobulin (BLG) and BLG nanofibrils (BLGNFs). These hydantoin:protein materials were in turn incorporated into hydrogels. The effect of incorporation of hydantoins into proteins, as well as the effect of protein structure, on the release properties were then investigated. The conversion of BLG to BLGNFs led to a more sustained release demonstrating that heat treatment of BLG into BLGNFs could be employed to modify release properties. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example where protein : hydantoin complexes were prepared by mechanochemical methodology and mechanochemistry was combined with self-assembly in order to prepare protein nanomaterials for drug-delivery applications. In addition, the use of the developed protein materials is not limited to delivery of drugs but can for example be employed as components of smart food (delivery of nutrients) or release systems of pesticides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yusheng Yuan
- Department of Physics, Chemistry, and BiologyBiomolecular and Organic ElectronicsLinköping University581 83LinköpingSweden
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Physics, Chemistry, and BiologyBiomolecular and Organic ElectronicsLinköping University581 83LinköpingSweden
| | - Andrea Porcheddu
- Department of Chemical and Geological SciencesUniversity of CagliariCittadella UniversitariaSS 554 bivio per Sestu09042MonserratoItaly
| | | | - Niclas Solin
- Department of Physics, Chemistry, and BiologyBiomolecular and Organic ElectronicsLinköping University581 83LinköpingSweden
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lendel C, Solin N. Protein nanofibrils and their use as building blocks of sustainable materials. RSC Adv 2021; 11:39188-39215. [PMID: 35492452 PMCID: PMC9044473 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra06878d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The development towards a sustainable society requires a radical change of many of the materials we currently use. Besides the replacement of plastics, derived from petrochemical sources, with renewable alternatives, we will also need functional materials for applications in areas ranging from green energy and environmental remediation to smart foods. Proteins could, with their intriguing ability of self-assembly into various forms, play important roles in all these fields. To achieve that, the code for how to assemble hierarchically ordered structures similar to the protein materials found in nature must be cracked. During the last decade it has been demonstrated that amyloid-like protein nanofibrils (PNFs) could be a steppingstone for this task. PNFs are formed by self-assembly in water from a range of proteins, including plant resources and industrial side streams. The nanofibrils display distinct functional features and can be further assembled into larger structures. PNFs thus provide a framework for creating ordered, functional structures from the atomic level up to the macroscale. This review address how industrial scale protein resources could be transformed into PNFs and further assembled into materials with specific mechanical and functional properties. We describe what is required from a protein to form PNFs and how the structural properties at different length scales determine the material properties. We also discuss potential chemical routes to modify the properties of the fibrils and to assemble them into macroscopic structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christofer Lendel
- Department of Chemistry, KTH Royal Institute of Technology Teknikringen 30 SE-100 44 Stockholm Sweden
| | - Niclas Solin
- Department of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, Electronic and Photonic Materials, Biomolecular and Organic Electronics, Linköping University Linköping 581 83 Sweden
| |
Collapse
|