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Tachimoto K, Ohata T, Takeno KJ, Nomoto A, Watanabe T, Hirosawa I, Makiura R. Assembling Triphenylene-Based Metal-Organic Framework Nanosheets at the Air/Liquid Interface: Modification by Tuning the Spread Solution Concentration. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2023. [PMID: 37326601 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c02685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)─crystalline coordination polymers─with unique characteristics such as structural designability accompanied by tunable electronic properties and intrinsic uniform nanopores have become the platform for applications in diverse scientific areas ranging from nanotechnology to energy/environmental sciences. To utilize the superior features of MOF in potential applications, the fabrication and integration of thin films are of importance and have been actively sought. Especially, downsized MOFs into nanosheets can act as ultimately thin functional components in nanodevices and potentially display unique chemical/physical properties rarely seen in bulk MOFs. Assembling nanosheets by aligning amphiphilic molecules at the air/liquid interface has been known as the Langmuir technique. By utilizing the air/liquid interface as a reaction field between metal ions and organic ligands, MOFs are readily formed into the nanosheet state. The expected features in MOF nanosheets including electrical conduction largely depend on the nanosheet characteristics such as lateral size, thickness, morphology, crystallinity, and orientation. However, their control has not been achieved as yet. Here, we demonstrate how changing the concentration of a ligand spread solution can modify the assembly of MOF nanosheets, composed of 2,3,6,7,10,11-hexaiminotriphenylene (HITP) and Ni2+ ions (HITP-Ni-NS), at the air/liquid interface. A systematic increase in the concentration of the ligand spread solution leads to the enlargement of both the lateral size and the thickness of the nanosheets while retaining their perfect alignment and preferred orientation. On the other hand, at much higher concentrations, we find that unreacted ligand molecules are included in HITP-Ni-NS, introducing disorder in HITP-Ni-NS. These findings can develop further sophisticated control of MOF nanosheet features, accelerating fundamental and applied studies on MOFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuaki Tachimoto
- Department of Materials Science, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka Prefecture University, 1-2 Gakuen-cho, Nakaku, Sakai, Osaka 599-8570 Japan
| | - Takashi Ohata
- Department of Materials Science, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka Prefecture University, 1-2 Gakuen-cho, Nakaku, Sakai, Osaka 599-8570 Japan
| | - Kanokwan Jumtee Takeno
- Department of Materials Science, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka Metropolitan University, 1-2 Gakuen-cho, Nakaku, Sakai, Osaka 599-8570 Japan
| | - Akihiro Nomoto
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka Metropolitan University, 1-1 Gakuen-cho, Nakaku, Sakai, Osaka 599-8531, Japan
| | - Takeshi Watanabe
- Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute, 1-1-1 Kouto, Sayo-cho, Sayo-gun, Hyogo 679-5198, Japan
| | - Ichiro Hirosawa
- Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute, 1-1-1 Kouto, Sayo-cho, Sayo-gun, Hyogo 679-5198, Japan
| | - Rie Makiura
- Department of Materials Science, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka Prefecture University, 1-2 Gakuen-cho, Nakaku, Sakai, Osaka 599-8570 Japan
- Department of Materials Science, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka Metropolitan University, 1-2 Gakuen-cho, Nakaku, Sakai, Osaka 599-8570 Japan
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Ariga K. Nanoarchitectonics for Analytical Science at Interfaces and with Supramolecular Nanostructures. ANAL SCI 2021; 37:1331-1348. [PMID: 33967184 DOI: 10.2116/analsci.21r003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
For materials development with high-level structural regulations, the emerging concept of nanoarchitectonics has been proposed. Analytical sciences, including sensing/detection, sensors, and related device construction, are active targets of the nanoarchitectonics approach. This review article focuses on the two features of interface and nanostructures are especially focused to discuss nanoarchitectonics for analytical science. Especially, two selected topics, (i) analyses on molecular sensing at interfaces and (ii) sensors using self-assembled supramolecular nanostructures, are exemplified in this review article. In addition to recent general examples, specific molecular recognition at the air-water interface and fabrication of sensing materials upon self-assembly of fullerene units are discussed. Descriptions of these examples indicate that nanoarchitectonics and analytical science share common benefits, and therefore, developments in both research fields should lead to synergies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsuhiko Ariga
- World Premier International (WPI) Research Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA), National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS).,Department of Advanced Materials Science, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo
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2D Monomolecular Nanosheets Based on Thiacalixarene Derivatives: Synthesis, Solid State Self-Assembly and Crystal Polymorphism. NANOMATERIALS 2020; 10:nano10122505. [PMID: 33327421 PMCID: PMC7764881 DOI: 10.3390/nano10122505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic organic 2D materials are attracting careful attention of researchers due to their excellent functionality in various applications, including storage batteries, catalysis, thermoelectricity, advanced electronics, superconductors, optoelectronics, etc. In this work, thiacalix[4]arene derivatives functionalized by geranyl fragments at the lower rim in cone and 1,3-alternate conformations, that are capable of controlled self-assembly in a 2D nanostructures were synthesized. X-ray diffraction analysis showed the formation of 2D monomolecular-layer nanosheets from synthesized thiacalix[4]arenes, the distance between which depends on the stereoisomer used. It was established by DSC, FSC, and PXRD methods that the obtained macrocycles are capable of forming different crystalline polymorphs, moreover dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) is contributing to the formation of a more stable polymorph for cone stereoisomer. The obtained crystalline 2D materials based on synthesized thiacalix[4]arenes can find application in material science and medicine for the development of modern pharmaceuticals and new generation materials.
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Ariga K. Molecular recognition at the air-water interface: nanoarchitectonic design and physicochemical understanding. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2020; 22:24856-24869. [PMID: 33140772 DOI: 10.1039/d0cp04174b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Although molecular recognition at the air-water interface has been researched for over 30 years, investigations on its fundamental aspects are still active research targets in current science. In this perspective article, developments and future possibilities of molecular recognition at the air-water interface from pioneering research efforts to current examples are overviewed especially from the physico-chemical viewpoints. Significant enhancements of binding constants for molecular recognition are actually observed at the air-water interface although molecular interactions such as hydrogen bonding are usually suppressed in aqueous media. Recent advanced analytical strategies for direct characterization of interfacial molecules also confirmed the promoted formation of hydrogen bonding at the air-water interfaces. Traditional quantum chemical approaches indicate that modulation of electronic distributions through effects from low-dielectric phases would be the origin of enhanced molecular interactions at the air-water interface. Further theoretical considerations suggest that unusual potential changes for enhanced molecular interactions are available only within a limited range from the interface. These results would be related with molecular recognition in biomolecular systems that is similarly supported by promoted molecular interactions in interfacial environments such as cell membranes, surfaces of protein interiors, and macromolecular interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsuhiko Ariga
- WPI Research Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA), National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044, Japan.
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5
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Tian X, Auger R, Manat G, Kerff F, Mengin-Lecreulx D, Touzé T. Insight into the dual function of lipid phosphate phosphatase PgpB involved in two essential cell-envelope metabolic pathways in Escherichia coli. Sci Rep 2020; 10:13209. [PMID: 32764655 PMCID: PMC7413402 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-70047-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitous PAP2 lipid phosphatases are involved in a wide array of central physiological functions. PgpB from Escherichia coli constitutes the archetype of this subfamily of membrane proteins. It displays a dual function by catalyzing the biosynthesis of two essential lipids, the phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and the undecaprenyl phosphate (C55-P). C55-P constitutes a lipid carrier allowing the translocation of peptidoglycan subunits across the plasma membrane. PG and C55-P are synthesized in a redundant manner by PgpB and other PAP2 and/or unrelated membrane phosphatases. Here, we show that PgpB is the sole, among these multiple phosphatases, displaying this dual activity. The inactivation of PgpB does not confer any apparent growth defect, but its inactivation together with another PAP2 alters the cell envelope integrity increasing the susceptibility to small hydrophobic compounds. Evidence is also provided of an interplay between PAP2s and the peptidoglycan polymerase PBP1A. In contrast to PGP hydrolysis, which relies on a His/Asp/His catalytic triad of PgpB, the mechanism of C55-PP hydrolysis appeared as only requiring the His/Asp diad, which led us to hypothesize distinct processes. Moreover, thermal stability analyses highlighted a substantial structural change upon phosphate binding by PgpB, supporting an induced-fit model of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Tian
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), 91198, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Rodolphe Auger
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), 91198, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Guillaume Manat
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), 91198, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Frédéric Kerff
- Centre d'Ingénierie des Protéines, InBioS, Université de Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Dominique Mengin-Lecreulx
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), 91198, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Thierry Touzé
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), 91198, Gif-sur-Yvette, France.
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Ariga K. Don't Forget Langmuir-Blodgett Films 2020: Interfacial Nanoarchitectonics with Molecules, Materials, and Living Objects. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2020; 36:7158-7180. [PMID: 32501699 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.0c01044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Designing interfacial structures with nanoscale (or molecular) components is one of the important tasks in the nanoarchitectonics concept. In particular, the Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) method can become a promising and powerful strategy in interfacial nanoarchitectonics. From this viewpoint, the status of LB films in 2020 will be discussed in this feature article. After one section on the basics of interfacial nanoarchitectonics with the LB technique, various recent research examples of LB films are introduced according to classifications of (i) growing research, (ii) emerging research, and (iii) future research. In recent LB research, various materials other than traditional lipids and typical amphiphiles can be used as film components of the LB techniques. Two-dimensional materials, supramolecular structures such as metal organic frameworks, and biomaterials such as DNA origami pieces are capable of working as functional components in the LB assemblies. Possible working areas of the LB methods would cover emerging demands, including energy, environmental, and biomedical applications with a wide range of functional materials. In addition, forefront research such as molecular manipulation and cell fate control is conducted in LB-related interfacial science. The LB technique is a traditional and well-develop methodology for molecular films with a ca. 100 year history. However, there is plenty of room at the interfaces, as shown in LB research examples described in this feature article. It is hoped that the continuous development of the science and technology of the LB method make this technique an unforgettable methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsuhiko Ariga
- WPI Research Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA), National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044, Japan
- Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8561, Japan
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8
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Taira T, Ishizaki Y, Yamamoto S, Sakai K, Sakai H, Imura T. Spontaneous Vesicle Formation of Monododecenyl Phosphonic Acid in Water. J Oleo Sci 2019; 68:1223-1230. [DOI: 10.5650/jos.ess19164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Toshiaki Taira
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)
| | - Yuki Ishizaki
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science
| | - Shusei Yamamoto
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science
| | - Kenichi Sakai
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science
| | - Hideki Sakai
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science
| | - Tomohiro Imura
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)
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Fu M, Li J. Spontaneous Membrane Generation and Extension in a Dipeptide Single Crystal and Phospholipid Mixed System. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2018; 57:11404-11407. [PMID: 30009560 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201806347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Self-reproduction is one of the most important characteristics of lipid vesicles for origin of life research. Most vesicle self-reproduction systems are based on fatty acid vesicles and spontaneous phospholipid vesicle production is difficult owing to the relatively high stability of these vesicles. Now, spontaneous phospholipid vesicle generation and extension in a dipeptide/phospholipid system is demonstrated. Dissolution of the dipeptide crystal provides both the driving force and phospholipid constituents for vesicle generation and extension. This study provides a new system to enhance the understanding of vesicle self-reproduction mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meifang Fu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), CAS Key Lab of Colloid, Interface and Thermodynamics, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100190, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100190, Beijing, China
| | - Junbai Li
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), CAS Key Lab of Colloid, Interface and Thermodynamics, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100190, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100190, Beijing, China
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10
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Fu M, Li J. Spontaneous Membrane Generation and Extension in a Dipeptide Single Crystal and Phospholipid Mixed System. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201806347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Meifang Fu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS); CAS Key Lab of Colloid, Interface and Thermodynamics; Institute of Chemistry; Chinese Academy of Sciences; 100190 Beijing China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences; 100190 Beijing China
| | - Junbai Li
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS); CAS Key Lab of Colloid, Interface and Thermodynamics; Institute of Chemistry; Chinese Academy of Sciences; 100190 Beijing China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences; 100190 Beijing China
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11
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Hupfer ML, Kaufmann M, Herrmann-Westendorf F, Sachse T, Roussille L, Feller KH, Weiß D, Deckert V, Beckert R, Dietzek B, Presselt M. On the Control of Chromophore Orientation, Supramolecular Structure, and Thermodynamic Stability of an Amphiphilic Pyridyl-Thiazol upon Lateral Compression and Spacer Length Variation. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2017; 9:44181-44191. [PMID: 29185335 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.7b13042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The supramolecular structure essentially determines the properties of organic thin films. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to understand the influence of molecular structure modifications on supramolecular structure formation. In this article, we demonstrate how to tune molecular orientations of amphiphilic 4-hydroxy thiazole derivatives by means of the Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) technique and how this depends on the length of an alkylic spacer between the thiazole chromophore and the polar anchor group. Therefore, we characterize their corresponding supramolecular structures, thermodynamic, absorption, and fluorescence properties. Particularly, the polarization-dependence of the fluorescence is analyzed to deduce molecular orientations and their possible changes after annealing, i.e., to characterize the thermodynamic stability of the individual solid state phases. Because the investigated thiazoles are amphiphilic, the different solid state phases can be formed and be controlled by means of the Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) technique. This technique also allows to deduce atomistic supramolecular structure motives of the individual solid phases and to characterize their thermodynamic stabilities. Utilizing the LB technique, we demonstrate that subtle molecular changes, like the variation in spacer length, can yield entirely different solid state phases with distinct supramolecular structures and properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian L Hupfer
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena , Helmholtzweg 4, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT) , Albert-Einstein-Str. 9, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Martin Kaufmann
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena , Helmholtzweg 4, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Institute of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena , Humboldstraße 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Felix Herrmann-Westendorf
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena , Helmholtzweg 4, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT) , Albert-Einstein-Str. 9, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Torsten Sachse
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena , Helmholtzweg 4, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT) , Albert-Einstein-Str. 9, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Ludovic Roussille
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena , Helmholtzweg 4, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT) , Albert-Einstein-Str. 9, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Karl-Heinz Feller
- FB Med Tech & Biotechnol, University of Applied Sciences Jena , 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Dieter Weiß
- Institute of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena , Humboldstraße 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Volker Deckert
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena , Helmholtzweg 4, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT) , Albert-Einstein-Str. 9, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Rainer Beckert
- Institute of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena , Humboldstraße 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Benjamin Dietzek
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena , Helmholtzweg 4, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT) , Albert-Einstein-Str. 9, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Martin Presselt
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena , Helmholtzweg 4, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT) , Albert-Einstein-Str. 9, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Center for Energy and Environmental Chemistry Jena (CEEC Jena), Friedrich Schiller University Jena , Philosophenweg 7a, 07743 Jena, Germany
- SciClus GmbH & Co. KG , Moritz-von-Rohr-Str. 1a, 07745 Jena, Germany
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Preiß J, Herrmann-Westendorf F, Ngo TH, Martínez T, Dietzek B, Hill JP, Ariga K, Kruk MM, Maes W, Presselt M. Absorption and Fluorescence Features of an Amphiphilic meso-Pyrimidinylcorrole: Experimental Study and Quantum Chemical Calculations. J Phys Chem A 2017; 121:8614-8624. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpca.7b08910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Preiß
- Institute
of Physical Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Helmholtzweg 4, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT), Albert-Einstein-Str. 9, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Felix Herrmann-Westendorf
- Institute
of Physical Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Helmholtzweg 4, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT), Albert-Einstein-Str. 9, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Thien H. Ngo
- International
Center for Young Scientists (ICYS), National Institute for Materials Science, Namiki 1-1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044, Japan
- WPI
Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics, National Institute for Materials Science, Namiki 1-1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044, Japan
| | - Todd Martínez
- SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, California 94309, United States
- Department
of Chemistry and PULSE Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Benjamin Dietzek
- Institute
of Physical Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Helmholtzweg 4, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT), Albert-Einstein-Str. 9, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Center for Energy and Environmental Chemistry Jena (CEEC Jena), 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Jonathan P. Hill
- WPI
Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics, National Institute for Materials Science, Namiki 1-1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Ariga
- WPI
Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics, National Institute for Materials Science, Namiki 1-1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044, Japan
| | - Mikalai M. Kruk
- Belarusian State Technological University, Physics
Department, Sverdlova
str. 13a, Minsk 220006, Belarus
| | - Wouter Maes
- Design & Synthesis of Organic Semiconductors (DSOS), UHasselt - Hasselt University, Institute for Materials Research (IMO-IMOMEC), Agoralaan, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Martin Presselt
- Institute
of Physical Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Helmholtzweg 4, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT), Albert-Einstein-Str. 9, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Center for Energy and Environmental Chemistry Jena (CEEC Jena), 07743 Jena, Germany
- Sciclus GmbH Co. KG, Moritz-von-Rohr-Straße 1a, 07745 Jena, Germany
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Ariga K, Mori T, Nakanishi W, Hill JP. Solid surface vs. liquid surface: nanoarchitectonics, molecular machines, and DNA origami. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2017; 19:23658-23676. [DOI: 10.1039/c7cp02280h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Comparisons of science and technology between these solid and liquid surfaces would be a good navigation for current-to-future developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsuhiko Ariga
- World Premier International (WPI) Research Centre for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA)
- National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS)
- Tsukuba 305-0044
- Japan
- Graduate School of Frontier Science
| | - Taizo Mori
- World Premier International (WPI) Research Centre for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA)
- National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS)
- Tsukuba 305-0044
- Japan
| | - Waka Nakanishi
- World Premier International (WPI) Research Centre for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA)
- National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS)
- Tsukuba 305-0044
- Japan
| | - Jonathan P. Hill
- World Premier International (WPI) Research Centre for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA)
- National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS)
- Tsukuba 305-0044
- Japan
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14
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Mizuhara T, Saha K, Moyano DF, Kim CS, Yan B, Kim YK, Rotello VM. Acylsulfonamide-Functionalized Zwitterionic Gold Nanoparticles for Enhanced Cellular Uptake at Tumor pH. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2015; 54:6567-70. [PMID: 25873209 PMCID: PMC4484729 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201411615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Revised: 03/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
A nanoparticle design featuring pH-responsive alkoxyphenyl acylsulfonamide ligands is reported herein. As a result of ligand structure, this nanoparticle is neutral at pH 7.4, becoming positively charged at tumor pH (<6.5). The particle uptake and cytotoxicity increase over this pH range. This pH-controlled uptake and toxicity makes this particle a promising tool for tumor selective therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsukasa Mizuhara
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 710 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003 (USA)
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501 (Japan)
| | - Krishnendu Saha
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 710 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003 (USA)
| | - Daniel F Moyano
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 710 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003 (USA)
| | - Chang Soo Kim
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 710 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003 (USA)
| | - Bo Yan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 710 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003 (USA)
| | - Young-Kwan Kim
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 710 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003 (USA)
| | - Vincent M Rotello
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 710 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003 (USA).
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Mizuhara T, Saha K, Moyano DF, Kim CS, Yan B, Kim YK, Rotello VM. Acylsulfonamide-Functionalized Zwitterionic Gold Nanoparticles for Enhanced Cellular Uptake at Tumor pH. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201411615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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16
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17
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Watahiki R, Sato K, Suwa K, Niina S, Egawa Y, Seki T, Anzai JI. Multilayer films composed of phenylboronic acid-modified dendrimers sensitive to glucose under physiological conditions. J Mater Chem B 2014; 2:5809-5817. [DOI: 10.1039/c4tb00676c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Ruiz-Mirazo K, Briones C, de la Escosura A. Prebiotic Systems Chemistry: New Perspectives for the Origins of Life. Chem Rev 2013; 114:285-366. [DOI: 10.1021/cr2004844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 563] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kepa Ruiz-Mirazo
- Biophysics
Unit (CSIC-UPV/EHU), Leioa, and Department of Logic and Philosophy
of Science, University of the Basque Country, Avenida de Tolosa 70, 20080 Donostia−San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Carlos Briones
- Department
of Molecular Evolution, Centro de Astrobiología (CSIC−INTA, associated to the NASA Astrobiology Institute), Carretera de Ajalvir, Km 4, 28850 Torrejón de Ardoz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrés de la Escosura
- Organic
Chemistry Department, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
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Hu N, Johnson L, Pothayee N, Pothayee N, Lin Y, Davis R, Riffle J. Synthesis of ammonium bisphosphonate monomers and polymers. POLYMER 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2013.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Carlton RJ, Ma CD, Gupta JK, Abbott NL. Influence of specific anions on the orientational ordering of thermotropic liquid crystals at aqueous interfaces. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2012; 28:12796-12805. [PMID: 22866677 PMCID: PMC3448957 DOI: 10.1021/la3024293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
We report that specific anions (of sodium salts) added to aqueous phases at molar concentrations can trigger rapid, orientational ordering transitions in water-immiscible, thermotropic liquid crystals (LCs; e.g., nematic phase of 4'-pentyl-4-cyanobiphenyl, 5CB) contacting the aqueous phases. Anions classified as chaotropic, specifically iodide, perchlorate, and thiocyanate, cause 5CB to undergo continuous, concentration-dependent transitions from planar to homeotropic (perpendicular) orientations at LC-aqueous interfaces within 20 s of addition of the anions. In contrast, anions classified as relatively more kosmotropic in nature (fluoride, sulfate, phosphate, acetate, chloride, nitrate, bromide, and chlorate) do not perturb the LC orientation from that observed without added salts (i.e., planar orientation). Surface pressure-area isotherms of Langmuir films of 5CB supported on aqueous salt solutions reveal ion-specific effects ranking in a manner similar to the LC ordering transitions. Specifically, chaotropic salts stabilized monolayers of 5CB to higher surface pressures and areal densities (12.6 mN/m at 27 Å(2)/molecule for NaClO(4)) and thus smaller molecular tilt angles (30° from the surface normal for NaClO(4)) than kosmotropic salts (5.0 mN/m at 38 Å(2)/molecule with a corresponding tilt angle of 53° for NaCl). These results and others reported herein suggest that anion-specific interactions with 5CB monolayers lead to bulk LC ordering transitions. Support for the proposition that these ion-specific interactions involve the nitrile group was obtained by using a second LC with nitrile groups (E7; ion-specific effects similar to 5CB were observed) and a third LC with fluorine-substituted aromatic groups (TL205; weak dipole and no ion-specific effects were measured). Finally, we also establish that anion-induced orientational transitions in micrometer-thick LC films involve a change in the easy axis of the LC. Overall, these results provide new insights into ionic phenomena occurring at LC-aqueous interfaces, and reveal that the long-range ordering of LC oils can amplify ion-specific interactions at these interfaces into macroscopic ordering transitions.
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21
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Ariga K, Hill JP. Monolayers at air-water interfaces: from origins-of-life to nanotechnology. CHEM REC 2011; 11:199-211. [DOI: 10.1002/tcr.201100004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2011] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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22
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Ma H, Perea B, Dai LL. Study of two-component colloidal particles at air/water interfaces using Langmuir–Blodgett techniques. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2010.09.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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23
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Francová D, Kickelbick G. Self-Assembly of Methacrylate-Functionalized Phosphonate and Phosphate Amphiphiles and their Conversion into Nanospheres. MACROMOL CHEM PHYS 2009. [DOI: 10.1002/macp.200900234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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24
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Ariga K, Lee MV, Labuta J, Okamoto K, Hill JP. Studies on Langmuir monolayers of polyprenyl phosphates towards a possible scenario for origin of life. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2009; 74:426-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2009.07.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2009] [Revised: 07/21/2009] [Accepted: 07/24/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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25
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Laiterä T, Lehto K. Protein-mediated selective enclosure of early replicators inside of membranous vesicles: first step towards cell membranes. ORIGINS LIFE EVOL B 2009; 39:545-58. [PMID: 19609711 DOI: 10.1007/s11084-009-9171-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2008] [Accepted: 06/16/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Containment in cell membranes is essential for all contemporary life, and apparently even the earliest life forms had to be somehow contained. It has been postulated that random enclosure of replicating molecules inside of spontaneously assembled vesicles would have formed the initial cellular ancestors. However, completely random re-formation or division of such primitive vesicles would have abolished the heritability of their contents, nullifying any selective advantage to them. We propose that the containment of the early replicators in membranous vesicles was adopted only after the invention of genetically encoded proteins, and that selective enclosure of target molecules was mediated by specific proteins. A similar containment process is still utilised by various RNA- and retroviruses to isolate their replication complexes from the host's intracellular environment. Such selective encapsulation would have protected the replicators against competitor and parasitic sequences, and provided a strong positive selection within the replicator communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiina Laiterä
- Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology, University of Turku, Finland
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26
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Francová D, Kickelbick G. Synthesis of methacrylate-functionalized phosphonates and phosphates with long alkyl-chain spacers and their self-aggregation in aqueous solutions. MONATSHEFTE FUR CHEMIE 2008. [DOI: 10.1007/s00706-008-0045-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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27
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Ariga K, Hill JP, Lee MV, Vinu A, Charvet R, Acharya S. Challenges and breakthroughs in recent research on self-assembly. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF ADVANCED MATERIALS 2008; 9:014109. [PMID: 27877935 PMCID: PMC5099804 DOI: 10.1088/1468-6996/9/1/014109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 389] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2008] [Revised: 05/13/2008] [Accepted: 02/22/2008] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The controlled fabrication of nanometer-scale objects is without doubt one of the central issues in current science and technology. However, existing fabrication techniques suffer from several disadvantages including size-restrictions and a general paucity of applicable materials. Because of this, the development of alternative approaches based on supramolecular self-assembly processes is anticipated as a breakthrough methodology. This review article aims to comprehensively summarize the salient aspects of self-assembly through the introduction of the recent challenges and breakthroughs in three categories: (i) types of self-assembly in bulk media; (ii) types of components for self-assembly in bulk media; and (iii) self-assembly at interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsuhiko Ariga
- World Premier International (WPI), Research Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA), National Institute for Materials Science, 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0044, Japan
| | - Jonathan P Hill
- World Premier International (WPI), Research Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA), National Institute for Materials Science, 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0044, Japan
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28
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Heiserman WM, Can SZ, Walker RA, Begley TH, Limm W. Interfacial behavior of common food contact polymer additives. J Colloid Interface Sci 2007; 311:587-94. [PMID: 17448492 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2007.03.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2006] [Revised: 03/13/2007] [Accepted: 03/15/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Irganox 1076 (IN1076) and Irganox 1010 (IN1010), phenol containing species often used as antioxidant additives in food packaging polymers have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic functional groups. Consequently these additives are likely to absorb to surfaces where their free energy is minimized. Experiments described in this work examine the two-dimensional phase behavior and vibrational structure of IN1076 and IN1010 films adsorbed to the air/water interface. Surface pressure isotherms show that repeated compression of these films leads to continued irreversible loss of molecules and that on a per molecule basis, this loss is more pronounced for IN1076 than for IN1010. Differences in the surface properties of these two antioxidant additives are interpreted based on differences in molecular structure. Surface specific vibrational measurements of these organic films show very little conformational order, implying that even when closely packed, both antioxidant species have little affinity for forming highly organized domains. These findings have important ramifications for mechanisms that reduce antioxidant activity in polymers as well as descriptions of antioxidant blooming on polymer surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- W M Heiserman
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
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29
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Thomas JA, Rana FR. The influence of environmental conditions, lipid composition, and phase behavior on the origin of cell membranes. ORIGINS LIFE EVOL B 2007; 37:267-85. [PMID: 17361322 DOI: 10.1007/s11084-007-9065-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2006] [Accepted: 01/13/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
At some point in life's development, membranes formed, providing barriers between the environment and the interior of the 'cell.' This paper evaluates the research to date on the prebiotic origin of cell membranes and highlights possible areas of continuing study. A careful review of the literature uncovered unexpected factors that influence membrane evolution. The major stages in primitive membrane formation and the transition to contemporary cell membranes appear to require an exacting relationship between environmental conditions and amphiphile composition and phase behavior. Also, environmental and compositional requirements for individual stages are in some instances incompatible with one another, potentially stultifying the pathway to contemporary membranes. Previous studies in membrane evolution have noted the effects composition and environment have on membrane formation but the crucial dependence and interdependence on these two factors has not been emphasized. This review makes clear the need to focus future investigations away from proof-of-principle studies towards developing a better understanding of the roles that environmental factors and lipid composition and polymorphic phase behavior played in the origin and evolution of cell membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacquelyn A Thomas
- Department of Chemistry, Southwestern College, 900 Otay Lakes Road, Chula Vista, CA, 91910, USA.
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30
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Streiff S, Ribeiro N, Wu Z, Gumienna-Kontecka E, Elhabiri M, Albrecht-Gary AM, Ourisson G, Nakatani Y. “Primitive” Membrane from Polyprenyl Phosphates and Polyprenyl Alcohols. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 14:313-9. [PMID: 17379146 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2006.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2006] [Revised: 11/20/2006] [Accepted: 11/20/2006] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Polyprenyl phosphates, as well as polyprenyl alcohols bearing different isopentenyl C(5) units, have been synthesized. The pH range of spontaneous vesicle formation of polyprenyl phosphates with or without polyprenyl alcohols was defined by fluorescence microscopy. A variety of the acyclic or monocyclic polyprenyl phosphates studied formed stable vesicles in water over a wide range of pHs, and the addition of polyprenyl alcohols allowed the vesicle formation of polyprenyl phosphates at higher pHs. Osmotic swelling of a suspension of unilamellar vesicles using the stopped-flow/light-scattering method enabled us to evaluate the water permeability of polyprenyl phosphate vesicles with or without 10 mol% of free polyprenyl alcohol. The addition of many polyprenyl alcohols to polyprenyl phosphate vesicles decreased the water permeability, and some reduced it even more efficiently than cholesterol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Streiff
- Centre de Neurochimie CNRS, Institut de Chimie LC3-UMR 7177, Université Louis Pasteur, 5 rue Blaise Pascal, F-67084 Strasbourg, France
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31
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de Souza NC, Caetano W, Itri R, Rodrigues CA, Oliveira ON, Giacometti JA, Ferreira M. Interaction of small amounts of bovine serum albumin with phospholipid monolayers investigated by surface pressure and atomic force microscopy. J Colloid Interface Sci 2006; 297:546-53. [PMID: 16343524 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2005.10.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2005] [Revised: 10/27/2005] [Accepted: 10/28/2005] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The influence of small amounts of bovine serum albumin (BSA) (nM concentration) on the lateral organization of phospholipid monolayers at the air-water interface and transferred onto solid substrates as one-layer Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films was investigated. The kinetics of adsorption of BSA onto the phospholipid monolayers was monitored with surface pressure isotherms in a Langmuir trough, for the zwitterionic dipalmitoylphosphatidyl ethanolamine (N,N-dimethyl-PE) and the anionic dimyristoylphosphatidic acid (DMPA). A monolayer of N,N-dimethyl-PE or DMPA incorporating BSA was transferred onto a solid substrate using the Langmuir-Blodgett technique. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) images of one-layer LB films displayed protein-phospholipid domains, whose morphology was characterized using dynamic scaling theories to calculate roughness exponents. For DMPA-BSA films the surface is characteristic of self-affine fractals, which may be described with the Kardar-Parisi-Zhang (KPZ) equation. On the other hand, for N,N-dimethyl-PE-BSA films, the results indicate a relatively flat surface within the globule. The height profile and the number and size of globules varied with the type of phospholipid. The overall results, from kinetics of adsorption on Langmuir monolayers and surface morphology in LB films, could be interpreted in terms of the higher affinity of BSA to the anionic DMPA than to the zwitterionic N,N-dimethyl-PE. Furthermore, the effects from such small amounts of BSA in the monolayer point to a cooperative response of DMPA and N,N-dimethyl-PE monolayers to the protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nara C de Souza
- Departamento de Física, Química e Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Estadual Paulista, CP 467, 19060-900, Presidente Prudente, SP, Brazil
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32
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Walde P. Surfactant assemblies and their various possible roles for the origin(s) of life. ORIGINS LIFE EVOL B 2006; 36:109-50. [PMID: 16642266 DOI: 10.1007/s11084-005-9004-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2005] [Accepted: 11/01/2005] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
A large number of surfactants (surface active molecules) are chemically simple compounds that can be obtained by simple chemical reactions, in some cases even under presumably prebiotic conditions. Surfactant assemblies are self-organized polymolecular aggregates of surfactants, in the simplest case micelles, vesicles, hexagonal and cubic phases. It may be that these different types of surfactant assemblies have played various, so-far underestimated important roles in the processes that led to the formation of the first living systems. Although nucleic acids are key players in the formation of cells as we know them today (RNA world hypothesis), it is still unclear how RNA could have been formed under prebiotic conditions. Surfactants with their self-organizing properties may have assisted, controlled and compartimentalized some of the chemical reactions that eventually led to the formation of molecules like RNA. Therefore, surfactants were possibly very important in prebiotic times in the sense that they may have been involved in different physical and chemical processes that finally led to a transformation of non-living matter to the first cellular form(s) of life. This hypothesis is based on four main experimental observations: (i) Surfactant aggregation can lead to cell-like compartimentation (vesicles). (ii) Surfactant assemblies can provide local reaction conditions that are very different from the bulk medium, which may lead to a dramatic change in the rate of chemical reactions and to a change in reaction product distributions. (iii) The surface properties of surfactant assemblies that may be liquid- or solid-like, charged or neutral, and the elasticity and packing density of surfactant assemblies depend on the chemical structure of the surfactants, on the presence of other molecules, and on the overall environmental conditions (e. g. temperature). This wide range of surface characteristics of surfactant assemblies may allow a control of surface-bound chemical reactions not only by the charge or hydrophobicity of the surface but also by its "softness". (iv) Chiral polymolecular assemblies (helices) may form from chiral surfactants. There are many examples that illustrate the different roles and potential roles of surfactant assemblies in different research areas outside of the field of the origin(s) of life, most importantly in investigations of contemporary living systems, in nanotechnology applications, and in the development of drug delivery systems. Concepts and ideas behind many of these applications may have relevance also in connection to the different unsolved problems in understanding the origin(s) of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Walde
- ETH Zürich, Department of Materials, Wolfgang-Pauli-Strasse 10, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland.
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