Automated glycan assembly of peptidoglycan backbone fragments

Borane-Trimethylamine Complex: A Versatile Reagent in Organic Synthesis

Borane-trimethylamine complex (Me3N·BH3; BTM) is the most stable of the amine-borane complexes that are commercially available, and it is cost-effective. It is a valuable reagent in organic chemistry with applications in the reduction of carbonyl groups and carbon-nitrogen double bond reduction, with considerable examples in the reduction of oximes, hydrazones and azines. The transfer hydrogenation of aromatic N-heterocycles and the selective N-monomethylation of primary anilines are further examples of recent applications, whereas the reduction of nitrobenzenes to anilines and the reductive deprotection of N-tritylamines are useful tools in the organic synthesis. Moreover, BTM is the main reagent in the regioselective cleavage of cyclic acetals, a reaction of great importance for carbohydrate chemistry. Recent innovative applications of BTM, such as CO2 utilization as feedstock and radical chemistry by photocatalysis, have extended their usefulness in new reactions. The present review is focused on the applications of borane-trimethylamine complex as a reagent in organic synthesis and has not been covered in previous reviews regarding amine-borane complexes.

VaporSPOT: Parallel Synthesis of Oligosaccharides on Membranes

Automated chemical synthesis has revolutionized synthetic access to biopolymers in terms of simplicity and speed. While automated oligosaccharide synthesis has become faster and more versatile, the parallel synthesis of oligosaccharides is not yet possible. Here, a chemical vapor glycosylation strategy (VaporSPOT) is described that enables the simultaneous synthesis of oligosaccharides on a cellulose membrane solid support. Different linkers allow for flexible and straightforward cleavage, purification, and characterization of the target oligosaccharides. This method is the basis for the development of parallel automated glycan synthesis platforms.

Cutting edge technologies in chronic inflammation research

This concise review provides the broad background and selection from the literature for a Keynote lecture at EHSF 2022 on state of the art technologies in inflammation research, with an emphasis on disease of the skin and the nervous system. The value of ex vivo skin explant models is discussed, as well as the innovative use of animal models, wherein the crucial roles of antigen experience and "wild" microbiota are emphasized. Spectral flow cytometry allowing large surface marker panels to be explored is touched upon, as well as multiplex technology for cytokines and other analytes important for inflammation and tissue damage. Single-cell sequencing and in situ transcriptomics (spatial profiling) now provide exciting granular information on functional cell subsets, interactions and plasticity. A selection of novel research and diagnostic tools for antibodies against linear peptides or gangliosides is presented. Finally, the review discusses a new anti-inflammatory strategy against skin inflammation with a panel of protease inhibitors derived from the protein fraction of industrial starch potatoes.