The Effect of Sulfobetaine Coating in Inhibiting the Interaction between Lyotropic Liquid Crystalline Nanogels and Proteins

Molecular mechanisms of cis-oxygen bridge neonicotinoids to Apis mellifera Linnaeus chemosensory protein: Surface plasmon resonance, multiple spectroscopy techniques, and molecular modeling

Honeybees, essential pollinators for maintaining biodiversity, are experiencing a sharp population decline, which has become a pressing environmental concern. Among the factors implicated in this decline, neonicotinoid pesticides, particularly those belonging to the fourth generation, have been the focus of extensive scrutiny due to their potential risks to honeybees. This study investigates the molecular basis of these risks by examining the binding interactions between Apis mellifera L. chemosensory protein 3 (AmelCSP3) and neonicotinoids with a cis-oxygen bridge heterocyclic structure. Employing surface plasmon resonance (SPR) in conjunction with multispectral techniques and molecular modeling, this study meticulously analyzed the binding affinity, specificity, and kinetics under conditions that simulate real-world exposure scenarios. Key parameters such as the number of binding sites (n), binding constants (Ka), dissociation constants (KD), and binding distances (r) were quantitatively assessed. The findings revealed that hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions serve as the primary forces driving the binding process, with fluorescence quenching mechanisms involving both dynamic and static interactions. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations further illustrated the stability of these interactions within the active site of the protein. Of particular interest, cis-structured neonicotinoids demonstrated distinct binding characteristics compared to their trans-structured counterparts, including an inverse relationship between the binding constant and temperature. These findings offer critical insights for the design of cis-structured neonicotinoid compounds that are safer for pollinators, thus reducing the impact on non-target organisms such as bees. Furthermore, this research enhances the understanding of the interaction mechanisms between cis-structured neonicotinoid substances and honeybee proteins, providing a foundation for future studies on the environmental safety of these compounds.

Dual-modified starch micelles as nanocarriers for efficient encapsulation and controlled release of walnut-derived active peptides

Hydrophilic and hydrophobic modified nanomicelles might be more conducive to passage of the gastrointestinal barrier than walnut peptide (WP). In this study, a novel double modified starch polymer, SB-CST-DCA, was synthesized by grafting sulfabetaine (SB) and deoxycholic acid (DCA) onto corn starch (CST) molecules through etherification and esterification. The modification mechanism was discussed to determine its chemical structure, morphological properties, and thermal stability. Peptide-loaded nanomicelles (SB-CST-DCA-WP) were prepared using WP as the core material. The encapsulation efficiency and peptide loading amount reached 76.90 ± 1.52% and 18.27 ± 0.53%, respectively, with good stability and pH-responsive release behavior observed to effectively control WP release and enhance its antioxidant activity. The composite exhibited safety, non-toxicity, and good blood compatibility at concentrations below 125 μg/mL. Duodenum was identified as the main absorption site with an absorption ratio of 41.16 ± 0.36%.