Enzyme-Instructed Interfacial Jamming of Pillar[5]arenes for Macroscopic Signal Amplification.

Enzyme-instructed signal generation at liquid-liquid interfaces presents a novel strategy for controlling and detecting biochemical processes on macroscopic scales. Here, we explore the self-assembly and jamming of pillar[5]arene (P[5]A) derivatives at the oil-water interface via a copper-mediated "click" reaction, providing a versatile platform for generating observable signals. The formation of a pillar[5]arenes network at the droplet interface reduces interfacial tension, allowing droplets to adopt various nonequilibrium shapes based on the interfacial jamming process.

Light-Driven CO Fixation into Epoxides Using an AlO/CoAlO Composite Photocatalyst.

Utilization of carbon dioxide (CO) as a C1 feedstock to synthesize value-added chemicals using a catalyst made from earth-abundant elements and under mild conditions is a sustainable approach toward carbon neutrality but difficult to achieve. Herein, the CoAlO/AlO composite catalyst is developed and used for the light-driven epoxide to value-added cyclic carbonate conversion using CO. CoAlO/AlO composite catalysts (% Co-AlO) are prepared by calcining cobalt-incorporated Al-oxy-hydroxide at 500 °C under an air atmosphere.

Novel Cationic Bolaamphiphiles for Protein and DNA Binding, Gene Delivery, and Antimicrobial Applications.

In this study, we have designed and developed a cationic bolaform C-(2,3-dihydroxy-N, N-dimethyl-N-(2-ureidoethyl)propan-1-aminium chloride) (C(DDUPAC)) that is derived from biocompatible molecules. The bolaform C(DDUPAC) has hydroxyl (OH) functionality at both the cationic head groups. The impact of head group structure on the self-assembly and effectiveness of gene transfection and antimicrobial activity was investigated and compared with that of the hydrochloride salt C-(N, N-dimethyl-N-(2-ureidoethan-1-aminium chloride) (C(DUAC)) of its precursor molecule.

Loss of CHOP Prevents Joint Degeneration and Pain in a Mouse Model of Pseudoachondroplasia.

Pseudoachondroplasia (PSACH), a severe dwarfing condition characterized by impaired skeletal growth and early joint degeneration, results from mutations in cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP). These mutations disrupt normal protein folding, leading to the accumulation of misfolded COMP in chondrocytes. The MT-COMP mouse is a murine model of PSACH that expresses D469del human COMP in response to doxycycline and replicates the PSACH chondrocyte and clinical pathology.

Curcumin Encapsulation in Aluminum Fumarate Metal-Organic Frameworks for Enhanced Stability and Antioxidant Activity.

Curcumin (Cur) is a great candidate for antioxidant applications; however, due to its low solubility and poor bioavailability, it remains only hardly employed as a therapeutic agent. Moreover, curcumin is very unstable and tends to degrade quickly. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have gained great attention in the field of drug loading due to their diversity and tunability, so they are seen as great candidates for hosting curcumin.