Exploring the Esterase Catalytic Activity of Minimalist Heptapeptide Amyloid Fibers.

This paper investigates the esterase activity of minimalist amyloid fibers composed of short seven-residue peptides, IHIHIHI (IH7) and IHIHIQI (IH7Q), with a particular focus on the role of the sixth residue position within the peptide sequence. Through computational simulations and analyses, we explore the molecular mechanisms underlying catalysis in these amyloid-based enzymes. Contrary to initial hypotheses, our study reveals that the twist angle of the fiber, and thus the catalytic site's environment, is not notably affected by the sixth residue.

Enhancing magneto-ionic effects in cobalt oxide films by electrolyte engineering.

Electric-field-driven ion motion to tailor magnetic properties of materials (magneto-ionics) offers much promise in the pursuit of voltage-controlled magnetism for highly energy-efficient spintronic devices. Electrolyte gating is a relevant means to create intense electric fields at the interface between magneto-ionic materials and electrolytes through the so-called electric double layer (EDL). Here, improved magneto-ionic performance is achieved in electrolyte-gated cobalt oxide thin films with the addition of inorganic salts (potassium iodide, potassium chloride, and calcium tetrafluoroborate) to anhydrous propylene carbonate (PC) electrolyte.

Atomistic fibrillar architectures of polar prion-inspired heptapeptides.

This article provides the computational prediction of the atomistic architectures resulting from self-assembly of the polar heptapeptide sequences NYNYNYN, SYSYSYS and GYGYGYG. Using a combination of molecular dynamics and a newly developed tool for non-covalent interaction analysis, we uncover the properties of a new class of bionanomaterials, including hydrogen-bonded polar zippers, and the relationship between peptide composition, fibril geometry and weak interaction networks. Our results, corroborated by experimental observations, provide the basis for the rational design of prion-inspired nanomaterials.

Enhanced Metallophilicity in Metal-Carbene Systems: Stronger Character of Aurophilic Interactions in Solution.

Metallophilicity is an essential concept that builds upon the attraction between closed shell metal ions. We report on the [M (bisNHC) ] (M=Au , Ag ; NHC=N-heterocyclic carbene) systems, which display almost identical features in the solid state. However, in solution the Au cation exhibits a significantly higher degree of rigidity owed to the stronger character of the aurophilic interactions.