Cell-Based High-Throughput Screening Identifies Rifapentine as an Inhibitor of Amyloid and Biofilm Formation in Escherichia coli.

Escherichia coli assemble functional amyloid fibers termed curli that contribute to bacterial adhesion, biofilm formation, and host pathogenesis. We developed a cell-based high-throughput screen to identify inhibitors of curli-mediated adhesion in the laboratory strain MC4100 and curli-associated biofilm formation in the uropathogenic E. coli clinical isolate UTI89.

Congo Red Interactions with Curli-Producing E. coli and Native Curli Amyloid Fibers.

Microorganisms produce functional amyloids that can be examined and manipulated in vivo and in vitro. Escherichia coli assemble extracellular adhesive amyloid fibers termed curli that mediate adhesion and promote biofilm formation. We have characterized the dye binding properties of the hallmark amyloid dye, Congo red, with curliated E.

Nickel(II) α-diimine catalyst for Grignard metathesis (GRIM) polymerization.

A nickel α-diimine catalyst was used for Grignard metathesis (GRIM) polymerization of 2,5-dibromo 3-hexylthiophene and 2-bromo-5-iodo-3-hexylthiophene monomers. GRIM polymerization of 2-bromo-5-iodo-3-hexylthiophene generated regioregular polymers with molecular weights ranging from 3,000 to 12,000 g · mol(-1). The nickel α-diimine catalyst was also successfully used for the GRIM polymerization of a bulky benzodithiophene monomer.

Molecular dynamics study of a carbon nanotube binding reversible cyclic peptide.

Many potential biological applications of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) require their dispersion in aqueous conditions. Recently, Dieckmann et al. designed a series of reversible cyclic peptides (RCPs) which exist in linear or cyclized states through controlled formation of an intramolecular disulfide bond between terminal Cys residues.