Globotriose-functionalized gold nanoparticles as multivalent probes for Shiga-like toxin.

Compared to monovalent carbohydrates, multivalent carbohydrate ligands exhibit significantly enhanced binding affinities to their interacting proteins. Here, we report globotriose (P(k) ligand)-functionalized gold nanoparticle (AuNP) probes for the investigation of multivalent interactions with the B(5) subunit of Shiga-like toxin I (B-Slt). Six P(k)-ligand-encapsulated AuNPs (P(k)-AuNPs) of varying particle size and linker length were synthesized and evaluated for their potential as multivalent affinity probes by using a surface plasmon resonance competition assay.

Surface modification of magnetic nanoparticle via Cu(I)-catalyzed alkyne-azide [2 + 3] cycloaddition.

The Cu(I)-catalyzed alkyne-azide [2 + 3] cycloaddition has been demonstrated to be an effective and orthogonal conjugation reaction to covalently immobilize biomolecules on magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). The azido group on the MNP surface provides better conjugation efficiency with alkynated molecules. Moreover, the C-terminal alkynated protein was site-specifically immobilized on MNP.

A synthetic analog of alpha-galactosylceramide induces macrophage activation via the TLR4-signaling pathways.

Alpha-galactosylceramide (alpha-GalCer), a bioactive glycolipid isolated from the marine sponge Agelas mauritianus, is a potent immunomodulator with therapeutic potential for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and cancer. The Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), one of the promising molecular targets for immune-modulating drugs, is commonly expressed in innate immune cells especially macrophages and dendritic cells. Currently, whether alpha-GalCer can activate TLR4 signaling pathways remains unreported.

O-Isopropylidenation of carbohydrates catalyzed by vanadyl triflate.

Vanadyl triflate has been identified as a mild and efficient catalyst for the chemoselective O-isopropylidenation of functionalized carbohydrates with acetone and acetone equivalents. The current protocol is compatible with a diverse array of protecting groups and the products can be readily isolated by simple aqueous wash.

Stripping off water at ambient temperature: direct atom-efficient acetal formation between aldehydes and diols catalyzed by water-tolerant and recoverable vanadyl triflate.

[reaction: see text]. Aromatic aldehydes can be readily protected as acetals with 1,2- and 1,3-diols by using vanadyl triflate as a catalyst in CH(3)CN at ambient temperature. Carbohydrate-based 1,2- and 1,3-diols can similarly be protected in good to excellent yields.

Synthesis of a carboxyl linker containing Pk trisaccharide.

An efficient synthesis of a Pk trisaccharide with a functionalized side arm at the reducing end for conjugation to other molecules is presented. Construction of the Pk trisaccharide with a high alpha-selectivity was achieved in high yield by coupling a reactive galactosyl phosphite donor with a lactosyl acceptor.