Cell surface morphology mimicking nano-bio platform for immune cell stimulation.

Studying the complex realm of cellular communication and interactions by fluorescence microscopy requires sample fixation on a transparent substrate. To activate T cells, which are pivotal in controlling the immune system, it is important to present the activating antigen in a spatial arrangement similar to the nature of the antigen-presenting cell, including the presence of ligands on microvilli. Similar arrangement is predicted for some other immune cells.

Effect of Triton X-100 on the Activity and Selectivity of Lipase Immobilized on Chemically Reduced Graphene Oxides.

The effect of support hydrophobicity on lipase activity and substrate selectivity was investigated with and without Triton X-100 (TX-100). Lipases from (TL) and (QLM) were immobilized on graphene oxide (GO) and a range of chemically reduced graphene oxides (CRGOs) with different levels of surface hydrophobicity. Activity assays using 4-hydroxy--propyl-1,8-naphthalimide (NAP) esters of varying chain lengths (NAP-butyrate (NAP-B), NAP-octanoate (NAP-O), and NAP-palmitate (NAP-P)) showed that the activity of immobilized QLM and TL decreased by more than 60% on GO and 80% on CRGO (2 h), with activity decreasing further as surface hydrophobicity of the CRGOs increased.

Solvent Effect on Supramolecular Self-Assembly of Chlorophylls a on Chemically Reduced Graphene Oxide.

Solvent plays an important role in the surface interaction of molecules. In this study, we use "chlorophyll a", an archetypical molecule, to investigate its supramolecular self-assembly with chemically reduced graphene oxide in three different types of solvents: polar protic, polar aprotic, and non-polar. It was observed that only a polar protic solvent that can donate protons facilitates the hydrogen bonding between chlorophyll a and chemically reduced graphene oxide nanosheets in a hybrid system.

Glycosylation differentially modulates membranolytic and chaperone-like activities of PDC-109, the major protein of bovine seminal plasma.

The major bovine seminal plasma protein, PDC-109, is a mixture of glycosylated (BSP-A1) and non-glycosylated (BSP-A2) isoforms of a 109-residue long polypeptide. It binds to spermatozoa by specifically recognizing choline phospholipids on the plasma membrane and destabilizes it by penetrating the hydrophobic interior, resulting in lipid efflux, which is necessary for sperm capacitation and successful fertilization. PDC-109 also acts as a molecular chaperone and protects target proteins from denaturation and aggregation induced by various types of stress.

Safety and Efficacy of a Once-Daily Halobetasol Propionate 0.01% Lotion in the Treatment of Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis: Results of Two Phase 3 Randomized Controlled Trials.

Background: Topical corticosteroids (TCS) are the mainstay of psoriasis treatment; long-term safety concerns limiting consecutive use of potent TCS to 2-4 weeks.

Objective: Investigate safety and efficacy of halobetasol propionate 0.01% lotion in moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.