Overview of recent developments in carbon-based nanocomposites for supercapacitor applications.

Energy storage devices are recognized as environmentally friendly technologies. Supercapacitors, known for their high cycle stability, have been proposed as potential alternatives to fossil fuels. Recent studies have focused on selecting suitable electrode materials to achieve energy storage systems with high stability, high specific capacity, and biocompatibility.

A Small-Molecule Approach Enables RNA Aptamers to Function as Sensors for Reactive Inorganic Targets.

Fluorescent light-up aptamer (FLAP) systems are promising (bio)sensing platforms that are genetically encodable. However, FLAP-mediated detection of each distinct target necessitates either in vitro selection or engineering of nucleic acid sequences. Furthermore, an aptamer that binds an inorganic target or a chemical species with a short lifetime is challenging to realize.

Benzylic Trifluoromethyl Accelerates 1,6-Elimination Toward Rapid Probe Activation.

Activity-based detection of hydrogen sulfide in live cells can expand our understanding of its reactivity and complex physiological effects. We have discovered a highly efficient method for fluorescent probe activation, which is driven by HS-triggered 1,6-elimination of an α-CF-benzyl to release resorufin. In detecting intracellular HS, 4-azido-(α-CF)-benzyl resorufin offers significantly faster signal generation and improved sensitivity compared to 4-azidobenzyl resorufin.

A Small-Molecule Approach to Bypass In Vitro Selection of New Aptamers: Designer Pre-Ligands Turn Baby Spinach into Sensors for Reactive Inorganic Targets.

Fluorescent light-up aptamer (FLAP) systems are promising biosensing platforms that can be genetically encoded. Here, we describe how a single FLAP that works with specific organic ligands can detect multiple, structurally unique, non-fluorogenic, and reactive inorganic targets. We developed 4--functionalized benzylidene imidazolinones as pre-ligands with suppressed fluorescent binding interactions with the RNA aptamer Baby Spinach.

Direct assessment of nitrative stress in lipid environments: Applications of a designer lipid-based biosensor for peroxynitrite.

Lipid membranes and lipid-rich organelles are targets of peroxynitrite (ONOO), a highly reactive species generated under nitrative stress. We report a membrane-localized phospholipid () that allows the detection of ONOO in diverse lipid environments: biomimetic vesicles, mammalian cell compartments, and within the lung lining. and POPC self-assemble to membrane vesicles that fluorogenically and selectively respond to ONOO.

Bioorthogonal Functionalization of Material Surfaces with Bioactive Molecules.

The functionalization of material surfaces with biologically active molecules is crucial for enabling technologies in life sciences, biotechnology, and medicine. However, achieving biocompatibility and bioorthogonality with current synthetic methods remains a challenge. We report herein a novel surface functionalization method that proceeds chemoselectively and without a free transition metal catalyst.

MicroRNA detection in biologically relevant media using a split aptamer platform.

MicroRNA (miRNA)-based intercellular communication has been implicated in many functional and dysfunctional biological processes. This has raised interest in the potential use of miRNAs as biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis. Though the list of clinically significant miRNA biomarkers is expanding, it remains challenging to adapt current chemical tools to investigate miRNAs in complex environments native to cells and tissues.

Introducing a New Bond-Forming Activity in an Archaeal DNA Polymerase by Structure-Guided Enzyme Redesign.

DNA polymerases have evolved to feature a highly conserved activity across the tree of life: formation of, without exception, internucleotidyl O-P linkages. Can this linkage selectivity be overcome by design to produce xenonucleic acids? Here, we report that the structure-guided redesign of an archaeal DNA polymerase, 9°N, exhibits a new activity undetectable in the wild-type enzyme: catalyzing the formation of internucleotidyl N-P linkages using 3'-NH-ddNTPs. Replacing a metal-binding aspartate in the 9°N active site with asparagine was key to the emergence of this unnatural enzyme activity.

Surgically induced astigmatism after laser in situ keratomileusis for spherical myopia.

Purpose: To study risk factors for surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).

Methods: In a retrospective case control study of 104 eyes (52 patients) that underwent LASIK for myopia (spherical ablation alone), two groups were studied: 42/104 eyes with SIA, and controls (62/104 eyes). The main variables studied were preoperative refraction, corneal thickness, preoperative keratometric power, amount of ablation, ablation zone diameter, flap thickness, flap size, and the presence of complications.