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Open AccessArticle

A Supramolecular Sensing Platform for Phosphate Anions and an Anthrax Biomarker in a Microfluidic Device

by

Bilge Eker

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Mahmut Deniz Yilmaz

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Stefan Schlautmann

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Johannes G. E. Gardeniers

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Jurriaan Huskens

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2011, 12(11), 7335-7351; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms12117335 - 26 Oct 2011

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 12773

Abstract

A supramolecular platform based on self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) has been implemented in a microfluidic device. The system has been applied for the sensing of two different analyte types: biologically relevant phosphate anions and aromatic carboxylic acids, which are important for anthrax detection. A [...] Read more.

A supramolecular platform based on self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) has been implemented in a microfluidic device. The system has been applied for the sensing of two different analyte types: biologically relevant phosphate anions and aromatic carboxylic acids, which are important for anthrax detection. A Eu(III)-EDTA complex was bound to β-cyclodextrin monolayers via orthogonal supramolecular host-guest interactions. The self-assembly of the Eu(III)-EDTA conjugate and naphthalene β-diketone as an antenna resulted in the formation of a highly luminescent lanthanide complex on the microchannel surface. Detection of different phosphate anions and aromatic carboxylic acids was demonstrated by monitoring the decrease in red emission following displacement of the antenna by the analyte. Among these analytes, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and pyrophosphate, as well as dipicolinic acid (DPA) which is a biomarker for anthrax, showed a strong response. Parallel fabrication of five sensing SAMs in a single multichannel chip was performed, as a first demonstration of phosphate and carboxylic acid screening in a multiplexed format that allows a general detection platform for both analyte systems in a single test run with µM and nM detection sensitivity for ATP and DPA, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Self-Assembly 2011)

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Open AccessArticle

Recognition-Mediated Assembly of Quantum Dot Polymer Conjugates with Controlled Morphology

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Vikas Nandwana

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Chandramouleeswaran Subramani

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Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2011, 12(9), 6357-6366; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms12096357 - 23 Sep 2011

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 9053

Abstract

We have demonstrated a polymer mediated “bricks and mortar” method for the self-assembly of quantum dots (QDs). This strategy allows QDs to self-assemble into structured aggregates using complementary three-point hydrogen bonding. The resulting nanocomposites have distinct morphologies and inter-particle distances based on the [...] Read more.

We have demonstrated a polymer mediated “bricks and mortar” method for the self-assembly of quantum dots (QDs). This strategy allows QDs to self-assemble into structured aggregates using complementary three-point hydrogen bonding. The resulting nanocomposites have distinct morphologies and inter-particle distances based on the ratio between QDs and polymer. Time resolved photoluminescence measurements showed that the optical properties of the QDs were retained after self-assembly. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Self-Assembly 2011)

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Open AccessArticle

Ultrasmall Peptides Self-Assemble into Diverse Nanostructures: Morphological Evaluation and Potential Implications

by

Anupama Lakshmanan

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Charlotte A.E. Hauser

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2011, 12(9), 5736-5746; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms12095736 - 07 Sep 2011

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 6633

Abstract

In this study, we perform a morphological evaluation of the diverse nanostructures formed by varying concentration and amino acid sequence of a unique class of ultrasmall self-assembling peptides. We modified these peptides by replacing the aliphatic amino acid at the C-aliphatic terminus [...] Read more.

In this study, we perform a morphological evaluation of the diverse nanostructures formed by varying concentration and amino acid sequence of a unique class of ultrasmall self-assembling peptides. We modified these peptides by replacing the aliphatic amino acid at the C-aliphatic terminus with different aromatic amino acids. We tracked the effect of introducing aromatic residues on self-assembly and morphology of resulting nanostructures. Whereas aliphatic peptides formed long, helical fibers that entangle into meshes and entrap >99.9% water, the modified peptides contrastingly formed short, straight fibers with a flat morphology. No helical fibers were observed for the modified peptides. For the aliphatic peptides at low concentrations, different supramolecular assemblies such as hollow nanospheres and membrane blebs were found. Since the ultrasmall peptides are made of simple, aliphatic amino acids, considered to have existed in the primordial soup, study of these supramolecular assemblies could be relevant to understanding chemical evolution leading to the origin of life on Earth. In particular, we propose a variety of potential applications in bioengineering and nanotechnology for the diverse self-assembled nanostructures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Self-Assembly 2011)

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Open AccessArticle

Selective Growth of α-Sexithiophene by Using Silicon Oxides Patterns

by

Cristiano Albonetti

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Marianna Barbalinardo

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Silvia Milita

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Massimiliano Cavallini

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Fabiola Liscio

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Jean-François Moulin

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Fabio Biscarini

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2011, 12(9), 5719-5735; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms12095719 - 06 Sep 2011

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 7046

Abstract

A process for fabricating ordered organic films on large area is presented. The process allows growing sexithiophene ultra-thin films at precise locations on patterned Si/SiO_x substrates by driving the orientation of growth. This process combines the parallel local anodic oxidation of Si/SiO [...] Read more.

A process for fabricating ordered organic films on large area is presented. The process allows growing sexithiophene ultra-thin films at precise locations on patterned Si/SiO_x substrates by driving the orientation of growth. This process combines the parallel local anodic oxidation of Si/SiO_x substrates with the selective arrangement of molecular ultra-thin film. The former is used to fabricate silicon oxide arrays of parallel lines of 400 nm in width over an area of 1 cm². Selective growth arises from the interplay between kinetic growth parameters and preferential interactions with the patterned surface. The result is an ultra-thin film of organic molecules that is conformal to the features of the fabricated motives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Self-Assembly 2011)

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Open AccessArticle

Functionalization and Self-Assembly of DNA Bidimensional Arrays

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Alejandra V. Garibotti

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Sónia Pérez-Rentero

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Ramon Eritja

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2011, 12(9), 5641-5651; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms12095641 - 02 Sep 2011

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5823

Abstract

Oligonucleotides carrying amino, thiol groups, as well as fluorescein, c-myc peptide sequence and nanogold at internal positions were prepared and used for the assembly of bidimensional DNA arrays. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Self-Assembly 2011)

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Open AccessArticle

Syntheses and Self-assembling Behaviors of Pentagonal Conjugates of Tryptophane Zipper-Forming Peptide

by

Kazunori Matsuura

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Kazuya Murasato

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Nobuo Kimizuka

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2011, 12(8), 5187-5199; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms12085187 - 15 Aug 2011

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 8198

Abstract

Pentagonal conjugates of tryptophane zipper-forming peptide (CKTWTWTE) with a pentaazacyclopentadecane core (Pentagonal-Gly-Trpzip and Pentagonal-Ala-Trpzip) were synthesized and their self-assembling behaviors were investigated in water. Pentagonal-Gly-Trpzip self-assembled into nanofibers with the width of about 5 nm in neutral water (pH 7) via formation of [...] Read more.

Pentagonal conjugates of tryptophane zipper-forming peptide (CKTWTWTE) with a pentaazacyclopentadecane core (Pentagonal-Gly-Trpzip and Pentagonal-Ala-Trpzip) were synthesized and their self-assembling behaviors were investigated in water. Pentagonal-Gly-Trpzip self-assembled into nanofibers with the width of about 5 nm in neutral water (pH 7) via formation of tryptophane zipper, which irreversibly converted to nanoribbons by heating. In contrast, Pentagonal-Ala-Trpzip formed irregular aggregates in water. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Self-Assembly 2011)

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Open AccessArticle

Self-Assembly of Protein Monolayers Engineered for Improved Monoclonal Immunoglobulin G Binding

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Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2011, 12(8), 5157-5167; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms12085157 - 15 Aug 2011

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 7637

Abstract

Bacterial outer membrane proteins, along with a filling lipid molecule can be modified to form stable self-assembled monolayers on gold. The transmembrane domain of Escherichia coli outer membrane protein A has been engineered to create a scaffold protein to which functional motifs can [...] Read more.

Bacterial outer membrane proteins, along with a filling lipid molecule can be modified to form stable self-assembled monolayers on gold. The transmembrane domain of Escherichia coli outer membrane protein A has been engineered to create a scaffold protein to which functional motifs can be fused. In earlier work we described the assembly and structure of an antibody-binding array where the Z domain of Staphylococcus aureus protein A was fused to the scaffold protein. Whilst the binding of rabbit polyclonal immunoglobulin G (IgG) to the array is very strong, mouse monoclonal IgG dissociates from the array easily. This is a problem since many immunodiagnostic tests rely upon the use of mouse monoclonal antibodies. Here we describe a strategy to develop an antibody-binding array that will bind mouse monoclonal IgG with lowered dissociation from the array. A novel protein consisting of the scaffold protein fused to two pairs of Z domains separated by a long flexible linker was manufactured. Using surface plasmon resonance the self-assembly of the new protein on gold and the improved binding of mouse monoclonal IgG were demonstrated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Self-Assembly 2011)

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Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Chiral Recognition by Cyclodextrin Dimers

by

Jens Voskuhl

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Kira Schaepe

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Bart Jan Ravoo

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2011, 12(7), 4637-4646; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms12074637 - 18 Jul 2011

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 7889

Abstract

In this article we investigate the effect of multivalency in chiral recognition. To this end, we measured the host-guest interaction of a β-cyclodextrin dimer with divalent chiral guests. We report the synthesis of carbohydrate-based water soluble chiral guests functionalized with two borneol, menthol, [...] Read more.

In this article we investigate the effect of multivalency in chiral recognition. To this end, we measured the host-guest interaction of a β-cyclodextrin dimer with divalent chiral guests. We report the synthesis of carbohydrate-based water soluble chiral guests functionalized with two borneol, menthol, or isopinocampheol units in either (+) or (–) configuration. We determined the interaction of these divalent guests with a β-cyclodextrin dimer using isothermal titration calorimetry. It was found that—in spite of a highly unfavorable conformation—the cyclodextrin dimer binds to guest dimers with an increased enantioselectivity, which clearly reflects the effect of multivalency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Self-Assembly 2011)

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Open AccessArticle

One-Dimensional Hydrogen-Bonded Infinite Chain from Nickel(II) Tetraaza Macrocyclic Complex and 1,2-Cyclopentanedicarboxylate Ligand

by

In-Taek Lim

and

Ki-Young Choi

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2011, 12(4), 2232-2241; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms12042232 - 01 Apr 2011

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 7034

Abstract

The reaction of [Ni(L)]Cl₂·2H₂O (L = 3,14-dimethyl-2,6,13,17-tetraazatricyclo [14,4,0^1.18,0^7.12]docosane) with trans-1,2-cyclopentanedicarboxylic acid (H₂-cpdc) yields a 1D hydrogen-bonded infinite chain with formula [Ni(L)(H-cpdc^-)₂] (1). This complex has been [...] Read more.

The reaction of [Ni(L)]Cl₂·2H₂O (L = 3,14-dimethyl-2,6,13,17-tetraazatricyclo [14,4,0^1.18,0^7.12]docosane) with trans-1,2-cyclopentanedicarboxylic acid (H₂-cpdc) yields a 1D hydrogen-bonded infinite chain with formula [Ni(L)(H-cpdc^-)₂] (1). This complex has been characterized by X-ray crystallography, spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The crystal structure of 1 exhibits a distorted octahedral geometry about Ni atom with four nitrogen atoms of the macrocycle and two oxygen atoms of the H-cpdc^- ligand at the axial position. Compound 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic system P2₁/c with a = 8.7429(17), b = 10.488(2), c = 18.929(4) Å, β = 91.82(2), V = 1734.8(6) Å³, Z = 2. Electronic spectrum of 1 reveals a high-spin octahedral environment. Cyclic voltammetry of 1 undergoes two waves of a one-electron transfer corresponding to Ni^II/Ni^III and Ni^II/Ni^I processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Self-Assembly 2011)

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Review

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Open AccessReview

Self-Assembly in the Ferritin Nano-Cage Protein Superfamily

by

Yu Zhang

and

Brendan P. Orner

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2011, 12(8), 5406-5421; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms12085406 - 22 Aug 2011

Cited by 98 | Viewed by 11758

Abstract

Protein self-assembly, through specific, high affinity, and geometrically constraining protein-protein interactions, can control and lead to complex cellular nano-structures. Establishing an understanding of the underlying principles that govern protein self-assembly is not only essential to appreciate the fundamental biological functions of these structures, [...] Read more.

Protein self-assembly, through specific, high affinity, and geometrically constraining protein-protein interactions, can control and lead to complex cellular nano-structures. Establishing an understanding of the underlying principles that govern protein self-assembly is not only essential to appreciate the fundamental biological functions of these structures, but could also provide a basis for their enhancement for nano-material applications. The ferritins are a superfamily of well studied proteins that self-assemble into hollow cage-like structures which are ubiquitously found in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Structural studies have revealed that many members of the ferritin family can self-assemble into nano-cages of two types. Maxi-ferritins form hollow spheres with octahedral symmetry composed of twenty-four monomers. Mini-ferritins, on the other hand, are tetrahedrally symmetric, hollow assemblies composed of twelve monomers. This review will focus on the structure of members of the ferritin superfamily, the mechanism of ferritin self-assembly and the structure-function relations of these proteins. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Self-Assembly 2011)

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Open AccessRetraction

Retraction: Bhosale, S.V., et al. pH Dependent Molecular Self-Assembly of Octaphosphonate Porphyrin of Nanoscale Dimensions: Nanosphere and Nanorod Aggregates. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2011, 12, 1464–1473

by

International Journal of Molecular Sciences Editorial Office

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(3), 1327; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22031327 - 29 Jan 2021

Viewed by 1482

Abstract

The journal retracts the article, “pH Dependent Molecular Self-Assembly of Octaphosphonate Porphyrin of Nanoscale Dimensions: Nanosphere and Nanorod Aggregates” [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Self-Assembly 2011)

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