Covalent and non-covalent coupling of a Au102 nanocluster with a fluorophore: energy transfer, quenching and intracellular pH sensing

A covalently bound hybrid between an atomically precise gold nanocluster and a fluorescent dye is loaded into cells via endocytosis. Acidification of the endosomes activates fluorescence, enabling optical pH sensing inside live cells.

New Chemical Probe Targeting Bacterial NAD Kinase

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) kinases are essential and ubiquitous enzymes involved in the tight regulation of NAD/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP) levels in many metabolic pathways. Consequently, they represent promising therapeutic targets in cancer and antibacterial treatments. We previously reported diadenosine derivatives as NAD kinase inhibitors with bactericidal activities on Staphylococcus aureus. Among them, one compound (namely NKI1) was found effective in vivo in a mouse infection model. With the aim to gain detailed knowledge about the selectivity and mechanism of action of this lead compound, we planned to develop a chemical probe that could be used in affinity-based chemoproteomic approaches. Here, we describe the first functionalized chemical probe targeting a bacterial NAD kinase. Aminoalkyl functional groups were introduced on NKI1 for further covalent coupling to an activated SepharoseTM matrix. Inhibitory properties of functionalized NKI1 derivatives together with X-ray characterization of their complexes with the NAD kinase led to identify candidate compounds that are amenable to covalent coupling to a matrix.

Electrospun cotton–wool-like silica/gelatin hybrids with covalent coupling

Inorganic/organic sol–gel hybrids consist of co-networks of inorganic and organic components that can lead to unique properties, compared to conventional composites, especially when there is covalent bonding between the networks. The aim here was to develop new electrospun silica/gelatin sol–gel hybrids, with covalent coupling and unique 3D cotton–wool-like morphology for application as regenerative medicine scaffolds. Covalent coupling is critical for obtaining sustained dissolution of the fibres and we identified the sol–gel synthesis conditions needed for coupling within the electrospun fibres. Under carefully controlled conditions, such as constant humidity, we investigated the effect of the electrospinning process variables of sol viscosity (and aging time) and amount of coupling agent on the 3D morphology of the fibres, their structure (bonding) and dissolution, identifying a detailed optimised protocol for fibre scaffold production.