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Kubitzky S, Venanzi M, Biondi B, Lettieri R, De Zotti M, Gatto E. A pH-Induced Reversible Conformational Switch Able to Control the Photocurrent Efficiency in a Peptide Supramolecular System. Chemistry 2021; 27:2810-2817. [PMID: 33107646 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202004527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
External stimuli are potent tools that Nature uses to control protein function and activity. For instance, during viral entry and exit, pH variations are known to trigger large protein conformational changes. In Nature, also the electron transfer (ET) properties of ET proteins are influenced by pH-induced conformational changes. In this work, a pH-controlled, reversible 310 -helix to α-helix conversion (from acidic to highly basic pH values and vice versa) of a peptide supramolecular system built on a gold surface is described. The effect of pH on the ability of the peptide SAM to generate a photocurrent was investigated, with particular focus on the effect of the pH-induced conformational change on photocurrent efficiency. The films were characterized by electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques, and were found to be very stable over time, also in contact with a solution. They were also able to generate current under illumination, with an efficiency that is the highest recorded so far with biomolecular systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sascha Kubitzky
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Technische Hochschule Wildau, Wildau, 15745, Germany
| | - Mariano Venanzi
- Department of Chemical Science and Technologies, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Biondi
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Padova Unit, CNR, Department of Chemistry, University of Padova, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Raffaella Lettieri
- Department of Chemical Science and Technologies, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta De Zotti
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Padova Unit, CNR, Department of Chemistry, University of Padova, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Emanuela Gatto
- Department of Chemical Science and Technologies, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
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2
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Dognini P, Coxon CR, Alves WA, Giuntini F. Peptide-Tetrapyrrole Supramolecular Self-Assemblies: State of the Art. Molecules 2021; 26:693. [PMID: 33525730 PMCID: PMC7865683 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26030693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The covalent and noncovalent association of self-assembling peptides and tetrapyrroles was explored as a way to generate systems that mimic Nature's functional supramolecular structures. Different types of peptides spontaneously assemble with porphyrins, phthalocyanines, or corroles to give long-range ordered architectures, whose structure is determined by the features of both components. The regular morphology and ordered molecular arrangement of these systems enhance the photochemical properties of embedded chromophores, allowing applications as photo-catalysts, antennas for dye-sensitized solar cells, biosensors, and agents for light-triggered therapies. Chemical modifications of peptide and tetrapyrrole structures and control over the assembly process can steer the organization and influence the properties of the resulting system. Here we provide a review of the field, focusing on the assemblies obtained from different classes of self-assembling peptides with tetrapyrroles, their morphologies and their applications as innovative functional materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Dognini
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Byrom Street Campus, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK;
| | - Christopher R. Coxon
- Institute of Chemical Sciences, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh AH14 4AS, UK;
| | - Wendel A. Alves
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, SP 09210-380, Brazil;
| | - Francesca Giuntini
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Byrom Street Campus, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK;
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3
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Bucci R, Bossi A, Erba E, Vaghi F, Saha A, Yuran S, Maggioni D, Gelmi ML, Reches M, Pellegrino S. Nucleobase morpholino β amino acids as molecular chimeras for the preparation of photoluminescent materials from ribonucleosides. Sci Rep 2020; 10:19331. [PMID: 33168883 PMCID: PMC7652887 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76297-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Bioinspired smart materials represent a tremendously growing research field and the obtainment of new building blocks is at the molecular basis of this technology progress. In this work, colloidal materials have been prepared in few steps starting from ribonucleosides. Nucleobase morpholino β-amino acids are the chimera key intermediates allowing Phe-Phe dipeptides' functionalization with adenine and thymine. The obtained compounds self-aggregate showing enhanced photoluminescent features, such as deep blue fluorescence and phosphorescence emissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaella Bucci
- DISFARM-Dipartimento Di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Sezione Chimica Generale E Organica "A. Marchesini", Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Via Venezian 21, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Bossi
- Istituto Di Scienze E Tecnologie Chimiche "G. Natta" del Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (CNR-SCITEC), via Fantoli 16/15, 20138, Milan, Italy
- SmartMatLab Center, via C. Golgi 19, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuela Erba
- DISFARM-Dipartimento Di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Sezione Chimica Generale E Organica "A. Marchesini", Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Via Venezian 21, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Vaghi
- DISFARM-Dipartimento Di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Sezione Chimica Generale E Organica "A. Marchesini", Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Via Venezian 21, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Abhijit Saha
- Institute of Chemistry and the Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Institute of Chemistry, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Sivan Yuran
- Institute of Chemistry and the Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Institute of Chemistry, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Daniela Maggioni
- SmartMatLab Center, via C. Golgi 19, 20133, Milan, Italy
- Dipartimento Di Chimica, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Via Golgi 19, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Gelmi
- DISFARM-Dipartimento Di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Sezione Chimica Generale E Organica "A. Marchesini", Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Via Venezian 21, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Meital Reches
- Institute of Chemistry and the Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Institute of Chemistry, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Sara Pellegrino
- DISFARM-Dipartimento Di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Sezione Chimica Generale E Organica "A. Marchesini", Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Via Venezian 21, 20133, Milan, Italy.
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4
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Rinaldi S. The Diverse World of Foldamers: Endless Possibilities of Self-Assembly. Molecules 2020; 25:E3276. [PMID: 32708440 PMCID: PMC7397133 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25143276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Different classes of foldamers, which are synthetic oligomers that adopt well-defined conformations in solution, have been the subject of extensive studies devoted to the elucidation of the forces driving their secondary structures and their potential as bioactive molecules. Regardless of the backbone type (peptidic or abiotic), the most important features of foldamers are the high stability, easy predictability and tunability of their folding, as well as the possibility to endow them with enhanced biological functions, with respect to their natural counterparts, by the correct choice of monomers. Foldamers have also recently started playing a starring role in the self-assembly of higher-order structures. In this review, selected articles will be analyzed to show the striking number of self-assemblies obtained for foldamers with different backbones, which will be analyzed in order of increasing complexity. Starting from the simplest self-associations in solution (e.g., dimers of β-strands or helices, bundles, interpenetrating double and multiple helices), the formation of monolayers, vesicles, fibers, and eventually nanostructured solid tridimensional morphologies will be subsequently described. The experimental techniques used in the structural investigation, and in the determination of the driving forces and mechanisms underlying the self-assemblies, will be systematically reported. Where applicable, examples of biomimetic self-assembled foldamers and their interactions with biological components will be described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuele Rinaldi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
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5
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del Prado A, González‐Rodríguez D, Wu Y. Functional Systems Derived from Nucleobase Self-assembly. ChemistryOpen 2020; 9:409-430. [PMID: 32257750 PMCID: PMC7110180 DOI: 10.1002/open.201900363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Dynamic and reversible non-covalent interactions endow synthetic systems and materials with smart adaptive functions that allow them to response to diverse stimuli, interact with external agents, or repair structural defects. Inspired by the outstanding performance and selectivity of DNA in living systems, scientists are increasingly employing Watson-Crick nucleobase pairing to control the structure and properties of self-assembled materials. Two sets of complementary purine-pyrimidine pairs (guanine:cytosine and adenine:thymine(uracil)) are available that provide selective and directional H-bonding interactions, present multiple metal-coordination sites, and exhibit rich redox chemistry. In this review, we highlight several recent examples that profit from these features and employ nucleobase interactions in functional systems and materials, covering the fields of energy/electron transfer, charge transport, adaptive nanoparticles, porous materials, macromolecule self-assembly, or polymeric materials with adhesive or self-healing ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anselmo del Prado
- Departamento de Química OrgánicaFacultad de CienciasUniversidad Autónoma de Madrid28049MadridSpain
| | - David González‐Rodríguez
- Departamento de Química OrgánicaFacultad de CienciasUniversidad Autónoma de Madrid28049MadridSpain
- Institute for Advanced Research in Chemical Sciences (IAdChem)Universidad Autónoma de Madrid28049MadridSpain
| | - Yi‐Lin Wu
- School of ChemistryCardiff UniversityPark PlaceCardiffCF10 3ATUK
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6
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De Zotti M, Syryamina VN, Hussain R, Longo E, Siligardi G, Dzuba SA, Stella L, Formaggio F. A Temperature-Driven, Reversible, Helical-Handedness Inversion in Peptaibol Analogues Tuned by the C-Terminal Capping Moiety. Chembiochem 2019; 20:2125-2132. [PMID: 31095838 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201900235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Trichogin is a natural peptide endowed with antimicrobial and antitumor activity. A member of the peptaibol family, trichogin possesses a C-terminal amino alcohol. In the past, this moiety was substituted for a methyl ester for synthetic purposes and it was observed that this apparently slight modification caused significant changes in the peptide bioactivity. With the aim of understanding the reasons behind such observations, a detailed spectroscopic study on a number of trichogin analogues has been performed. Herein, data obtained from synchrotron radiation circular dichroism, NMR spectroscopy, and fluorescence spectroscopy in organic solvents at cryogenic temperatures are compared with those independently acquired by means of EPR spectroscopy at 80 K. It is unambiguously revealed that the presence of a reversible, temperature-driven, screw-sense interconversion from a right- to left-handed helix is determined by the C-terminal capping moiety. Data demonstrate, for the first time, the key role of a C-terminal methyl ester in promoting peptide screw-sense inversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta De Zotti
- Department of Chemistry, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 1, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Victoria N Syryamina
- Institute of Chemical Kinetics and Combustion, RAS, Ulitsa Institutskaya 3, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russian Federation.,Novosibirsk State University, Ulitsa Pirogova 2, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russian Federation
| | - Rohanah Hussain
- Diamond Light Source Ltd., Harwell Innovation Campus, Chilton, Didcot, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Edoardo Longo
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Piazza Università 5, 39100, Bozen-Bolzano, Italy
| | - Giuliano Siligardi
- Diamond Light Source Ltd., Harwell Innovation Campus, Chilton, Didcot, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Sergei A Dzuba
- Institute of Chemical Kinetics and Combustion, RAS, Ulitsa Institutskaya 3, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russian Federation.,Novosibirsk State University, Ulitsa Pirogova 2, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russian Federation
| | - Lorenzo Stella
- Department of Chemical Science and Technologies, University of Rome Tor Vergata, via della ricerca scientifica 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Fernando Formaggio
- Department of Chemistry, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 1, 35131, Padova, Italy
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7
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Gatto E, Kubitzky S, Schriever M, Cesaroni S, Mazzuca C, Marafon G, Venanzi M, De Zotti M. Building Supramolecular DNA‐Inspired Nanowires on Gold Surfaces: From 2D to 3D. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201901683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Gatto
- Department of Chemical Science and TechnologiesUniversity of Rome Tor Vergata 00133 Rome Italy
| | - Sascha Kubitzky
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural SciencesTechnische Hochschule Wildau 15745 Wildau Germany
| | - Marc Schriever
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural SciencesTechnische Hochschule Wildau 15745 Wildau Germany
| | - Simona Cesaroni
- Department of Chemical Science and TechnologiesUniversity of Rome Tor Vergata 00133 Rome Italy
| | - Claudia Mazzuca
- Department of Chemical Science and TechnologiesUniversity of Rome Tor Vergata 00133 Rome Italy
| | - Giulia Marafon
- Department of Chemical SciencesUniversity of Padova 35131 Padova Italy
| | - Mariano Venanzi
- Department of Chemical Science and TechnologiesUniversity of Rome Tor Vergata 00133 Rome Italy
| | - Marta De Zotti
- Department of Chemical SciencesUniversity of Padova 35131 Padova Italy
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8
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Gatto E, Kubitzky S, Schriever M, Cesaroni S, Mazzuca C, Marafon G, Venanzi M, De Zotti M. Building Supramolecular DNA-Inspired Nanowires on Gold Surfaces: From 2D to 3D. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2019; 58:7308-7312. [PMID: 30908767 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201901683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Three building blocks have been designed to chemically link to a gold surface and vertically self-assemble through thymine-adenine hydrogen bonds. Starting from these building blocks, two different films were engineered on gold surface. Film 1 consists of adenine linked to lipoic acid (Lipo-A) to covalently bind to the gold surface, and ZnTPP linked to a thymine (T-ZnTPP). Film 2 has an additional noncovalently linked layer: a helical undecapeptide analogue of the trichogin GA IV peptide, in which four glycines were replaced by four lysines to favor a helical conformation and reduce flexibility and the two extremities were functionalized with thymine and adenine to enable Lipo-A and T-ZnTPP binding, respectively. These films were characterized by electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques, and were very stable over time and when in contact with solution. Under illumination, they could generate current with higher efficiency than similar previously described systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Gatto
- Department of Chemical Science and Technologies, University of Rome, Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Sascha Kubitzky
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Technische Hochschule Wildau, 15745, Wildau, Germany
| | - Marc Schriever
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Technische Hochschule Wildau, 15745, Wildau, Germany
| | - Simona Cesaroni
- Department of Chemical Science and Technologies, University of Rome, Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Mazzuca
- Department of Chemical Science and Technologies, University of Rome, Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Marafon
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Padova, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Mariano Venanzi
- Department of Chemical Science and Technologies, University of Rome, Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta De Zotti
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Padova, 35131, Padova, Italy
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