Heme protein films with polyamidoamine dendrimer: direct electrochemistry and electrocatalysis

Biocompatible nanosized polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer films provided a suitable microenvironment for heme proteins to transfer electron directly with underlying pyrolytic graphite (PG) electrodes. Hemoglobin (Hb), myoglobin (Mb), horseradish peroxidase (HRP), and catalase (Cat) incorporated in PAMAM films exhibited a pair of well-defined, quasi-reversible cyclic voltammetric peaks, respectively, characteristic of the protein heme Fe(III)/Fe(II) redox couples. While Hb-, Mb-, and HRP-PAMAM films showed the cyclic voltammetry (CV) peaks at about −0.34 V vs. saturated calomel electrode (SCE) in pH 7.0 buffers, Cat-PAMAM films displayed the peak pair at a more negative potential of −0.47 V. The protein-PAMAM films demonstrated a surface-confined or thin-layer voltammetric behavior. The electrochemical parameters such as apparent heterogeneous electron transfer rate constants (k_s) and formal potentials (E°′) were estimated by square wave voltammetry with nonlinear regression analysis. UV-vis and IR spectroscopy showed that the proteins retained their near-native secondary structures in PAMAM films. Oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, and nitrite were catalytically reduced at the protein-PAMAM film electrodes, showing the potential applicability of the films as the new type of biosensors or bioreactors based on direct electrochemistry of the proteins.     

Functional dual hydrophilic dendrimer‐modified metal‐organic framework for the selective enrichment of N‐glycopeptides

Analysis of protein glycosylation remains a significant challenge due to the low abundance of glycoproteins or N‐glycopeptides. Here we have synthesized an amino‐functionalized metal‐organic framework (MOF) MIL‐101(Cr)‐NH₂ whose surface is grafted with a hydrophilic dendrimer poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) for N‐glycopeptide enrichment based on the hydrophilic interactions. The selected substrate MOF MIL‐101(Cr) owns high surface area which provides nice support for peptide adsorption. In addition, the MOF displayed a good hydrophilic property after being modified with amino groups. Most importantly, the grafted hydrophilic dendrimer PAMAM was firstly applied in the postsynthetic modification of MOFs. And this functionalization route using macromolecular dendrimer opens a new perspective in MOFs design. Owing to its long dendritic chains and abundant amino groups, our material displayed dual hydrophilic property. In the enrichment of standard glycoprotein HRP digestion, the functional MOF material was shown to have low detection limit (1 fmol/μL) and good selectivity when the concentration of nonglycopeptides was 100 fold higher than the target N‐glycopeptides. All the results proved that MIL‐101(Cr)‐NH₂@PAMAM has great potential in the glycoproteome analysis.     

Interaction of heme proteins with poly(propyleneimine) dendrimers in layer-by-layer assembly films under different pH conditions

With the isoelectric point at pH 7.4, hemoglobin (Hb) has net positive surface charges at pH 5.0 and overall negative charges at pH 9.0, and is essentially neutral at pH 7.0. The fifth-generation poly(propyleneimine) (PPI) dendrimer is usually positively charged in aqueous solution. The {PPI/Hb}n films under different pH conditions have been successfully fabricated on various solid surfaces by the layer-by-layer assembly technique, and the growth of films was monitored by ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), and cyclic voltammetry (CV). Not only was the negatively charged Hb at pH 9.0 alternately adsorbed with positively charged PPI onto solid substrates by electrostatic attraction between them, but the positively charged Hb at pH 5.0 was also successfully assembled with like charged PPI into layer-by-layer {PPI/Hb(pH 5.0)}n films. For the latter, the localized electrostatic interaction or the charge reversal of proteins on PPI surface may be the main driving force. For {PPI/Hb(pH 7.0)}n films, however, the hydrophobic/hydrophilic interaction may play a more important role in the assembly, making the amount of adsorbed Hb even less than that of {PPI/Hb(pH 5.0)}n films. For comparison, negatively charged catalase (Cat) at pH 8.0 was used to assemble layer-by-layer films with positive PPI, but {PPI/Cat}n films showed quite different properties from {PPI/Hb}n films. UV-vis and infrared (IR) spectroscopy, QCM, ellipsometry, and voltammetry were utilized to characterize the {PPI/protein}n films. The results suggest that the proteins in the multilayer films retain their near-native structure and display good voltammetric response for heme Fe(III)/Fe(II) redox couples at underlying pyrolytic graphite (PG) electrodes. Electrocatalysis of oxygen and hydrogen peroxide based on direct electrochemistry of heme proteins at {PPI/protein}n film electrodes was also demonstrated.     

Bioelectrocatalytic signaling from immunosensors with back-filling immobilization of glucose oxidase on biorecognition surfaces

We report a novel method of electrochemical signaling from antigen-antibody interactions at immunoelectrodes with bioelectrocatalyzed enzymatic signal amplification. For the immunosensing surface construction, a poly(amidoamine) G4-dendrimer was employed not only as a building block for the electrode surface modification but also as a matrix for ligand functionalization. As a model biorecognition reaction, the dinitrophenyl (DNP) antigen-functionalized electrode was fabricated and an anti-DNP antibody was used. Glucose oxidase (GOX) was chosen to amplify electrochemical signal by enzymatic catalysis. The signal amplification strategy introduced in this study is based on the back-filling immobilization of biocatalytic enzyme to the immunosensor surface, circumventing the use of an enzyme-labeled antibody. The non-labeled native antibody was biospecifically bound to the immobilized ligand, and the activated enzyme (periodate-treated GOX) reacted and "back-filled" the remaining surface amine groups on the dendrimer layer by an imine formation reaction. From the bioelectrocatalyzed signal registration with the immobilized GOX, the surface density of biospecifically bound antibody could be estimated. The DNP functionalization reaction was optimized to facilitate the antibody recognition and signaling reactions, and approximately 6% displacement of surface amine to DNP was found to be an optimum. From quartz crystal microbalance measurement, immunosensing reaction timing and the surface inertness to the nonspecific biomolecular binding were tested. By changing the surface functionalization level of DNP in the calibration experiments, immunosensors exhibited different dynamic detection ranges and limits of detection, supporting the capability of parameters modulation for the immunosensors. For the anti-DNP antibody assay, the fabricated immunosensor having 65% functionalization ratio exhibited the linear detection range of 10(-4) to 0.1 g/L protein and a limit of detection around 2 x 10(-5) g/L.     

Dendrimer functionalized magnetic nanoparticles as a promising platform for localized hyperthermia and magnetic resonance imaging diagnosis

Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles are a well-explored class of nanomaterials known for their high magnetization and biocompatibility. They have been used in various biomedical applications such as drug delivery, biosensors, hyperthermia, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent. It is necessary to surface modify the nanoparticles with a biocompatible moiety to prevent their agglomeration and enable them to target to the defined area. Dendrimers have attracted considerable attention due to their small size, monodispersed, well-defined globular shape, and a relative ease incorporation of targeting ligands. In this study, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized via a coprecipitation method. The magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) had been modified with (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane, and then polyamidoamine functionalized MNPs had been synthesized cycling. Various characterization techniques had been used to reveal the morphology, size, and structure of the nanoparticles such as scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscope, X-ray diffraction analysis, and vibrating sample magnetometer, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and zeta potential measurements. In addition, the cytotoxicity property of G3–dendrimer functionalized MNPs were evaluated using 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay which confirmed the biocompatibility of the nanocomposites. Dendrimer functionalized MNPs are able to act as contrast agents for MRI and magnetic fluid hyperthermia mediators. A superior heat generation was achieved for the given concentration according to the hyperthermia results. MRI results show that the synthesized nanocomposites are a favorable option for MRI contrast agent. We believe that these dendrimer functionalized MNPs have the potential of integrating therapeutic and diagnostic functions in a single carrier.     

Does fluorescence of ANS reflect its binding to PAMAM dendrimer?

The analysis of binding between cationic PAMAM G5 dendrimer and anionic fluorescent probe using fluorescence and equilibrium dialysis has been made. It was found that at low concentrations of ANS the double fluorimetric titration technique can be successfully used for quantitative analysis of binding of ANS to dendrimer. Based on fluorescence and dialysis data the constants of binding and the number of binding centers were calculated for binding of ANS to PAMAM G5 dendrimer: K(b) is approx. (0.5-1)x10(5)M(-1) and n is (0.5-0.7).     

In silico study to analyse the disassembly of quercetin-targeted dendrimers potentially leishmanicide

Molecular modelling methods were previously applied to obtain information regarding the disassembly of the first generation quercetin-targeted dendrimers potentially leishmanicide. Dendrimers containing one to three branches were designed, and their three-dimensional molecular models were built up. They were constituted by myo-inositol (core and directing group), d-mannose (directing group), l-malic acid (spacer) and quercetin (bioactive agent). Physicochemical properties, such as spatial hindrance, electrostatic potential mapping and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy, were evaluated. Hence, the main purpose of this study was to identify which carbonyl group was the most vulnerable to undergo chemical or enzymatic action. The carbonyl groups were named according to their positions in dendrimer systems as follows: C₁, close to the core group; C₂, near the directing group; C₃ in the l-malic acid; and, C₄ nearby the bioactive agent. C₄ seemed to be the most promising carbonyl group to suffer hydrolysis. However, regarding larger molecular systems, such as targeted dendrimers with three branches, C₄ carbonyl group is the most sterically hindered impairing any enzymatic approximation. For this kind of molecular systems, C₁ has presented more spatial accessibility as well as lower electronic density distribution, which are features needed to dendrimer enzymatic disassembly, though.     

The interaction mechanism between lipopeptide (daptomycin) and polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers

The interaction mechanism of lipopeptide antibiotic daptomycin and polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers was studied using fluorescence spectroscopy. The fluorescence changes observed are associated with daptomycin–dendrimer interactions. The binding isotherms were constructed by plotting the fluorescence difference at 460 nm from kynurenine (Kyn‐13) of daptomycin in the presence and absence of dendrimer. A one‐site and two‐site binding model were quantitatively generated to estimate binding capacity and affinity constants from the isotherms. The shape of the binding isotherm and the dependence of the estimated capacity constants on dendrimer sizes and solvent pH values provide meaningful insight into the mechanism of interactions. A one‐site binding model adequately describes the binding isotherm obtained under a variety of experimental conditions with dendrimers of various sizes in the optimal binding pH region 3.5 to 4.5. Comparing the pH‐dependent binding capacity with the ionization profiles of daptomycin and dendrimer, the ionized aspartic acid residue (Asp‐9) of daptomycin primarily interact with PAMAM cationic surface amine. Copyright © 2015 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Cofilin activation mediates Bax translocation to mitochondria during excitotoxic neuronal death

During excitotoxic neuronal death, Bax translocates to the mitochondria where it plays an important role by contributing to the release of proapoptotic factors. However, how Bax translocates to the mitochondria during excitotoxicity remains poorly understood. Herein, our data suggest the presence of a novel signalling mechanism by which NMDA receptor stimulation promotes Bax translocation. This signalling pathway is triggered by dephosphorylation of cofilin. Once dephosphorylated, cofilin might interact physically with Bax acting as a carrier for it, translocating it to the mitochondria, where it contributes to mitochondrial membrane despolarization, permeabilization and to the release of apoptotic factors, thus leading to neuronal death. Lack-of-function studies indicate that only the Slingshot family of phosphatases, more specifically the enzyme Slingshot 1L phosphatase, but not cronophin participates in the cofilin activation process during excitotoxicity. Indeed, cofilin-mediated Bax translocation seems to be a key event in excitotoxic neuronal death as knock down of either cofilin or Slingshot 1L phosphatase has a marked neuroprotective effect on NMDA-mediated neuronal death. This novel biochemical pathway may therefore be a good target to develop future therapeutic molecules for neurodegenerative diseases.     

Oligosaccharide-derivatized dendrimers: defined multivalent inhibitors of the adherence of the cholera toxin B subunit and the heat labile enterotoxin of E. coli to GM1

Poly(propylene imine) dendrimers having four or eight primary amino groups and a Starburst^TM (PAMAM) dendrimer having eight primary amino groups were used as core molecules, to which phenylisothiocyanate derivatized (PITC) galβ1-3galNAcβ1-4[sialic acidβ2-3]-galβ1-4glc (oligo-GM1) residues were covalently attached to yield multivalent oligosaccharides. The synthesis of the oligo-GM1-PITC derivatized dendrimers was monitored using high performance thin layer chromatography, infrared spectroscopy, sialic acid content, and mass spectroscopy. The ability of multivalent oligo-GM1-PITC dendrimers to inhibit the binding of ¹²⁵I-labeled cholera toxin B subunit and the heat labile enterotoxin of E. coli to GM1-coated microtiter wells was determined. IC₅₀s obtained for the oligo-GM1-PITC dendrimers, GM1, and the oligosaccharide moiety of GM1 indicated that the derivatized dendrimers inhibited binding of the choleragenoid and the heat labile enterotoxin to GM1-coated wells at a molar concentration five- to 15-fold lower than native GM1 and more than 1,000-fold lower than that of the free oligosaccharide. This revised version was published online in November 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.