Beyond their traditional roles as biological building blocks and energy sources, metabolites also influence gene expression, exerting direct effects on the epigenetic landscape. For example, core metabolites such as acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) and S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) serve as substrates or cofactors for chromatin-modifying enzymes, thereby modulating transcription through the chemical modification of histones and DNA. In addition, metabolites regulate the transcription of the genes encoding these chromatin modifiers, as well as the post-translational modifications and enzymatic activities of these proteins. Therefore, we propose that the metabolic state of a cell or organism is a dynamic and active driver of epigenomic reprogramming, adjusting gene expression in response to fluctuations in the environment.

Self-assembled peptide-based biomaterials provide versatile platforms for biomedical uses, featuring customizable physicochemical properties, biocompatibility, and dynamic capabilities. This self-assembly process is primarily dictated by primary sequence features, such as hydrophobicity, length, and charge, leading to the formation of fibrils and hydrogels. Amphipathic peptides, with alternating polar and hydrophobic residues, are especially effective in forming supramolecular nanofibers stabilized by π-π interactions and hydrogen bonds. Chemical modifications on aromatic side chains are promising for controlling assembly morphology, stability, and biological activity. However, the influence of these substituents on peptide packing and immunogenicity remains relatively unexplored. Herein, we examine the effect of substituents on benzyl groups attached to short amphipathic peptides. By introducing different electron-donating and withdrawing groups at the para-position of benzyl rings and modifying the chain length connecting the backbone to the aromatic moiety, we observe notable effects on fibril formation, molecular packing, and immunogenicity both in vitro and in vivo. Our results show that subtle chemical modifications are practical tools for designing tailored peptide nanomaterials with promising potential in vaccine delivery, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine.

Thiazides are among the most efficacious and commonly used drugs for the treatment of hypertension. The nanomolar stabilizer N3SA binds specifically to the recently discovered thiazide-binding site of the membrane target NAPE-PLD, showing sustained arterial blood pressure-lowering effects and vasodilation in spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHRs). To further support the relation between stabilizers anchored to NAPE-PLD and their beneficial effects on hypertension, we selected compound analogues of N3SA with chemical modifications at the three target-interacting sulfonic groups, including the drug Suramin. Each compound was injected i.v in an adult SHR (systolic blood pressure of 217 ± 5 mmHg) to evaluate the frequency components contribution to cerebral and peripheral arteriolar vasomotion. We visualized the pial and rectus femoral muscle microcirculation by Epi-illumination, measuring changes in the rhythmic arteriolar diameter. Findings showed that the minor structural differences in compounds correlated with the contribution of the six different frequency components affecting the arterial tone, as well as their vasodilatory effects, in both cerebral and femoral muscle arterioles. These results provide evidence that the spectra analysis of the regulation mechanisms of vascular tone and arterial blood pressure can accurately reflect the structure–activity correlations of different analogues of an antihypertensive compound.

Abstract Aluminium-silicon (Al-Si) cast alloys play a crucial role in the automotive industry, with increasing demand in electric vehicles (EVs). In EV applications, aluminium components are often exposed to atmospheric conditions, making corrosion resistance a critical factor, as well as mechanical performance. This study examines the effects of melt treatments - grain refinement and modification - along with chemical composition on the corrosion resistance and mechanical properties of Al-Si alloys. Three common alloys (AlSi9Cu3, AlSi10, and AlSi12) are cast using sand casting and gravity die casting to evaluate the influence of casting processes with different cooling rates. Each alloy is tested under three conditions: untreated, grain refined, and grain refined/modified. Mechanical properties are evaluated via tensile tests according to DIN 50125, while corrosion resistance is assessed through immersion in an HCl-NaCl solution, based on ISO 11846. Results indicate that iron content reduces ductility due to formation of β-Al 5 FeSi, while modification enhances elongation, particularly in die-cast samples. Copper presence in AlSi9Cu3 significantly deteriorated its corrosion resistance. Higher cooling rates and modification treatment further decrease corrosion resistance. This study provides insights into the correlation between casting methods, alloy composition, and melt treatments on the corrosive and mechanical performance of Al-Si cast alloys.

Spider silks are proteinaceous fiber materials inspiring material design in various technical and biomedical fields due to their exceptional toughness, which exceeds that of most natural and artificial fibers. Solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has been used herein to obtain insights into the structure and dynamics of 13C/15N isotope‐labeled nanofibrils and microparticles made of the recombinantly produced, engineered spider silk protein eADF4(C16), for which structural information was still lacking. Although these two β‐sheet‐rich morphologies differ substantially in their microscopic appearance (nanofibrils vs. microparticles), the solid‐state NMR spectra reveal high structural and dynamic similarities at the atomic level. For both morphologies, it was found that the rigid alanine stretch in the eADF4 sequence forms a mixture of rectangular and staggered β‐sheets extending to the flanking serine residues. In addition, our data reveal that the tyrosine sidechains are rigidified, which suggests their engagement in π–π‐stacking interactions. All of the glutamic acid residues were found to be deprotonated, which implies their localization on the outside of the fibril, where their negative charge can be compensated. Trans‐ as well as cis‐conformations were observed for proline residues, which suggests that they might further control the formation and extension of the poly‐alanine β‐sheet region during the self‐assembly process. The gained understanding of structure, dynamics, and assembly of the engineered spider silk protein eADF4(C16) will enable the tailored design of functional spider silk‐based biomaterials in the future. It will be especially useful in context of chemical modifications and genetic fusions supporting the development of fibril‐based hydrogel systems in the field of biosensing and tissue engineering.

In response to growing interest in green additives derived from natural raw materials or post-production waste of natural origin, epoxy compositions containing the additive in the form of waste wood flour and microcellulose were prepared. The research involved the chemical modification of the additive through a two-stage silanization process using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane. Followed by filler’s characterization using Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) to analyze the modification in chemical structure, Wide Angle X-Ray Diffraction (WAXD) to detect differences in crystal structure, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to observe morphological changes. Next, waste oak flour (WF) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) were used in unmodified and silanized form (sil-WF and sil-MCC, respectively) to prepare epoxy composites, followed by testing their influence on the mechanical (hardness, tensile strength, flexural strength, compressive strength, and impact strength), thermal, and morphological characteristics of epoxy composites based on Epidian 6. Comparing the effect of modification on the properties of the analyzed additives, it was found that silanization had a larger impact on increasing the interaction of the waste wood flour with the epoxy matrix than silanization of MCC due to a lesser tendency of the sil-WF than the sil-MCC to agglomerate. An enhanced interaction of sil-WF with the polymer resulted in improved mechanical properties. Composite EP/sil-WF (cured epoxy composite based on low-molecular-weight epoxy resin Epidian 6 filled with 5 wt.% of silanized wood flour) was characterized by improved flexural (61.97 MPa) and compressive properties (69.1 MPa) compared to both EP/WF (cured epoxy composite based on low-molecular-weight epoxy resin Epidian 6 filled with 5 wt.% of unmodified wood flour) (42.39 MPa and 61.0 MPa) and the unfilled reference composition (54.55 MPa and 67.4 MPa, respectively). Moreover, compositions containing a cellulosic additive were characterized by better impact properties than the reference composition.

The threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the need for sustainable disinfectants have spurred interest in natural antimicrobials such as essential oils (EOs). However, their application is limited by volatility, poor water solubility, and cytotoxicity. Herein, we present the development of bio-based core–shell sub-micro-/nanocapsules (NCs) with encapsulated oregano (OO), thyme (TO), eucalyptus (EuO), and tea tree (TTO) oils to enhance antimicrobial (AM) performance and reduce cytotoxicity. NCs were synthesized via a nanoencapsulation method using chemically modified zein or poly(methyl vinyl ether-co-maleic anhydride) (GZA) as shell polymers, with selected EOs encapsulated in their core (encapsulation efficacy > 98%). Chemical modification of zein with vanillin (VA) and GZA with either dodecyl amine (DDA) or 3-(glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane (EPTMS) resulted in improvement in particle size distributions, polydispersity indices (PDIs) of synthesized NCs, and in the stability of the NC-dispersions in water. Antibacterial testing against Staphylococcus aureus and cytotoxicity assays showed that encapsulation significantly reduced toxicity while preserving their antibacterial activity. Among the formulations, GZA-based NCs modified with EPTMS provided the best balance between safety and efficacy. Despite this, life cycle assessment revealed that zein-based NCs were more environmentally sustainable due to lower energy use and material impact. Overall, the approach offers a promising strategy for developing sustainable, effective, and safe EO-based antibacterial agents for AM applications.

Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) are natural compounds widely studied for their photoprotective and antioxidant properties. Typical MAAs consist of one or two amino acids attached to a cyclohexenone or cyclohexenimine ring, whereas atypical MAAs possess unique chemical modifications such as glycosylation and methylation. Recently, we identified an atypical MAA, GlcHMS326, from the cyanobacterium Gloeocapsa sp. BRSZ, characterized by glycosylation, methylation, and hydroxylation. In this study, we compared the chemical stability and biological activities of GlcHMS326 with those of a typical di-substituted MAA, porphyra-334. GlcHMS326 was less stable under high-temperature conditions but showed a slightly higher residual rate than porphyra-334 under the present visible-light exposure conditions. Functionally, GlcHMS326 showed stronger antioxidant and collagenase inhibitory activities but weaker antiglycative activity. Neither compound inhibited hyaluronidase activity. Both MAAs inhibited angiotensin-converting enzyme, with porphyra-334 showing stronger inhibition. These results provide insights into how chemical modifications influence the functional properties of MAAs.

Keratin, a core structural protein in epithelial cells, is essential for maintaining epithelial tissue integrity. Numerous studies have confirmed its critical role in proliferative disorders, including lung/liver cancer, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and hepatic fibrosis (HF). Post-translational modification (PTM) regulates protein activity, and keratin undergoes phosphorylation, acetylation, and methylation—modifications that modulate fibrosis and cancer progression by regulating relevant signaling pathways. However, how these modifications reshape keratin’s structure and function in these diseases remains understudied, underscoring the necessity for a systematic review. This review first summarizes keratin’s classification, physiological functions, and roles in epithelial cells, then focuses on the physiological significance of keratin modifications in fibrosis and cancer, while dissecting the molecular mechanisms by which keratin PTMs drive disease progression to address the knowledge gap regarding modification-related keratin changes. Elucidating the mechanisms of keratin and its PTMs is pivotal for understanding disease progression and developing targeted therapies; meanwhile, keratin-targeted strategies—such as keratin siRNAs and small-molecule compounds that regulate keratin expression or modification—have shown therapeutic potential. In summary, this review synthesizes current research findings and provides novel insights for the treatment of fibrosis and cancer.

Abstract The sustainable development of high-quality fibers from agricultural waste biomass offers a promising pathway for next-generation fiber-based food packaging and composite products. This study evaluates fiber production from hemp biomass using environmentally friendly approaches, including chemical-free autohydrolysis (AH), soda (alkaline) pulping (AL), and mild kraft pulping (HK), followed by peroxide and elemental chlorine-free (ECF) bleaching. Both bench-scale experiments and a pilot-scale soda pulping trial were conducted to evaluate the industrial scalability and feasibility of converting low-value agricultural residues, specifically hemp hurds, into high-quality fibers. Among the pulping methods, autohydrolysis resulted in the highest fiber yield, followed by lab-scale soda pulping, pilot-scale soda pulping, and mild kraft pulping. However, autohydrolysis exhibited limited delignification, as indicated by a high kappa and low pulp viscosity. In contrast, mild kraft pulping produced the lowest fiber yield but achieved higher fiber quality due to increased delignification. Following ECF bleaching, the kraft pulp (HKC) showed the highest brightness, lowest residual lignin content, and highest viscosity, indicating well-preserved cellulose integrity. AL and HK fibers exhibited lower coarseness and fines content, along with enhanced crystallinity and improved fiber morphology. Peroxide- and ECF-bleached AH fibers showed the highest anionic charge and carboxyl content, indicating strong potential for further chemical modification. While AH fibers are more suitable for molded and hygiene products, HK and AL fibers show greater potential for fiber-based food packaging and composite applications, contributing to the development of a circular bioeconomy. Graphical abstract

Side chain-to-side chain peptide macrocyclization or stapling is a chemical modification that is frequently used to increase the metabolic stability, the cell permeability, and/or the binding affinity of peptide drugs. Interestingly, it was recently reported that α-helical stapling can also protect the amyloidogenic peptide hormone islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) from aggregation and amyloid-associated toxicity. IAPP is the major component of insoluble amyloid deposits found in diabetic patients, and its derivatives constitute potential therapeutic candidates to treat metabolic disorders. Herein, we investigated the effects of macrocyclization chemistry on amyloid formation and cytotoxicity by comparing different stapling strategies: lactamization, azide-alkyne click chemistry, and formation of thioether link. The (i, i + 4) intramolecular macrocyclization of IAPP between positions 13 and 17 imposed, or not for some derivatives, a local stability of the helical secondary structure, modulating the propensity of the peptide to self-assemble into amyloid fibrils. The helically constrained derivatives inhibited the aggregation of unmodified IAPP and showed a reduced capacity to perturb the cell plasma membrane and to induce cell death. This study offers key molecular insights into the use of stapling strategies as a chemical approach to prevent the aggregation of peptide therapeutics and to inhibit the cytotoxicity of amyloidogenic peptides associated with protein misfolding disorders.

As a pivotal component in sodium-metal batteries (SMBs), separators play a crucial role in determining battery electrochemical performance and safety. The development of high-performance functional separators represents a critical step toward advancing SMBs commercialization. Herein, both the surface chemistry of PAN fibers and the porous structure of the separator are engineered to enhance Na+ transport kinetics and optimize Na+ deposition on the anode surface through chemical modification and microfibrillation of PAN. The separator features abundant functional groups (─COO- and ─CONH2) and a unique Na+ relay mechanism to enhance Na+ transport kinetics, while the tailored pore architecture stemming from large numbers of crosslinking microfibrils enables the uniform flux and deposition of Na. The synergistic effect enables the Na//Na symmetric cell to operate stably for 2000h. Furthermore, the Na//Na3V2(PO4)3 cell demonstrates outstanding cycling stability, maintaining 93.7% of its initial capacity after 6000 cycles at 5C. This work establishes a viable pathway for mass-producing a high-performance separator for SMBs.

Chemical modifications on cellular and viral RNAs are new layers of post-transcriptional regulation of cellular processes, including RNA stability and translation. Although advances in analytical methods have improved the detection of RNA modifications, precise mapping at single-base resolution remains challenging. Requirements for sensitivity and purity limit accuracy and reproducibility, especially for low abundant viral RNAs extracted from infected cells. Here, we report a two-step method, ViREn, for the enrichment of the genomic RNA (gRNA) of dengue virus (DENV), a positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus. This approach enabled the preparation of gRNA with significantly increased purity and led to the identification of a single high-confidence 5-methylcytosine (m5C) site in DENV gRNA at position 1218. This finding was orthogonally validated by Illumina-based bisulfite sequencing and by Nanopore Oxford Technologies direct RNA sequencing. Strikingly, m5C1218 was detected exclusively in gRNA extracted from infected cells but not in gRNA extracted from viral particles. We identified NSUN6 as the host methyltransferase catalyzing this modification and demonstrated a role for m5C in regulating DENV gRNA turnover. ViREn thus enables the mapping of m5C on low-abundance viral gRNA with unprecedented precision and sensitivity and facilitates future mechanistic studies into the role of RNA modifications in virus replication.

Recent advances in the chemical synthesis and modification of messenger RNA (mRNA) have generated growing interest in mRNA-based therapeutics. However, the inherent instability of mRNA in vivo and during storage remains a major challenge, requiring the development of safe and effective delivery systems. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) currently serve as the primary vehicle for mRNA delivery, with well-documented clinical success. Nevertheless, immunogenicity associated with certain components underscores the need for biocompatible alternatives. To address these stability and safety concerns, we developed an mRNA-loaded DNA hydrogel based on self-gelatinizable nucleic acid technology. The hydrogel is formed through the self-assembly of designed DNA units and provides an inherently biocompatible framework. mRNA loaded into the hydrogel exhibited sustained protein expression in myofibroblasts due to controlled mRNA release, while inducing negligible proinflammatory cytokine production or cytotoxicity in antigen-presenting cells. Additionally, the hydrogel markedly enhanced mRNA resistance to both nuclease degradation and storage-induced degradation. These findings demonstrate that mRNA-loaded DNA hydrogels can serve as a promising, biocompatible platform for next-generation mRNA therapeutics, achieving both enhanced stability and reduced immunogenicity.

Lentiviral transduction remains the gold standard in adoptive modified cellular therapy, such as CAR-T; however, genome integration is not always desirable, such as when treating non-fatal autoimmune disease or for additional editing steps using CRISPR to produce allogeneic CAR-modified cells. Delivering in vitro-transcribed (IVT) mRNA represents an alternative solution but the labile nature of mRNA has led to efforts to improve half-life and translation efficiencies using a range of approaches including chemical and structural modifications. In this study, we explore the role of N6–methyladenosine (m6A) in a CD19-CAR sequence when delivered to T cells as an IVT mRNA. In silico analysis predicted the presence of four m6A consensus (DRACH) motifs in the CAR coding sequence and treating T cells with an inhibitor of the m6A methyltransferase (METTL3) resulted in a significant reduction in CAR protein expression. RNA analysis confirmed m6A bases at three of the predicted sites, indicating that the modification occurs independently of nuclear transcription. Synonymous mutation of the DRACH sites reduced the levels of CAR protein from 15 to >50% depending on the T cell donor. We also tested a panel of CAR transcripts with different UTRs, some containing m6A consensus motifs, and identified those which further improved protein expression. Furthermore, we found that the methylation of consensus m6A sites seems to be somewhat sequence-context-dependent. These findings demonstrate the importance of the m6A modification in stabilising and enhancing expression from IVT-derived mRNA and that this occurs within the cell, meaning targeted in vitro chemical modification during mRNA manufacturing may not be necessary.

This review provides a comprehensive analysis of modern strategies for the synthesis, functionalization, and application of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene for the development of high-performance polymer composites in the field of strain sensing. The paper systematically organizes key synthesis methods for CNTs and graphene (chemical vapor deposition (CVD), such as arc discharge, laser ablation, microwave synthesis, and flame synthesis, as well as approaches to their chemical and physical modification aimed at enhancing dispersion within polymer matrices and strengthening interfacial adhesion. A detailed examination is presented on the structural features of the nanofillers, such as the CNT aspect ratio, graphene oxide modification, and the formation of hybrid 3D networks and processing techniques, which enable the targeted control of the nanocomposite’s electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and flexibility. Central focus is placed on the fundamental mechanisms of the piezoresistive response, analyzing the role of percolation thresholds, quantum tunneling effects, and the reconfiguration of conductive networks under mechanical load. The review summarizes the latest advancements in flexible and stretchable sensors capable of detecting both micro- and macro-strains for structural health monitoring, highlighting the achieved improvements in sensitivity, operational range, and durability of the composites. Ultimately, this analysis clarifies the interrelationship between nanofiller structure (CNTs and graphene), processing conditions, and sensor functionality, highlighting key avenues for future innovation in smart materials and wearable devices.

Coral reefs face significant damage from factors such as climate change, pollution, and careless tourism. Although vertebrates and corals differ in substance, their skeletal formation mechanisms are very similar. Titanium (Ti) and its alloys are widely utilised as biomedical materials for orthopaedic and dental implants due to their excellent mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and corrosion resistance. Various surface modifications have been developed to enhance cell adhesion and bone formation. This study aimed to investigate polyp adhesion and skeletal formation on Ti nonwoven materials after chemical surface modifications. Polyps were isolated by increasing the salinity of artificial seawater (viesalt, MARINETECH) in which coral fragments were immersed. Ti nonwoven fabric was anodised. The polyp adhered to the substrate on Day1 and expanded along the fibres over a period of about Day15. The moderate roughness and the oxide film formed on the surface improved the wettability of the substrate.

Integrating antibacterial fabrics into wearable technology represents a transformative advancement in healthcare, fashion, and personal hygiene. Antibacterial fabrics, designed to inhibit microbial growth, are gaining prominence due to their potential to reduce infections, enhance durability, and maintain cleanliness in wearable devices. These fabrics offer effective antimicrobial properties while retaining comfort and functionality by incorporating nanotechnology and advanced materials, such as silver nanoparticles, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and graphene. The production techniques for antibacterial textiles range from chemical and physical surface modifications to biological treatments, each tailored to achieve long-lasting antibacterial performance while preserving fabric comfort and breathability. Advanced methods such as nanoparticle embedding, sol–gel coating, electrospinning, and green synthesis approaches have shown significant promise in enhancing antibacterial efficacy and material compatibility. Wearable technology, including fitness trackers, smart clothing, and medical monitoring devices, relies on prolonged skin contact, making the prevention of bacterial colonization essential for user safety and product longevity. Antibacterial fabrics address these concerns by reducing odor, preventing skin irritation, and minimizing the risk of infection, especially in medical applications such as wound dressings and patient monitoring systems. Despite their potential, integrating antibacterial fabrics into wearable technology presents several challenges. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the key antibacterial agents, the production strategies used to fabricate antibacterial textiles, and their emerging applications in wearable technologies. It also highlights the need for interdisciplinary research to overcome current limitations and promote the development of sustainable, safe, and functional antibacterial fabrics for next-generation wearable.

Dynamic domain interactions encode possible CheA autophosphorylation mechanisms revealed by coarse-grained simulations.

Starch and its derivatives have undergone substantial advancement in the food and beverage industry, driven by growing demand for improved functionality and health-promoting attributes. Native starches are widely used as thickeners and stabilizers; however, their applications are limited by deficiencies such as poor freeze–thaw stability. To overcome these constraints, a range of physical, chemical, and enzymatic modification techniques has been developed, yielding starches with tailored and enhanced properties. Recent innovations include polyphenol-modified starches, which improve physicochemical characteristics and confer additional health benefits, such as reduced digestibility and increased antioxidant activity—features that are particularly valuable for functional foods targeting hyperglycemia. Enzymatic modifications further enhance starch quality and processing efficiency, while chemically modified forms, such as oxidized and acetylated starches, improve emulsification and water-binding capacities in various processed foods. Starch nanoparticles have also gained attention as encapsulating agents and carriers for bioactive compounds, broadening their technological applications. In parallel, the exploration of unconventional starch sources derived from fruit-processing by-products supports sustainability efforts while introducing novel functional attributes. Collectively, these developments are contributing to the creation of healthier, more stable food products that align with consumer expectations and regulatory standards. The following sections of this article examine emerging applications of starch and its derivatives, with particular emphasis on their health benefits and sustainable production pathways.