PANoptosis-triggering GA-based biomimetic nano-prodrug remodels the tumor microenvironment to enhance antitumor immunity.

BioEnerGel: A mechanically-resilient bioenergetic hydrogel enhances chondrogenic differentiation for cartilage regeneration.

Glioblastoma continues to be one of the most lethal and treatment-refractory forms of brain cancer. In this study, we report the development of a novel nanocarrier ("PeptoBrush") for the sustained release of the Auger-emitting radiotherapeutic agent [125I]iododeoxyuridine ([125I]IUdR). The PeptoBrush scaffold, consisting of a polyglutamic acid backbone with degree of polymerization (DP) of 100 grafted with polysarcosine with DP of 82 (30% grafting density with respect to pGlu) and DBCO units (16% grafting density with respect to pGlu), was synthesized, and [125I]IUdR was conjugated via strain-promoted azide-alkyne cycloaddition (SPAAC). The resulting radioconjugate exhibited a defined spherical morphology with a hydrodynamic diameter of 12.1 ± 1.9 nm and ξ-potential of -4.0 ± 1.4 mV. In vitro release studies demonstrated esterase-responsive release of [125I]IUdR, supporting a sustained release profile. DNA incorporation assays and viability studies in glioblastoma cells confirmed the biological activity and radiotoxicity of the released compound. This work highlights the potential of PeptoBrushes for controlled radionuclide delivery of Auger-emitting radiotherapeutic agents, laying the foundation for an innovative strategy in glioblastoma therapy.

Fucoidan-based hydrogel with ultrafast self-healing properties for enhanced probiotic delivery to alleviate colitis and microbiota dysbiosis in mice.

Staphylococcus haemolyticus isolated from the Elaphurus davidianus: Pathogenicity and antimicrobial susceptibility profile.

To address the bottleneck of inefficient separation between kaolinite and other clay minerals from coal slurry during flotation, this study systematically investigated flotation separation system employing kerosene as the collector, sec-octyl alcohol. as the frother, and polyglutamic acid (PGA) as the selective suppressant. Through flotation experiments combined with characterization techniques including Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), contact angle analysis, and adsorption capacity measurements, Experimental results indicate that in a weakly alkaline pulp environment, polyglutamic acid effectively suppresses kaolinite flotation while minimally affecting coal floatability. At pulp pH of 8 and polyglutamic acid dosage of 240 g/t, the clean coal yield reached 74.48% with an ash content of 6.47%. Contact angle and adsorption capacity tests further revealed the distinct adsorption characteristics of polyglutamic acid on coal and kaolinite surfaces. After polyglutamic acid treatment, the contact angle on kaolinite decreased from 17.76° to 5.16°, whereas the contact angle on coal samples remained essentially unchanged. FT-IR analysis revealed that the carboxyl groups in polyglutamic acid molecules undergo chemical adsorption with kaolinite surfaces, enhancing their hydrophilicity and effectively suppressing mechanical entrainment of kaolinite during flotation. This study confirms polyglutamic acid's potential as a highly effective selective inhibitor in coal slurry flotation, providing theoretical foundations and technical pathways for mitigating clay mineral interference in flotation processes and improving coal slurry separation efficiency.

A crucial aspect of the label-free sequencing of peptides and single proteins in solid-state nanopores via optical methods is the ability to control the translocation dynamics of the biomolecule, especially its speed. Very often, this dynamics is studied in terms of its effect on ionic currents through the nanopore. Herein, with attention to label-free optical sequencing methods, we directly study the translocation motion of (poly)peptides by molecular dynamics. By analysis of a vast set of simulations of polyglutamic acids, we show that the peptide elongation is determined by the electrostatic repulsion between the side chains, with less dependence on ionic strength and a more prominent effect of ion type, which emerges as a factor to control the peptide elongation for sequential amino acid detection. Instead, the ionic strength influences the speed of translocation under driving electrostatic fields. Through comparative analysis of simulations with and without confinement of the peptide in a gold nanopore, we quantify the influence of the nanopore on the sequential transit of amino acids and clarify the role of the peptide-pore interaction in promoting the peptide elongation and slowing down their translocation. We identify a stop-and-go translocation mechanism that can be controlled by lateral electric fields, such as in experimental "hot spots", to achieve translocation velocities adequate for single-amino acid detection, while the use of appropriate ions also favors elongated peptide poses suitable for single-amino acid detection. We also present experiments on polyglutamic acid translocation which, compared with the theoretical results, turn out to be compatible with the stop-and-go translocation mechanism. The translocation mechanism, which is characterized by the proximity of the peptide to the nanopore surface, raises expectations for the promising use of plasmonic hot spots in single-amino acid detection.

Accelerating the healing of infected full thickness excision wounds through the topical use of Pluronic F127 copolymer and Polyglutamic acid.

Photophysical insights into acridine orange–polyglutamic acid interaction and its application in ratiometric turn-on heavy metal ion recognition

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are promising therapeutic agents for neurological disorders due to their high specificity. However, their clinical application is significantly hindered by their poor transport across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and their limited diffusion within the brain parenchyma. While significant efforts have been oriented to tackle the first barrier, the challenge of efficient brain diffusion remains largely underexplored. To address this, we have developed and evaluated two structurally distinct nanosystems for mAb delivery to the brain: PEGylated polyglutamic acid nanocapsules (PGA-PEG NCs) and PGAC14-based nanoassemblies (PGAC14 NAs). Both formulations encapsulated efficiently the model mAb bevacizumab (BVZ) while they exhibited different physicochemical properties. Namely, PGA-PEG NCs displayed a size of 80nm and a neutral zeta potential, whereas PGAC14 NAs featured an ultra-small size of 40nm and a negative surface charge. After assessing their diffusion capacity using immunofluorescence, we concluded that PGAC14 NAs exhibited the highest brain diffusion together with a favorable neuroinflammatory profile. This was likely driven by their small size and negative charge, along with a selective ability to interact with and deliver BVZ intracellularly to neuronal cells upon intraparenchymal administration. These findings provide key insights into optimizing nanocarrier design for improved mAb delivery to the brain.

By creating tailor-made binding sites, molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) function as synthetic antibodies, offering comparable specificity with enhanced stability and lower cost. While molecular imprinting technology has achieved significant success with small molecules, its application to macromolecules such as proteins remains challenging. This is primarily due to the common use of aqueous solutions for protein imprinting, where key interactions like hydrogen bonding and electrostatic forces are significantly weakened. To address these limitations, this study reports the rational design of a Cu(II)-coordinated MIPs nanocavity for the efficient and selective adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA). The approach leverages the chelation between histidine residues on the surface of BSA and Cu(II), in conjunction with the primary monomer N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) and various functional monomers, including acrylamide (AAM), dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA), 4-vinylpyridine (4-Vpy), and methacrylic acid (MAA), to construct a shape memory characteristic imprinted nanocavity. Notably, polyglutamic acid peptide cross-linkers (PC) were employed in place of conventional cross-linkers, through a pH-induced helical-coil conformational change, they allow for the gentle yet complete extraction of the BSA template. Experimental results demonstrated that the incorporation of Cu(II) improved the imprinting effect, with the Cu(II)-containing hydrogel achieving an adsorption capacity of 757.5 mg/g and an imprinting factor (IF) of 5.28. Mechanistic analysis revealed that the coordination of Cu(II) synergistically combines the strength of covalent bonds with the flexibility of noncovalent interactions, while the dynamic structure of the PC enhances the specificity of the imprinted sites. Separation experiments conducted with actual serum samples validated the high selectivity of this material for BSA. This research introduces a strategy for protein molecular imprinting technology that integrates high adsorption performance with mild desorption conditions, suggesting significant potential applications in the fields of biomedicine and blood analysis.

Poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) is a water-soluble amino acid biopolymer produced by bacterial fermentation. γ-PGA functioned as a precursor of protein development, including glutamate, an amino acid that provides an umami taste, especially in foods rich in proteins. Thus, in this study, the gamma polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA) obtained from genetically improved local isolate Bacillus megaterium was added to a few food products, and the quality changes of the foods were evaluated. Crude γ-PGA samples were produced from genetically modified locally isolated Bacillus megaterium biosynthesis. The bacteria culture medium (g/L) consists of 100 g glucose, 20 g ammonium nitrate, 2.5 g corn soaking liquid, 0.5 g MgSO4.7H2O, 0.01 g FeSO4.7H2O, and 0.005 g MnCl2.2H2O and is added with 3 % v/v of the bacteria culture. Then, sensory evaluation was conducted on three types of food products (mayonnaise, mushroom soup, and chicken sausage) after γ-PGA was added in different concentrations. The addition of γ-PGA was different for each food product based on the food standard concentrations: mayonnaise, 0.4 %, 0.7 % and 1 % respectively; chicken sausages, 0.2 %, 0.5 % and 0.8 % respectively and mushroom soup, 0.2 %, 0.25 % and 0.3 % respectively. Potato starch was tested on food products, respectively, as a comparison with a commercial thickener agent. The results showed that the sensory evaluation reported no significant differences (P > 0.05) with the samples that contained 2.5 % potato starch. The (γ-PGA) synthesized from genetically modified, locally isolated Bacillus megaterium improved the tested food products' texture, taste and palatability.

Biostimulant-induced phosphorus activation in soils: mechanisms and efficacy of polyglutamic and humic acids

The intrinsic microenvironments of biomolecular condensates play decisive roles in applications spanning synthetic cell construction, targeted drug delivery systems, cell engineering, bioreactor development, and precision disease interventions. Recent studies highlight that divalent cations play a central role in modulating the internal condensate microenvironments. However, the complex multivalent interaction networks within condensates create significant challenges in unraveling the molecular mechanisms. This study employs model systems of cationic peptides (arginine decamer (R10), lysine decamer (K10)) and polyanionic polymers (polyadenylic acid (PolyA), polyinosinic acid (PolyI), polyglutamic acid (PolyE), polyaspartic acid (PolyD)) to systematically investigate Mg2+-mediated modulation of condensate properties. Mg2+ enrichment dynamically controls ionic microenvironments through competitive interactions with polyelectrolytes. When interpolyelectrolyte affinity dominates (e.g., R10/PolyA), weakly bound Mg2+ enhances the surface potential, promoting small-molecule enrichment and ribozyme catalytic efficiency. Conversely, when Mg2+-polyelectrolyte binding prevails (e.g., R10/PolyE), stable ion-polyelectrolyte complexes reduce the system polarity and amplify dye accumulation but compromise phase stability. Macrophage coculture experiments demonstrate that R10/PolyA@Mg condensates enable targeted magnesium delivery, significantly boosting TNF-α secretion and immune regulation. These findings establish a mechanistic framework for ion-mediated control of condensate microenvironments, offering theoretical insights into the intracellular ionic regulation of phase separation. This work suggests a Mg2+-responsive condensate design strategy for modulating macrophage responses, providing a foundation for the design of biomaterials with a tunable immunostimulatory potential.

IntroductionPolyglutamic acid (γ-PGA) is a promising biostimulant for enhancing crop growth and stress resistance, while its agricultural application is limited by poor leaf retention, low mobility within plants, and susceptibility to rain wash-off.MethodsThis study developed PGA nanofertilizers via a facile one-step self-assembly strategy in crude γ-PGA aqueous solution without adding salt ions to overcome these limitations. SEM images show that the obtained nanoparticles appear uniform spherical morphology and good dispersibility in water with an average hydrodynamic diameter of 182 nm confirmed by DLS. XRD and DSC patterns indicate a strong reduction in crystallinity consistent with a largely amorphous or highly disordered state.ResultsFluorescence imaging of FITC-labeled PGA nanofertilizers (FITC@PGA) indicates systemic, vascular-localized signals consistent with bidirectional movement from absorption of both roots and leaves. Importantly, the PGA nanofertilizers exhibited superior rainfastness and leaf retention compared to crude γ-PGA. Physiological assessments showed that foliar application of PGA nanofertilizers significantly enhanced chlorophyll content, root development, and antioxidant enzyme activities compared to that of crude γ-PGA, which led to significant improvement for tomato growth and stress tolerance.DiscussionIt is clear shown that the nano-engineering strategy will provide a promising approach for developing efficient and eco-friendly nanofertilizer.

The polyglutamate-coated natto (PGM-natto) was synthesizedin situby treating bleached natto with methanol by using H2SO4 as a catalyst to convert polyglutamic acid (γPGA) onthe surface into polyglutamate. The PGM-natto was analyzed with attenuatedtotal reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR), differentialscanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) techniquesto confirm that polyglutamate was on the natto surface and to observechanges in its thermal properties. The PGM-natto flake was compoundedwith PLA in a twin-screw extruder to obtain PLA/PGM-natto compositemasterbatch for further fabrication into films using a cast and sheetextruder. The composite films showed a noticeable increase in mechanicalproperties. The results showed that the PLA/PGM-natto composite filmwith 1 wt % PGM-natto had a big improvement in mechanical properties(tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and % E at break) by 98%,meaning it became stiffer and more flexible because of the good bondingand reinforcing particles. Adding more PGM-natto (3 and 5 wt %) ledto a gradual decline in the mechanical properties because of a commonissue with how the particles are distributable when there is too muchadded. Additionally, the modification of surface and bulk hydrophilicityenhanced the printability and oxygen barrier performance of the acrylicinks. These properties are required in the field of active and environmentallyfriendly packing applications.

Cationic liposomes are useful carriers for delivering small interfering RNA (siRNA). In our previous study, a simple and efficient modified ethanol injection (MEI) method was developed for the preparation of cationic siRNA lipoplexes. However, non-specific interactions between cationic lipoplexes and biological components, including erythrocytes, induce aggregation, and thus, siRNA is not delivered to the target site after intravenous injection. In the present study, an anionic polymer coating was applied to cationic lipoplexes prepared using the MEI method, and their gene knockdown effect and biodistribution in mice were evaluated. The gene knockdown effect of cationic lipoplexes was preserved after coating with anionic polymers [hyaluronan (HA), chondroitin sulfate (CS) and polyglutamic acid (PGA)], although anionic polymer-coated lipoplexes showed lower cellular association than cationic lipoplexes. Coating of cationic lipoplexes with high-molecular-weight HA, CS and PGA reduced agglutination with erythrocytes. Following intravenous injection, CS- or PGA-coated lipoplexes exhibited lower pulmonary accumulation than cationic lipoplexes, whereas hepatic accumulation of CS- or PGA-coated lipoplexes increased. Collectively, cationic lipoplexes prepared using the MEI method were successfully coated with anionic polymers. Notably, CS or PGA coating of lipoplexes reduced non-specific interactions with erythrocytes, and CS- or PGA-coated lipoplexes could be potential vectors for in vivo siRNA delivery to the liver.

ABSTRACT Dopamine is one of the key neurotransmitters involved in the regulation of cognitive functions, and its dysregulation has been associated with various psychological and neurological disorders. Hence, we have focused on creating a cost effective viable polyglutamic acid immobilized molybdenum oxide nano rods (MoO 3 NR) anchored on carbon paste electrode (poly glu/MoO 3 NR/CPE) for enhancing the detection limit of dopamine. MoO 3 NR were hydrothermally synthesized and characterized using XRD, TEM, HRTEM, XPS, SAED, and EDS to assess their crystallinity, elemental composition, and surface morphology relevant to electrochemical performance. Poly glutamic acid is prepared using electro polymerization of glutamic acid chosen for its skin friendly nature. The CV, EIS, and DPV techniques were used for the assessment of fabricated electrode's electroanalytical performance, and sensitivity. The LOD and LOQ of dopamine from the present work was found to be as 0.0972, 0.324 µM, respectively. Simultaneous detection of DA and uric acid (UA) was conducted by DPV. This proposed sensor showed promising results in detecting DA in spiked buffer and human serum samples. In future, the present fabricated electrode can be expected for better monitoring of dopamine with interdisciplinary studies.

Nanoassemblies for oral protein delivery - The case of monoclonals for inflammatory bowel disease.

Polyglutamic acid (PGA) is an excellent model system to study peptide and protein folding. Its conformation in solution can be conveniently studied by vibrational optical activity. To better understand the behavior of the molecule in different protonation states and advance the spectroscopic methodology, we obtained infrared (IR), vibrational circular dichroism (VCD), Raman, and Raman optical activity (ROA) spectra of various PGA forms and interpreted them on the basis of molecular dynamics (MD) and density functional theory (DFT) computations. The spectra include the ROA of PGA fibrils, which have been rather unexplored so far. The fibrils provided a distinct ROA pattern, which could be verified by the measurement of both enantiomers. Advancements in the use of vibrational spectroscopy for amyloid fibrils may contribute to the understanding of the biological role of these protein forms, often accompanying neurodegenerative diseases. The computations provided a reliable link between the spectral shapes and molecular geometry, and the simulated spectra reproduced the most important experimental features, although band-to-band simulations of the fibril vibrational optical activity remain challenging. The results nevertheless clearly show that vibrational optical activity combined with spectral simulations appears as a handy tool to study the geometry of proteins, including their aggregates.