Triple Helix Research Articles

Structural characterization, antioxidant activity, and fermentation characteristics of Flammulina velutipes residue polysaccharide degraded by ultrasonic assisted H2O2-Vc technique

Adhere to the concept of low-carbon environmental protection and turning waste into treasure, polysaccharides from Flammulina velutipes residue polysaccharide (FVRP) has been developed and possesses diverse bioactivities, comprising antioxidant, hypoglycemic, and relieving heavy metal damage, which still has the disadvantages of high molecular weight and low bioavailability. The current work is the first to prepare a degraded polysaccharide (FVRPV) from FVRP by ultrasonic assisted H2O2-Vc technique in order to reduce its molecular weight, thereby improving its activity and bioavailability. Our results found that the molecular weight and average particle size were declined, but the monosaccharide composition and characteristic functional group types of FVRPV had no impact. The structural changes of polysaccharides analyzed by XRD, Congo Red test, I2-KI, SEM, and methylation analysis indicated that the surface morphology and glycosidic bond composition of FVRPV possessed longer side chains and a greater number of branches with an amorphous crystal structure devoid of a triple helix configuration, and had experienced notable alterations after ultrasonic assisted H2O2-Vc treatment. Meanwhile, the in vitro antioxidant capacity of FVRPV had significantly increased compared to FVRP, implying ultrasonic assisted H2O2-Vc technique maybe a effective method to enhance the bioactivity of polysaccharides. In addition, the content of polysaccharide, reducing sugar, and uronic acid in FVRPV was significantly decreased, but antioxidant capacity of fermentation broth was stronger by in vitro human fecal fermentation. The 16S rDNA sequencing data displayed that FVRPV can enrich probiotics and reduce the abundance of pathogenic bacteria through different metabolic pathways mediated by gut microbiota, thereby exerting its potential probiotic effects. The interesting work provides a novel degraded polysaccharide by ultrasonic assisted H2O2-Vc technique, laying a foundation for developing FVRPV as a new antioxidant and prebiotic.

Preparation and functional characteristics of polysaccharides from endogenous Pseudomonas flavus Y11 and Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim

In this study, the comparative structural characterization of extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) produced by an endogenous Pseudomonas flavus Y11 and polysaccharides from homologous parts of Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim (ZBMP) was investigated. EPSY11 and ZBMP0.1 both were acidic homogeneous polysaccharides with a pyran ring structure and an amorphous structure, and had a loose and porous strip cross-linked mesh structure in the chain backbone. EPSY11 had a triple helix structure, with two thermic absorption peaks, an initial stable temperature of 55.22 °C, and a molecular weight of about 26.70 kDa, which was mainly composed of Man, GlcA, GalA, Glc, Xyl, Ara, and Fuc. ZBMP0.1 did not have a triple helix structure, but had four characteristic thermic absorption peaks with an initial thermal stable temperature of 163.82 °C and a molecular weight of about 70.11 kDa. It was mainly composed of Man, Rha, GlcA, GalA, Glc, Gal, Xyl, and Fuc. Strong antioxidant activity was observed against DPPH, ABTS+, hydroxyl, and superoxide anion radicals. In addition, EPSY11 and ZBMP0.1 showed protective effects against low temperature and lyophilized stresses of Pseudomonas flavus. This study verified that an endophyte possessed the ability to produce the same or similar metabolites as its hosts, which lays the foundation for obtaining EPS with antioxidant and antimicrobial activities by submerged fermentation, as well as the development of such polysaccharides as microbial protectants for the freezing and lyophilized process in the food or pharmaceutical industries.

Transforming Academic Libraries into Hubs of Innovation and Entrepreneurship: A Case Study of a New Library Model

In a data-driven era, academic libraries must evolve beyond traditional roles as spaces for reading and storing information resources to become platforms promoting learning, research, innovation, future skills, and entrepreneurship. Based on the triple helix model of innovation, this paper highlights the new library model in a case study aimed at transforming traditional academic library services into enterprising, innovation-driven activities. For over ninety years, Thammasat University Library has been located on Rattanakosin Island, an historical area of Thailand. More recently, the library business model has evolved to meet modern needs. This qualitative research uses a case study to explore library strategies to create space meeting requirements of diverse user groups: students, faculty, staff, alumni, businesspeople and the community, including older residents. Service innovations responding to user demands are prioritized by drawing on the expertise of librarians. These changes generate new revenue for the library and enhance the space design and use through the Life Space concept. Co-working spaces, learning areas, inspirational corners, and performance venues make the library a platform for inspiring creativity, learning, life enhancement, and business ventures. The Thammasat University Library has also become an innovative bridge linking university research with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), facilitating knowledge transfer and research commercialization. These findings may serve as guidelines for academic libraries seeking to adapt the Library of Life approach to be centres catering to readers of all generations and stations in life.

Static magnetic field effects on the secondary structure and elasticity of collagen molecules; a possible biophysical approach to treat keratoconus

Type I collagen is among the major extracellular proteins that play a significant role in the maintenance of the cornea's structural integrity and is essential in cell adhesion, differentiation, growth, and integrity. Here, we investigated the effect of 300 mT Static Magnetic Field (300 mT SMF) on the structure and molecular properties of acid-solubilized collagens (ASC) isolated from the rat tail tendon. The SMF effects at molecular and atomic levels were investigated by various biophysical approaches like Circular Dichroism Spectropolarimetery (CD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Zetasizer light Scattering, and Rheological assay. Exposure of isolated type I collagen to 300 mT SMF retained its triple helix. The elasticity of collagen molecules and the keratoconus (KCN) cornea treated with SMF decreased significantly after 5 min and slightly after 10, 15, and 20 min of treatments. The exposure to 300 mT SMF shifted the Amid I bond random coil to antiparallel wave number from 1647 to 1631 cm−1. The pH of the 300 mT SMF treated collagen solution increased by about 25 %. The treatment of the KCN corneas with 300 mT SMF decreased their elasticity significantly. The promising results of the effects of 300 mT SMF on the collagen molecules and KCN cornea propose a novel biophysical approach capable of manipulating the collagen's elasticity, surface charges, electrostatic interactions, cross binding, network formation and fine structure. Therefore, SMF treatment may be considered as a novel non-invasive, direct, non-chemical and fast therapeutic and manipulative means to treat KCN cornea where the deviated physico-chemical status of collagen molecules cause deformation.

A yeast two-hybrid system to obtain triple-helical ligands from combinatorial random peptide libraries

Many bioactive proteins interact with collagen, recognizing amino acid sequences displayed on the triple helix. We report here a selection strategy to obtain triple-helical peptides that interact with the proteins from a combinatorial random library constructed in yeast cells. This system enables us to select them using the standard two-hybrid protocol, detecting interactions between triple-helical peptides and target proteins fused to the GAL4-activating and binding domains, respectively. The library was constructed having triple-helical peptides with a “host-guest” design in which host helix-stabilizing regions flanked guest random sequences. Using this system, we selected peptides that bind to pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), a collagen-binding protein that shows anti-angiogenic and neurotrophic activities, from the libraries. Two-step selections from the total random library and subsequently from the second focused library yielded new PEDF-binding sequences that exhibited a comparable affinity to or more potent than that of the native PEDF-binding sequence in collagen. The obtained sequences also contained a variant of the PEDF-binding motif that did not match the known motif identified from the native collagen sequences. This combinatorial library system allows the chemical space of triple-helical peptides to be screened more widely than that found in native collagen, thus increasing the expectation of obtaining more specific and high-affinity peptides.

RNA:DNA triplexes: a mechanism for epigenetic communication between hosts and microbes?

Molecular communication between host and microbe is mediated by the transfer of many different classes of macromolecules. Recently, the trafficking of RNA molecules between organisms has gained prominence as an efficient way to manipulate gene expression via RNA interference (RNAi). Here, we posit a new epigenetic control mechanism based on triple helix (triplex) structures comprising nucleic acids from both host and microbe. Indeed, RNA:DNA triplexes are known to regulate gene expression in humans, but it is unknown whether interkingdom triplexes are formed either to manipulate host processes during pathogenesis or as a host defense response. We hypothesize that a fraction of the extracellular RNAs commonly released by microbes (e.g., bacteria, fungi, and protists) and their hosts form triplexes with the genome of the other species, thereby impacting chromatin conformation and gene expression. We invite the field to consider interkingdom triplexes as unexplored weaponry in the arms race between host and microbe.

Os efeitos do aquecimento global na ampliação das áreas desertificadas: um estudo acerca da geografia econômica dos municípios do sertão da Bahia e possíveis mitigações da teoria da tríplice hélice

Global warming, caused by the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, is triggering significant changes in the Earth's environment. Phenomena like El Niño and La Niña, analyzed through modeling techniques, reveal complex patterns affecting various time scales. In regions with fragile soils, the trend is rapid progression towards scenarios of desertification and abandonment in the coming years. The migration of rural populations from these areas to urban centers, abandoning subsistence economies, may increase poverty in cities, a movement comparable to the Industrial Revolution's exodus, already visible in economic and social data. This article theoretically reviews topics related to desertification resulting from climate change, aiming to identify the social and economic consequences of this phenomenon in the region. Additionally, it explores possible actions to mitigate problems caused by global warming. In conclusion, a solution based on the Triple Helix Theory, which promotes interaction between government, universities, and businesses, will be presented. This approach could be crucial in mitigating the impacts of desertification, fostering sustainable development and innovation in the affected region.

Enhancing innovation in aviation: Applying the Triple Helix Model and PMBOK in the UAE-Sweden partnership

To sustain economic growth and generate new ideas for innovation, academia, industries, and governments should cooperate to develop successful research and development ecosystems. Indeed, the collaboration between these parties is required to extend beyond the basic funding provided by industries to research projects conducted by universities. Hence, collaboration must occur in an integrated environment so that each party plays its role including problem identification, setting the regulations, funding, conducting the research, etc. On the other hand, due to globalization, collaboration in research and development has become international where teams from different countries or continents collaborate in various ways. Indeed, the integrated collaboration between industry, governments, and academia improves the impact of the research outcome on society by addressing problems of interest to society while involving all the concerned parties. One of the known frameworks in this context, the Triple Helix Model (THM), has been used in this study to foster international collaboration in aviation. The international collaboration involved two universities representing academia, civil aviation authorities, public funding bodies, and air navigation services representing the government bodies, in addition to aviation industries from Sweden and the United Arab Emirates. The focus of the collaboration was the development of knowledge-based open innovation in the form of a traffic management tool that optimizes, simulates, and visualizes delivery scenarios of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).This paper aims to formalize the collaborative framework that has been used in the international collaboration mentioned above, and that combines the THM and PMBOK models so that it can be used for managing innovation projects of similar nature throughout their lifecycle. Moreover, the challenges that have been encountered by the teams involved in the collaboration are discussed in this paper in addition to the mitigation strategies that have been used to overcome them which can be beneficial for other similar collaborations. Finally, the study results encourage industries, governments, and universities to establish further projects based on the same framework to spur and maximize knowledge-based innovation for social and financial growth.

Properties of Skin Collagen from Southern Catfish (Silurus meridionalis) Fed with Raw and Cooked Food.

The southern catfish (Silurus meridionalis) is an economically important carnivorous freshwater fish in China. In this study, we compared the properties of skin collagen from southern catfish fed with raw food (RF) and cooked food (CF). The skin collagen yield in the RF group (8.66 ± 0.11%) was significantly higher than that of the CF group (8.00 ± 0.27%). SDS-PAGE, circular dichroism spectroscopy, and FTIR analyses revealed that the collagen extracted from southern catfish skin in both groups was type I collagen, with a unique triple helix structure and high purity. The thermal denaturation temperature of collagen in the RF group (35.20 ± 0.11 °C) was significantly higher than that of the CF group (34.51 ± 0.25 °C). The DPPH free radical scavenging rates were 68.30 ± 2.41% in the RF collagen and 61.78 ± 3.91% in the CF collagen, which was higher than that found in most fish collagen. Both the RF and CF groups had high ability to form fibrils in vitro. Under the same conditions, the CF group exhibited faster fibril formation and a thicker fibril diameter (p < 0.05). In addition, the RF group exhibited significantly higher expression of col1a1 compared to the CF group. These results indicated that feeding southern catfish raw food contributed to collagen production, and the collagen from these fish may have potential in biomaterial applications.

Low-temperature DLP 3D printing of low-concentration collagen methacryloyl for the fabrication of durable and bioactive personalized scaffolds

Digital Light Processing (DLP) bioprinting has revolutionized tissue engineering and regenerative medicine with its speed and precision. Although commonly used in DLP printing, Gelatin Methacrylate (GelMA) lacks the mechanical strength and complex biological signaling of collagen, owing to the absence of collagen’s unique triple helix structure. However, collagen faces challenges such as denaturation at high temperatures and aggregation at neutral pH, limiting its use as a bioink. Herein, we present for the first time the development of a low-temperature DLP 3D printing technique using low-concentration Collagen Methacryloyl (ColMA) for fabricating durable and bioactive personalized scaffolds. Our study shows that pH significantly influences ColMA printing, with pH 3 producing low-concentration scaffolds that exhibit enhanced mechanical properties, minimal swelling, and prolonged resistance to enzymatic hydrolysis compared to high-concentration GelMA scaffolds, while low-concentration GelMA cannot be printed independently. ColMA scaffolds notably boost the proliferation, adhesion, migration, and differentiation of human foreskin fibroblasts. In vivo rat model tests demonstrate that ColMA scaffolds reduce inflammation, enhance collagen deposition, and accelerate epidermal regeneration. This method offers a robust solution for low-temperature DLP 3D printing of collagen ink, facilitating the creation of personalized scaffolds with superior bioactivity and representing a significant advancement in tissue engineering applications.

The university as an intellectual capital catalyst for sustainable organisations: conceptualising the nexus

Purpose Intellectual capital (IC) is an increasingly important strategic asset for sustainable value creation in organisations. This paper aims to provide a conceptual perspective on the university’s role as a catalyst for IC creation and development within the dynamic landscape of organisations, exploring the nexus to capture its essence. Design/methodology/approach Adopting a conceptual framework development approach, key concepts were cohesively and coherently synthesised from various theoretical underpinnings, namely, the multiple capitals approach to maximising corporate value creation, the evolved triple bottom line approach to corporate sustainability, the triple helix innovation model and its subsequent extensions, the upper echelons theory and the social licence construct linked to stakeholder, legitimacy and institutional theories. Findings A comprehensive conceptual framework was developed that outlines universities’ role in catalysing four corporate IC forms crucial to sustainable organisational value creation: human capital, governance capital, social/relational capital and structural/organisational capital. The framework interprets this role of universities as dynamic IC reservoirs serving regional ecosystems for sustainable development. It highlights the synergistic sustainable value creation between universities and organisations in host communities and broader society, with university governance acting as a key driver. Originality/value This paper offers a theoretically grounded interpretation of universities’ pivotal role in catalysing essential forms of IC to support contemporary organisations’ sustainable value-creation processes. The proposed framework has the potential to ignite conversations on the crucial connection between universities and corporate IC development relevant to sustainable organisations, inspiring future empirical research, reflection and discussion.

Pauli Exclusion by n→π* Interactions: Implications for Paleobiology.

Proteins have evolved to function in an aqueous environment. Collagen, which provides the bodily scaffold for animals, has a special need to retain its integrity. This need was addressed early on, as intact collagen has been detected in dinosaur fossils, even though peptide bonds have a half-life of only ∼500 years in a neutral aqueous solution. We sought to discover the physicochemical basis for this remarkable resistance to hydrolysis. Using experimental and computational methods, we found that a main-chain acyl group can be protected from hydrolysis by an O···C=O n→π* interaction with a neighboring acyl group. These interactions engage virtually every peptide bond in a collagen triple helix. This protection, which arises from the Pauli exclusion principle, could underlie the preservation of ancient collagen.

Peptidic "Molecular Beacon" for Collagen.

Collagen-mimetic peptides (CMP) have been invaluable tools for understanding the structure and function of collagen, which is the most abundant protein in animals. CMPs have also been developed as probes that detect damaged collagen because of the specificity required to form a collagen triple helix. These probes are not, however, ratiometric. Here, we used EPR spectroscopy to determine the end-to-end distances of CMPs that do not form stable homotrimeric helices. We found that those distances are shorter than the distances in the context of a collagen triple helix, suggesting their potential utility as a "molecular beacon" and guiding the choice and location of a pendant fluorophore-quencher pair. We then showed that a molecular beacon based on a glycine-(2S,4S)-4-fluoroproline-(2S,4R)-4-hydroxyproline tripeptide repeat and EDANS-DABCYL pair enabled the ratiometric detection of its binding to both other CMPs and natural mammalian collagen. These results provide guidance for the development of a new modality for detecting damaged collagen in physiological settings.

Bridging academia and industry in the era of Industry 4.0 by means of the triple helix: The PLANET4 initiative

Practical Learning of Artificial Intelligence on the Edge of Industry 4.0 (PLANET4) is a cross-disciplinary initiative funded by the European Commission under the Erasmus+ program that embodies the triple helix model of collaboration between academia, industry, and administration. It aims to bridge the gap between academic teaching and practical applications in the context of Industry 4.0. PLANET4 focuses on developing hard skills in artificial intelligence, industrial Internet of things, and cloud and edge computing, along with the soft competencies required to manage changes in the industrial ecosystem. It involves three phases: (1) training needs analysis, taxonomy development, and workshop design; (2) collection of best practices and training material design; and (3) implementation of the PLANET4 learning course. This paper presents the materialization of these phases into a blended learning course, highlighting the integration of the triple helix model and the European Commission’s support for academia-industry collaboration with the aim of improving education quality and promoting Industry 4.0 innovation in Europe.

Recombinant humanized type III collagen inhibits ovarian cancer and induces protective anti-tumor immunity by regulating autophagy through GSTP1

Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the leading causes of death from malignancy in women and lacks safe and efficient treatment. The novel biomaterial, recombinant humanized collagen type III (rhCOLIII), has been reported to have various biological functions, but its role in OC is unclear. This study aimed to reveal the function and mechanism of action of rhCOLIII in OC. We developed an injectable recombinant human collagen (rhCOL)-derived material with a molecular weight of 45 kDa, with a stable triple helix structure, high biocompatibility, water solubility and biosafety. The anti-tumor activity of rhCOLIII was comprehensively evaluated through in vitro and in vivo experiments. In vitro, our results showed that rhCOLIII inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of ovarian cancer cells (OCCs), and induced apoptosis. In addition, rhCOLIII not only inhibited autophagy of OCCs but also increased the expression of MHC-1 molecule within OCCs. To further elucidate the mechanism of rhCOLIII in OC, we conducted joint analysis of RNA-Seq and proteomics, and found that rhCOLIII exerted anti-tumor function and autophagy inhibition by downregulating Glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1). Furthermore, various rescue experiments were designed to demonstrate that rhCOLIII suppressed autophagy and proliferation of OCCs by mediating GSTP1. In vivo, we found that rhCOLIII could inhibit tumor growth and promote CD8+ T cell infiltration. Our results indicate that rhCOLIII has great anti-tumor potential activity in OC, and induces protective anti-tumor immunity by regulating autophagy through GSTP1. These findings illustrate the potential therapeutic prospects of rhCOLIII for OC treatment.

Barriers to Developing a Successful University-Industry Research Collaboration (U-IRC)

The Triple Helix theory explains the relationship between three important stakeholders: university, industry and government. The collaboration between university and industry in research projects contributes to benefits not only to the partners involved but also to provide positive impacts on society and the country’s economy. However, to develop successful collaboration projects is challenging. There are still projects that fail to deliver. Thus, this study aims to identify the types of barriers to developing a successful university-industry research collaboration. A descriptive analysis conducted among the university researchers determined that time constraints as the most crucial barrier, followed by inadequate infrastructure and industry research is short-term-oriented. The findings acknowledge the collaboration stakeholders on the barriers faced by the researchers, thus encouraging them to improve the current practices in order to develop more successful research collaboration between university and industry in future.

Efficient preparation of β-1,3-glucooligosaccharides by microwave-assisted hydrothermal degradation of curdlan and preliminary exploration of its antibacterial activity

The study focuses on the efficient production of curdlan β-1,3-glucooligosaccharides (CDOS) through microwave-assisted hydrothermal hydrolysis of curdlan. The optimal condition was identified as 170 °C and 30 min, resulting in a curdlan liquefaction yield of over 96%, mainly contains CDOS along with minor amounts of glucose and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF). Oligosaccharides with a low degree of polymerization (DP), specifically DP2 to DP6, were isolated. The yields for DP2 to DP6 were 15.87%, 8.33%, 6.00%, 3.13%, and 1.83%, respectively, with purities over 70%. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis demonstrated that the dense triple helix structure of the crystalline structure was disrupted during degradation. Additionally, CDOS at a concentration of 2.5 mg/mL partially inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli. This study concludes that the combination of microwave-assisted hydrothermal hydrolysis with gel filtration chromatography provides an efficient method for producing and purifying CDOS.

The triple helix of environmental prosperity: Economic policy uncertainty, financial expansion, and green energy in a financially flourishing bloc

The triple helix of environmental prosperity: Economic policy uncertainty, financial expansion, and green energy in a financially flourishing bloc

Bridging workforce skills gaps in rural America amid ‘the great resignation' by leveraging a triple helix collaboration

The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically impacted the job market through a surge in layoffs and the mass resignation of employees leading to the emergence of ‘The Great Resignation’. This study explores the perspectives of employers regarding skills gaps and hiring challenges with a focus on rural communities. A collaboration led by a prominent rural university department of Community and Workforce Development included industry partners, governmental agencies, a partner university, primary and secondary schools (K-12), vocational institutions, Chambers of Commerce, and Small Business Development Centers. Their objective was to examine the gap between employer needs and worker readiness. Leveraging the Triple Helix approach, a grant was awarded to fund a stackable pathway skills development program for high-demand industries in a rural five-county area. This program, the Industry Engaged Workplace Ready Program Model, is a two-phase, rapid-response approach for meeting emergent workforce needs by providing accessible training, education, networking, and mentoring to employable candidates. Findings revealed success in the program with mixed outcomes and room for program revision.

Publication, Collaboration, Citation Performance, and Triple Helix Innovation Gene of Artificial Intelligence Research in the Communication Field: Comparing Asia to the Rest of the World

Publication, Collaboration, Citation Performance, and Triple Helix Innovation Gene of Artificial Intelligence Research in the Communication Field: Comparing Asia to the Rest of the World