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Biomacromolecules [JOURNAL]

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PAS-Domain Protein Orientation at a Polyelectrolyte Surface Revealed by Infrared Nanospectroscopy, Chiral Vibrational Spectroscopy, and Molecular Dynamics Simulations.

Bogár F, Román Quintero M, Horváth J … +7 more , Násztor Z, Mero M, Krekic S, Veber A, Puskar L, Dér A, Heiner Z

Biomacromolecules · 2026 Jun · PMID 42062790 · Full text

PAS domains mediate protein-protein interactions that enable functions such as sensing, signaling, dimerization, and localization. The photoactive yellow protein (PYP) from is a model PAS-domain protein involved in nega... PAS domains mediate protein-protein interactions that enable functions such as sensing, signaling, dimerization, and localization. The photoactive yellow protein (PYP) from is a model PAS-domain protein involved in negative phototaxis, yet its signaling partner remains unidentified. Here, we present a method to resolve protein orientations in PAS-domain signaling by combining nano-FTIR and chiral vibrational sum-frequency generation (VSFG) spectroscopy with molecular dynamics simulations and VSFG spectral calculations. As a demonstration, we used a charged homopolypeptide, poly-l-lysine (PLL), as a surrogate binding surface to probe PYP docking. We found that PYP adopts a preferred interfacial orientation driven primarily by dipole-dipole interactions, despite its water-soluble, i.e., cytoplasmic nature. Remarkably, the inferred interaction surface and orientation closely match those observed in PYP homodimers and in a CNBh-PAS heterodimer. This methodology enables in situ determination of protein orientational preferences during protein-protein interactions and may facilitate identification of binding partners in PAS-domain signaling pathways.

High-Performance Cellulosic Solid-State Electrolytes: Engineering the Li Transference Number and Deciphering Conduction Mechanisms.

Yan C, Li Z, Xu X

Biomacromolecules · 2026 Jun · PMID 42060319 · Publisher ↗

A novel cellulose-based solid polymer electrolyte (Cell-TFSI) was developed through strategic grafting of trifluoromethanesulfonimide (-TFSI) groups onto the cellulose backbone, simultaneously achieving a high Li transfe... A novel cellulose-based solid polymer electrolyte (Cell-TFSI) was developed through strategic grafting of trifluoromethanesulfonimide (-TFSI) groups onto the cellulose backbone, simultaneously achieving a high Li transference number (0.79), room-temperature ionic conductivity (1.12 × 10 S cm), and mechanical strength (21.65 MPa). Dielectric relaxation spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations reveal that weakly coordinated solvation structures between Li and sulfonyl/carbonyl oxygens enable a dominant hopping-decoupled ion transport mechanism. Density functional theory calculations demonstrate superior Li affinity for -TFSI groups (Δ = -7.167 eV) compared to hydroxyl groups (-4.457 eV). The cell-TFSI electrolyte forms an in situ LiF-rich solid electrolyte interphase that enables stable lithium plating/stripping cycling for over 1000 h. This work establishes a universal weak solvation and anion immobilization design principle for sustainable, high-performance solid-state polymer electrolytes.

Constructing a CA15-3 Ultrasensitive Fluorescent Probe Based on Dual-Ligand Peptides/UiO-66-NH@AYG Composite Material.

Wei Z, Ge S, He Y … +8 more , Mu L, Yan S, Cheng Y, Gao T, Xie K, Zhang M, Wang S, Tian M

Biomacromolecules · 2026 Jun · PMID 42057590 · Publisher ↗

Carbohydrate antigen 15-3 (CA15-3) is an important biomarker for early breast cancer diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring. This work presents an ultrasensitive fluorescent probe based on a dual-ligand peptides/UiO-66-NH@... Carbohydrate antigen 15-3 (CA15-3) is an important biomarker for early breast cancer diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring. This work presents an ultrasensitive fluorescent probe based on a dual-ligand peptides/UiO-66-NH@AYG composite for CA15-3 detection. Dual-ligand peptides (GTTFSNYW and MHYLEYPF) target distinct CA15-3 epitopes, enhancing the binding affinity and specificity. The peptides are immobilized on UiO-66-NH, whose high surface area supports efficient loading of the fluorescent reporter Acridine Yellow G (AYG). This probe demonstrates exceptional performance with a linear detection range of 0.05-1.5 pg/mL (R = 0.9981) and an ultralow detection limit of 0.004147 pg/mL. Practical validation in spiked mouse serum shows recovery rates of 91.57-103.7%, while clinical testing with serum samples from 10 cancer patients reveals a strong correlation with ELISA results (r = 0.9944, < 0.001). This robust platform offers significant potential for cost-effective, early cancer screening in primary healthcare settings.

Charge-Symmetry-Mediated Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation Enables Tailored High-Protein Food Models.

Zhang J, Zhou J, Pan F … +2 more , Zheng J, Sun W

Biomacromolecules · 2026 Jun · PMID 42057275 · Publisher ↗

Precise control of the matter state and dynamics is a key challenge in developing novel food matrices using concentrated protein coacervates. Herein, we report a pH-driven liquid-gel-solid transition of protein coacervat... Precise control of the matter state and dynamics is a key challenge in developing novel food matrices using concentrated protein coacervates. Herein, we report a pH-driven liquid-gel-solid transition of protein coacervates composed of β-lactoglobulin (BLG) and lysozyme (LYS). The terminal relaxation time of the coacervate extended from 0.17 ms to 267 s during the phase transition due to increased affinity. Spin-spin relaxation data, hydrogen bond competition experiments, and molecular dynamics simulations revealed that increasing the pH from 6 to 8 shifted the BLG/LYS stoichiometric ratio from 3:1 to 1:1. The enhanced charge symmetry expanded the interaction interface between BLG and LYS by 1.8 times, thereby promoting the desolvation of bound water and the formation of protein-protein hydrogen bonds that consequently slowed the dynamics of the BLG-LYS coacervates. Overall, this study introduces a new class of protein-based food models with tunable physical properties and offers valuable insights into their precise control.

The Structure-Activity Relationship and Anticoagulation Mechanism of Polyglycerol Sulfates of Different Architectures.

Krage C, Weinhart M, Lai BFL … +4 more , Stöshel A, Achazi K, Kizhakkedathu JN, Haag R

Biomacromolecules · 2026 May · PMID 42054420 · Full text

Although unfractionated heparin (UFH) remains a vital agent for rapid anticoagulation, its reliance on animal-derived sources results in batch-to-batch variability and contamination risks, and its clinical application is... Although unfractionated heparin (UFH) remains a vital agent for rapid anticoagulation, its reliance on animal-derived sources results in batch-to-batch variability and contamination risks, and its clinical application is further restricted by the possibility of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Dendritic polyglycerol sulfates were investigated as heparin analogues in 2004 due to their ability to mimic its charge, which is essential for its acting mechanism, and revealed an anticoagulant activity of 15-35% compared to UFH. In the current study, we found that the anticoagulant effect of polyglycerol sulfates further increases with their flexibility, resulting in a comparable activity of linear polyglycerol sulfate to UFH. Furthermore, we comprehensively analyzed the mechanism of action and discovered an antithrombin-independent, thrombin-selective mechanism. Moreover, we confirmed that FDA-approved protamine sulfate is a viable reversal agent for polyglycerol sulfate.

Bio-Based Aromatic Polyesters with Tunable Thermomechanical Properties, Wettability, UV Shielding, and Enzymatic Degradability: Effect of Diol Symmetry.

Wandji Djouonkep LD, Cheng Z, Khan AUR … +1 more , Ding L

Biomacromolecules · 2026 May · PMID 42054219 · Publisher ↗

A diol symmetry-driven strategy was employed, tailoring the performance and end-of-life of bio-based aromatic copolyesters. A series of random copolyesters, BHB-PDn and BHB-HDn ( = 1-2.5), were synthesized via melt polyc... A diol symmetry-driven strategy was employed, tailoring the performance and end-of-life of bio-based aromatic copolyesters. A series of random copolyesters, BHB-PDn and BHB-HDn ( = 1-2.5), were synthesized via melt polycondensation of BHBB (diol) and BHMB (diester) with asymmetric 1,3-propanediol (PD) or symmetric 1,6-hexanediol (HD). Symmetric HD promoted semicrystalline domains (18-25%), yielding higher (85.7-67.8 °C), tensile modulus (1.93-1.79 GPa), yield strength (65.7-47.5 MPa), and hydrophobicity (WCA 88.6-80.3°). In contrast, asymmetric PD produced predominantly amorphous domains (low crystallinity 8-15%) with enhanced ductility (ε 175-250%) and lower (66.5-53.6 °C). Both series displayed excellent UV shielding (-UVA < 4.7%, nm <10%), significantly surpassing PET. Under enzymatic conditions with Thc_Cut1 cutinase (50 °C, 120 days), BHB-PD1.0 and BHB-HD1.0 achieved 35.5% and 30.8% weight loss, respectively, 4-fold higher than PET (<2%). This symmetry-controlled strategy offers a versatile pathway for next-generation sustainable polymers.

Unconventional Fluorescence in Aliphatic Hyperbranched Polyphosphate Esters: Role of End-Group Engineering and Mechanistic Insights into the Emission Behavior.

Bai L, Ge X, Song H … +9 more , Min S, Wang B, Deng S, Li J, Zhang N, Zhao S, Yang H, Yan H, Liu X

Biomacromolecules · 2026 May · PMID 42048276 · Publisher ↗

Unconventional fluorescent polymers exhibit unique optical properties and good water solubility, yet regulating their fluorescence remains a challenge. In this work, we synthesized a series of aliphatic hyperbranched pol... Unconventional fluorescent polymers exhibit unique optical properties and good water solubility, yet regulating their fluorescence remains a challenge. In this work, we synthesized a series of aliphatic hyperbranched polyphosphate esters that display typical unconventional fluorescence, including excitation-dependent emission and concentration-enhanced emission. Experimental and theoretical calculation results revealed that inter- and intramolecular hydrogen bonds facilitated the formation of molecular aggregates and amplified -π interactions between oxygen and P═O bonds. These strengthened -π interactions promoted spatial electronic communication, resulting in bright fluorescence and a high quantum yield up to 32.2%. Notably, the end-group composition significantly influenced spatial electronic communication and emission properties. Polymers with a higher ratio of P = O(O) end-groups relative to hydroxyl groups exhibited pronounced red-shifted fluorescence. Furthermore, these polymers showed potential applications in pH and ion sensing as well as in the fabrication of fluorescent hydrogels. This study provides new mechanistic insights into the emission behavior of unconventional fluorescent polymers.

Physiological Buffer Selection Alters the Mechanics of Hydrogels with Hydrazone Cross-Links.

Zhang D, Baugh NJ, de Paiva Narciso N … +1 more , Heilshorn SC

Biomacromolecules · 2026 May · PMID 42046876 · Publisher ↗

Hydrogels are used for a wide range of biomedical applications. While mechanical characterization of hydrogels is frequently performed in isotonic saline, the chemical identity of these solutions may vary widely from the... Hydrogels are used for a wide range of biomedical applications. While mechanical characterization of hydrogels is frequently performed in isotonic saline, the chemical identity of these solutions may vary widely from the ionic environments encountered during their use. To explore this idea, we test the mechanical properties of a hydrogel cross-linked with dynamic covalent chemistry (DCC) in several physiologically relevant ionic solutions that mimic different biological conditions. Specifically, we evaluate rheological properties of a hydrazone-cross-linked hydrogel composed of recombinant, chemically modified hyaluronan and elastin-like protein (ELP). Our results show that the shear moduli and stress relaxation properties of DCC hydrogels can vary significantly in different ionic environments. We identify the thermoresponsive nature of ELP and changes in hydrazone bond kinetics as the primary reasons for the observed differences in mechanical properties. Taken together, this work elucidates mechanisms underpinning changes in hydrogel mechanics in different physiological solutions.

Deformation-Induced Morphology Evolution of Protein-Lipid Aggregates and Its Relationship with Mechanical Properties of Vulcanized Natural Rubber.

Zhang J, Zhu Y, Huang G … +3 more , Sakdapipanich J, Xie Z, Wu J

Biomacromolecules · 2026 May · PMID 42043938 · Publisher ↗

The nonrubber components in natural rubber (NR), mainly proteins and lipids, are crucial for the outstanding comprehensive properties of NR through the formation of a naturally occurring network. However, how the morphol... The nonrubber components in natural rubber (NR), mainly proteins and lipids, are crucial for the outstanding comprehensive properties of NR through the formation of a naturally occurring network. However, how the morphology of nonrubber components changes during deformation and the effect of such changes on the mechanical properties of vulcanized NR remain unclear. Here, by using confocal laser scanning microscopy to track the morphology evolution of nonrubber components during deformation, the results reveal that the aggregates of proteins and lipids gradually disintegrate into smaller particles with increasing strain. This phenomenon represents the preferential collapse of a naturally occurring network under an externally applied load. Such a sacrificial characteristic of a naturally occurring network leads to energy dissipation, thereby enhancing the mechanical properties of vulcanized NR. The findings provide mechanistic insights into the structure-property relationship of NR, which can inspire the design of high-performance synthetic elastomers.

Plant-Growth Synchronized, Acid Phosphatase-Responsive Lignin-Based Controlled Release Phosphorus Nanofertilizers.

Boarino A, Carrara N, Clua J … +3 more , Zahnd N, Poirier Y, Klok HA

Biomacromolecules · 2026 May · PMID 42037014 · Full text

Deploying agrochemicals as nanoparticle-based formulations not only provides opportunities to tune release kinetics, prevent premature degradation, increase shelf life, and reduce loss of active ingredient but also can e... Deploying agrochemicals as nanoparticle-based formulations not only provides opportunities to tune release kinetics, prevent premature degradation, increase shelf life, and reduce loss of active ingredient but also can enable the design of systems that can interact with or respond to soil and/or plants in a specific manner, which provides further opportunities to refine the delivery of agrochemicals. This article presents tripolyphosphate (TPP)-cross-linked lignin-based nanofertilizers that are designed to disintegrate and release phosphorus upon exposure to acid phosphatase, which is an enzyme that is upregulated as part of the phosphate starvation response of plants. In model experiments, it was shown that phosphorus release from the lignin-TPP nanoparticles was triggered by acid phosphatase, dependent on the enzymatic activity, and accompanied by the simultaneous disintegration of the nanoparticles. Experiments with the model plant showed that lignin-TPP nanoparticles are an efficient phosphorus source for plants, suppressing the typical growth inhibition and activation of the molecular mechanisms triggered by phosphate deficiency. These experiments underline the potential of lignin-TPP nanoparticles in providing readily accessible phosphate for plants during growth and development, which represents a step forward toward nanofertilizers that are able to release their payload on demand in a plant-growth-synchronized manner.

The Next Frontier in Biodegradable Plastics: Enzyme-Embedding Biodegradable Polymers.

Huang Q, Kimura S, Iwata T

Biomacromolecules · 2026 May · PMID 42029893 · Full text

Plastic pollution and microplastics remain critical global challenges. This review highlights enzyme embedding as a transformative strategy for addressing plastic waste and advancing sustainable material science. Recent... Plastic pollution and microplastics remain critical global challenges. This review highlights enzyme embedding as a transformative strategy for addressing plastic waste and advancing sustainable material science. Recent developments demonstrate that embedding enzymes into biodegradable polyesters, such as polylactic acid (PLA), poly(butylene adipate--terephthalate) (PBAT), poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), poly(butylene succinate--adipate) (PBSA), and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), can significantly accelerate degradation in natural environments. Enzymes including cutinases and lipases, when embedded in polymer matrices, enhance enzymatic hydrolysis and seawater biodegradation while preserving mechanical properties. Integration methods such as melt-blending and solvent casting enable effective enzyme embedding, while stabilization strategies, PEGylation, enzyme encapsulation, and nitrogen atmosphere processing, maintain enzyme activity during high-temperature industrial processing. Advances in enzyme dispersion further reduce aggregation and improve performance consistency. Despite the challenge of high costs, enzyme embedding offers a promising pathway toward truly biodegradable plastics and broader applications in sustainable development, including biomaterials, biodegradable agricultural, forestry, fishery materials, and 3D-printed materials.

Dissecting Multivalent Carbohydrate Binding through Controlled Ligand Patterns on Cyclic Nanoscaffolds.

Wang XY, Lee ZY, Li MC … +5 more , Hashimoto M, Cheung KY, Chan YT, Cheng WC, Wang SK

Biomacromolecules · 2026 May · PMID 42029132 · Full text

Carbohydrate-protein interactions are essential for biological recognition but often suffer from cross-reactivity. Multivalency can enhance the binding strength; however, it requires a precise spatial arrangement of carb... Carbohydrate-protein interactions are essential for biological recognition but often suffer from cross-reactivity. Multivalency can enhance the binding strength; however, it requires a precise spatial arrangement of carbohydrate ligands to match the protein binding sites. Controlling glycan presentation improves both avidity and selectivity, helping to reduce cross-reactivity. However, complex proteins, such as AB5-type Shiga toxin (Stx), present additional challenges, as the B subunits form pentamers, and each subunit contains three nonequivalent glycan-binding sites. To address this, we developed oligoproline-based cyclic nanoscaffolds and characterized them by using circular dichroism and ion-mobility spectrometry. Surface plasmon resonance analysis showed that different glycan patterns on these scaffolds produced distinct binding modes with the StxB pentamer. By coupling a fully tunable synthetic nanoscaffold platform with analytical methods capable of resolving complex binding behaviors, this work enables a deeper investigation of protein receptors and supports the design of more selective multivalent biomolecules.

Correction to "Enhanced Antioxidant Capacity of Miscanthus-Derived Lignins via Organosolv Process Variation and Autohydrolysis".

Rumpf J, Bergrath J, Williams MB … +3 more , Zeppetzauer F, Kamm B, Schulze M

Biomacromolecules · 2026 May · PMID 42026701 · Full text

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PEGylated Chitosan-Functionalized Bimetallic Composite Nanoparticles Mediating Bacterial Cuproptosis-Like Death for the Treatment of Pathogen-Induced Pneumonia.

Wu Y, Ma Y, Li M … +4 more , Liu Y, Wu S, Yu J, Gong J

Biomacromolecules · 2026 May · PMID 42024082 · Publisher ↗

Bacterial pneumonia is a significant global infectious disease due to its high contagion and mortality rates. In this study, the mucus-penetrable bimetallic composite nanoparticles (Cu-Mn NPs) with excellent lung-retenti... Bacterial pneumonia is a significant global infectious disease due to its high contagion and mortality rates. In this study, the mucus-penetrable bimetallic composite nanoparticles (Cu-Mn NPs) with excellent lung-retention abilities and mucus-penetrating capabilities was developed by incorporating manganese dioxide into a copper-gallic acid complex and modifying it with PEGylated chitosan. Specifically, Cu-Mn NPs synergistically induce bacterial cuproptosis-like death, inhibit bacterial growth, eliminate drug-resistant biofilms, and promote macrophage polarization toward the M1 phenotype. In addition, the constructed Cu-Mn NPs could generate abundant reactive oxygen species, which disrupted bacterial membrane integrity, interfered with the respiratory chain, and significantly reduced bacterial virulence. More importantly, in a methicillin-resistant (MRSA)-infected pneumonia mouse model, treatment with Cu-Mn NPs significantly improved survival rates and reduced inflammatory injury without causing systemic toxicity. These findings show the considerable clinical potential of multifunctional Cu-Mn NPs for the targeted treatment of acute lung diseases associated with MRSA infection.

Flotation Reagent Stress-Induced Extracellular Polymeric Substance Protein Secondary Structure in MR-1 Dictates the Morphology and Performance of Extracellular Polymeric Substance-Mediated ZnS Quantum Dots.

Peng J, Yang Z, Song W … +10 more , Dai W, Bian J, Lin W, Zhou X, Zhou K, Tu C, Zheng G, Song Z, Zhang X, Bai X

Biomacromolecules · 2026 May · PMID 42021615 · Publisher ↗

Extracellular polymeric substance (EPS)-mediated biosynthesis is a sustainable route for heavy metal valorization into quantum dots (QDs), yet how the EPS protein secondary structure regulates QD properties remains undef... Extracellular polymeric substance (EPS)-mediated biosynthesis is a sustainable route for heavy metal valorization into quantum dots (QDs), yet how the EPS protein secondary structure regulates QD properties remains undefined. Herein, EPS from MR-1 cultivated under flotation reagent stress was utilized to synthesize high-performance ZnS QDs. Sodium butyl xanthate exhibited the optimal induction effect, significantly lowering the α-helix/(β-sheet + random coil) ratio in EPS. This structural shift promotes a more extended network, serving as a spatially ordered template for rapid, uniform ZnS nucleation. Analyzing QD materials mediated by distinct EPS layers (LB-EPS and TB-EPS) across treatments revealed strong correlations of this ratio with their size uniformity and specific surface area. Conversely, the QD yield and fluorescence intensity were governed primarily by chemical group abundance and synergistic structural-chemical factors, respectively. This dual regulatory mechanism demonstrates that manipulating the EPS protein structure is as crucial as modulating its chemical composition for nanomaterial biosynthesis.

Cyclodextrin-Epichlorohydrin-Cyanoguanidine Polymer for Resveratrol Delivery to Enhance Human Chondrocyte Function in Cartilage Repair.

Elmeligy MA, Rasoulian F, Kalantarifard S … +7 more , Filo J, Dinparvar S, Omer AM, Vojtová L, Nehrer S, Lacík I, Heydari A

Biomacromolecules · 2026 May · PMID 42018663 · Full text

Water-soluble β-cyclodextrin-epichlorohydrin polymers (CDPs) are widely used in drug delivery and regenerative medicine. Herein, we report a novel β-cyclodextrin-epichlorohydrin-cyanoguanidine polymer (CDPC) for resverat... Water-soluble β-cyclodextrin-epichlorohydrin polymers (CDPs) are widely used in drug delivery and regenerative medicine. Herein, we report a novel β-cyclodextrin-epichlorohydrin-cyanoguanidine polymer (CDPC) for resveratrol (RES) delivery in cartilage repair. Cyanoguanidine (CyG), a nitrogen-rich compound remaining nonprotonated at physiological pH, was incorporated at varying CyG/β-CD ratios to modulate the polymer properties. Structural characterization was performed by NMR, FT-IR, and CHN analyses. Compared with CDP, CDPC exhibited enhanced RES encapsulation that was attributed to additional intramolecular interactions. Dynamic light scattering revealed nanosized complexes (18 nm for CDPC/RES vs 4 nm for CDP/RES) with a near-neutral surface charge. CDPC showed intrinsic antioxidant activity, which was further enhanced upon RES loading. Both CDP and CDPC were cytocompatible and were efficiently internalized by human chondrocytes. Moreover, the CDP/RES and CDPC/RES systems improved the chondrocyte metabolic activity and extracellular matrix deposition, highlighting their potential as promising carriers for cartilage repair and regeneration.

Biofilm- and Spore-Disruptive Star-Shaped Poly(l-lysine)/Hyaluronic Acid Microgels for Targeted Oral Therapy of Infection.

Lin IF, Chou CY, Chen YF … +6 more , Wang TY, Lin JT, Lee CC, Chen JW, Jan JS, Hung YP

Biomacromolecules · 2026 May · PMID 42015920 · Full text

infection (CDI) remains a major healthcare challenge due to recurrent disease, spore persistence, and biofilm-associated tolerance, while conventional antibiotics often disrupt gut microbiota. Here, we report a star-shap... infection (CDI) remains a major healthcare challenge due to recurrent disease, spore persistence, and biofilm-associated tolerance, while conventional antibiotics often disrupt gut microbiota. Here, we report a star-shaped poly(l-lysine) dendrimer (G3-PLL) formulated into hyaluronic acid-based microgels for targeted oral delivery to the inflamed colon. G3-PLL exhibited potent antimicrobial activity, including rapid bactericidal effects, superior spore inhibition compared with vancomycin, and robust biofilm disruption at subinhibitory concentrations. In a murine CDI model, rectal administration of G3-PLL alleviated clinical symptoms, reduced tissue damage, and lowered recurrence risk. To enable oral therapy, G3-PLL was incorporated into hyaluronic acid microgels, achieving site-specific release through hyaluronidase-mediated degradation in the inflamed colon. Importantly, treatment preserved commensal gut microbiota more effectively than vancomycin. Collectively, these findings highlight G3-PLL microgels as a microbiota-sparing therapeutic that targets multiple stages of CDI pathogenesis─including spores and biofilms─and demonstrate their potential for clinical translation.

All-in-One: A Multifunctional Chitosan-Based Hydrogel for Wound Management.

Xiong S, Chen C, Yang Z … +8 more , Wang X, Zhang H, Huang B, Wu Q, Yu G, Gao T, Xu H, Xu H

Biomacromolecules · 2026 May · PMID 42014934 · Publisher ↗

Hydrogel dressings offer a promising treatment option for the bacterial infection of skin wounds. In this work, we developed multifunctional hydrogels by incorporating carbon nanotubes and protocatechualdehyde into a thi... Hydrogel dressings offer a promising treatment option for the bacterial infection of skin wounds. In this work, we developed multifunctional hydrogels by incorporating carbon nanotubes and protocatechualdehyde into a thiolated chitosan network via multiple interactions. The hydrogels exhibited tunable adhesion (2.7-3.1 kPa), on-demand detachment, as well as restorable antioxidant activity, approximately 80% of its original level. They demonstrated electrical conductivity, in the range of 0.009-0.027 S/m, and maintained stability for nearly 400 s under pressing cycles, suitable for monitoring physiological signals. They demonstrated potent mild photothermal antibacterial capability under near-infrared (NIR) light, with the temperature increasing to 48 ± 0.85 °C and the antibacterial rate up to 99.9%. In an infected mouse wound model, the hydrogels with NIR irradiation achieved ∼ 99.9% wound closure by day 9, outperforming a commercial antibiotic ointment. This work presents a comprehensive strategy for integrated biomass-based wound management systems, combining advanced therapy with smart bioelectronic sensing.

Robust Proteinosomes with PEG Protein Mixed Corona for Enhanced Protection against Extreme pH Conditions and Trypsin Digestion.

Wang Y, Tian L, Zhang Y

Biomacromolecules · 2026 May · PMID 42013446 · Publisher ↗

The wide applications of proteinosomes as protocells and nanoreactors benefit from their capsule-like structures and protein functions. In regular proteinosomes, the hydrophilic protein corona can be denatured in unfavor... The wide applications of proteinosomes as protocells and nanoreactors benefit from their capsule-like structures and protein functions. In regular proteinosomes, the hydrophilic protein corona can be denatured in unfavorable conditions, such as extreme pH and protease. Herein, proteinosomes with a PEG protein mixed corona are prepared to protect the protein's biofunction. The block copolymer polyethylene glycol-block-poly(di(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate) (PEG--PDEGMA) bearing an adamantyl group at the junction undergoes molecular recognition with β-cyclodextrin-modified proteins, affording miktoarm polymer-protein conjugates. β-Galactosidase (β-gal) and glucose oxidase (GO) were chosen as model proteins. Conjugates PEG--PDEGMA/β-gal, PEG--PDEGMA/GO, and their mixture (PEG--PDEGMA/β-gal/GO) self-assembled into proteinosomes consisting of a PDEGMA membrane and a PEG protein mixed corona at temperatures above their lower critical solution temperatures. The activities of enzymes in all the proteinosomes were well preserved, and the mixed corona proteinosomes exhibited more effective protection against extreme pH conditions and trypsin digestion than the regular ones.

Disentangling Pectin and Cellulose Nanostructures in Synthetic Plant Cell Walls with Small-Angle Neutron Scattering.

Svagan AJ, Kyzyma O, Mao A … +7 more , Sivan P, Li H, Ziolkowska A, Vilaplana F, Russell R, Cárdenas M, Gilbert EP

Biomacromolecules · 2026 May · PMID 42012811 · Full text

Understanding the plant cell wall architecture is essential for elucidating its biological function and mechanical properties. This study employs a synthetic approach using spherical core-shell capsules with shells compo... Understanding the plant cell wall architecture is essential for elucidating its biological function and mechanical properties. This study employs a synthetic approach using spherical core-shell capsules with shells composed of deuterated bacterial cellulose (d-BC) and pectin. The shell structure was created via a bottom-up layer-by-layer assembly onto CaCO templates, followed by characterization through microscopy and scattering techniques. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed increased pore sizes in hydrated d-BC/pectin shells compared to those of hydrated wood-derived cellulose nanofiber (CNF)-based shells from a previous study. Using small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) with contrast variation, structural changes of individual wall components under varying salinities (0 or 10 mM NaCl) were analyzed. The presence of NaCl selectively influenced the pectin phase, while the d-BC network retained structural stability, highlighting its robustness as a wall component. This platform provides a useful tool for testing hypotheses and advancing our understanding of cell wall porosity and composition-dependent permeability.
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