Solution dependent self-association leads to the production of tuneable hydrogels and spherical aggregates with antimicrobial activity against MRSA and E. coli.
Herein, we present a series of supramolecular self-associating amphiphilic (SSA) salts and establish the potential for these molecular constructs to act as next-generation solution-state molecular delivery vehicles. We characterise the self-association of these SSAs, both alone and when co-formulated with a variety of drug(like) competitive guest species. Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies enable the observation of hydrogen-bonded self-association events in the solid state, whilst high resolution mass spectrometry confirms the presence of anionic SSA dimers in the gas-phase. These same anionic SSA dimeric species are also identified within a competitive organic solvent environment (DMSO-d6/0.5% H2O). However, extended self-associated aggregates are observed to form under aqueous conditions (H2O/5.0% EtOH) in both the absence and presence of these competitive guest species. Finally, through the completion of these studies, we present a framework to support others in the characterisation of such systems.
Antimicrobial resistance is directly responsible for more deaths per year than either HIV/AIDS or malaria and is predicted to incur a cumulative societal financial burden of at least $100 trillion between 2014 and 2050.
A combination of computational and synthetic phospholipid vesicle/nanodisc assays are used to investigate the mode of action for a class of antimicrobial agents, while a range of DMPK studies establish agent druggability.
This commentary is a call to make the future of chemistry
laboratories
accessible and inclusive. We draw from research and lived experience
to put forward a list of recommendations for laboratory-based teaching.
Our authorial team includes undergraduate and postgraduate chemistry
students, graduate teaching assistants, teaching-focused and traditional
research and teaching academics, and a Diversity Equality Inclusion
(DEI/EDI) academic expert. We all have lived experiences of disability,
chronic illness, neurodivergence, and other marginalizations related
to race, religion, sexuality, or other characteristics. We believe
that laboratory-based chemistry learning environments, teaching, assessment,
and resources should be accessible to all students and staff.
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