Pyridine-containing block copolymers are a special type of macromolecules, and they can self-assemble into highly-ordered nano-objects for a wide range of applications due to their multiple properties including the hydrogen...
A library of 14 dynamic glycopeptide amphiphilic dendrimers composed of 14 hydrophilic and bioactive saccharides (seven kinds) as dendrons and 7 hydrophobic peptides (di-and tetrapeptides) as arms with β-cyclodextrin (CD) as a core were facially designed and synthesized in several steps. Fourteen saccharides were first conjugated to the C-2 and C-3 positions of CD, forming glycodendrons. Subsequently, seven oligopeptide arms were introduced at the C-6 positions of a CD moiety by an acylhydrazone dynamic covalent bond, resulting in unique Janus amphiphilic glycopeptide dendrimers with precise and varied molecular structures. The kinds of hydrophilic parts of saccharides and hydrophobic parts of peptides were easily varied to prepare a series of amphiphilic Janus glycopeptide dendrimers. Intriguingly, these obtained amphiphilic glycopeptide dendrimers showcased very different self-assembly behaviors from the traditional amphiphilic linear block-copolymers and self-assembled into different glyco-nanostructures with controllable morphologies including glycospheres, worm-like micelles, and fibers depending upon the repeat unit ratio of saccharides and phenylalanine. Both glycodendrons and glycopeptide assemblies displayed strong and specific recognitions with C-type mannose-specific lectin. Moreover, these glycopeptide nanomaterials can encapsulate exemplary hydrophobic molecules such as Nile red (NR). The dyeloaded glycopeptide nanostructures showed a pH-controllable release behavior around the physiological and acidic tumor environment. Furthermore, cell experiments demonstrated that such glyco-nanostructures can further facilitate the functions of a model drug of the pyridone agent to reduce the expression of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and interleukin -1beta (IL-1β) in the primary peritoneal macrophages via encapsulating drugs. Considering all the abovementioned advantages including unique and precise structures, bioactivity, targeting, and controllable cargo release, we believe that these findings can not only enrich the library of glycopeptides but also provide a new avenue to the fabrication of smart and structure-controllable glyco-nanomaterials which hold great potential biological applications such as targeted delivery and release of therapeutic and bioactive molecules.
Transgenic
RNA interference (RNAi) represents a burgeoning and
promising alternative avenue to manage plant diseases and insect pests
in plants. Nonviral nanostructured dsRNA carriers have been demonstrated
to possess great potential to facilitate the application of RNAi.
However, it remains a critical challenge to achieve the targeted and
effective release of dsRNA into the pest cells, limiting the efficiency
of the biological control of pests and diseases in practical applications.
In this study, we designed and constructed a new type of core–shell
polymeric nanostructure (CSPN) with controllable structure, eco-friendliness,
and good biocompatibility, on which dsRNA can be efficiently loaded.
Once loaded into CSPNs, the dsRNA can be effectively prevented from
nonsense degradation by enzymes before entering cells, and it shows
targeted and image-guided release triggered by intracellular ATP,
which significantly increases the efficiency of gene transfection.
Significantly, the in vivo study of the typical lepidoptera
silkworm after oral feeding demonstrates the potential of dsCHT10 in CSPNs for a much better knockdown efficiency than
that of naked dsCHT10. This innovation enables the
nanotechnology developed for the disease microenvironment-triggered
release of therapeutic genes for application in sustainable crop protection.
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