Look at a list of IC publications: 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014
2021 |
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Giardi, Maria Teresa; Zappi, Daniele; Turemis, Mehmet; Varani, Gabriele; Celso, Fabrizio Lo; Barone, Giampaolo; Calandra, Pietro; Antonacci, Amina; Scognamiglio, Viviana Talanta, 224 , pp. 121854, 2021, ISSN: 0039-9140. @article{GIARDI2021121854, title = {Quantum dots functionalised artificial peptides bioinspired to the D1 protein from the Photosystem II of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii for endocrine disruptor optosensing}, author = {Maria Teresa Giardi and Daniele Zappi and Mehmet Turemis and Gabriele Varani and Fabrizio Lo Celso and Giampaolo Barone and Pietro Calandra and Amina Antonacci and Viviana Scognamiglio}, url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0039914020311450}, doi = {10.1016/j.talanta.2020.121854}, issn = {0039-9140}, year = {2021}, date = {2021-03-01}, journal = {Talanta}, volume = {224}, pages = {121854}, abstract = {Herein we describe the design and synthesis of novel artificial peptides mimicking the plastoquinone binding niche of the D1 protein from the green photosynthetic alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, also able to bind herbicides. In particular, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed to model in silico the behaviour of three peptides, D1Pep70-H, D1Pep70-S264K and D1Pep70-S268C, as genetic variants with different affinity towards the photosynthetic herbicide atrazine. Then the photosynthetic peptides were functionalised with quantum dots for the development of a hybrid optosensor for the detection of atrazine, one of the most employed herbicides for weed control in agriculture as well as considered as a putative endocrine disruptor case study. The excellent agreement between computational and experimental results self consistently shows resistance or super-sensitivity toward the atrazine target, with detection limits in the μg/L concentration range, meeting the requirements of E.U. legislation.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Herein we describe the design and synthesis of novel artificial peptides mimicking the plastoquinone binding niche of the D1 protein from the green photosynthetic alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, also able to bind herbicides. In particular, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed to model in silico the behaviour of three peptides, D1Pep70-H, D1Pep70-S264K and D1Pep70-S268C, as genetic variants with different affinity towards the photosynthetic herbicide atrazine. Then the photosynthetic peptides were functionalised with quantum dots for the development of a hybrid optosensor for the detection of atrazine, one of the most employed herbicides for weed control in agriculture as well as considered as a putative endocrine disruptor case study. The excellent agreement between computational and experimental results self consistently shows resistance or super-sensitivity toward the atrazine target, with detection limits in the μg/L concentration range, meeting the requirements of E.U. legislation. | |
Zappi, D; Coronado, E; Soljan, V; Basile, G; Varani, G; Turemis, M; Giardi, M T Talanta, 221 , 2021, (cited By 0). @article{Zappi2021, title = {A microbial sensor platform based on bacterial bioluminescence (luxAB) and green fluorescent protein (gfp) reporters for in situ monitoring of toxicity of wastewater nitrification process dynamics}, author = {D Zappi and E Coronado and V Soljan and G Basile and G Varani and M Turemis and M T Giardi}, doi = {10.1016/j.talanta.2020.121438}, year = {2021}, date = {2021-01-01}, journal = {Talanta}, volume = {221}, abstract = {To avoid the upset of nitrification process in wastewater treatment plants, monitoring of influent toxic chemicals is essential for stable operation. Toxic chemical compounds can interfere with the biological nitrogen removal, thus affecting plant efficiency and effluent water quality. Here we report the development of fluorescence and bioluminescence bioassays, based on E. coli engineered to contain the promoter region of ammonia oxidation pathway (AmoA1) of Nitrosomonas europaea and a reporter gene (lux or gfp). The fluorescence or bioluminescence signal was measured with newly designed optical devices. The microbial sensors were tested and validated at different concentrations of nitrification-inhibiting compounds such as allylthiourea, phenol, and mercury. The signal decrease was immediate and proportional to inhibitor concentration. The developed bacterial bioassays could detect the inhibition of the nitrification process in wastewater for allylthiourea concentrations of 1 μg/L for E. coli pMosaico-Pamo-gfp and 0.5 μg/L for E. coli pMosaico-Pamo-luxAB. The results were confirmed using water from a wastewater plant, containing nitrification-inhibiting compounds. © 2020 Elsevier B.V.}, note = {cited By 0}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } To avoid the upset of nitrification process in wastewater treatment plants, monitoring of influent toxic chemicals is essential for stable operation. Toxic chemical compounds can interfere with the biological nitrogen removal, thus affecting plant efficiency and effluent water quality. Here we report the development of fluorescence and bioluminescence bioassays, based on E. coli engineered to contain the promoter region of ammonia oxidation pathway (AmoA1) of Nitrosomonas europaea and a reporter gene (lux or gfp). The fluorescence or bioluminescence signal was measured with newly designed optical devices. The microbial sensors were tested and validated at different concentrations of nitrification-inhibiting compounds such as allylthiourea, phenol, and mercury. The signal decrease was immediate and proportional to inhibitor concentration. The developed bacterial bioassays could detect the inhibition of the nitrification process in wastewater for allylthiourea concentrations of 1 μg/L for E. coli pMosaico-Pamo-gfp and 0.5 μg/L for E. coli pMosaico-Pamo-luxAB. The results were confirmed using water from a wastewater plant, containing nitrification-inhibiting compounds. © 2020 Elsevier B.V. | |
Scattarella, Francesco; Altamura, Emiliano; Albanese, Paola; Siliqi, Dritan; Ladisa, Massimo; Mavelli, Fabio; Giannini, Cinzia; Altamura, Davide Table-top combined scanning X-ray small angle scattering and transmission microscopies of lipid vesicles dispersed in free-standing gel Journal Article RSC Adv., 11 , pp. 484-492, 2021. @article{D0RA08581B, title = {Table-top combined scanning X-ray small angle scattering and transmission microscopies of lipid vesicles dispersed in free-standing gel}, author = {Francesco Scattarella and Emiliano Altamura and Paola Albanese and Dritan Siliqi and Massimo Ladisa and Fabio Mavelli and Cinzia Giannini and Davide Altamura}, url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/D0RA08581B}, doi = {10.1039/D0RA08581B}, year = {2021}, date = {2021-01-01}, journal = {RSC Adv.}, volume = {11}, pages = {484-492}, publisher = {The Royal Society of Chemistry}, abstract = {A mm thick free-standing gel containing lipid vesicles made of 2-oleoyl-1-palmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC) was studied by scanning Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) and X-ray Transmission (XT) microscopies. Raster scanning relatively large volumes{,} besides reducing the risk of radiation damage{,} allows signal integration{,} improving the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR){,} as well as high statistical significance of the dataset. The persistence of lipid vesicles in gel was demonstrated{,} while mapping their spatial distribution and concentration gradients. Information about lipid aggregation and packing{,} as well as about gel density gradients{,} was obtained. A posteriori confirmation of lipid presence in well-defined sample areas was obtained by studying the dried sample{,} featuring clear Bragg peaks from stacked bilayers. The comparison between wet and dry samples allowed it to be proved that lipids do not significantly migrate within the gel even upon drying{,} whereas bilayer curvature is lost by removing water{,} resulting in lipids packed in ordered lamellae. Suitable algorithms were successfully employed for enhancing transmission microscopy sensitivity to low absorbing objects{,} and allowing full SAXS intensity normalization as a general approach. In particular{,} data reduction includes normalization of the SAXS intensity against the local sample thickness derived from absorption contrast maps. The proposed study was demonstrated by a room-sized instrumentation{,} although equipped with a high brilliance X-ray micro-source{,} and is expected to be applicable to a wide variety of organic{,} inorganic{,} and multicomponent systems{,} including biomaterials. The employed routines for data reduction and microscopy{,} including Gaussian filter for contrast enhancement of low absorbing objects and a region growing segmentation algorithm to exclude no-sample regions{,} have been implemented and made freely available through the updated in-house developed software SUNBIM.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } A mm thick free-standing gel containing lipid vesicles made of 2-oleoyl-1-palmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC) was studied by scanning Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) and X-ray Transmission (XT) microscopies. Raster scanning relatively large volumes{,} besides reducing the risk of radiation damage{,} allows signal integration{,} improving the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR){,} as well as high statistical significance of the dataset. The persistence of lipid vesicles in gel was demonstrated{,} while mapping their spatial distribution and concentration gradients. Information about lipid aggregation and packing{,} as well as about gel density gradients{,} was obtained. A posteriori confirmation of lipid presence in well-defined sample areas was obtained by studying the dried sample{,} featuring clear Bragg peaks from stacked bilayers. The comparison between wet and dry samples allowed it to be proved that lipids do not significantly migrate within the gel even upon drying{,} whereas bilayer curvature is lost by removing water{,} resulting in lipids packed in ordered lamellae. Suitable algorithms were successfully employed for enhancing transmission microscopy sensitivity to low absorbing objects{,} and allowing full SAXS intensity normalization as a general approach. In particular{,} data reduction includes normalization of the SAXS intensity against the local sample thickness derived from absorption contrast maps. The proposed study was demonstrated by a room-sized instrumentation{,} although equipped with a high brilliance X-ray micro-source{,} and is expected to be applicable to a wide variety of organic{,} inorganic{,} and multicomponent systems{,} including biomaterials. The employed routines for data reduction and microscopy{,} including Gaussian filter for contrast enhancement of low absorbing objects and a region growing segmentation algorithm to exclude no-sample regions{,} have been implemented and made freely available through the updated in-house developed software SUNBIM. | |
Spanu, D; Nemenyi, A; Marelli, M; Binda, G; Guagliardi, A; Bertolotti, F; Giussani, B; Recchia, S Thin Solid Films, 717 , 2021, ISSN: 00406090, (cited By 0). @article{Spanu2021, title = {Development of a Scanning Chemical Vapour Deposition Reactor for the realization of patterned and non-patterned depositions: a preliminary overview}, author = {D Spanu and A Nemenyi and M Marelli and G Binda and A Guagliardi and F Bertolotti and B Giussani and S Recchia}, doi = {10.1016/j.tsf.2020.138446}, issn = {00406090}, year = {2021}, date = {2021-01-01}, journal = {Thin Solid Films}, volume = {717}, publisher = {Elsevier B.V.}, abstract = {The development of a prototype apparatus to perform patterned Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) on planar substrates is presented. The system consists of a fixed head which produces and drives a tiny spot of vapors of a suitable organometallic precursor over the substrate, which is mounted on a heatable and movable stage. WO3 deposition from W(CO)6 precursor was chosen as a model for a preliminary evaluation, to show how the main operational parameters affects the morphology and the photocatalytic performances of the deposited layer. As the result, due to the programmable movement of the holder, it is possible to perform any desired patterned deposition, finely controlling the X and Y movements, the head-substrate distance and the scan speed. The width of the deposited lines strongly depends on the morphology of the substrate (porous vs. flat): with porous substrates it ranges from 1 mm to 3.5 mm and can be tuned through the head-substrate distance. The minimum achievable thickness is about 10 nm and, starting from this minimum value, any desired thickness can be produced by means of the utilization of multiple scans. The capability of CVD to cover all the available surface even on structured substrates, is tested on a challenging surface made of hematite nanoplatelets vertically aligned over a Fluorine-doped tin oxide glass. The intimate contact between WO3 and hematite is assessed through photoelectrocatalytic and chronoamperometric measurements. Interestingly, texture analysis reveals that WO3 crystals, with domains of about 80-100 nm, are preferentially oriented with the (200) and (002) planes of the orthorhombic structure laying parallel to the substrate. © 2020}, note = {cited By 0}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } The development of a prototype apparatus to perform patterned Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) on planar substrates is presented. The system consists of a fixed head which produces and drives a tiny spot of vapors of a suitable organometallic precursor over the substrate, which is mounted on a heatable and movable stage. WO3 deposition from W(CO)6 precursor was chosen as a model for a preliminary evaluation, to show how the main operational parameters affects the morphology and the photocatalytic performances of the deposited layer. As the result, due to the programmable movement of the holder, it is possible to perform any desired patterned deposition, finely controlling the X and Y movements, the head-substrate distance and the scan speed. The width of the deposited lines strongly depends on the morphology of the substrate (porous vs. flat): with porous substrates it ranges from 1 mm to 3.5 mm and can be tuned through the head-substrate distance. The minimum achievable thickness is about 10 nm and, starting from this minimum value, any desired thickness can be produced by means of the utilization of multiple scans. The capability of CVD to cover all the available surface even on structured substrates, is tested on a challenging surface made of hematite nanoplatelets vertically aligned over a Fluorine-doped tin oxide glass. The intimate contact between WO3 and hematite is assessed through photoelectrocatalytic and chronoamperometric measurements. Interestingly, texture analysis reveals that WO3 crystals, with domains of about 80-100 nm, are preferentially oriented with the (200) and (002) planes of the orthorhombic structure laying parallel to the substrate. © 2020 | |
Gijsbers, A; Sánchez‐puig, N; Gao, Y; Peters, P J; Ravelli, R B G; Siliqi, D Structural analysis of the partially disordered protein espk from mycobacterium tuberculosis Journal Article Crystals, 11 (1), pp. 1-16, 2021, ISSN: 20734352, (cited By 0). @article{Gijsbers20211, title = {Structural analysis of the partially disordered protein espk from mycobacterium tuberculosis}, author = {A Gijsbers and N S\'{a}nchez‐puig and Y Gao and P J Peters and R B G Ravelli and D Siliqi}, doi = {10.3390/cryst11010018}, issn = {20734352}, year = {2021}, date = {2021-01-01}, journal = {Crystals}, volume = {11}, number = {1}, pages = {1-16}, publisher = {MDPI AG}, abstract = {For centuries, tuberculosis has been a worldwide burden for human health, and gaps in our understanding of its pathogenesis have hampered the development of new treatments. ESX‐1 is a complex machinery responsible for the secretion of virulence factors that manipulate the host response. Despite the importance of these secreted proteins for pathogenicity, only a few of them have been structurally and functionally characterised. Here, we describe a structural study of the ESX‐secretion associated protein K (EspK), a 74 kDa protein known to be essential for the secretion of other substrates and the cytolytic effects of ESX‐1. Small‐Angle X‐ray Scattering (SAXS) data show that EspK is a long molecule with a maximal dimension of 228 r{A}. It consists of two independent folded regions at each end of the protein connected by a flexible unstructured region driving the protein to coexist as an ensemble of conformations. Limited proteolysis identified a 26 kDa globular domain at the C‐terminus of the protein consisting of a mixture of α‐helices and β‐strands, as shown by circular dichroism (CD) and SAXS. In contrast, the N‐terminal portion is mainly helical with an elongated shape. Sequence conservation suggests that this architecture is preserved amongst the different mycobacteria species, proposing specific roles for the N‐ and C‐terminal domains assisted by the middle flexible linker. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.}, note = {cited By 0}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } For centuries, tuberculosis has been a worldwide burden for human health, and gaps in our understanding of its pathogenesis have hampered the development of new treatments. ESX‐1 is a complex machinery responsible for the secretion of virulence factors that manipulate the host response. Despite the importance of these secreted proteins for pathogenicity, only a few of them have been structurally and functionally characterised. Here, we describe a structural study of the ESX‐secretion associated protein K (EspK), a 74 kDa protein known to be essential for the secretion of other substrates and the cytolytic effects of ESX‐1. Small‐Angle X‐ray Scattering (SAXS) data show that EspK is a long molecule with a maximal dimension of 228 Å. It consists of two independent folded regions at each end of the protein connected by a flexible unstructured region driving the protein to coexist as an ensemble of conformations. Limited proteolysis identified a 26 kDa globular domain at the C‐terminus of the protein consisting of a mixture of α‐helices and β‐strands, as shown by circular dichroism (CD) and SAXS. In contrast, the N‐terminal portion is mainly helical with an elongated shape. Sequence conservation suggests that this architecture is preserved amongst the different mycobacteria species, proposing specific roles for the N‐ and C‐terminal domains assisted by the middle flexible linker. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. | |
2020 |
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Zhang, Peng; Moretti, Manola; Allione, Marco; Tian, Yuansi; Ordonez-Loza, Javier; Altamura, Davide; Giannini, Cinzia; Torre, Bruno; Das, Gobind; Li, Erqiang; Thoroddsen, Sigurdur T; Sarathy, Mani S; Autiero, Ida; Giugni, Andrea; Gentile, Francesco; Malara, Natalia; Marini, Monica; Fabrizio, Enzo Di A droplet reactor on a super-hydrophobic surface allows control and characterization of amyloid fibril growth Journal Article Communications Biology, 3 (1), pp. 457, 2020, ISSN: 2399-3642. @article{zhang_droplet_2020, title = {A droplet reactor on a super-hydrophobic surface allows control and characterization of amyloid fibril growth}, author = {Peng Zhang and Manola Moretti and Marco Allione and Yuansi Tian and Javier Ordonez-Loza and Davide Altamura and Cinzia Giannini and Bruno Torre and Gobind Das and Erqiang Li and Sigurdur T Thoroddsen and Mani S Sarathy and Ida Autiero and Andrea Giugni and Francesco Gentile and Natalia Malara and Monica Marini and Enzo Di Fabrizio}, url = {http://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-020-01187-7}, doi = {10.1038/s42003-020-01187-7}, issn = {2399-3642}, year = {2020}, date = {2020-12-01}, urldate = {2020-09-23}, journal = {Communications Biology}, volume = {3}, number = {1}, pages = {457}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } | |
Montes-de-Oca-Ávalos, Juan Manuel; Altamura, Davide; Herrera, María Lidia; Huck-Iriart, Cristián; Scattarella, Francesco; Siliqi, Dritan; Giannini, Cinzia; Candal, Roberto Jorge Physical and structural properties of whey protein concentrate - Corn oil - TiO2 nanocomposite films for edible food-packaging Journal Article Food Packaging and Shelf Life, 26 , pp. 100590, 2020, ISSN: 2214-2894. @article{MONTESDEOCAAVALOS2020100590, title = {Physical and structural properties of whey protein concentrate - Corn oil - TiO2 nanocomposite films for edible food-packaging}, author = {Juan Manuel Montes-de-Oca-\'{A}valos and Davide Altamura and Mar\'{i}a Lidia Herrera and Cristi\'{a}n Huck-Iriart and Francesco Scattarella and Dritan Siliqi and Cinzia Giannini and Roberto Jorge Candal}, url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214289420306086}, doi = {10.1016/j.fpsl.2020.100590}, issn = {2214-2894}, year = {2020}, date = {2020-12-01}, journal = {Food Packaging and Shelf Life}, volume = {26}, pages = {100590}, abstract = {Interest in polymer technology based on biodegradable and edible films has increased dramatically, in hopes of creating a circular economy with little to no environmental impact. In this study nanocomposite films with a glycerol/WPC ratio of 4/5 were prepared from emulsions containing 2.5, 5.0, or 7.5 wt.% WPC and 2 wt.% corn oil. Films also contained a load of 0.5 wt.% TiO2. Emulsions were prepared with two different droplet sizes: conventional (from 300 to 700 nm) and nano (from 60 to 80 nm). Films were analyzed for color, water vapor permeability, thermogravimetric, mechanical/tensile properties, infrared behavior, and structure. Advanced X-ray microscopy based on small and wide-angle scattering contrast was used to investigate the nanocomponents in the films, allowing the identification of the main scattering species. Film that was prepared from starting systems with nano droplets (60 nm), the highest protein concentration (7.5 wt.% WPC), and TiO2 loading had the greatest E’ (elastic modulus, 19.2 MPa), E (Young modulus, 19.4 MPa), and εb (elongation at break, 119 %) values. This nano-based film had suitable physical properties for cheese packaging and other similar applications. In all films, data showed a close correlation between film structure and mechanical/tensile properties.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Interest in polymer technology based on biodegradable and edible films has increased dramatically, in hopes of creating a circular economy with little to no environmental impact. In this study nanocomposite films with a glycerol/WPC ratio of 4/5 were prepared from emulsions containing 2.5, 5.0, or 7.5 wt.% WPC and 2 wt.% corn oil. Films also contained a load of 0.5 wt.% TiO2. Emulsions were prepared with two different droplet sizes: conventional (from 300 to 700 nm) and nano (from 60 to 80 nm). Films were analyzed for color, water vapor permeability, thermogravimetric, mechanical/tensile properties, infrared behavior, and structure. Advanced X-ray microscopy based on small and wide-angle scattering contrast was used to investigate the nanocomponents in the films, allowing the identification of the main scattering species. Film that was prepared from starting systems with nano droplets (60 nm), the highest protein concentration (7.5 wt.% WPC), and TiO2 loading had the greatest E’ (elastic modulus, 19.2 MPa), E (Young modulus, 19.4 MPa), and εb (elongation at break, 119 %) values. This nano-based film had suitable physical properties for cheese packaging and other similar applications. In all films, data showed a close correlation between film structure and mechanical/tensile properties. | |
Rizzi, Rosanna; Altomare, Angela Crystal Structure Characterization by Powder Diffraction Journal Article Crystals, 10 (12), 2020, ISSN: 2073-4352. @article{cryst10121072, title = {Crystal Structure Characterization by Powder Diffraction}, author = {Rosanna Rizzi and Angela Altomare}, url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4352/10/12/1072}, doi = {10.3390/cryst10121072}, issn = {2073-4352}, year = {2020}, date = {2020-11-23}, journal = {Crystals}, volume = {10}, number = {12}, abstract = {The important role played by powder diffraction in the last twenty-five years both in its earlier fields of application (e [...]}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } The important role played by powder diffraction in the last twenty-five years both in its earlier fields of application (e [...] | |
Antonacci, Amina; Celso, Fabrizio Lo; Barone, Giampaolo; Calandra, Pietro; Grunenberg, Jörg; Moccia, Maria; Gatto, Emanuela; Giardi, Maria Teresa; Scognamiglio, Viviana Novel atrazine-binding biomimetics inspired to the D1 protein from the photosystem II of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Journal Article International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 163 , pp. 817 - 823, 2020, ISSN: 0141-8130. @article{ANTONACCI2020817, title = {Novel atrazine-binding biomimetics inspired to the D1 protein from the photosystem II of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii}, author = {Amina Antonacci and Fabrizio Lo Celso and Giampaolo Barone and Pietro Calandra and J\"{o}rg Grunenberg and Maria Moccia and Emanuela Gatto and Maria Teresa Giardi and Viviana Scognamiglio}, url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0141813020337533}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.07.010}, issn = {0141-8130}, year = {2020}, date = {2020-11-15}, journal = {International Journal of Biological Macromolecules}, volume = {163}, pages = {817 - 823}, abstract = {Biomimetic design represents an emerging field for improving knowledge of natural molecules, as well as to project novel artificial tools with specific functions for biosensing. Effective strategies have been exploited to design artificial bioreceptors, taking inspiration from complex supramolecular assemblies. Among them, size-minimization strategy sounds promising to provide bioreceptors with tuned sensitivity, stability, and selectivity, through the ad hoc manipulation of chemical species at the molecular scale. Herein, a novel biomimetic peptide enabling herbicide binding was designed bioinspired to the D1 protein of the Photosystem II of the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The D1 protein portion corresponding to the QB plastoquinone binding niche is capable of interacting with photosynthetic herbicides. A 50-mer peptide in the region of D1 protein from the residue 211 to 280 was designed in silico, and molecular dynamic simulations were performed alone and in complex with atrazine. An equilibrated structure was obtained with a stable pocked for atrazine binding by three H-bonds with SER222, ASN247, and HIS272 residues. Computational data were confirmed by fluorescence spectroscopy and circular dichroism on the peptide obtained by automated synthesis. Atrazine binding at nanomolar concentrations was followed by fluorescence spectroscopy, highlighting peptide suitability for optical sensing of herbicides at safety limits.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Biomimetic design represents an emerging field for improving knowledge of natural molecules, as well as to project novel artificial tools with specific functions for biosensing. Effective strategies have been exploited to design artificial bioreceptors, taking inspiration from complex supramolecular assemblies. Among them, size-minimization strategy sounds promising to provide bioreceptors with tuned sensitivity, stability, and selectivity, through the ad hoc manipulation of chemical species at the molecular scale. Herein, a novel biomimetic peptide enabling herbicide binding was designed bioinspired to the D1 protein of the Photosystem II of the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The D1 protein portion corresponding to the QB plastoquinone binding niche is capable of interacting with photosynthetic herbicides. A 50-mer peptide in the region of D1 protein from the residue 211 to 280 was designed in silico, and molecular dynamic simulations were performed alone and in complex with atrazine. An equilibrated structure was obtained with a stable pocked for atrazine binding by three H-bonds with SER222, ASN247, and HIS272 residues. Computational data were confirmed by fluorescence spectroscopy and circular dichroism on the peptide obtained by automated synthesis. Atrazine binding at nanomolar concentrations was followed by fluorescence spectroscopy, highlighting peptide suitability for optical sensing of herbicides at safety limits. | |
Moccia, Maria; Antonacci, Amina; Saviano, Michele; Caratelli, Veronica; Arduini, Fabiana; Scognamiglio, Viviana Emerging technologies in the design of peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) based biosensors Journal Article TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry, 132 , pp. 116062, 2020, ISSN: 0165-9936. @article{MOCCIA2020116062, title = {Emerging technologies in the design of peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) based biosensors}, author = {Maria Moccia and Amina Antonacci and Michele Saviano and Veronica Caratelli and Fabiana Arduini and Viviana Scognamiglio}, url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165993620302910}, doi = {10.1016/j.trac.2020.116062}, issn = {0165-9936}, year = {2020}, date = {2020-11-01}, journal = {TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry}, volume = {132}, pages = {116062}, abstract = {From the first investigations on peptide nucleic acids (PNA), peculiar features have been described as intrinsic of the singular chemical nature of these biomolecules. Relevant applications in the development of biosensors occurred in the last decades, exploiting them as bioreceptors. Their outstanding chemical and thermal stability as well as highly sensitive towards both complementary and non-complementary sequences, promoted them in the Olympus of biocomponents for applications in diagnostics. The intent of this review (85 ref) is to describe the last trends on the astonishing PNA technology in the biosensing field, in the view of the positive contamination with vanguard technologies including rational design and nanotechnology. In particular, electrochemical and optical biosensors exploiting PNA were reported from the literature, as well as nanostructured and paper-based biosensors for the design of microfluidics and lab-on-chip tools.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } From the first investigations on peptide nucleic acids (PNA), peculiar features have been described as intrinsic of the singular chemical nature of these biomolecules. Relevant applications in the development of biosensors occurred in the last decades, exploiting them as bioreceptors. Their outstanding chemical and thermal stability as well as highly sensitive towards both complementary and non-complementary sequences, promoted them in the Olympus of biocomponents for applications in diagnostics. The intent of this review (85 ref) is to describe the last trends on the astonishing PNA technology in the biosensing field, in the view of the positive contamination with vanguard technologies including rational design and nanotechnology. In particular, electrochemical and optical biosensors exploiting PNA were reported from the literature, as well as nanostructured and paper-based biosensors for the design of microfluidics and lab-on-chip tools. | |
Kumar, Vikas; Sinha, Amit K; Uka, Albana; Antonacci, Amina; Scognamiglio, Viviana; Mazzaracchio, Vincenzo; Cinti, Stefano; Arduini, Fabiana Multi-potential biomarkers for seafood quality assessment: Global wide implication for human health monitoring Journal Article TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry, 132 , pp. 116056, 2020, ISSN: 0165-9936. @article{KUMAR2020116056, title = {Multi-potential biomarkers for seafood quality assessment: Global wide implication for human health monitoring}, author = {Vikas Kumar and Amit K Sinha and Albana Uka and Amina Antonacci and Viviana Scognamiglio and Vincenzo Mazzaracchio and Stefano Cinti and Fabiana Arduini}, url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165993620302855}, doi = {10.1016/j.trac.2020.116056}, issn = {0165-9936}, year = {2020}, date = {2020-11-01}, journal = {TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry}, volume = {132}, pages = {116056}, abstract = {Seafood products are widely accepted for their high nutritional properties. However, their safety should be comprehensively monitored, because chemical contaminants/xenobiotics may accumulate in seafood at levels that can pose a potential human health hazard. Indeed, seafood is one of the most vulnerable and perishable products, so its quality assessment is a prime concern throughout the production process, from harvesting, post-harvest microbial contaminations, post-mortem changes, processing, storage up to the consumption. Rapid monitoring of seafood quality and safety through very early biomarkers can bring considerable benefits to seafood industry and consumer satisfaction. A variety of analytical technologies for identifying a set of biomarkers to map (and improve) seafood production, quality, and safety, are discussed spanning from high-throughput proteomics to frontline biosensing strategies, both devoted to identify biomarkers for seafood management and assess the impact of water borne contaminants and pathogens on fish/shellfish welfare.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Seafood products are widely accepted for their high nutritional properties. However, their safety should be comprehensively monitored, because chemical contaminants/xenobiotics may accumulate in seafood at levels that can pose a potential human health hazard. Indeed, seafood is one of the most vulnerable and perishable products, so its quality assessment is a prime concern throughout the production process, from harvesting, post-harvest microbial contaminations, post-mortem changes, processing, storage up to the consumption. Rapid monitoring of seafood quality and safety through very early biomarkers can bring considerable benefits to seafood industry and consumer satisfaction. A variety of analytical technologies for identifying a set of biomarkers to map (and improve) seafood production, quality, and safety, are discussed spanning from high-throughput proteomics to frontline biosensing strategies, both devoted to identify biomarkers for seafood management and assess the impact of water borne contaminants and pathogens on fish/shellfish welfare. | |
Zappi, Daniele; Ramma, Matiss Martins; Scognamiglio, Viviana; Antonacci, Amina; Varani, Gabriele; Giardi, Maria Teresa High-Tech and Nature-Made Nanocomposites and Their Applications in the Field of Sensors and Biosensors for Gas Detection Journal Article Biosensors, 10 (11), 2020, ISSN: 2079-6374. @article{bios10110176, title = {High-Tech and Nature-Made Nanocomposites and Their Applications in the Field of Sensors and Biosensors for Gas Detection}, author = {Daniele Zappi and Matiss Martins Ramma and Viviana Scognamiglio and Amina Antonacci and Gabriele Varani and Maria Teresa Giardi}, url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6374/10/11/176}, doi = {10.3390/bios10110176}, issn = {2079-6374}, year = {2020}, date = {2020-10-15}, journal = {Biosensors}, volume = {10}, number = {11}, abstract = {Gas sensors have been object of increasing attention by the scientific community in recent years. For the development of the sensing element, two major trends seem to have appeared. On one hand, the possibility of creating complex structures at the nanoscale level has given rise to ever more sensitive sensors based on metal oxides and metal–polymer combinations. On the other hand, gas biosensors have started to be developed, thanks to their intrinsic ability to be selective for the target analyte. In this review, we analyze the recent progress in both areas and underline their strength, current problems, and future perspectives.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Gas sensors have been object of increasing attention by the scientific community in recent years. For the development of the sensing element, two major trends seem to have appeared. On one hand, the possibility of creating complex structures at the nanoscale level has given rise to ever more sensitive sensors based on metal oxides and metal–polymer combinations. On the other hand, gas biosensors have started to be developed, thanks to their intrinsic ability to be selective for the target analyte. In this review, we analyze the recent progress in both areas and underline their strength, current problems, and future perspectives. | |
Romanucci, Valeria; García-Viñuales, Sara; Tempra, Carmelo; Bernini, Roberta; Zarrelli, Armando; Lolicato, Fabio; Milardi, Danilo; Fabio, Giovanni Di Modulating Aβ aggregation by tyrosol-based ligands: The crucial role of the catechol moiety Journal Article Biophysical Chemistry, 265 , pp. 106434, 2020, ISSN: 0301-4622. @article{ROMANUCCI2020106434, title = {Modulating Aβ aggregation by tyrosol-based ligands: The crucial role of the catechol moiety}, author = {Valeria Romanucci and Sara Garc\'{i}a-Vi\~{n}uales and Carmelo Tempra and Roberta Bernini and Armando Zarrelli and Fabio Lolicato and Danilo Milardi and Giovanni Di Fabio}, url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301462220301423}, doi = {10.1016/j.bpc.2020.106434}, issn = {0301-4622}, year = {2020}, date = {2020-10-01}, journal = {Biophysical Chemistry}, volume = {265}, pages = {106434}, abstract = {The abnormal deposition of Aβ amyloid deposits in the brain is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Based on this evidence, many current therapeutic approaches focus on the development of small molecules halting Aβ aggregation. However, due to the temporary and elusive structures of amyloid assemblies, the rational design of aggregation inhibitors remains a challenging task. Here we combine ThT assays and MD simulations to study Aβ aggregation in the presence of the natural compounds tyrosol (TY), 3-hydroxytyrosol (HDT), and 3-methoxytyrosol (homovanillyl alcohol - HVA). We show that albeit HDT is a potent inhibitor of amyloid growth, TY and HVA catalyze fibril formation. An inspection of MD simulations trajectories revealed that the different effects of these three molecules on Aβ1\textendash40 aggregation are ascribable to their capacity to arrange H-bonds network between the ligand (position C-3) and the peptide (Glu22). We believe that our results may contribute to the design of more effective and safe small molecules able to contrast pathogenic amyloid aggregation}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } The abnormal deposition of Aβ amyloid deposits in the brain is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Based on this evidence, many current therapeutic approaches focus on the development of small molecules halting Aβ aggregation. However, due to the temporary and elusive structures of amyloid assemblies, the rational design of aggregation inhibitors remains a challenging task. Here we combine ThT assays and MD simulations to study Aβ aggregation in the presence of the natural compounds tyrosol (TY), 3-hydroxytyrosol (HDT), and 3-methoxytyrosol (homovanillyl alcohol - HVA). We show that albeit HDT is a potent inhibitor of amyloid growth, TY and HVA catalyze fibril formation. An inspection of MD simulations trajectories revealed that the different effects of these three molecules on Aβ1–40 aggregation are ascribable to their capacity to arrange H-bonds network between the ligand (position C-3) and the peptide (Glu22). We believe that our results may contribute to the design of more effective and safe small molecules able to contrast pathogenic amyloid aggregation | |
Tundo, G R; Sbardella, D; Santoro, A M; Coletta, A; Oddone, F; Grasso, G; Milardi, D; Lacal, P M; Marini, S; Purrello, R; Graziani, G; Coletta, M The proteasome as a druggable target with multiple therapeutic potentialities: Cutting and non-cutting edges Journal Article Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 213 , pp. 107579, 2020, ISSN: 0163-7258. @article{TUNDO2020107579, title = {The proteasome as a druggable target with multiple therapeutic potentialities: Cutting and non-cutting edges}, author = {G R Tundo and D Sbardella and A M Santoro and A Coletta and F Oddone and G Grasso and D Milardi and P M Lacal and S Marini and R Purrello and G Graziani and M Coletta}, url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0163725820301078}, doi = {10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107579}, issn = {0163-7258}, year = {2020}, date = {2020-09-01}, journal = {Pharmacology & Therapeutics}, volume = {213}, pages = {107579}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } | |
Moro, Giulia; Bottari, Fabio; Liberi, Stefano; Covaceuszach, Sonia; Cassetta, Alberto; Angelini, Alessandro; Wael, Karolien De; Moretto, Ligia Maria Bioelectrochemistry, 134 , pp. 107540, 2020, ISSN: 1567-5394. @article{MORO2020107540, title = {Covalent immobilization of delipidated human serum albumin on poly(pyrrole-2-carboxylic) acid film for the impedimetric detection of perfluorooctanoic acid}, author = {Giulia Moro and Fabio Bottari and Stefano Liberi and Sonia Covaceuszach and Alberto Cassetta and Alessandro Angelini and Karolien De Wael and Ligia Maria Moretto}, url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1567539420301201}, doi = {10.1016/j.bioelechem.2020.107540}, issn = {1567-5394}, year = {2020}, date = {2020-08-01}, journal = {Bioelectrochemistry}, volume = {134}, pages = {107540}, abstract = {The immobilization of biomolecules at screen printed electrodes for biosensing applications is still an open challenge. To enrich the toolbox of bioelectrochemists, graphite screen printed electrodes (G-SPE) were modified with an electropolymerized film of pyrrole-2-carboxilic acid (Py-2-COOH), a pyrrole derivative rich in carboxylic acid functional groups. These functionalities are suitable for the covalent immobilization of biomolecular recognition layers. The electropolymerization was first optimized to obtain stable and conductive polymeric films, comparing two different electrolytes: sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and sodium perchlorate. The G-SPE modified with Py-2-COOH in 0.1 M SDS solution showed the required properties and were further tested. A proof-of-concept study for the development of an impedimetric sensor for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was carried out using the delipidated human serum albumin (hSA) as bioreceptor. The data interpretation was supported by size exclusion chromatography and small-angle X-ray scattering (SEC-SAXS) analysis of the bioreceptor-target complex and the preliminary results suggest the possibility to further develop this biosensing strategy for toxicological and analytical studies.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } The immobilization of biomolecules at screen printed electrodes for biosensing applications is still an open challenge. To enrich the toolbox of bioelectrochemists, graphite screen printed electrodes (G-SPE) were modified with an electropolymerized film of pyrrole-2-carboxilic acid (Py-2-COOH), a pyrrole derivative rich in carboxylic acid functional groups. These functionalities are suitable for the covalent immobilization of biomolecular recognition layers. The electropolymerization was first optimized to obtain stable and conductive polymeric films, comparing two different electrolytes: sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and sodium perchlorate. The G-SPE modified with Py-2-COOH in 0.1 M SDS solution showed the required properties and were further tested. A proof-of-concept study for the development of an impedimetric sensor for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was carried out using the delipidated human serum albumin (hSA) as bioreceptor. The data interpretation was supported by size exclusion chromatography and small-angle X-ray scattering (SEC-SAXS) analysis of the bioreceptor-target complex and the preliminary results suggest the possibility to further develop this biosensing strategy for toxicological and analytical studies. | |