Multi-functional DNA-conjugated nanohydrogels for aptamer-directed breast cancer cell targeting

The development of new conjugation chemistry involving DNA and nanoparticles as well as nanoparticle-based platforms for aptamer-directed cancer-cell targeting is important for improved targeted therapy and imaging. Herein, a dual...

Electrochemically customized assembly of a hybrid xerogel material via combined covalent and non-covalent conjugation chemistry: an approach for boosting the cycling performance of pseudocapacitors

A universal approach for improving the cycling stability of pseudocapacitors is demonstrated via combined covalent and non-covalent conjugation chemistry followed by unique in situ electropolymerization of an organic–inorganic hybrid xerogel material.

Specific and Generic Immunorecognition of Glycopeptide Antibiotics Promoted by Unique and Multiple Orientations of Hapten

Conjugation chemistry does not always provide adequate spatial orientation of hapten in immunogens for the best presentation of generic or individual epitopes. In the present study, the influence of unique and multiple orientations of immunizing hapten on the immune response repertoire was compared to select generic recognition system. The glycopeptides, teicoplanin (TPL) and ristomycin (RSM), were conjugated to BSA to produce immunogens with unique and multiple orientations of haptens. Polyclonal antibodies generated against TPL conjugated through a single site were of uniform specificity and demonstrated selective TPL recognition, regardless of the coating conjugates design. The sensitivity (IC50) of 4 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for TPL varied little within the 3.5–7.4 ng/mL, with a dynamic range of 0.2–100 ng/mL. RSM was coupled to BSA through several glycoside sites that evoked a wider repertoire of response. This first described anti-RSM antibody was selective for RSM in homologous hapten-coated ELISAs with IC50 values in the range 4.2–35 ng/mL. Among the heterologous antigens, periodate-oxidized TPL conjugated to gelatine was selected as the best binder of generic anti-RSM fraction. The developed ELISA showed group recognition of glycopeptides RSM, TPL, eremomycin, and vancomycin with cross-reactivity of 37–100% and a 10–10,000 ng/mL dynamic range. Thus, multiple presentations of immunizing hapten help expand the repertoire of immune responses and opportunities for the selection of the required fine-specificity agent.