ORCID Profile
0000-0002-5445-0299
Current Organisations
Banaras Hindu University
,
Macquarie University
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In Research Link Australia (RLA), "Research Topics" refer to ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes. These topics are either sourced from ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes listed in researchers' related grants or generated by a large language model (LLM) based on their publications.
Macromolecular and Materials Chemistry | Colloid and Surface Chemistry | Structural Biology (incl. Macromolecular Modelling) | Nanochemistry and Supramolecular Chemistry
Expanding Knowledge in the Chemical Sciences | Industrial Chemicals and Related Products not elsewhere classified | Expanding Knowledge in the Biological Sciences |
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-12-2017
Abstract: Two peptide-derived low-molecular-weight gelators bearing different capping groups, 9-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (Fmoc) and phenothiazine, were synthesized and their gel networks were characterized. The variation of the N-terminal capping group affects the viability of these hydrogels as a three-dimensional cell culture for multicellular tumor spheroids. These results indicate that the phenothiazine capping group is a more biocompatible alternative to the widely used Fmoc moiety.
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2011
DOI: 10.1039/C1CC10408J
Abstract: p-Phosphonic acid calix[4]arenes render high stability to exfoliated graphenes in water. These calix[4]arenes modified graphenes can be used as highly effective substrates to nucleate ultra-small Pd nanoparticles, which in turn serve as galvanic reaction templates for the generation of high density 2D arrays of Pt nanoparticles.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.BIOMATERIALS.2018.10.006
Abstract: Damaged corneas can lead to blindness. Due to the worldwide shortage of donor corneas there is a tremendous unmet demand for a robust corneal replacement that supports growth of the major corneal cell types. Commercial artificial corneas comprise plastic polymers that do not adequately support erse cell growth. We present a new class of protein elastomer-dominated synthetic corneas with attractive performance that intimately couple biologically active tropoelastin to mechanically robust and durable protein silk. Fabricated films substantially replicate the natural cornea physically and by interacting with both key cells types used in cornea repair. Performance encompasses optical clarity at high transmittance, compatible refractive index, substantial glucose permeability, compliant mechanical properties, and support of both growth and function of corneal epithelial and endothelial cells.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2017
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 20-03-2015
DOI: 10.1021/CG5016934
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2014
DOI: 10.1039/C4CC07941H
Abstract: A dipeptide bearing an indole capping group forms exceptionally strong, hydrogels, with a storage modulus of ∼0.3 MPa. these hydrogels exhibit a minimal fibre-branching, with strong lateral association of fibrils.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-03-2019
Abstract: To investigate the role of the capping group in the solution and solid-state self-assembly of short peptide hiphiles, dialanine and diphenylalanine have been linked via the N-terminus to a benzene (phenyl) and 3-naphthyl capping groups using three different methylene linkers (CH
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 04-2020
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1039/C5TB00067J
Abstract: Two novel short peptides bearing a novel carbazole capping group form gels at concentrations as low as 0.03% w/v and are biocompatible at or above their minimum gel concentrations.
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2017
DOI: 10.1039/C7NJ02248D
Abstract: First ex le of glyoxylamide-based short peptides which can encapsulate organic solvents and water at relatively low concentrations.
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2017
DOI: 10.1039/C6CE01965J
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 08-11-2010
DOI: 10.1021/CG1011605
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 06-07-2018
Abstract: The culturing of primary neurons represents a central pillar of neuroscience research. Primary neurons are derived directly from brain tissue and recapitulate key aspects of neuronal development in an in vitro setting. Unlike neural stem cells, primary neurons do not ide thus, initial attachment of cells to a suitable substrate is critical. Commonly used polylysine substrates can suffer from batch variability owing to their polymeric nature. Herein, we report the use of chemically well-defined, self-assembling tetrapeptides as substrates for primary neuronal culture. These water-soluble peptides assemble into fibers which facilitate adhesion and development of primary neurons, their long-term survival (>40 days), synaptic maturation, and electrical activity. Furthermore, these substrates are permissive toward neuronal transfection and transduction which, coupled with their uniformity and reproducible nature, make them suitable for a wide variety of applications in neuroscience.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2017
DOI: 10.1071/CH16241
Abstract: With the recent developments in cell cultures and biomimetic materials, there is growing evidence indicating that long-established two-dimensional (2D) cell culture techniques are slowly being phased out and replaced with three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures. This is due to the 3D cell cultures better mimicking the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) where cells are found. The emergence of self-assembled hydrogels as an ECM mimic has revolutionised the field owing to their ability to closely simulate the fibrous nature of the ECM. Here, we review recent progress in using hydrogels as biomimetic materials in 3D cell cultures, particularly supramolecular peptide hydrogels. With greater comprehension of the behaviour of cells in these hydrogels, a cell culture system that can be used in a wide array of 3D culture-based applications can be developed.
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2021
DOI: 10.1039/D0CC07115C
Abstract: We present a series of synthetic polymer hydrogels which break the traditional correlation between pore size and mechanical properties.
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.1039/D0NR90160A
Abstract: Correction for ‘Non-reversible heat-induced gelation of a biocompatible Fmoc-hexapeptide in water’ by Jonathan P. Wojciechowski et al. , Nanoscale , 2020, 12 , 8262–8267, DOI: 10.1039/D0NR00289E.
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 10-2018
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.LANGMUIR.8B02729
Abstract: Mixing supramolecular gels based on enantiomers leads to re-arrangement of gel fibers at the molecular level, which results in more favorable packing and tunable properties. Bis(urea) compounds tagged with a phenylalanine methyl ester in racemic and enantiopure forms were synthesized. Both enantiopure and racemate compounds formed gels in a wide range of solvents and the racemate (1-rac) formed a stronger gel network compared with the enantiomers. The gel (1R+1S) obtained by mixing equimolar amount of enantiomers (1R and 1S) showed enhanced mechanical and thermal stability compared to enantiomers and racemate gels. The preservation of chirality in these compounds was analyzed by circular dichroism and optical rotation measurements. Analysis of the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) images revealed that the network in the mixed gel is a combination of enantiomers and racemate fibers, which was further supported by solid-state NMR. The analysis of the packing in xerogels by solid-state NMR spectra and the existence of twisted-tape morphology in SEM and AFM images confirmed the presence of both self-sorted and co-assembled fibers in mixed gel. The enhanced thermal and mechanical strength may be attributed to the enhanced intermolecular forces between the racemate and the enantiomer and the combination of both self-sorted and co-assembled enantiomers in the mixed gel.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-09-2020
DOI: 10.1111/GEB.13179
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.1039/C9SC05686F
Abstract: The mobility of hydrophobic moieties at a peptide nanofibre surface determines its suitability as a scaffold for sensitive primary cells.
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 31-08-2009
DOI: 10.1021/CG900682C
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2017
DOI: 10.1039/C6MD00306K
Abstract: Simplified aminothienopyridazine analogues were synthesised and their inhibition of tau protein aggregation assessed.
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2011
DOI: 10.1039/C1CC11614B
Abstract: p-Phosphonic acid calix[4]arene bearing lower rim O-C(18)H(37) alkyl chains assemble into 6 nm diameter fibres, which deposit from toluene onto mica and graphite, as characterised using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Molecular simulations support a micelle-like arrangement of calixarenes with the alkyl chains directed inwards, and they form a composite material with a fluorescent molecule.
Publisher: The Royal Society
Date: 12-2017
DOI: 10.1098/RSOS.171064
Abstract: A series of new group 2 coordination polymers, MgL ={MgL(H 2 O)(DMF) 0.75 } ∞ , CaL = {CaL(DMF) 2 } ∞ , SrL = {SrL(H 2 O) 0.5 } ∞ and BaL = {BaL(H 2 O) 0.5 } ∞ , were synthesized using a flexible benzimidazolone diacetic acid linker ( H 2 L ) in which the two carboxylic acid binding sites are connected to a planar core via {–CH 2 –} spacers that can freely rotate in solution. In a ‘curiosity-led' ersion from group 2 metals, the first row transition metal salts Mn 2+ , Cu 2+ and Zn 2+ were also reacted with L to yield crystals of MnL = {MnL(DMF)(H 2 O) 3.33 } ∞ , Cu 3 L 2 = {Cu 3 L 2 (DMF) 2 (CHO 2 ) 2 } ∞ and ZnL = {ZnL(DMF)} ∞ . Crystal structures were obtained for all seven materials. All structures form as two-dimensional sheets and contain six-coordinate centres, with the exception of ZnL, which displays tetrahedrally coordinated metal centres, and Cu 3 L 2 , which contains square planar coordinated metal centres and Cu paddle-wheels. In each structure, the linker adopts one of two distinct conformations, with the carboxylate groups either cis or trans with respect to the planar core. All materials were also characterized by powder X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 26-11-2015
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2011
DOI: 10.1039/C1CC12048D
Abstract: p-Phosphonic acid calix[n]arenes and their O-alkylated lower rim analogues are remarkably versatile macrocycles, with applications in selective diameter uptake of single walled carbon nano-tubes, as surfactants in stabilising and protecting nano-particles and graphene sheets, as crystal growth modifiers for inorganic systems, in encapsulating molecules of anti-cancer carboplatin, self assembly into nano-arrays, including nano-fibres and molecular capsules, and for binding metal ions including biologically relevant Ca(2+). They are readily accessible via five or six high yielding steps from the parent p-Bu(t) substituted compounds.
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2017
DOI: 10.1039/C6SM02431A
Abstract: The thermal annealing behaviour of an electrolyte-triggered calixarene hydrogelator is found to depend strongly on the specific metal chloride used. While the lithium chloride gel showed typical gel-sol transitions as a function of temperature, the magnesium chloride gel was found to repeatedly strengthen with heat-cool cycles. Structural investigations using small-angle neutron scattering, and scanning probe microscopy, suggest that the annealing behaviour is associated with a change in morphology of the fibrous structures supporting the gel. On prolonged standing at room temperature, the magnesium chloride gel underwent a gel-crystal transition, with the collapsing gel accompanied by the deposition of crystals of a magnesium complex of the proline-functionalised calix[4]arene gelator.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-02-2021
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-03-2017
DOI: 10.1038/SREP43947
Abstract: Using small angle neutron scattering (SANS), it is shown that the existence of pre-assembled structures at high pH for a capped diphenylalanine hydrogel is controlled by the selection of N-terminal heterocyclic capping group, namely indole or carbazole. At high pH, changing from a somewhat hydrophilic indole capping group to a more hydrophobic carbazole capping group results in a shift from a high proportion of monomers to self-assembled fibers or wormlike micelles. The presence of these different self-assembled structures at high pH is confirmed through NMR and circular dichroism spectroscopy, scanning probe microscopy and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-2012
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-03-2017
DOI: 10.1038/SREP43668
Abstract: A peptide hiphile is reported, that gelates a range of polar organic solvents including acetonitrile/water, N , N -dimethylformamide and acetone, in a process dictated by β-sheet interactions and facilitated by the presence of an alkyl chain. Similarities with previously reported peptide hiphile hydrogelators indicate analogous underlying mechanisms of gelation and structure-property relationships, suggesting that peptide hiphile organogel design may be predictably based on hydrogel precedents.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 22-01-2014
DOI: 10.1038/SREP03616
Abstract: Controlling the growth of the polymorphs of calcium carbonate is important in understanding the changing environmental conditions in the oceans. Aragonite is the main polymorph in the inner shells of marine organisms and can be readily converted to calcite, which is the most stable polymorph of calcium carbonate. Both of these polymorphs are significantly more stable than vaterite, which is the other naturally occurring polymorph of calcium carbonate and this is reflected in its limited distribution in nature. We have investigated the effect of high shear forces on the phase behaviour of calcium carbonate using a vortex fluidic device (VFD), with experimental parameters varied to explore calcium carbonate mineralisation. Variation of tilt angle, rotation speed and temperature allow for control over the size, shape and phase of the resulting calcium carbonate.
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.1039/D0SM00320D
Abstract: The incorporation of polar amino acids into the Fmoc-FF motif yields tetrapeptide hydrogels whose biocompatibility in the gel state is inversely proportional to their biocompatibility in the solution state.
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2018
DOI: 10.1039/C8TB01290C
Abstract: Glyoxylamide-based hydrogels have high ciprofloxacin (CIP) loading capacity and demonstrate a sustained release profile of over 15 days.
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1039/C5TB02139A
Abstract: Addition of water triggers gelation in (poly)ethylene glycol (PEG) solutions of peptide gelators, with or without drugs added. The gels are formed by a combination of macromolecular crowding and hydrophobic effects as evident by significant secondary structure changes when compared to gel formed from pure water.
Publisher: Portland Press Ltd.
Date: 16-04-2021
DOI: 10.1042/BCJ20200664
Abstract: Tau pathology initiates in defined brain regions and is known to spread along neuronal connections as symptoms progress in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other tauopathies. This spread requires the release of tau from donor cells, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remained unknown. Here, we established the interactome of the C-terminal tail region of tau and identified syntaxin 8 (STX8) as a mediator of tau release from cells. Similarly, we showed the syntaxin 6 (STX6), part of the same SNARE family as STX8 also facilitated tau release. STX6 was previously genetically linked to progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a tauopathy. Finally, we demonstrated that the transmembrane domain of STX6 is required and sufficient to mediate tau secretion. The differential role of STX6 and STX8 in alternative secretory pathways suggests the association of tau with different secretory processes. Taken together, both syntaxins, STX6 and STX8, may contribute to AD and PSP pathogenesis by mediating release of tau from cells and facilitating pathology spreading.
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2017
DOI: 10.1039/C7TB02140B
Abstract: N-terminal capped tripeptides self-assemble into hydrogels with tuneable properties depending on gelation trigger, giving differences in structure, stiffness and biocompatibility.
Publisher: Ivyspring International Publisher
Date: 2022
DOI: 10.7150/NTNO.68789
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.1039/D0NR00289E
Abstract: A biocompatible Fmoc-hexapeptide which forms hydrogels at physiological pH upon heating is reported.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 21-01-2020
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-019-57342-6
Abstract: In this study, we describe the synthesis and molecular properties of anthranilamide-based short peptides which were synthesised via ring opening of isatoic anhydride in excellent yields. These short peptides were incorporated as low molecular weight gelators (LMWG), bola hiphile, and C 3 -symmetric molecules to form hydrogels in low concentrations (0.07–0.30% (w/v)). The critical gel concentration (CGC), viscoelastic properties, secondary structure, and fibre morphology of these short peptides were influenced by the aromaticity of the capping group or by the presence of electronegative substituent (namely fluoro) and hydrophobic substituent (such as methyl) in the short peptides. In addition, the hydrogels showed antibacterial activity against S . aureus 38 and moderate toxicity against HEK cells in vitro .
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2018
Abstract: A small library of short peptides has been synthesized based upon the repeat tetrapeptide sequence Gly-Val-Ala-Pro (GVAP) which is found in the hydrophobic domain of tropoelastin. Of the five peptides synthesized, four formed self-supporting hydrogels with similar secondary structures. The ability to tune the mechanical properties of the resultant hydrogels was demonstrated, and this is understood in relation to fiber bundling. Finally, the cytotoxicity of these elastin-based short peptide hydrogels towards HeLa cells was assessed, with clear evidence that increased aromaticity of the peptide is detrimental towards cell viability.
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 15-06-2009
DOI: 10.1021/CG9004467
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.1039/D0TB00250J
Abstract: Fmoc-capped tetrapeptides bearing two lysines and two tyrosines show programmable enzymatic activity. Solvent accessible tyrosines determine the extent of reactivity with tyrosinase, and subsequent quinone formation drives polymerisation.
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1039/C6SM00025H
Abstract: In this work it is shown that the selection of heterocyclic capping group for a dipeptide hydrogel affects the self-assembly pathway taken, resulting in differences in mechanical strength, network structure and thixotropic properties.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-12-2022
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-022-26426-1
Abstract: In this study, we prepared antibacterial hydrogels through the self-assembly of naphthyl anthranilamide (NaA) capped amino acid based cationic peptide mimics. These ultra-short cationic peptide mimics were rationally designed with NaA as a capping group, l -phenylalanine, a short aliphatic linker, and a cationic group. The synthesized peptide mimics efficiently formed hydrogels with minimum gel concentrations between 0.1 and 0.3%w/v. The resulting hydrogels exhibited desirable viscoelastic properties which can be tuned by varying the cationic group, electronegative substituent, or counter anion. Importantly, nanofibers from the NaA-capped cationic hydrogels were found to be the source of hydrogels’ potent bacteriacidal actvity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria while remaining non-cytotoxic. These intrinsically antibacterial hydrogels are ideal candidates for further development in applications where bacterial contamination is problematic.
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2011
DOI: 10.1039/C1CC13038B
Abstract: Hirshfeld surface analysis of the 'ordered' inner phase of the molecular capsule complex, [(chloroform)(6)@C-n-butylpyrogallol[4]arene)(6)], provides insight into the intermolecular contacts and orientation of the solvent molecules. Molecular simulations show that adding two or three hydrogen molecules to the six solvent molecules is energetically favoured, and this correlates with NMR studies.
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2010
DOI: 10.1039/C0NJ00356E
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 26-02-2016
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.LANGMUIR.5B03963
Abstract: Short peptides capped at their N-terminus are often highly efficient gelators, yet notoriously difficult to crystallize. This is due to strong unidirectional interactions within fibers, resulting in structure propagation only along one direction. Here, we synthesize the N-capped dipeptide, benzimidazole-diphenylalanine, which forms both hydrogels and single crystals. Even more remarkably, we show using atomic force microscopy the coexistence of these two distinct phases. We then use powder X-ray diffraction to investigate whether the single crystal structure can be extrapolated to the molecular arrangement within the hydrogel. The results suggest parallel β-sheet arrangement as the dominant structural motif, challenging existing models for gelation of short peptides, and providing new directions for the future rational design of short peptide gelators.
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.1039/C8SC04206C
Abstract: We uncover how our polymersomes facet through a sphere-to-polyhedron shape transformation pathway that is driven by perylene aggregation confined within a topologically spherical polymersome shell.
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2010
DOI: 10.1039/C003053H
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.1039/C9TB02539A
Abstract: Self-assembling short peptides have widespread applications in energy materials, tissue engineering, sensing and drug delivery. In this review we discuss the effect of functional N-terminal capping groups on peptide structure and function.
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1039/C6DT03139K
Abstract: New Fe( iii ) complex features remarkable supramolecular assembly, antiferromagnetic exchange coupling, and ordering temperature.
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2022
DOI: 10.1039/D2BM00061J
Abstract: Self-adjuvanting moieties are class of molecules that when conjugated/assembled with synthetic antigen can trigger the immune response.
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 16-02-2018
DOI: 10.1021/JACS.7B12198
Abstract: It remains challenging to program soft materials to show dynamic, tunable time-dependent properties. In this work, we report a strategy to design transient supramolecular hydrogels based on kinetic control of competing reactions. Specifically, the pH-triggered self-assembly of a redox-active supramolecular gelator, N,N'-dibenzoyl-l-cystine (DBC) in the presence of a reducing agent, which acts to disassemble the system. The lifetimes of the transient hydrogels can be tuned simply by pH or reducing agent concentration. We find through kinetic analysis that gel formation hinders the ability of the reducing agent and enables longer transient hydrogel lifetimes than would be predicted. The transient hydrogels undergo clean cycles, with no kinetically trapped aggregates observed. As a result, multiple transient hydrogel cycles are demonstrated and can be predicted. This work contributes to our understanding of designing transient assemblies with tunable temporal control.
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1039/C6CE00929H
Abstract: CO⋯X halogen bonding of perylene tetraesters causes perylene-core torsion which affects their spectral properties.
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 17-05-2010
DOI: 10.1021/CG1003484
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2011
DOI: 10.1039/C1CC11991E
Abstract: p-Phosphonic acid calix[5]arene forms molecular capsules in water based on two of the molecules, which can be loaded with carboplatin using intense shearing, and attached to single wall carbon nano-tubes. Spin coating of the capsules onto a substrate affords 2 nm fibres of stacked calixarenes, with the self-assembly understood using molecular modelling.
Start Date: 2017
End Date: 12-2018
Amount: $300,000.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
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