DNA binding by bZIP-type coiled-coil proteins can be inhibited by dominant negative versions of the proteins in which the N-terminal basic region is replaced by an acidic extension. Photocontrol of bZIP function can be achieved by introducing intramolecular azobenzene-based crosslinkers into dominant negatives. We show that the largest degree of photocontrol is achieved when the crosslinker is ...

Poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels have a significant range of mechanical properties based on compositional and processing parameters. Biodegradable hydrogels based on Poly(vinyl alcohol) were prepared for controlled drug delivery of bovine serum albumin. These hydrogels were synthesized by a crosslinking technique using glutaraldehyde as a crosslinker. Hydrogels containing drug were prepared by dir...

Actin-crosslinking proteins link F-actin into the bundles and networks that constitute the cytoskeleton. Dystrophin, beta-spectrin, alpha-actinin, ABP-120, ABP-280, and fimbrin share homologous actin-binding domains and comprise an actin crosslinker superfamily. We have identified a novel member of this superfamily (ACF7) using a degenerate primer-mediated PCR strategy that was optimized to res...

In this chapter, we outline protocols for assembling and characterizing peptide-gold nanoparticle conjugates. We describe two strategies for attaching peptides to gold nanoparticles. One involves the covalent coupling of cysteine-terminated peptides directly to a particle surface via a sulfur-gold bond. Alternatively, peptides are coupled to bovine serum albumin (BSA) via a bifunctional molecul...

We present a new methodology for optical cell picking in 3D culture environment, because biological cells often show phenotype alterations by the interactions with pericellular matrix in 3D culture. In this study, we encapsulated cells in photodegradable hydrogels by mixing cell-containing gelatin solution with crosslinker, NHS-PC-4armPEG. The minimum resolution of photodegradation was estimate...

A macroscopic compression test utilizing a simple custom-built instrument was employed to measure polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastic modulus. PDMS samples with varying crosslinking density were prepared with the elastomer base to the curing agent ratio ranging from 5 : 1 to 33 : 1. The PDMS network elastic modulus varied linearly with the amount of crosslinker, ranging from 0.57 MPa to 3.7 MPa...

This report presents a new and simple methodology for the synthesis of multicomponent peptide vaccines, named the peptide crosslinked micelles (PCMs). The PCMs are core shell micelles designed to deliver peptide antigens and immunostimulatory DNA to antigen-presenting cells (APCs). They are composed of immunostimulatory DNA, peptide antigen, and a thiopyridal derived poly(ethylene glycol)-polyl...

Two hyperbranched polyglycerols (HBPGs) and one oligoglycerol containing bisphenol A in the core of the molecule were synthesized from glycerol carbonate and applied as polyols in 2-component polyurethane adhesive systems. It was shown that mechanical performance of the joints made in solid wood depended on the hydroxyl functionality of the polyglycerol as well as on the type of the isocyanate ...

In this paper, we present a cost-efficient and reliable route to produce polyurea xerogel (PolyU) as versatile carrier that provides high drug loading offers tuning over diclofenac (DCF) release profile. A simple one-pot reaction of an amino-terminated-polyether-PEO crosslinker, hexamethylene diisocyanate trimer-HDI, allow us obtain the polymeric networks. The gelation time during sol-gel react...

Shape-memory hydrogels (SMH) are multifunctional, actively-moving polymers of interest in biomedicine. In loosely crosslinked polymer networks, gelatin chains may form triple helices, which can act as temporary net points SMH, depending on the presence salts. Here, we show programming and initiation shape-memory effect such networks based a thermomechanical process compatible with physiological...