A MAGNETIC BEAD-BASED FLUORESCENT SUBSTRATE FOR SENSITIVE ASSAY OF SARS-CoV-2 3C-LIKE PROTEASE ACTIVITY.

The 3C-like protease (3CLpro) of SARS-CoV-2 is a crucial target for antiviral drugs due to its essential role in viral polyprotein processing. In this study, we designed and produced a modular fluorescent recombinant substrate (6×His-ECFP-AVLQSGFRK-EYFP), which was then immobilized on Ni-NTA magnetic beads (Ni-NTA-6×His-ECFP-AVLQSGFRK-EYFP) for the assay of 3CLpro activity. Upon cleavage at the specific AVLQ↓SG motif, the EYFP fragment was released into the supernatant and quantified via fluorescence measurement (Ex/Em = 480/528 nm).

Biomass-derived CMC-reinforced zwitterionic organohydrogel for wearable strain sensors: Achieving superior stretchability, adhesion, and anti-freezing performance.

Hydrogels have attracted significant attention in wearable electronics owing to their flexibility, biocompatibility, and responsiveness. However, simultaneously achieving strong adhesion, high stretchability, anti-freezing capability, and long-term stability remains challenging. Herein, we present a multifunctional organohydrogel synthesized via one-pot radical polymerization of sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA) and acrylic acid (AA) in the presence of biomass-derived carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC).

Synthesis of Novel Zwitterionic Surfactants: Achieving Enhanced Water Resistance and Adhesion in Emulsion Polymer Adhesives.

Recent advancements in polymer materials have enabled the synthesis of bio-based monomers from renewable resources, promoting sustainable alternatives to fossil-based materials. This study presents a novel zwitterionic surfactant, SF, derived from 10-undecenoic acid obtained from castor oil through a four-step reaction, achieving a yield of 78%. SF has a critical micelle concentration (CMC) of 1235 mg/L, slightly higher than the commercial anionic surfactant Rhodacal DS-4 (sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate), and effectively stabilizes monomer droplets, leading to excellent conversion and stable latex formation.

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-2 as a biomarker for lupus nephritis.

Background: Lupus nephritis (LN) is a serious manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim of this study was to identify serum insulin-like growth factor binding protein-2 (IGFBP-2) as a novel non-invasive biomarker for clinical disease and renal pathology in pediatric LN.

Methods: A cross-sectional study on 93 newly diagnosed LN children who were biopsy-proven, 35 SLE children with no renal involvement as disease controls, and 30 healthy controls (HC) with age and gender-matched.