Functional, Redox-Responsive Poly(phenylene sulfide)-Based Gels

Responsive supramolecular gels constructed by crown ether based molecular recognition.

Responsive supramolecular gels were constructed from crown ether terminated four-arm star poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL-DB24C8) and dibenzylammonium-terminated two-arm PCL-DBAS (see scheme), exploiting the formation of pseudorotaxane linkages between crown ether and ammonium moieties. The resultant supramolecular gels exhibit thermo- and pH-induced reversible gel-sol transition.

Redox biochemistry of hydrogen sulfide.

H(2)S, the most recently discovered gasotransmitter, might in fact be the evolutionary matriarch of this family, being both ancient and highly reduced. Disruption of gamma-cystathionase in mice leads to cardiovascular dysfunction and marked hypertension, suggesting a key role for this enzyme in H(2)S production in the vasculature. However, patients with inherited deficiency in gamma-cystathiona...

Responsive Azobenzene-Containing Polymers and Gels

The photoviscosity effect in aqueous solutions of novel poly(4-methacryloyloxyazobenzene-co-N,N-dimethyl acrylamide) (MOAB-DMA) was demonstrated. The observed significant reduction in the zero-shear viscosity upon UVirradiation of MOAB-DMA aqueous solutions was due to the dissociation of the interchain azobenzene aggregates. Such phenomena can be advantageously used in photoswitchable fluidic d...

Preparation of Biomolecule-Responsive Bioconjugate Gels

Hydrogen Sulfide and Cellular Redox Homeostasis

Intracellular redox imbalance is mainly caused by overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or weakness of the natural antioxidant defense system. It is involved in the pathophysiology of a wide array of human diseases. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is now recognized as the third "gasotransmitters" and proved to exert a wide range of physiological and cytoprotective functions in the biological s...