Controlling the lifetime of cucurbit[8]uril based self-abolishing nanozymes. Issue 14 (24th February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Das, Saurav; Das, Tanushree; Das, Priyam; Das, Debapratim
• Is Part Of: Chemical science. Volume 13:Issue 14(2022)
• Page Start: 4050
• Page End: 4057
• Publication Date: 2022-02-24
• Subjects: Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540.5
• DOI: 10.1039/d1sc07203j
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2041-6520

Abstract

Abstract : Self-inhibitory feedback regulated transient assembly of a CB[8] based nanozyme is reported whose lifetime can be manipulated in multiple ways, ranging from minutes to hours. Abstract : Nature has evolved a unique mechanism of self-regulatory feedback loops that help in maintaining an internal cellular environment conducive to growth, healing and metabolism. In biology, enzymes display feedback controlled switchable behaviour to upregulate/downregulate the generation of metabolites as per the need of the cells. To mimic the self-inhibitory nature of certain biological enzymes under laboratory settings, herein, we present a cucurbit[8]uril based pH responsive supramolecular peptide amphiphile (SPA) that assembles into hydrolase mimetic vesicular nanozymes upon addition of alkaline TRIS buffer (activator) but disintegrates gradually owing to the catalytic generation of acidic byproducts (deactivator). The lifetime of these nanozymes could be manipulated in multiple ways, either by varying the amount of catalytic groups on the surface of the vesicles, by changing the acid generating substrate, or by changing the ratio between the activator and the substrate. The self-inhibitory nanozymes displayed highly tunable lifetimes ranging from minutes to hours, controlled and in situ generation of deactivating agents and efficient reproducibility across multiple pH cycles.