No abstract

The assemblage of protein multilayers induced by molecular recognition, as seen, for example, in the immune cascade, has been mimicked by using streptavidin as a docking matrix. For these experiments, this protein matrix was organized on liposomes, monolayers at the air-water interface, and self-assembled layers on gold, all three containing biotin lipids. The docking of streptavidin to biotin at liposomal surfaces was confirmed by circular dichroism. Mixed double and triple layers of streptavidin, concanavalin A, antibody Fab fragments, and hormones are prepared at the air-water interface and on gold surfaces and were characterized by fluorescence microscopy and plasmon spectroscopy. With the use of biotin analogs that have lower binding constants it has been possible to achieve multiple formation and competitive replacement of the oriented protein assemblages.

A series of hydrosoluble dendrimers has been synthesized by capping phosphorus‐containing dendrimers with hydrophilic end groups. These dendrimers form aqueous rigid gels at very low concentration (ca. 1.5 % per weight; see picture), which allows, for example, confinement of acids or metals. The structure of the gels has been investigated by freeze‐fracture electron microscopy.

No abstract

In 1997, a research programme was initiated to assess the ability of nanospheres (NS) to improve the biodelivery of a new insecticide to plants. Stable polymeric NS, with a size near 135 nm and an encapsulation rate in the range of 3.5%, have been obtained using a nanoprecipitation method with Eudragit S100 polymer. Biological studies have been performed on cotton plants infested with aphid, to estimate the direct contact efficacy of NS formulations on the insects and the systemicity of the encapsulated active ingredient and its level of penetration through the plant, compared to a classical suspension used as a reference. Results indicate that NS formulations are not so good as the reference in terms of speed of action and sustained release. Nevertheless, NS formulation performed better than the reference to enhance the systemicity of the AI and improve its penetration through the plant. It is concluded that the NS do not provide a controlled release of AI but, due to their small size, they enhance the penetration in the plant compared to the classical suspension.