Gautam Basu

Bio: Gautam Basu is an academic researcher from Bose Institute. The author has contributed to research in topics: Helix & Peptide. The author has an hindex of 25, co-authored 77 publications receiving 1835 citations. Previous affiliations of Gautam Basu include Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute & University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Paramagnetic viral nanoparticles as potential high-relaxivity magnetic resonance contrast agents.

Abstract: In order to compensate for the inherent high threshold of detectability of MR contrast agents, there has been an active interest in the development of paramagnetic nanoparticles incorporating high payloads of Gd(3+) with high molecular relaxivities. Toward this end, the protein cage of Cowpea chlorotic mottle virus (CCMV), having 180 metal binding sites, is being explored. In vivo CCMV binds Ca(2+) at specific metal binding sites; however, Gd(3+) can also bind at these sites. Using fluorescence resonance energy transfer we have characterized the binding affinity of Gd(3+) to the metal binding sites by competition experiments with Tb(3+). The measured dissociation constant (K(d)) for Gd(3+) bound to the virus is 31 microM. The T(1) and T(2) relaxivities of solvent water protons in the presence of Gd(3+)-bound CCMV were 202 and 376 mM(-1) s(-1), respectively, at 61 MHz Larmor frequency. The unusually high relaxivity values of the Gd(3+)-CCMV are largely a result of the nanoparticle virus size and the large number of Gd(3+) ions bound to the virus. These preliminary results should encourage further investigations into the use of viral protein cages as a new platform for MR contrast agents.

Self-assembling biomolecular catalysts for hydrogen production

Abstract: The chemistry of highly evolved protein-based compartments has inspired the design of new catalytically active materials that self-assemble from biological components. A frontier of this biodesign is the potential to contribute new catalytic systems for the production of sustainable fuels, such as hydrogen. Here, we show the encapsulation and protection of an active hydrogen-producing and oxygen-tolerant [NiFe]-hydrogenase, sequestered within the capsid of the bacteriophage P22 through directed self-assembly. We co-opted Escherichia coli for biomolecular synthesis and assembly of this nanomaterial by expressing and maturing the EcHyd-1 hydrogenase prior to expression of the P22 coat protein, which subsequently self assembles. By probing the infrared spectroscopic signatures and catalytic activity of the engineered material, we demonstrate that the capsid provides stability and protection to the hydrogenase cargo. These results illustrate how combining biological function with directed supramolecular self-assembly can be used to create new materials for sustainable catalysis.

Curcumin recognizes a unique binding site of tubulin.

Abstract: Although curcumin is known for its anticarcinogenic properties, the exact mechanism of its action or the identity of the target receptor is not completely understood. Studies on a series of curcumin analogues, synthesized to investigate their tubulin binding affinities and tubulin self-assembly inhibition, showed that: (i) curcumin acts as a bifunctional ligand, (ii) analogues with substitution at the diketone and acetylation of the terminal phenolic groups of curcumin are less effective, (iii) a benzylidiene derivative, compound 7, is more effective than curcumin in inhibiting tubulin self-assembly. Cell-based studies also showed compound 7 to be more effective than curcumin. Using fluorescence spectroscopy we show that curcumin binds tubulin 32 A away from the colchicine-binding site. Docking studies also suggests that the curcumin-binding site to be close to the vinblastine-binding site. Structure–activity studies suggest that the tridented nature of compound 7 is responsible for its higher affinity fo...

Atomically Precise Clusters of Noble Metals: Emerging Link between Atoms and Nanoparticles

Abstract: Atomically precise pieces of matter of nanometer dimensions composed of noble metals are new categories of materials with many unusual properties. Over 100 molecules of this kind with formulas such as Au25(SR)18, Au38(SR)24, and Au102(SR)44 as well as Ag25(SR)18, Ag29(S2R)12, and Ag44(SR)30 (often with a few counterions to compensate charges) are known now. They can be made reproducibly with robust synthetic protocols, resulting in colored solutions, yielding powders or diffractable crystals. They are distinctly different from nanoparticles in their spectroscopic properties such as optical absorption and emission, showing well-defined features, just like molecules. They show isotopically resolved molecular ion peaks in mass spectra and provide diverse information when examined through multiple instrumental methods. Most important of these properties is luminescence, often in the visible–near-infrared window, useful in biological applications. Luminescence in the visible region, especially by clusters prot...