Jun Ge

Bio: Jun Ge is an academic researcher from Tsinghua University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Lipase & Catalysis. The author has an hindex of 32, co-authored 75 publications receiving 4766 citations. Previous affiliations of Jun Ge include University of California, Los Angeles & Stanford University.

Protein-inorganic hybrid nanoflowers

Abstract: Flower-shaped inorganic nanocrystals(1-3) have been used for applications in catalysis(4,5) and analytical science(6,7), but so far there have been no reports of 'nanoflowers' made of organic components(8). Here, we report a method for creating hybrid organic-inorganic nanoflowers using copper (II) ions as the inorganic component and various proteins as the organic component. The protein molecules form complexes with the copper ions, and these complexes become nucleation sites for primary crystals of copper phosphate. Interaction between the protein and copper ions then leads to the growth of micrometre-sized particles that have nanoscale features and that are shaped like flower petals. When an enzyme is used as the protein component of the hybrid nanoflower, it exhibits enhanced enzymatic activity and stability compared with the free enzyme. This is attributed to the high surface area and confinement of the enzymes in the nanoflowers.

One-Pot Synthesis of Protein-Embedded Metal–Organic Frameworks with Enhanced Biological Activities

Abstract: Protein molecules were directly embedded in metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) by a coprecipitation method. The protein molecules majorly embedded on the surface region of MOFs display high biological activities. As a demonstration of the power of such materials, the resulting Cyt c embedded in ZIF-8 showed a 10-fold increase in peroxidase activity compared to free Cyt c in solution and thus gave convenient, fast, and highly sensitive detection of trace amounts of explosive organic peroxides in solution.

Drug release from electric-field-responsive nanoparticles

Abstract: We describe a new temperature and electric field dual-stimulus responsive nanoparticle system for programmed drug delivery. Nanoparticles of a conducting polymer (polypyrrole) are loaded with therapeutic pharmaceuticals and are subcutaneously localized in vivo with the assistance of a temperature-sensitive hydrogel (PLGA-PEG-PLGA). We have shown that drug release from the conductive nanoparticles is controlled by the application of a weak, external DC electric field. This approach represents a novel interactive drug delivery system that can show an externally tailored release profile with an excellent spatial, temporal, and dosage control.

Enhanced Activity of Immobilized or Chemically Modified Enzymes

Abstract: Re-engineering enzymes with high activities in the given environments different from the physiological one has been constantly pursued for application of enzymatic catalysis in industrial biocatalytic processes, pharmaceutical industry, biosensing, etc. Re-engineering enzyme catalysts by chemical approaches, including immobilization and chemical modification, represents a simple but effective route. The unusual phenomenon that immobilized or chemically modified enzymes display higher activities than native enzymes has been observed in both single- and multiple-enzyme systems. Recent achievements in enhancing enzymatic activities in both single-and multiple-enzyme systems by chemical approaches are summarized in this review. We propose that these enhanced enzymatic activities can be attributed to the well-designed specific interactions between immobilization carriers (or chemical modifiers) and enzymes, substrates, or reaction media. In addition to this mechanism, which is applicable for both single- and m...

Stimuli-responsive nanocarriers for drug delivery

Abstract: Spurred by recent progress in materials chemistry and drug delivery, stimuli-responsive devices that deliver a drug in spatial-, temporal- and dosage-controlled fashions have become possible. Implementation of such devices requires the use of biocompatible materials that are susceptible to a specific physical incitement or that, in response to a specific stimulus, undergo a protonation, a hydrolytic cleavage or a (supra)molecular conformational change. In this Review, we discuss recent advances in the design of nanoscale stimuli-responsive systems that are able to control drug biodistribution in response to specific stimuli, either exogenous (variations in temperature, magnetic field, ultrasound intensity, light or electric pulses) or endogenous (changes in pH, enzyme concentration or redox gradients).

Electrospinning and Electrospun Nanofibers: Methods, Materials, and Applications

Abstract: Electrospinning is a versatile and viable technique for generating ultrathin fibers. Remarkable progress has been made with regard to the development of electrospinning methods and engineering of electrospun nanofibers to suit or enable various applications. We aim to provide a comprehensive overview of electrospinning, including the principle, methods, materials, and applications. We begin with a brief introduction to the early history of electrospinning, followed by discussion of its principle and typical apparatus. We then discuss its renaissance over the past two decades as a powerful technology for the production of nanofibers with diversified compositions, structures, and properties. Afterward, we discuss the applications of electrospun nanofibers, including their use as "smart" mats, filtration membranes, catalytic supports, energy harvesting/conversion/storage components, and photonic and electronic devices, as well as biomedical scaffolds. We highlight the most relevant and recent advances related to the applications of electrospun nanofibers by focusing on the most representative examples. We also offer perspectives on the challenges, opportunities, and new directions for future development. At the end, we discuss approaches to the scale-up production of electrospun nanofibers and briefly discuss various types of commercial products based on electrospun nanofibers that have found widespread use in our everyday life.

Metal–organic frameworks meet metal nanoparticles: synergistic effect for enhanced catalysis

Abstract: Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), established as a relatively new class of crystalline porous materials with high surface area, structural diversity, and tailorability, attract extensive interest and exhibit a variety of applications, especially in catalysis. Their permanent porosity enables their inherent superiority in confining guest species, particularly small metal nanoparticles (MNPs), for improved catalytic performance and/or the expansion of reaction scope. This is a rapidly developing interdisciplinary research field. In this review, we provide an overview of significant progress in the development of MNP/MOF composites, including various preparation strategies and characterization methods as well as catalytic applications. Special emphasis is placed on synergistic effects between the two components that result in an enhanced performance in heterogeneous catalysis. Finally, the prospects of MNP/MOF composites in catalysis and remaining issues in this field have been indicated.

Controlled drug delivery vehicles for cancer treatment and their performance.

Abstract: Although conventional chemotherapy has been successful to some extent, the main drawbacks of chemotherapy are its poor bioavailability, high-dose requirements, adverse side effects, low therapeutic indices, development of multiple drug resistance, and non-specific targeting. The main aim in the development of drug delivery vehicles is to successfully address these delivery-related problems and carry drugs to the desired sites of therapeutic action while reducing adverse side effects. In this review, we will discuss the different types of materials used as delivery vehicles for chemotherapeutic agents and their structural characteristics that improve the therapeutic efficacy of their drugs and will describe recent scientific advances in the area of chemotherapy, emphasizing challenges in cancer treatments.