Current Position: Project JRF
Affiliation: Lab of Dr. Dibyendu Das (Swarnajayanti Fellow 2020), Department of Chemical Sciences, IISER Kolkata
Publication:
Paper Title: “Complex Cascade Reaction Networks via Cross β Amyloid Nanotubes”
Journal: Angewandte Chemie International Edition (2020)
Equal Contribution: Co-first author
Author Interview
How would you explain your paper’s key results to the non-scientific community?
Our work, published in Angewandte Chemie, explores complex cascade reaction networks formed using cross β-amyloid nanotubes. These cascade reactions are like relay races in cells that play roles in metabolism and signaling. The amyloid protein, which misfolds in Alzheimer’s disease, can also be used as a functional nanomaterial.
We designed a peptide with the core of amyloid-β protein (LVFFA sequence) that self-assembled into nanotubes. These nanotubes were then hybridized with hemin (a cofactor) and sarcosine oxidase (SOX) to create a functional nanohybrid (Im-KL-hemin-SOX) with peroxidase-like activity.
Using this nanohybrid, we successfully performed two-step and three-step cascade reactions, and even built a Boolean logic gate using three chemical inputs: SOX, hemin, and the peptide nanotube. The output, a color change via formation of tetraguaiacol, was only observed when all inputs were present.
“[…] designed a logic gate in wet conditions utilizing multiple biologically important stimuli as inputs while providing useful outputs (color, fluorescence, etc.) can be useful in processing the chemical/biochemical information.”
What are the possible consequences of these findings for your research area?
This is the first example where a single small enzyme was used to design a convergent cascade reaction—a strategy typically dependent on multiple large enzymes.
Our hybrid nanostructure can operate under harsh conditions and has the potential for multianalyte biosensor applications, useful in diagnostics. This system also acts as a logic processor, responding to biological inputs with visual outputs, a concept important in the development of bio-computing and biosensing devices.
What was the exciting moment (eureka moment) during your research?
Designing multistep chemical reactions felt like solving a complex puzzle. My true interest sparked when Ayan da shared the idea of designing such reactions using amyloid nanotubes. Their binding and compartmentalization ability fascinated me.
The crucial moment was visual confirmation via CLSM that hemin and SOX co-localized on the nanotube. Another eureka moment came when we added SAR-GU to the system and observed the color change, confirming the formation of tetraguaiacol and the success of our logic gate design.
What do you hope to do next?
Our next goal is to design a peptide-based motor that can mimic nuclease enzymes. This involves cleaving the phosphodiester bonds in DNA—critical for therapeutic applications. Developing artificial phosphodiesterases with selectivity and efficiency would open doors in disease diagnostics and biomedical research.
Where do you seek scientific inspiration?
My primary inspiration is nature, with its complexity and unanswered questions, especially about the origin of life. Chemistry, to me, is the key to unlocking these mysteries.
On a personal level, a well-resolved H-NMR spectrum of a new compound excites me immensely—it confirms we are on the right track and motivates me to keep going.
How do you intend to help Indian science improve?
India has a rich legacy of scientific excellence, yet only C.V. Raman appears in our Nobel laureate list. India now ranks third globally in research article publication, so progress is evident.
To accelerate this, we need stronger infrastructure, increased R&D investment, and focus on interdisciplinary research. For example, biosensors have enormous potential across medicine, agriculture, and environment. Functional amyloids—like those in our study—offer biocompatibility, versatility, and potential for next-gen biotech applications.
Not many Indian researchers are currently exploring this area. I see it as a unique opportunity to contribute and help strengthen India’s position in global science.
Reference
Chatterjee A#, Mahato C#, and Das D.
“Complex Cascade Reaction Networks via Cross β Amyloid Nanotubes”
Angewandte Chemie International Edition (2020)
DOI: 10.1002/anie.202011454
#Equal contribution
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