Australian Journal of Chemistry
Volume 78
Number 9 2025
A series of red-emission compounds (ER-A, ER-B, ER-C) have been constructed using methyl sulfonamide as the ER-targeting moiety. These compounds can effectively detect environmental polarity changes within a defined range. ER-A exhibits high ER localisation accuracy (colocalisation coefficient = 0.9) and detects polarity changes under ER stress. This work provides a novel tool for monitoring ER polarity and studying related diseases. (Image credit: Xue Zhang.)
Native mass spectrometry (nMS) was applied to screen an electrophilic covalent fragment library to identify ligands for the surface exposed cysteine residues of a soluble protein (carbonic anhydrase III), to determine which cysteines were modified and to measure the simultaneous binding of an orthosteric noncovalent inhibitor and covalent fragment hit. (Image credit: S.-A. Poulsen and L. M. Sternicki.)
This article belongs to the collection: 70th Birthday tribute to Professor David Craik.
Conotoxins serve as useful model peptides to understand the effects of protein posttranslational modifications (PTMs). Here, we focus on proline hydroxylation and C-terminal amidation of conotoxins PIIIA and TIIIA. Structure and function assays highlight distinct roles of these PTMs in oxidative folding, structural integrity and activity at sodium channels, advancing our understanding of PTM function in conotoxin pharmacology. (Image credit: Anne C. Conibear.)
This article belongs to the collection: 70th Birthday tribute to Professor David Craik.
Formally, the two ions [Fc2PhP]+ and [Fc2PhPH]+ differ only by the mass of a proton. Although the molecular structures established by single crystal X-ray crystallography show very close resemblance, the spectroscopic properties (77Fe Mößbauer, 31P NMR, UV-Vis) are very different. The ion [Fc2PhP]+ comprises a phosphorus centred radical cation rather than a mixed valent FeII/FeIII species. (Image credit: Corina Stoian.)
This article belongs to the collection: 10th Heron Island conference.
This study looked at the chemical analysis of electronic cigarette products available around Australia from a variety of store types. Results showed that many of these products contained nicotine despite regulations limiting its inclusion and inaccurate labelling, with some also containing the hazardous chemical cinnamaldehyde. (Image credit: Caitlin Jenkins.)
A dibenzimidazolium salt based on binaphthol (1) was synthesised. The recognition of compound 1 for Al3+ was studied by fluorescence spectra, ultraviolet spectra, 1H NMR, HRMS and IR spectra. The high K value for 1·Al3+ indicated that 1 had strong binding force for Al3+. The low detection limit indicated that 1 was sensitive to the detection of Al3+. Compound 1 as a fluorescence probe can effectively distinguish Al3+ from other cations. (Image credit: Qingxiang Liu.)
DETA loading into MCM-48-C resulted in a more uniform distribution of DETA due to the presence of surfactant inside the carrier. Solid amine adsorbents adsorb CO2 at low temperature or high pressure and desorb it at high temperature or low pressure. Solid amine adsorbents generate carbamate during CO2 adsorption. (Image credit: Huipeng Zhao.)
This article reflects on the groundbreaking contributions of Professor David Craik to peptide science. His discovery and characterisation of cyclotides – circular plant peptides tied together by a cystine knot – reshaped our understanding of protein stability and inspired new ways to design medicines. From uncovering the enzymes behind peptide cyclisation to pioneering plant-based production of drugs, David’s work bridges structural biology, biodiversity and translational science, leaving a lasting impact on both fundamental research and practical applications. (Photograph by Christian Gruber.)
This article belongs to the collection: 70th Birthday tribute to Professor David Craik.
