CD BioGlyco offers an innovative platform to predict and analyze Glycan-Molecular Interaction, especially the intricate dynamics of interactions between cell membranes and glyconanoparticles. The glyconanoparticles present a promising mimicry of carbohydrate display on cell surfaces, ushering in fresh opportunities within the realms of chemical glycobiology. The profound intrigue surrounding glyconanoparticles in the current era of burgeoning nanotechnology has reached unprecedented heights, driven by their vast potential in diagnostic and therapeutic realms. The cell membrane acts as the link between the cell and its surroundings, protecting the cell's structure and controlling various biological activities such as cell communication and nutrient absorption. The interaction between glyconanoparticles and cell membranes and intracellular organelles is crucial for various applications.
We employ a simulation methodology, a representation of the functioning of a process or system, to deliver precision at the atomic level and unveil the fundamental mechanisms behind physiological phenomena. Through this approach, we help clients conduct studies in three broad categories:
Our research team is adept at employing various approaches to predict cell membrane-glyconanoparticle interaction, including all-atom molecular dynamics (AAMD), coarse-grained molecular dynamics (CGMD), and dissipative particle dynamics (DPD). Different methods manifest distinct physical properties. Based on different research purposes, we choose the most suitable strategy and create unique solutions.
The all-atom models are found to be most suitable for representing both glyconanoparticles and cell membranes. These models are used for the intricate construction of glyconanoparticles and cell membranes based on their atomic compositions. We directly glean bonding information between atoms from the quantum mechanics-informed force field parameters provided by the AAMD simulation method. This simulation approach is applied to glyconanoparticles and cell membranes with straightforward structures and compositions ranging from single lipid compositions to multiple lipid compositions and uncomplicated membrane proteins.
CGMD, a kind of CG model that replaces individual atoms with "pseudoatoms" represented by bead-like structures, reduces the system's degrees of freedom, enabling simulations over longer time scales to capture physiological phenomena. It directly simplifies AAMD by using single beads to represent atom groups with similar properties. Interactions between these beads are derived and adapted from the AAMD force field, ensuring the simulation results' consistency and reliability.
The approach is initially employed for simulating the hydrodynamic properties of intricate fluids and presents a pioneering avenue for exploring millisecond time scales and micrometer length scales. We use it to scrutinize the mesoscale dynamics of lipid bilayer membranes. In DPD simulations, the fundamental entities are pliant beads whose motion obeys Newton's equations of motion, akin to the principles governing molecular dynamics methodologies.
By these models, we predict how the glyconanoparticle's properties affect the glyconanoparticle-membrane interaction. The properties we explore include:
Technology: Self-consistent field and density functional theory approach, Stochastic-elastic modeling, AAMD, CGMD
Journal: Multiscale Biomechanics and Tribology of Inorganic and Organic Systems: In memory of Professor Sergey Psakhie
Published: 2023
Results: In this study, the authors offer a concise overview of computer simulation studies focusing on the interaction between nanomaterials and biomembranes. The interest in this realm is fueled by the wide array of potential biomedical applications linked to nanoparticles and nanomaterials, as well as the critical imperative to grasp their potential cytotoxicity. The categorization of nanomaterials into three distinct groups based on their structures is conducted in this review: nanoparticles (spherical, non-elongated), (quasi) one-dimensional nanomaterials (nanotube, nanofiber, nanorod), and two-dimensional nanomaterials (nanosheet, nanolayer, nanocoated substrate). The authors mention several calculation methods, including a self-consistent field and density functional theory approach, stochastic-elastic modeling, AAMD, and CGMD, classical unbiased and constrained or steered molecular dynamics (SMD), Monte Carlo methods to elucidate the nuanced interplay of adsorption, insertion, accumulation, wrapping, uptake, and disruption within these complex and variegated systems.
CD BioGlyco employs advanced computational algorithms and predictive models to provide predictive information. These data help clients to deeply understand the mechanisms of these interactions and facilitate the design and optimization of glyconanoparticles for various biomedical applications. If you would like to gain a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between glyconanoparticles and cell membranes, contact us to learn more about our service details!
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We envision a future where the intricate world of carbohydrate is no longer shrouded in mystery, but rather illuminated by the power of cutting-edge computational tools.