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We describe an innovative system that exports diverse recombinant proteins in membrane bound vesicles from E. coli. These recombinant vesicles compartmentalise proteins within a micro-environment that allows production of otherwise challenging insoluble, toxic, or disulphide-bond containing proteins from bacteria. The release of the inducible vesicle packaged soluble protein supports isolation from the culture within an environment allowing long term storage of active protein. This technology results in high-yields of vesicle packaged soluble functional proteins for efficient downstream processing for a wide range of applications from discovery science to applied biotechnology and medicine., Author's Accepted Manuscript

Antimicrobial resistance is one of the greatest threats to human health. Gram-positive methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), in both its planktonic and biofilm form, is of particular concern. Herein we identify the hydrogelation properties for a series of intrinsically fluorescent, structurally related supramolecular self-associating amphiphiles and determine their efficacy against both planktonic and biofilm forms of MRSA. To further explore the potential translation of this hydrogel technology for real-world applications, the toxicity of the amphiphiles was determined against the eukaryotic multicellular model organism, Caenorhabditis elegans. Due to the intrinsic fluorescent nature of these supramolecular amphiphiles, material characterisation of their molecular self-associating properties included; comparative optical density plate reader assays, rheometry and widefield fluorescence microscopy. This enabled determination of amphiphile structure and hydrogel sol dependence on resultant fibre formation., Author's Accepted Manuscript

Diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI/EDI) are pressing issues in chemistry and the natural sciences. In this Essay we share how an area‐specific approach is “calling in” the community so that it can act to address EDI issues, and support those who are marginalised. Women In Supramolecular Chemistry (WISC) is an international network that aims to support equality, diversity, and inclusion within supramolecular chemistry. WISC has taken a field‐specific approach using qualitative research methods with scientists to identify the support that is needed and the problems the supramolecular community needs to address. Herein, we present survey data from the community which highlight the barriers that are faced by those who take career breaks for any reason, a common example is maternity leave, and the importance of mentoring to aid progression post‐PhD. In conclusion, we set out an interdisciplinary and creative approach to addressing EDI issues within supramolecular chemistry., Marginalisation can be experienced for many intersectional reasons including race, ethnicity, sexuality, religion, and gender. This Essay sets out a field‐specific approach to supporting equality, diversity, and inclusion in supramolecular chemistry as pioneered by an international network of Women In Supramolecular Chemistry (WISC). WISC aims to “call in” the community and to use qualitative approaches to set out a framework for addressing EDI.

Jennifer Leigh and Jennifer Hiscock, both from the University of Kent, UK, share with Nature Chemistry the origins of the Women In Supramolecular Chemistry (WISC) network, as well as some of the projects underway to try to help change the culture of this area of chemistry from the bottom up.

Our novel patented (European Patent Application No. 18743767.8, U.S. Patent Application No. 16/632,194), Supramolecular Self-associating Amphiphile (SSA) platform technology currently contains a library of ≈ 120 molecules (Figure 1), invented by J. Hiscock in 2016, has since been developed by an international, transdisciplinary team of ≈50 academic/industrial/governmental scientists, social scientists and clinicians. To date this molecular technology has been shown to:1.act as broad-spectrum antimicrobials;1–62. increase the efficacy of other antibiotic/antiseptic agents and anticancer agents against bacteria7 and ovarian cancer cells respectively;83. selectively interact with phospholipid membranes of different compositions;9,104. have the potential to act as drug delivery vehicles;115. exhibits a drugable profile when administered by i.v. in vivo (unpublished data);6. and enable the production of novel flow battery electrolytes.12However, this means the we not only create a lot of data, but that these multiple outputs exist in multiple forms, come from all over the world and are underutilised when designing the next project steps. Here we will attempt to introduce you to our approach in solving these problems.References(1) Chem. Commun., 2021, 57, 11839 – 11842; (2) Supramol. Chem., 2020, 32, 414–424; (3) J. Mater. Chem. B, 2020, 8, 4694–4700; (4) ChemMedChem, 2020, 15, 2193–2205; (5) Supramol. Chem., 2020, 32, 414–424; (6) Chem. Commun., 2019, 55, 95–98; (7) RSC Advances, 2021, 11, 9550 – 9556; (8) RSC Advances, 2021, 11, 14213 - 14217; (9) Chem. Commun., 2020, 56, 4015–4018; (10) Chem. Commun., 2020, 56, 11665–11668; (11) Molecules, 2020 , 25:18, 4126-4141; (12) Chem. Commun., 2020, 56, 11815-11818.

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The international Women in Supramolecular Chemistry network believes that taking an area-specific approach effectively supports equality, diversity, and inclusion. Science lacks diversity, and this is intersectional. We share effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by triangulating findings from an online survey, a collaborative autoethnography, and reflective group research meetings. We show how qualitative research with the community offers insights into challenges and supports individuals, and we demonstrate that research leaders have often taken responsibility for their teams’ mental health and well-being at the cost of their own.

The rise of antimicrobial resistance remains one of the greatest global health threats facing humanity. Furthermore, the development of novel antibiotics has all but ground to a halt due to a collision of intersectional pressures. Herein we determine the antimicrobial efficacy for 14 structurally related supramolecular self-associating amphiphiles against clinically relevant Gram-positive methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli. We establish the ability of these agents to selectively target phospholipid membranes of differing compositions, through a combination of computational host:guest complex formation simulations, synthetic vesicle lysis, adhesion and membrane fluidity experiments, alongside our novel 1H NMR CPMG nanodisc coordination assays, to verify a potential mode of action for this class of compounds and enable the production of evermore effective next-generation antimicrobial agents. Finally, we select a 7-compound subset, showing two lead compounds to exhibit ‘druggable’ profiles through completion of a variety of in vivo and in vitro DMPK studies., Author's Accepted Manuscript