Technology

Kanazawa University research: Frequency modulated AFM sheds light on how dipeptides help organize, immobilize and catalyze

Published

1 year ago

March 4, 2025

KANAZAWA, Japan, March 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Researchers at Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, observe the configuration of different dipeptides on graphite electrodes and the subsequent arrangement of catalytic hemin on them to get an idea of the factors affecting its catalytic activity.

Self-assembled peptides have shown great promise for immobilizing and exploiting enzymes in catalytic applications. However, so far little has been known as to the structures of these self-assembled peptides and how this might affect the function of the enzyme immobilized. Now researchers led by Ayhan Yurtsever and Takeshi Fukuma at Kanazawa University, WPI-NanoLSI and Marie Sugiyama and Yuhei Hayamizu at Institute of Science Tokyo have compared the morphology and activity of hemin adsorbed on different dipeptide nanostructures using atomic force microscopy (AFM), cyclic voltammetry and H2O2 reduction reactions to see which offers the best performance and why (Figure 1).

The researchers used frequency modulated atomic force microscopy to study the structures that self-assembled from droplets of (XH)4 peptide solution on a graphite electrode, where H is histidine and X is an amino acid – either Y, L or V. Their observations indicated that dipeptides self-assemble into repeating nanostructures resembling 2D crystals, with (YH)4 exhibiting the most ordered and stable configuration (Figure 2).

They then replaced the droplet of peptide solution with a droplet of hemin solution and used AFM to observe the configuration of the hemin as it bound to the peptide structure. They found the hemin aggregated on the dipeptide structures, and further observations with high-speed AFM revealed that the hemin formed wires as well as aggregates, and that while the wires were stationary the aggregates seemed to hop along and between rows of the dipeptide (Figure 3).

The researchers used cyclic voltammetry to measure how densely hemin bound to the dipeptide structures and found that it bound most densely to (YH)4. They attribute this to the tyrosine in (YH)4, which interacts with porphyrin through π-π interactions. However, adding just porphyrin to the dipeptide bound hemin structures had little effect, from which they deduced that “the Fe atom in hemin is critical for its interaction with peptides, and that the binding is not solely driven by π−π stacking interactions,” as they report in ACS Nano. While the density of hemin binding to (LH)4 was close to that for (VH)4, they found it bound slightly more densely to (VH)4, which they attribute to the greater hydrophobicity.

On applying a reduction current to the electrodes, the iron in hemin is reduced to the ferrous (+2) oxidation state. It can then reduce H2O2, thereby recovering its ferric oxidation state. Comparisons of how quickly the hemin bound structures reduce H2O2 revealed that hemin bound to (YH)4 had the highest catalytic activity, although this is unlikely due to the greater density of hemin at this surface since the densities for all three dipeptides were all within the same order of magnitude. Instead, the researchers suggest the greater reducing power of hemin bound to (YH)4 is on account of the more stable scaffold offered by that dipeptide (Figure 4).

“This research highlights the potential of simple peptide designs to create artificial enzymes with robust and durable catalytic interfaces for electrochemical applications,” conclude the researchers in their report. “Furthermore, the peptides’ ability to self-assemble on two-dimensional materials makes them promising candidates for biosensing applications.”
Glossary

Atomic force microscopy

This imaging technique uses a nanosized tip at the end of a cantilever that is scanned over a sample. It can be used to determine the topography of a sample surface from the change in the strength of forces between the tip and the sample with distance, and the resulting deflection of the cantilever. It was first developed in the 1980s but a number of modifications have augmented the functionality of the technique since. It is better suited to imaging biological samples than the scanning tunnelling microscope developed that had been developed because it does not require a conducting sample.

In the 2000s Toshio Ando at Kanazawa University was able to improve the scanning speed to such an extent that moving images could be captured. This allowed people to use the technique to visualize molecular processes for the first time.

Catalysts

Catalysts influence the rate of a reaction without actually being used up in the reaction themselves. They can speed up the rate of all kinds of reactions, including the redox chemistry in the reduction of H2O2, and are prized in industry for improving yield and the profitability of processes.

Redox chemistry describes a host of reactions that involve the gaining (reduction) and losing (oxidation) of electrons by ions in the reaction. It sometimes manifests as the gaining of hydrogen (reduction) or oxygen (oxidation). The generation of water and oxygen from H2O2 is an example of a redox reaction where H2O2 is reduced to H2O and O2.

Porphyrin

Porphyrin is an organic compound made up of a ring of four substituted “pyrrole” ring molecules strung together with methine bridges (=CH-). Pyrrole is a cyclic molecule with the formula C4H4NH but in porphyrin other groups may be substituted in. An important porphyrin for living organisms is heme, which carries oxygen in the blood. Chlorophyl is also a porphyrin derivative

Hemin

Hemin is an iron-containing porphyrin found in the blood. It is the catalytic centre for many different proteins including cytochromes, peroxidases, myoglobins and hemoglobin. The iron in hemin is ferric, that is, it is in the +3 oxidation state (Fe3+).

π−π interactions

In aromatic molecules atoms are bound in the ring by π bonds, a type of covalent bond that takes its name from the shape of the electron orbital which forms lobes on either side of the atoms. π−π stacking describes the non-covalent interactions when these rings stack on each other.

Reference

Marie Sugiyama, Ayhan Yurtsever, Nina Uenodan, Yuta Nabae, Takeshi Fukuma, and Yuhei Hayamizu Hierarchical Assembly of Hemin-Peptide Catalytic Systems on Graphite Surfaces ACS NANO 2025.

DOI： 10.1021/acsnano.4c15373

URL: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsnano.4c15373

Funding acknowledgements

Y.H. acknowledges support from the Precise Measurement Technology Promotion Foundation (PMTP-F), JSPS KAKENHI Grants 20H02564, 20H03593, 22H05408 and 24H01124, and JST CREST Grant Number JPMJCR24A4, Japan. T.F. acknowledges support from the World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI), MEXT, Japan, and JSPS KAKENHI Grant Number 21H05251.

Fig: https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/Eye-catching-image_ACS-Nano_2025.2.jpg

Caption Peptide self-assembly and subsequent hemin adsorption on graphite substrate. (A) High-resolution AFM image showing the molecular arrangement of (YH)4 peptides, forming 2D crystalline lattices on graphite in water. (B) Initial stage of hemin binding on self-assembled (YH)4 peptide nanostructures, revealing the formation of relatively unstable molecular rows along peptide lattices. (C) At later stages of adsorption, the hemin molecules form more stable and densely packed rows that ultimately cover the underlying peptide lattices completely.

https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/Figure-1_ACS-Nano_2025.2.jpg
Fig. 1 A schematic illustration depicting the catalytic reaction mechanism of the system.

https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/Figure-2_ACS-Nano_2025.2.jpg
Fig. 2: In situ FM-AFM images showing the unit cells of each peptide assemblies on graphite.

https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/Figure-3_ACS-Nano_2025.2.jpg
Fig 3: In situ AFM image showing the immobilization of hemin on self-assembled (YH)4 peptides, revealing the formation of hemin molecular rows along peptide lattices.

https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/Figure-4_ACS-Nano_2025.2.jpg
Fig. 4: Current density at −0.8 V as a function of H2O2 concentration for each peptide, with fitting curves shown as red solid lines. Imax represent the maximal current density.

Contact

Kimie Nishimura (Ms)
Project Planning and Outreach, NanoLSI Administration Office
Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University
Email: nanolsi-office@adm.kanazawa-u.ac.jp

Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan

About Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University

Understanding nanoscale mechanisms of life phenomena by exploring “uncharted nano-realms”.

Cells are the basic units of almost all life forms. We are developing nanoprobe technologies that allow direct imaging, analysis, and manipulation of the behavior and dynamics of important macromolecules in living organisms, such as proteins and nucleic acids, at the surface and interior of cells. We aim at acquiring a fundamental understanding of the various life phenomena at the nanoscale.

https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/

About the World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI)

The WPI program was launched in 2007 by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) to foster globally visible research centers boasting the highest standards and outstanding research environments. Numbering more than a dozen and operating at institutions throughout the country, these centers are given a high degree of autonomy, allowing them to engage in innovative modes of management and research. The program is administered by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).

See the latest research news from the centers at the WPI News Portal:
https://www.eurekalert.org/newsportal/WPI

Main WPI program site: www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-toplevel

About Kanazawa University

As the leading comprehensive university on the Sea of Japan coast, Kanazawa University has contributed greatly to higher education and academic research in Japan since it was founded in 1949. The University has three colleges and 17 schools offering courses in subjects that include medicine, computer engineering, and humanities.

The University is located on the coast of the Sea of Japan in Kanazawa – a city rich in history and culture. The city of Kanazawa has a highly respected intellectual profile since the time of the fiefdom (1598-1867). Kanazawa University is divided into two main campuses: Kakuma and Takaramachi for its approximately 10,200 students including 600 from overseas.
http://www.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/

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Technology

AI-Powered Connectivity: APAC Charts a Path to a Smarter Digital Future

Published

8 hours ago

July 18, 2026

Asia-Pacific’s first Broadband Development Summit brings regulators and operators to Bangkok to set the agenda

BANGKOK, July 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Government officials, standards bodies and telecom operators gathered in Bangkok on 14 July for the inaugural Broadband Development Summit APAC 2026, convened by the World Broadband Association (WBBA) to build consensus on AI-era networks.

Participants included the ITU, Thailand’s National Board of the Digital Economy and Society, WBBA, IAB, FNCAP, WAA, NIDA and the IPv6 Council, alongside operators Telkomsel, XLSmart, Surge, Globe, AIS, CMI and HKT and Huawei.

Denny Deng, President of Huawei Asia Pacific Carrier Business, envisions a “faster, smarter, greener” Asia-Pacific.

VOICES FROM THE SUMMIT

“To seize the opportunities of the AI era, we call on the industry to accelerate broadband evolution, advance computing-network synergy, and strengthen the cross-border connectivity. Together, let us build faster, smarter, and greener digital infrastructure for Asia-Pacific.”
— Denny Deng, President of Asia Pacific Carrier Business, Huawei

“High-speed broadband is no longer just about ‘getting online’ — it is the vital infrastructure upon which the entire AI revolution is being built. We view AI not merely as a tool, but as a primary engine for national competitiveness and a catalyst for improving the quality of life for all.”
— Wetang Phuangsup, Ph.D., Secretary-General, the National Board of the Digital Economy and Society, Thailand

“Three initiatives define the road to 2030. We must close the quality divide so the value of broadband reaches everyone. We must build AI-ready networks — 10G access, 800GE cores, intelligence end to end. And we must do it together, through shared standards.”
— Martin Creaner, Director General of WBBA

“Moving towards next-generation networks, network architectures must continue to evolve to deliver broader connectivity, superior quality, enhanced security, and greater intelligence. This evolution is essential for Net5.5G, positioning the network not simply as infrastructure, but as the foundation that enables AI, strengthens resilience and efficiency, and supports digital transformation across industries.”
— Dhruv Dhody, Industry Standardization Expert at Huawei, Chair of the IAB, IETF

“Across Asia-Pacific, fibre is extending beyond homes and offices into rooms, devices, and machines. By working together, we can accelerate fibre innovation and adoption to build truly AI-ready infrastructure.”
— Ilham Nandana, Chair of the Market Intelligence Committee, Fiber Network Council APAC (FNCAP)

“We fixed it before you feel it! AIS is redefining premium home broadband by combining ultra-fast connectivity with AI-driven network intelligence and smart home ecosystem — delivering proactive, invisible service excellence that transforms connectivity into differentiated customer value and sustainable ARPU growth.”
— Thanit Chaiyaboonthanit, Head of Technology Department, Broadband Business, AIS

“Connecting the Unconnected: Affordable Broadband at Scale. Create equal access to global information and empower Indonesia’s digital society.”
— Shannedy Ong, CTO of Surge Indonesia

“Beyond Connectivity: Telkomsel is transforming into a true value creator. By leveraging our FBB market-leading footprint, we power growth through service excellence, customer loyalty, and a next-generation home ecosystem.”
— Stanislaus Susatyo, Director of Sales, Telkomsel Indonesia

“We stopped treating AI as an add-on feature. Instead, our approach at Globe starts with architecture, embedding intelligence into the very core of how we build, how we sell, and how we operate.
AI continuously monitors network health, customer behavior and service quality. Rather than waiting for failures, the system predicts degradation and initiates corrective actions. By maintaining minute-level awareness of network health, our systems automatically resolve 30% of all Wi-Fi issues without any human intervention.”
— Danny Theseira, Head of Broadband Business Group at Globe Telecom

“Huawei is driving the Optics-AI Synergy to foster their collaborative growth. Through AI-ON, operators could build an AI-centric all-optical target network and establish 1-5-20ms latency circles across the Asia Pacific region. AI-ON also supports efficient computing access and usage while delivering an ultimate network experience through gigabit/ultra-gigabit home broadband, accelerating the widespread adoption of AI services.”
— Kim Jin, Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer Optical Business Product Line, Huawei

“Connectivity is not just about technology. It is a lifeline, a platform for opportunity, and a driver of sustainable development. I believe the intersection of connectivity and artificial intelligence will shape the future of smarter, more resilient networks.”
— Dr. Cosmas Zavazava, Director of the Telecommunication Development Bureau, ITU

“Performance and user experience are the essential path to the next-generation WLAN. Based on standards and AI-driven innovation, let’s jointly explore the path to the future autonomous WLAN with all the stakeholders.”
— Dr. Crane H. Yang, Secretary-General, World WLAN Application Alliance (WAA)

“At the summit, NIDA and WBBA signed an MOU to accelerate next-generation network evolution and establish pioneering smart city benchmarks through the co-development of industry standards, the harmonization of global regulations, and the sharing of vertical industry insights.
NIDA focuses on advancing network architecture standards, while WBBA drives global consensus on broadband evolution. This natural strategic complementarity creates vast opportunities for future collaboration.”
— Joey Deng, Secretary-General of NIDA

“ION-2030 develops the global standard for next generation optical networks in the AI era. It provides exceptional AI application and service experience. The WBBA and ITU will jointly accelerate its development, and this is a unique opportunity for Asia-Pacific stakeholders to actively influence the future of optical broadband networks.”
— Dr. Marcus Brunner, Chief Expert Standardization, WBBA WG1 Chair and Vice-Chair of ETSI ISG F5G

“The transition into the AI era demands a high-quality, deterministic digital foundation. By releasing Net5.5G policy guidelines, Malaysia is accelerating the evolution of next-generation network standards based on IPv6, establishing an innovative infrastructure to unleash AI’s value and drive a prosperous digital economy for 2030.”
— Prof. Sureswaran Ramadass, Chair of APAC at IPv6 Council, Industry Partner of WBBA

“The digital economy is thriving across the Asia-Pacific region, with AI emerging as a core catalyst for intelligent transformation. China Mobile International (CMI) is driving regional growth by integrating China’s advanced AI capabilities with comprehensive communications, computing, and AI services. Moving forward, CMI will collaborate closely with industry partners to foster a shared, AI-driven future for the region.”
— Paul Lin, Managing Director of Commercial and Technology, Asia Pacific, China Mobile International

“Next-generation network infrastructure is the oxygen of the intelligent economy. By integrating cutting-edge 800G connectivity with quantum-safe security, HKT is laying the essential foundations to keep Hong Kong’s enterprises highly competitive, secure, and ready for the computing paradigm shifts of tomorrow.”
— Wilson Cheung, Vice President, Broadband Design & Cyber Security, HKT

“The evolution toward Net5.5G AI WAN is an important step in strengthening XLSMART’s transport network for the future. By progressively adopting AI-assisted operations, SRv6, SDN, service differentiation, and higher-capacity transport infrastructure, we are enhancing network intelligence, operational efficiency, and service resilience while supporting long-term sustainability. This transformation is a continuous journey that aligns with the industry’s vision of AI-native broadband networks. Through collaboration with our technology partners and the broader ecosystem, we will continue to develop capabilities that deliver better network performance and support Indonesia’s growing digital connectivity needs.”
— Regie Ginanjar, Head of Transport Autonomy & Orchestration, Transport Network Transformation, XLSMART

“For the AI era, Huawei upgrades the IP bearer network via security resilience, multi-dimensional awareness, and network autonomy. This empowers carriers to guarantee service experience, accelerate monetization, and enhance efficiency, ushering in a new chapter of intelligent connectivity.”
— Arthur Wang, Vice President of Data Communication Product Line, Huawei

A CONVERGING VIEW

Speakers agreed AI is shifting networks from connectivity to intelligent connectivity, as broadband, IP, computing and cross-border infrastructure converge to support innovation and coordination.

WBBA launched the AI-Net Certification, a global benchmark for national policy, industrial ecosystems and network intelligence. XLSmart was named first AI-Net Champion, and Indonesia was among the first with a certified operator, backed by its Net5.5G roadmap.

In another high-profile segment, WBBA Director General Martin Creaner presented the Gigacity Certification to KOMDIGI, SURGE, Telkomsel, AIS, TRUE, HKT and Globe, recognizing regional broadband pioneers.

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SOURCE HUAWEI

Technology

Laifen Expands U.S. Retail Footprint with Costco Launch of Best-Selling SE Hair Dryer

Published

9 hours ago

July 18, 2026

Starting July 18, Costco Members Can Shop Laifen’s Award-Winning Hair Dryer in Select Warehouse Locations Across the U.S.

NEW YORK, July 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Laifen, ranked the world’s No.1 high-speed hair dryer brand, today announced the launch of its best-selling SE High-Speed Hair Dryer at select Costco warehouse locations, marking the brand’s largest U.S. retail expansion to date and bringing its award-winning haircare technology to Costco members across select U.S. markets.

The launch brings Laifen’s award-winning haircare technology to Costco, making it easier for consumers to experience the brand through one of the nation’s leading membership retailers. Laifen joins Costco’s growing portfolio of premium beauty and personal care brands. The initial rollout includes select Costco warehouse locations across the United States, with a strong presence across the Western U.S., including California, the Pacific Northwest and the Southwest.

Costco’s reputation for quality and its highly selective merchandising approach make this partnership especially meaningful. The Costco launch reflects Laifen’s continued expansion beyond direct-to-consumer channels as the brand accelerates its U.S. omnichannel retail strategy. “Costco represents an important milestone in our U.S. retail strategy,” said Romeo, General Manager of International Business of Laifen. “As more consumers seek salon-quality performance at an accessible price, we’re excited to make Laifen available through one of America’s most trusted retailers.”

Engineered to deliver professional-level performance in a sleek, lightweight design, the Laifen SE is powered by the brand’s proprietary high-speed brushless motor, delivering fast drying, reduced heat damage and smoother styling. An intelligent temperature control system continuously monitors airflow to help minimize frizz while protecting hair from excessive heat.

The Costco launch represents the next phase of Laifen’s U.S. retail expansion as the brand continues to grow beyond its direct-to-consumer and online channels. By expanding into one of the nation’s most trusted retailers, Laifen aims to broaden access to its category-disrupting haircare solutions while advancing its mission to bring more thoughtful design and everyday excellence into more homes.

The Laifen SE High-Speed Hair Dryer in White will be available at select Costco locations, while Costco.com shoppers will have access to additional color options including Purple and Pink, alongside the White model.

For more information on Laifen, please visit LaifenTech.com.

About Laifen:

Founded in 2019, Laifen is a global personal care technology brand combining high-performance engineering with modern design across hair care, oral care, and grooming categories. Ranked the world’s No. 1 high-speed hair dryer brand by Euromonitor International, Laifen first gained recognition for its self-developed 110,000 RPM high-speed brushless motor, the proprietary technology behind its award-winning hair dryers.

Building on this innovation, Laifen has expanded its portfolio to include electric toothbrushes and shavers, delivering premium technology and elevated everyday experiences to consumers worldwide. Today, Laifen products and accessories are used by over 22 million households across more than 60 countries, supported by more than 600 patents and recognized with over 50 international design and innovation awards. Driven by continuous technological breakthroughs, Laifen is committed to making cutting-edge personal care technology more accessible to consumers around the world.

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Technology

Pillsbury Notice of Data Breach

Published

12 hours ago

July 18, 2026

NEW YORK, July 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP (“Pillsbury”) was among many law firms targeted by sophisticated social engineering attempts in an incident last year. While the firm quickly detected and blocked the activity, an unauthorized actor was able to access some of the firm’s documents during a short window of time. Pillsbury notified any impacted clients last year and undertook a detailed process to review the accessed documents for personal information. Pillsbury then began notifying individuals whose personal information was affected. That process is now complete, and today, Pillsbury is publishing substitute notice as a final step.

For more information, please visit the substitute notice on our website at https://www.pillsburylaw.com/en/breach-notice.html.

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SOURCE Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP