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A Chiral 2D Sheet for Enhancing GLUT1 Function Through the Interplay of Architecture and Recognition
Yerim Kim1, Dawoon Lee1, Kyuri Kim1
1KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|February 24, 2026
Summary
Synthetic materials can control cell function. Researchers created glucose-based nanoparticles and nanosheets, finding that 2D nanosheets with d-glucose specifically upregulated GLUT1 and triggered antioxidant responses.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Cellular Engineering
- Supramolecular Chemistry
Background:
- Controlling cellular function externally requires synthetic materials for sustained cell membrane interaction.
- This necessitates synergy between material architecture and molecular recognition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the synergistic principle of material architecture and molecular chirality for precise cellular control.
- To investigate the impact of glucose-based amphiphile assembly into distinct architectures on cellular behavior.
Main Methods:
- Assembly of glucose-based amphiphiles into 0D nanoparticles and 2D nanosheets.
- Utilizing d-glucose and l-glucose enantiomers for molecular recognition.
- Assessing membrane protein GLUT1 upregulation and downstream antioxidant response in cells.
Main Results:
- 0D nanoparticles were internalized by cells.
- 2D nanosheets remained on the cell exterior, enabling sustained interaction.
- Only 2D sheets with d-glucose effectively upregulated GLUT1 and triggered an antioxidant response.
- Internalized 0D particles and l-glucose sheets showed no functional effect.
Conclusions:
- A powerful synergy exists between supramolecular morphology (0D vs. 2D) and molecular chirality (d- vs. l-glucose).
- This synergy enables precise control of cellular behavior, specifically GLUT1 upregulation and antioxidant response.
- The study highlights the potential of rationally designed synthetic materials for targeted cellular modulation.
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