Sample records for zwitterionic n-alkylaminomethanesulfonic acids

  1. Synthesis of zwitterionic salts of pyridinium-Meldrum acid and barbiturate through unique four-component reactions.

    PubMed

    Wang, Qi-Fang; Hui, Li; Hou, Hong; Yan, Chao-Guo

    2010-03-08

    An efficient synthetic procedure for the preparation of the unusual charge-separated pyridinium-Meldrum acid and N,N-dimethylbarbiturate acid zwitterionic salts was developed though a unique one-pot four-component reaction involving pyridine, aromatic aldehyde, Meldrum acid or N,N-dimethylbarbituric acid, and p-nitrobenzyl bromide in acetonitrile. By varying combinations of four components involving nitrogen-containing heterocycles, we conveniently established reactive alpha-halomethylene compounds, aldehydes and beta-dicarbonyl compounds a library of zwitterionic salts.

  2. hERG blocking potential of acids and zwitterions characterized by three thresholds for acidity, size and reactivity.

    PubMed

    Nikolov, Nikolai G; Dybdahl, Marianne; Jónsdóttir, Svava Ó; Wedebye, Eva B

    2014-11-01

    Ionization is a key factor in hERG K(+) channel blocking, and acids and zwitterions are known to be less probable hERG blockers than bases and neutral compounds. However, a considerable number of acidic compounds block hERG, and the physico-chemical attributes which discriminate acidic blockers from acidic non-blockers have not been fully elucidated. We propose a rule for prediction of hERG blocking by acids and zwitterionic ampholytes based on thresholds for only three descriptors related to acidity, size and reactivity. The training set of 153 acids and zwitterionic ampholytes was predicted with a concordance of 91% by a decision tree based on the rule. Two external validations were performed with sets of 35 and 48 observations, respectively, both showing concordances of 91%. In addition, a global QSAR model of hERG blocking was constructed based on a large diverse training set of 1374 chemicals covering all ionization classes, externally validated showing high predictivity and compared to the decision tree. The decision tree was found to be superior for the acids and zwitterionic ampholytes classes. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  3. Zwitterionic versus canonical amino acids over the various defects in zeolites: A two-layer ONIOM calculation

    PubMed Central

    Yang, Gang; Zhou, Lijun

    2014-01-01

    Defects are often considered as the active sites for chemical reactions. Here a variety of defects in zeolites are used to stabilize zwitterionic glycine that is not self-stable in gas phase; in addition, effects of acidic strengths and zeolite channels on zwitterionic stabilization are demonstrated. Glycine zwitterions can be stabilized by all these defects and energetically prefer to canonical structures over Al and Ga Lewis acidic sites rather than Ti Lewis acidic site, silanol and titanol hydroxyls. For titanol (Ti-OH), glycine interacts with framework Ti and hydroxyl sites competitively, and the former with Lewis acidity predominates. The transformations from canonical to zwitterionic glycine are obviously more facile over Al and Ga Lewis acidic sites than over Ti Lewis acidic site, titanol and silanol hydroxyls. Charge transfers that generally increase with adsorption energies are found to largely decide the zwitterionic stabilization effects. Zeolite channels play a significant role during the stabilization process. In absence of zeolite channels, canonical structures predominate for all defects; glycine zwitterions remain stable over Al and Ga Lewis acidic sites and only with synergy of H-bonding interactions can exist over Ti Lewis acidic site, while automatically transform to canonical structures over silanol and titanol hydroxyls. PMID:25307449

  4. Synergistic effects on enantioselectivity of zwitterionic chiral stationary phases for separations of chiral acids, bases, and amino acids by HPLC.

    PubMed

    Hoffmann, Christian V; Pell, Reinhard; Lämmerhofer, Michael; Lindner, Wolfgang

    2008-11-15

    In an attempt to overcome the limited applicability scope of earlier proposed Cinchona alkaloid-based chiral weak anion exchangers (WAX) and recently reported aminosulfonic acid-based chiral strong cation exchangers (SCX), which are conceptionally restricted to oppositely charged solutes, their individual chiral selector (SO) subunits have been fused in a combinatorial synthesis approach into single, now zwitterionic, chiral SO motifs. The corresponding zwitterionic ion-exchange-type chiral stationary phases (CSPs) in fact combined the applicability spectra of the parent chiral ion exchangers allowing for enantioseparations of chiral acids and amine-type solutes in liquid chromatography using polar organic mode with largely rivaling separation factors as compared to the parent WAX and SCX CSPs. Furthermore, the application spectrum could be remarkably expanded to various zwitterionic analytes such as alpha- and beta-amino acids and peptides. A set of structurally related yet different CSPs consisting of either a quinine or quinidine alkaloid moiety as anion-exchange subunit and various chiral or achiral amino acids as cation-exchange subunits enabled us to derive structure-enantioselectivity relationships, which clearly provided strong unequivocal evidence for synergistic effects of the two oppositely charged ion-exchange subunits being involved in molecular recognition of zwitterionic analytes by zwitterionic SOs driven by double ionic coordination.

  5. Amino acid-based zwitterionic polymers: antifouling properties and low cytotoxicity.

    PubMed

    Li, Wenchen; Liu, Qingsheng; Liu, Lingyun

    2014-01-01

    A group of five amino acid containing zwitterionic vinyl monomers, based on serine, lysine, ornithine, glutamic acid, and aspartic acid, respectively, were proposed and developed for potential antifouling applications. Their polymer brushes were grafted on gold chips by surface-initiated photoiniferter-mediated polymerization. We then compared their performance in resisting protein adsorption from full human serum and plasma. All five polymers can reduce protein adsorption by more than 90% compared to the unmodified gold. The ornithine-based and aspartic acid-based poly(methacrylamide) can most strongly resist protein adsorption from serum and plasma, compared to the other three. The ability of surfaces to suppress bacterial adhesion is another criterion in evaluating antifouling properties of materials. Our results show that the five polymer-grafted surfaces can significantly suppress Escherichia coli K12 adhesion to 99% compared to the bare gold surface. The zwitterionic structure of amino acids, with homogenously distributed and balanced positive and negative charges, is responsible for the outstanding antifouling properties. Considering multiple potential applications (e.g. medical devices and drug delivery) of the antifouling materials, we further systematically evaluated the cytotoxicity of both monomers and polymer nanogels for all five materials at various concentrations. Very low cytotoxicity was observed for all tested amino acid-based monomers and nanogels, which is comparable or even lower than the traditional and some newly developed antifouling materials, which might be related to the biomimetic nature of amino acids.

  6. Zwitterion formation in titan ice analogs: reaction between HC3N and NH3.

    PubMed

    Couturier-Tamburelli, Isabelle; Sessouma, Bintou; Chiavassa, Thierry; Piétri, Nathalie

    2012-11-08

    A zwitterion is formed in the laboratory at low temperatures in the solid phase from the thermal reaction of HC(3)N and NH(3). We report for the first time its infrared spectrum. We study its reaction using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Its reaction rate is estimated to be k(T) = 2.9 × 10(5) exp(-2.3 ± 0.1 (kJ mol(-1))/RT). Calculations using density functional theory (B3LYP/6-31g**) are used to characterize all the species (complexes, zwitterions, and transition states) and are in good agreement with the infrared spectra. The structure of the zwitterion is determined planar and it is characterized by a N-C bond around 1.5 Å.

  7. Structural, quantum chemical, vibrational and thermal studies of a hydrogen bonded zwitterionic co-crystal (nicotinic acid: pyrogallol)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Prabha, E. Arockia Jeya Yasmi; Kumar, S. Suresh; Athimoolam, S.; Sridhar, B.

    2017-02-01

    In the present work, a new co-crystal of nicotinic acid with pyrogallol (NICPY) has been grown in the zwitterionic form and the corresponding structural, vibrational, thermal, solubility and anti-cancer characteristics have been reported. The single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis confirms that the structural molecular packing of the crystal stabilized through N-H⋯O and O-H⋯O hydrogen bond. The stabilization energy of the hydrogen bond motifs were calculated in the solid state. Vibrational spectral studies such as Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) and FT-Raman were adopted to understand the zwitterionic co-crystalline nature of the compound, which has been compared with theoretically calculated vibrational frequencies. The thermal stability of the grown co-crystal was analyzed by TG/DTA study. The solubility of the NICPY co-crystal was investigated in water at different temperature and compared with that of the nicotinic acid, which is the parent compound of NICPY co-crystal. The grown crystals were treated with human cervical cancer cell line (HeLa) to analyze the cytotoxicity of NICPY crystals and compared with the parent compound, which shows that NICPY has moderate activity against human cervical cancer cell line.

  8. AN ALTERNATIVE METHOD FOR RELATING MACROSCOPIC TO MICROSCOPIC ACIDITY CONSTANTS WITH ZWITTERIONIC SPECIES

    EPA Science Inventory

    Using the notation of Adams (1916. JACS, 38:1503), zwitterionic microscopic acidity constants defined by: ka = [H+] [+H3NRCOO-]/ [+H3NRCOOH]; kb = [H+] [H2NRCOOH]/ [+H3NRCOOH]; kc = [H+] [H2NRCOO-]/ [+H3NRCOO-]; and kd = [H+] [H2NRCOO-]/ [H2NRCOOH] are historically related to th...

  9. Quantum chemical characterization of zwitterionic structures: Supramolecular complexes for modifying the wettability of oil-water-limestone system.

    PubMed

    Lopez-Chavez, Ernesto; Garcia-Quiroz, Alberto; Gonzalez-Garcia, Gerardo; Orozco-Duran, Gabriela E; Zamudio-Rivera, Luis S; Martinez-Magadan, José M; Buenrostro-Gonzalez, Eduardo; Hernandez-Altamirano, Raul

    2014-06-01

    In this work, we present a quantum chemical study pertaining to some supramolecular complexes acting as wettability modifiers of oil-water-limestone system. The complexes studied are derived from zwitterionic liquids of the types N'-alkyl-bis, N-alquenil, N-cycloalkyl, N-amyl-bis-beta amino acid or salts acting as sparkling agents. We studied two molecules of zwitterionic liquids (ZL10 and ZL13), HOMO and LUMO levels, and the energy gap between them, were calculated, as well as the electron affinity (EA) and ionization potential (IP), chemical potential, chemical hardness, chemical electrophilicity index and selectivity descriptors such Fukui indices. In this work, electrochemical comparison was realized with cocamidopropyl betaine (CPB), which is a structure zwitterionic liquid type, nowadays widely applied in enhanced recovery processes. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. AN EXACT METHOD FOR RELATING ZWITTERIONIC MICROSCOPIC TO MACROSCOPIC ACIDITY CONSTANTS

    EPA Science Inventory

    Zwitterions are aqueous solvated molecules simultaneously possessing one negatively and one positively charged site. Although electroneutral, the environmental interaction of zwitterions with other ionic species is likely to differ significantly from the behavior of comparable e...

  11. Conformation of the Phosphate D-alanine Zwitterion in Bacterial Teichoic Acid from Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

    PubMed Central

    Garimella, Ravindranath; Halye, Jeffrey L.; Harrison, William; Klebba, Phillip E.; Rice, Charles V.

    2009-01-01

    The conformation of D-alanine (D-Ala) groups of bacterial teichoic acid is a central, yet untested, paradigm of microbiology. The D-Ala binds via the C-terminus, thereby allowing the amine to exist as a free cationic NH3+ group with the ability to form a contact-ion-pair with the nearby anionic phosphate group. This conformation hinders metal chelation by the phosphate because the zwitterion pair is charge neutral. To the contrary, the repulsion of cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs) is attributed to the presence of the D-Ala cation; thus the ion-pair does not form in this model. Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has been used to measure the distance between amine and phosphate groups within cell wall fragments of Bacillus subtilis. The bacteria were grown on media containing 15N D-Ala and β-chloroalanine racemase inhibitor. The rotational-echo double-resonance (REDOR) pulse sequence was used to measure the internuclear dipolar coupling and the results demonstrate: 1) the metal-free amine-to-phosphate distance is 4.4 Å and 2) the amine-to-phosphate distance increases to 5.4 Å in the presence of Mg2+ ions. As a result, the zwitterion exists in a nitrogen-oxygen ion-pair configuration providing teichoic acid with a positive charge to repel CAMPs. Additionally, the amine of D-Ala does not prevent magnesium chelation in contradiction to the prevailing view of teichoic acids in metal binding. Thus, the NMR-based description of teichoic acid structure resolves the contradictory models, advances the basic understanding of cell wall biochemistry, and provides possible insight into the creation of new antibiotic therapies. PMID:19746945

  12. Crystal structure of a 2:1 piroxicam–gentisic acid co-crystal featuring neutral and zwitterionic piroxicam molecules

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Horstman, Elizabeth M.; Bertke, Jeffery A.; Woods, Toby J.

    2016-11-04

    A new 2:1 co-crystal of piroxicam and gentisic acid [systematic name: 4-hydroxy-1,1-dioxo-N-(pyridin-2-yl)-2H-1λ 6,2-benzothiazine-3-carboxamide–2-(4-oxido-1,1-dioxo-2H-1λ 6,2-benzothiazine-3-amido)pyridin-1-ium–2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, 2C 15H 13N 3O 4S·C 7H 6O 4] has been synthesized using a microfluidic platform and initially identified using Raman spectroscopy. In the co-crystal, one piroxicam molecule is in its neutral form and an intramolecular O—H...O hydrogen bond is observed. The other piroxicam molecule is zwitterionic (proton transfer from the OH group to the pyridine N atom) and two intramolecular N—H...O hydrogen bonds occur. The gentisic acid molecule shows whole-molecule disorder over two sets of sites in a 0.809(2):0.191(2) ratio. In the crystal, extensive hydrogenmore » bonding between the components forms layers propagating in theabplane.« less

  13. Modelling zwitterions in solution: 3-fluoro-γ-aminobutyric acid (3F-GABA).

    PubMed

    Cao, Jie; Bjornsson, Ragnar; Bühl, Michael; Thiel, Walter; van Mourik, Tanja

    2012-01-02

    The conformations and relative stabilities of folded and extended 3-fluoro-γ-aminobutyric acid (3F-GABA) conformers were studied using explicit solvation models. Geometry optimisations in the gas phase with one or two explicit water molecules favour folded and neutral structures containing intramolecular NH···O-C hydrogen bonds. With three or five explicit water molecules zwitterionic minima are obtained, with folded structures being preferred over extended conformers. The stability of folded versus extended zwitterionic conformers increases on going from a PCM continuum solvation model to the microsolvated complexes, though extended structures become less disfavoured with the inclusion of more water molecules. Full explicit solvation was studied with a hybrid quantum-mechanical/molecular-mechanical (QM/MM) scheme and molecular dynamics simulations, including more than 6000 TIP3P water molecules. According to free energies obtained from thermodynamic integration at the PM3/MM level and corrected for B3LYP/MM total energies, the fully extended conformer is more stable than folded ones by about -4.5 kJ mol(-1). B3LYP-computed (3)J(F,H) NMR spin-spin coupling constants, averaged over PM3/MM-MD trajectories, agree best with experiment for this fully extended form, in accordance with the original NMR analysis. The seeming discrepancy between static PCM calculations and experiment noted previously is now resolved. That the inexpensive semiempirical PM3 method performs so well for this archetypical zwitterion is encouraging for further QM/MM studies of biomolecular systems. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  14. A New Approach to Non-Coordinating Anions: Lewis Acid Enhancement of Porphyrin Metal Centers in a Zwitterionic Metal$-$Organic Framework

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Johnson, Jacob A.; Petersen, Brenna M.; Kormos, Attila

    Here, we describe a new strategy to generate non-coordinating anions using zwitterionic metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). By assembly of anionic inorganic secondary building blocks (SBUs) ([In(CO 2) 4] $-$) with cationic metalloporphyrin-based organic linkers, we prepared zwitterionic MOFs in which the complete internal charge separation effectively prevents the potential binding of the counteranion to the cationic metal center. We demonstrate the enhanced Lewis acidity of Mn III- and Fe III-porphyrins in the zwitterionic MOFs in three representative electrocyclization reactions: [2 + 1] cycloisomerization of enynes, [3 + 2] cycloaddition of aziridines and alkenes, and [4 + 2] hetero-Diels–Alder cycloaddition of aldehydesmore » with dienes. Lastly, this work paves a new way to design functional MOFs for tunable chemical catalysis.« less

  15. Smart zwitterionic membranes with on/off behavior for protein transport.

    PubMed

    Su, Yanlei; Zheng, Lili; Li, Chao; Jiang, Zhongyi

    2008-09-25

    Poly(acrylonitrile) (PAN)-based zwitterionic membranes, composed of PAN and poly( N, N-dimethyl- N-methacryloxyethyl- N-(3-sulfopropyl) copolymer, are electrolyte-sensitive smart membranes. The hydrophilicity was increased and protein adsorption was remarkably decreased for the membranes in response to environmental stimuli. FTIR spectroscopic analysis directly provided molecular-level observation of the enhanced dissociation and hydration of zwitterionic sulfobetaine dipoles at higher electrolyte concentrations. The smart PAN-based zwitterionic membranes can close or open channels for protein transport under different NaCl concentrations. The electrolyte-sensitive switch of on/off behavior for protein transport is reversible.

  16. Carbodiimide-mediated immobilization of acidic biomolecules on reversed-charge zwitterionic sensor chip surfaces.

    PubMed

    Risse, Fabian; Gedig, Erk T; Gutmann, Jochen S

    2018-04-30

    The carbodiimide-mediated amine coupling of protein ligands to sensor chips coated with anionic polycarboxylate hydrogels, such as carboxymethyl dextran, is the predominant covalent immobilization procedure utilized in optical biosensors, namely surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensors. Usually, electrostatic interactions at a slightly acidic pH and low ionic strength are employed to efficiently accumulate neutral and basic ligands on the chip surface, which are then covalently coupled by surface-bound active N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) esters. Unfortunately, this approach is not suitable for acidic proteins or other ligands with low isoelectric points (IEPs), such as nucleic acids, because the charge density of the polycarboxylates is greatly reduced at acidic pH or because electrostatic attraction cannot be achieved. To overcome these drawbacks, we have established a charge-reversal approach that allows the preconcentration of acidic proteins above their IEPs. A precisely controlled amount of tertiary amines is applied to reverse the previous anionic surface charge while maintaining carbodiimide compatibility with future protein immobilization. The mechanism of this reversed-charge immobilization approach was demonstrated employing protein A as a model protein and using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, dynamic contact angle measurements, colorimetric quantification, and SPR analysis to characterize surface derivatization. Furthermore, even though it had previously proven impossible to preconcentrate DNA electrostatically and to covalently couple it to polyanionic chip surfaces, we demonstrated that our approach allowed DNA to be preconcentrated and immobilized in good yields. Graphical abstract Principle of the covalent immobilization of acidic ligands on reversed-charge zwitterionic sensor chip surfaces.

  17. The first proton sponge-based amino acids: synthesis, acid-base properties and some reactivity.

    PubMed

    Ozeryanskii, Valery A; Gorbacheva, Anastasia Yu; Pozharskii, Alexander F; Vlasenko, Marina P; Tereznikov, Alexander Yu; Chernov'yants, Margarita S

    2015-08-21

    The first hybrid base constructed from 1,8-bis(dimethylamino)naphthalene (proton sponge or DMAN) and glycine, N-methyl-N-(8-dimethylamino-1-naphthyl)aminoacetic acid, was synthesised in high yield and its hydrobromide was structurally characterised and used to determine the acid-base properties via potentiometric titration. It was found that the basic strength of the DMAN-glycine base (pKa = 11.57, H2O) is on the level of amidine amino acids like arginine and creatine and its structure, zwitterionic vs. neutral, based on the spectroscopic (IR, NMR, mass) and theoretical (DFT) approaches has a strong preference to the zwitterionic form. Unlike glycine, the DMAN-glycine zwitterion is N-chiral and is hydrolytically cleaved with the loss of glycolic acid on heating in DMSO. This reaction together with the mild decarboxylative conversion of proton sponge-based amino acids into 2,3-dihydroperimidinium salts under air-oxygen was monitored with the help of the DMAN-alanine amino acid. The newly devised amino acids are unique as they combine fluorescence, strongly basic and redox-active properties.

  18. Conjugated polymer zwitterions and solar cells comprising conjugated polymer zwitterions

    DOEpatents

    Emrick, Todd; Russell, Thomas; Page, Zachariah; Liu, Yao

    2018-06-05

    A conjugated polymer zwitterion includes repeating units having structure (I), (II), or a combination thereof ##STR00001## wherein Ar is independently at each occurrence a divalent substituted or unsubstituted C3-30 arylene or heteroarylene group; L is independently at each occurrence a divalent C1-16 alkylene group, C6-30arylene or heteroarylene group, or alkylene oxide group; and R1 is independently at each occurrence a zwitterion. A polymer solar cell including the conjugated polymer zwitterion is also disclosed.

  19. Electromembrane extraction of zwitterionic compounds as acid or base: comparison of extraction behavior at acidic and basic pHs.

    PubMed

    Nojavan, Saeed; Pourahadi, Ahmad; Hosseiny Davarani, Saied Saeed; Morteza-Najarian, Amin; Beigzadeh Abbassi, Mojtaba

    2012-10-01

    This study has performed on electromembrane extraction (EME) of some zwitterionic compounds based on their acidic and basic properties. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) equipped with UV detection was used for determination of model compounds. Cetirizine (CTZ) and mesalazine (MS) were chosen as model compounds, and each of them was extracted from acidic (as a cation) and basic (as an anion) sample solutions, separately. 1-Octanol and 2-nitrophenyl octylether (NPOE) were used as the common supported liquid membrane (SLM) solvents. EME parameters, such as extraction time, extraction voltage and pH of donor and acceptor solutions were studied in details for cationic and anionic forms of each model compound and obtained results for two ionic forms (cationic and anionic) of each compound were compared together. Results showed that zwitterionic compounds could be extracted in both cationic and anionic forms. Moreover, it was found that the extraction of anionic form of each model compound could be done in low voltages when 1-octanol was used as the SLM solvent. Results showed that charge type was not highly effective on the extraction efficiency of model compounds whereas the position of charge within the molecule was the key parameter. In optimized conditions, enrichment factors (EF) of 27-60 that corresponded to recoveries ranging from 39 to 86% were achieved. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. Evaluation of Adsorption Characteristics of a Fibrous Adsorbent Containing Zwitter-Ionic Functional Group, Targeting Organic Acids.

    PubMed

    Nakazawa, Akira; Tang, Ning; Inoue, Yoshinori; Kamichatani, Waka; Katoh, Toshifumi; Saito, Mitsuru; Obara, Kenji; Toriba, Akira; Hayakawa, Kazuichi

    2017-01-01

    Diallylamine-maleic acid copolymer (DAM)-nonwoven fabric (DAM-f), a fibrous adsorbent, contains DAM with zwitter-ionic functional groups and forms a hydration layer on the surface. The aim of this report was to evaluate the adsorption selectivity of DAM-f to semi-volatile organic acid (C1-C5). In the aqueous phase, formic acid dissolved in the hydration layer bound to the imino group of DAM-f due to anion exchange interaction. In the gas phase, the adsorption amounts of organic acids increased with the exposure time. Moreover, the adsorption rate constants correlated with the air/water partition coefficients (log K aw ) for formic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid and isovaleric acid, except for acetic acid. These results indicate that DAM-f is highly selective to hydrophilic compounds which easily move from the air to the hydration layer of DAM-f.

  1. Antifouling enhancement of polyimide membrane by grafting DEDA-PS zwitterions.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Dong Yan; Xiong, Shu; Shi, Yu Sheng; Zhu, Jun; Hu, Qiao Li; Liu, Jie; Wang, Yan

    2018-05-01

    In order to improve the water flux and antifouling property of polyimide (PI) membrane, zwitterions are grafted on PI membrane surface via a two-step modification route by reactions with N,N-diethylethylenediamine (DEDA) and 1,3-propane sultone (PS) sequentially. The reaction mechanism and physicochemical properties of membranes are confirmed via various characterization techniques. The anti-biofouling performance of the zwitterion-grafted PI membranes is evaluated by bacterial suspension immersion tests in Escherichia coli (E. coli) and staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) solutions. The antifouling property is assessed via the filtration test using the bovine serum albumin (BSA) and dodecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (DTAB) aqueous feed solutions. The effect of the reaction time with DEDA in the zwitterion-grafted process on the antifouling property is further investigated systematically. The results show that both the anti-biofouling and antifouling performances of zwitterion-grafted PI membranes are significantly improved. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. Increments to chiral recognition facilitating enantiomer separations of chiral acids, bases, and ampholytes using Cinchona-based zwitterion exchanger chiral stationary phases.

    PubMed

    Wernisch, Stefanie; Pell, Reinhard; Lindner, Wolfgang

    2012-07-01

    The intramolecular distances of anion and cation exchanger sites of zwitterionic chiral stationary phases represent potential tuning sites for enantiomer selectivity. In this contribution, we investigate the influence of alkanesulfonic acid chain length and flexibility on enantiomer separations of chiral acids, bases, and amphoteric molecules for six Cinchona alkaloid-based chiral stationary phases in comparison with structurally related anion and cation exchangers. Employing polar-organic elution conditions, we observed an intramolecular counterion effect for acidic analytes which led to reduced retention times but did not impair enantiomer selectivities. Retention of amphoteric analytes is based on simultaneous double ion pairing of their charged functional groups with the acidic and basic sites of the zwitterionic selectors. A chiral center in the vicinity of the strong cation exchanger site is vital for chiral separations of bases. Sterically demanding side chains are beneficial for separations of free amino acids. Enantioseparations of free (un-derivatized) peptides were particularly successful in stationary phases with straight-chain alkanesulfonic acid sites, pointing to a beneficial influence of more flexible moieties. In addition, we observed pseudo-enantiomeric behavior of quinine and quinidine-derived chiral stationary phases facilitating reversal of elution orders for all analytes. © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  3. Prevention of bacterial adhesion to zwitterionic biocompatible mesoporous glasses.

    PubMed

    Sánchez-Salcedo, Sandra; García, Ana; Vallet-Regí, María

    2017-07-15

    Novel materials, based on Mesoporous Bioactive Glasses (MBGs) in the ternary system SiO 2 -CaO-P 2 O 5 , decorated with (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) and subsequently with amino acid Lysine (Lys), by post-grafting method on the external surface of the glasses (named MBG-NH 2 and MBG-Lys), are reported. The surface functionalization with organic groups did not damage the mesoporous network and their structural and textural properties were also preserved despite the high solubility of MBG matrices. The incorporation of Lys confers a zwitterionic nature to these MBG materials due to the presence of adjacent amine and carboxylic groups in the external surface. At physiologic pH, this coexistence of basic amine and carboxilic acid groups from anchored Lys provided zero surface charge named zwitterionic effect. This behaviour could give rise to potential applications of antibacterial adhesion. Therefore, in order to assess the influence of zwitterionic nature in in vitro bacterial adhesion, studies were carried out with Staphylococcus aureus. It was demonstrated that the efficient interaction of these zwitterionic pairs onto the MBG surfaces reduced bacterial adhesion up to 99.9% compared to bare MBGs. In order to test the suitability of zwitterionic MBGs materials as bone grafts, their cytocompatibility was investigated in vitro with MC3T3-E1 preosteoblasts. These findings suggested that the proposed surface functionalization strategy provided MBG materials with notable antibacterial adhesion properties, hence making these materials promising candidates for local bone infection therapy. The present research work is focused in finding a preventive treatment of bone infection based on Mesoporous Bioactive Glasses (MBGs) with antibacterial adhesion properties obtained by zwitterionic surface modification. MBGs exhibit unique nanostructural, textural and bioactive characteristics. The novelty and originality of this manuscript is based on the design and

  4. Quantification of urinary zwitterionic organic acids using weak-anion exchange chromatography with tandem MS detection.

    PubMed

    Bishop, Michael Jason; Crow, Brian S; Kovalcik, Kasey D; George, Joe; Bralley, James A

    2007-04-01

    A rapid and accurate quantitative method was developed and validated for the analysis of four urinary organic acids with nitrogen containing functional groups, formiminoglutamic acid (FIGLU), pyroglutamic acid (PYRGLU), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), and 2-methylhippuric acid (2-METHIP) by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). The chromatography was developed using a weak anion-exchange amino column that provided mixed-mode retention of the analytes. The elution gradient relied on changes in mobile phase pH over a concave gradient, without the use of counter-ions or concentrated salt buffers. A simple sample preparation was used, only requiring the dilution of urine prior to instrumental analysis. The method was validated based on linearity (r2>or=0.995), accuracy (85-115%), precision (C.V.<12%), sample preparation stability (zwitterionic organic acids.

  5. Facile surface modification of glass with zwitterionic polymers for improving the blood compatibility

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Lingling; Chen, Xiaojuan; Liu, Pingsheng; Wang, Jing; Zhu, Haomiao; Li, Li

    2018-06-01

    A facile procedure to modify glass film with zwitterionic polymers for improving the blood compatibility was introduced. The glass slides were first silanized with 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPT) to generate methacrylate groups on the surface. Then, N, N’-dimethyl-N-methacryloxyethyl-N-(3-sulfopropyl) ammonium (DMMSA), a sulfobetaine zwitterionic monomer, was polymerized on the silanized glass substrates by free-radical polymerization in order to graft the zwitterionic polymers onto the substrates. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), water contact angle, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were utilized to analyze the surface properties of the grafted glass. The blood compatibility of the grafted glass was verified by whole blood contacting and platelet adhesion experiments in vitro. The results showed that the zwitterionic polymers were successfully grafted on the glass surface, and consequently significantly inhibited the platelet adhesion and whole blood cell attachment.

  6. Chromatographic behavior of zwitterionic enalapril-exploring the conditions for lipophilicity assessment.

    PubMed

    Gikas, Spyros; Tsopelas, Fotios; Giaginis, Costas; Dimitrakopoulos, John; Livadara, Theodora; Archontaki, Helen; Tsantili-Kakoulidou, Anna

    2008-11-04

    The chromatographic behavior of enalapril was investigated under different stationary and mobile phase conditions in an effort to unravel interferences in the underlying retention mechanism, which would affect its relation to octanol-water partitioning. Extrapolated retention factors, logk(w), were used as relevant chromatographic indices. The retention/pH profile was established and the peak split phenomenon, associated with cis/trans interconversion, was also monitored as a function of pH. The pH at maximum retention and minimum peak split occurrence was chosen for further investigation, so that the presence of zwitterionic structure was guaranteed and any effect of cis/trans interconversion could be ignored. Retention of zwitterionic enalapril was found to be very sensitive to mobile phase conditions in regard to organic modifier as well to the aqueous component. The use of morpholine-propanesulfonic acid (MOPS) as buffer and the presence of n-octanol as mobile phase additive proved critical factors for maximum suppression of secondary interactions. Nevertheless, the corresponding extrapolated retention factor was considerably larger than octanol-water logD value at the isoelectric point. However, logk(w) could be successfully converted to logD by means of a calibration equation established for ionized acidic compounds.

  7. Thermodynamic Analysis of the Selectivity Enhancement Obtained by Using Smart Hydrogels That Are Zwitterionic When Detecting Glucose With Boronic Acid Moieties

    PubMed Central

    Horkay, F.; Cho, S. H.; Tathireddy, P.; Rieth, L.; Solzbacher, F.; Magda, J.

    2011-01-01

    Because the boronic acid moiety reversibly binds to sugar molecules and has low cytotoxicity, boronic acid-containing hydrogels are being used in a variety of implantable glucose sensors under development, including sensors based on optical, fluorescence, and swelling pressure measurements. However, some method of glucose selectivity enhancement is often necessary, because isolated boronic acid molecules have a binding constant with glucose that is some forty times smaller than their binding constant with fructose, the second most abundant sugar in the human body. In many cases, glucose selectivity enhancement is obtained by incorporating pendant tertiary amines into the hydrogel network, thereby giving rise to a hydrogel that is zwitterionic at physiological pH. However, the mechanism by which incorporation of tertiary amines confers selectivity enhancement is poorly understood. In order to clarify this mechanism, we use the osmotic deswelling technique to compare the thermodynamic interactions of glucose and fructose with a zwitterionic smart hydrogel containing boronic acid moieties. We also investigate the change in the structure of the hydrogel that occurs when it binds to glucose or to fructose using the technique of small angle neutron scattering. PMID:22190765

  8. Integrated antimicrobial and nonfouling zwitterionic polymers.

    PubMed

    Mi, Luo; Jiang, Shaoyi

    2014-02-10

    Zwitterionic polymers are generally viewed as a new class of nonfouling materials. Unlike their poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) counterparts, zwitterionic polymers have a broader chemical diversity and greater freedom for molecular design. In this Minireview, we highlight recent microbiological applications of zwitterionic polymers and their derivatives, with an emphasis on several unique molecular strategies to integrate antimicrobial and nonfouling properties. We will also discuss our insights into the bacterial nonfouling performance of zwitterionic polymers and one example of engineering zwitterionic polymer derivatives for antimicrobial wound-dressing applications. Copyright © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  9. Synthesis of mesoporous nano-hydroxyapatite by using zwitterions surfactant

    EPA Science Inventory

    Mesoporous nano-hydroxyapatite (mn-HAP) was successfully synthesized via a novel micelle-templating method using lauryl dimethylaminoacetic acid as zwitterionic surfactant. The systematic use of such a surfactant in combination with microwave energy inputenables the precise contr...

  10. Zwitterionic materials for antifouling membrane surface construction.

    PubMed

    He, Mingrui; Gao, Kang; Zhou, Linjie; Jiao, Zhiwei; Wu, Mengyuan; Cao, Jialin; You, Xinda; Cai, Ziyi; Su, Yanlei; Jiang, Zhongyi

    2016-08-01

    Membrane separation processes are often perplexed by severe and ubiquitous membrane fouling. Zwitterionic materials, keeping electric neutrality with equivalent positive and negative charged groups, are well known for their superior antifouling properties and have been broadly utilized to construct antifouling surfaces for medical devices, biosensors and marine coatings applications. In recent years, zwitterionic materials have been more and more frequently utilized for constructing antifouling membrane surfaces. In this review, the antifouling mechanisms of zwitterionic materials as well as their biomimetic prototypes in cell membranes will be discussed, followed by the survey of common approaches to incorporate zwitterionic materials onto membrane surfaces including surface grafting, surface segregation, biomimetic adhesion, surface coating and so on. The potential applications of these antifouling membranes are also embedded. Finally, we will present a brief perspective on the future development of zwitterionic materials modified antifouling membranes. Membrane fouling is a severe problem hampering the application of membrane separation technology. The properties of membrane surfaces play a critical role in membrane fouling and antifouling behavior/performance. Antifouling membrane surface construction has evolved as a hot research issue for the development of membrane processes. Zwitterionic modification of membrane surfaces has been recognized as an effective strategy to resist membrane fouling. This review summarizes the antifouling mechanisms of zwitterionic materials inspired by cell membranes as well as the popular approaches to incorporate them onto membrane surfaces. It can help form a comprehensive knowledge about the principles and methods of modifying membrane surfaces with zwitterionic materials. Finally, we propose the possible future research directions of zwitterionic materials modified antifouling membranes. Copyright © 2016 Acta Materialia Inc

  11. Efficient Preparation of Super Antifouling PVDF Ultrafiltration Membrane with One Step Fabricated Zwitterionic Surface.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Xinzhen; He, Chunju

    2015-08-19

    On the basis of the excellent fouling resistance of zwitterionic materials, the super antifouling polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane was efficiently prepared though one-step sulfonation of PVDF and polyaniline blend membrane in situ. The self-doped sulfonated polyaniline (SPANI) was generated as a novel zwitterionic polymer to improve the antifouling property of PVDF ultrafiltration membrane used in sewage treatment. Surface attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, surface zeta potential, and water contact angle demonstrated the successful fabrication of zwitterionic interface by convenient sulfonation modification. The static adsorption fouling test showed the quantified adsorption mass of bovine serum albumin (BSA) pollutant on the PVDF/SPANI membrane surface decreases to 3(±2) μg/cm(2), and the water flux recovery ratio (FRR) values were no less than 95% for the three model pollutants of BSA, sodium alginate (SA), and humic acid (HA), which were corresponding hydrophobic, hydrophilic, and natural pollutants in sewage, respectively. This Research Article demonstrated the antifouling advantages of zwitterionic SPANI and aimed to provide a simple method for the large scale preparation of zwitterionic antifouling ultrafiltration membranes.

  12. Cell Nucleus-Targeting Zwitterionic Carbon Dots.

    PubMed

    Jung, Yun Kyung; Shin, Eeseul; Kim, Byeong-Su

    2015-12-22

    An innovative nucleus-targeting zwitterionic carbon dot (CD) vehicle has been developed for anticancer drug delivery and optical monitoring. The zwitterionic functional groups of the CDs introduced by a simple one-step synthesis using β-alanine as a passivating and zwitterionic ligand allow cytoplasmic uptake and subsequent nuclear translocation of the CDs. Moreover, multicolor fluorescence improves the accuracy of the CDs as an optical code. The CD-based drug delivery system constructed by non-covalent grafting of doxorubicin, exhibits superior antitumor efficacy owing to enhanced nuclear delivery in vitro and tumor accumulation in vivo, resulting in highly effective tumor growth inhibition. Since the zwitterionic CDs are highly biocompatible and effectively translocated into the nucleus, it provides a compelling solution to a multifunctional nanoparticle for substantially enhanced nuclear uptake of drugs and optical monitoring of translocation.

  13. Electrodynamics of Lipid Membrane Interactions in the Presence of Zwitterionic Buffers

    PubMed Central

    Koerner, Megan M.; Palacio, Luis A.; Wright, Johnnie W.; Schweitzer, Kelly S.; Ray, Bruce D.; Petrache, Horia I.

    2011-01-01

    Due to thermal motion and molecular polarizability, electrical interactions in biological systems have a dynamic character. Zwitterions are dipolar molecules that typically are highly polarizable and exhibit both a positive and a negative charge depending on the pH of the solution. We use multilamellar structures of common lipids to identify and quantify the effects of zwitterionic buffers that go beyond the control of pH. We use the fact that the repeat spacing of multilamellar lipid bilayers is a sensitive and accurate indicator of the force balance between membranes. We show that common buffers can in fact charge up neutral membranes. However, this electrostatic effect is not immediately recognized because of the concomitant modification of dispersion (van der Waals) forces. We show that although surface charging can be weak, electrostatic forces are significant even at large distances because of reduced ionic screening and reduced van der Waals attraction. The zwitterionic interactions that we identify are expected to be relevant for interfacial biological processes involving lipid bilayers, and for a wide range of biomaterials, including amino acids, detergents, and pharmaceutical drugs. An appreciation of zwitterionic electrodynamic character can lead to a better understanding of molecular interactions in biological systems and in soft materials in general. PMID:21767488

  14. Cell Nucleus-Targeting Zwitterionic Carbon Dots

    PubMed Central

    Jung, Yun Kyung; Shin, Eeseul; Kim, Byeong-Su

    2015-01-01

    An innovative nucleus-targeting zwitterionic carbon dot (CD) vehicle has been developed for anticancer drug delivery and optical monitoring. The zwitterionic functional groups of the CDs introduced by a simple one-step synthesis using β-alanine as a passivating and zwitterionic ligand allow cytoplasmic uptake and subsequent nuclear translocation of the CDs. Moreover, multicolor fluorescence improves the accuracy of the CDs as an optical code. The CD-based drug delivery system constructed by non-covalent grafting of doxorubicin, exhibits superior antitumor efficacy owing to enhanced nuclear delivery in vitro and tumor accumulation in vivo, resulting in highly effective tumor growth inhibition. Since the zwitterionic CDs are highly biocompatible and effectively translocated into the nucleus, it provides a compelling solution to a multifunctional nanoparticle for substantially enhanced nuclear uptake of drugs and optical monitoring of translocation. PMID:26689549

  15. From neutral to zwitterionic poly(α-amino acid) nonfouling surfaces: Effects of helical conformation and anchoring orientation.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Chong; Yuan, Jingsong; Lu, Jianhua; Hou, Yingqin; Xiong, Wei; Lu, Hua

    2018-02-03

    The development of high-performance nonfouling polymer surfaces for implantable medical devices and therapeutic nanomaterials is of great importance. Elaborating the relationship of polymer structural characteristics and the resulted surface properties can offer useful guidance toward ideal biointerfaces. In this work, we investigate the effects of the helical conformation and anchoring orientation of poly(α-amino acid)s (PαAAs) to produce advanced nonfouling surfaces. By using the neutral poly(γ-(2-(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)esteryl glutamates) (P(EG 3 Glu)s) as a model system, the adsorption kinetics are monitored by ex-situ variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry and in-situ quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation. It is found that the polymers adopting a rigid rod-like α-helical conformation can self-assemble more rapidly to produce denser adlayers, and generate significantly improved nonfouling surfaces compared to those flexible polymer analogues including the widely used antifouling polymer PEG. Moreover, the surface properties can be further enhanced by using the antiparallel orientated helical P(EG 3 Glu)s. Most importantly, the insights gained from the P(EG 3 Glu) model system are successfully applied to the generation of ultra-low-fouling surfaces using zwitterionic PαAAs brushes, underscoring the generality of the approach. Particularly, the surface based on the antiparallel aligned zwitterionic helical PαAAs exhibits ∼98-99% reduction of human serum adsorption relative to the bare gold, and gives almost no adhesion of mouse platelet. Taken together, this work depicts an extremely simple yet highly effective approach to manipulate surface properties for numerous applications in biomaterial interfaces, diagnostics, and biosensors. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. Quantum mechanical effects in zwitterionic amino acids: The case of proline, hydroxyproline, and alanine in water

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ulman, Kanchan; Busch, Sebastian; Hassanali, Ali A.

    2018-06-01

    In this work, we use ab initio molecular dynamics simulations to elucidate the electronic properties of three hydrated zwitterionic amino acids, namely proline, hydroxyproline, and alanine, the former two forming an important constituent of collagen. In all three systems, we find a substantial amount of charge transfer between the amino acids and surrounding solvent, which, rather surprisingly, also involves the reorganization of electron density near the hydrophobic non-polar groups. Water around proline appears to be slightly more polarized, as reflected by the enhanced water dipole moment in its hydration shell. This observation is also complemented by an examination of the IR spectra of the three systems where there is a subtle red and blue shift in the O-H stretch and bend regions, respectively, for proline. We show that polarizability of these amino acids as revealed by a dipole moment analysis involves a significant enhancement from the solvent and that this also involves non-polar groups. Our results suggest that quantum mechanical effects are likely to be important in understanding the coupling between biomolecules and water in general and in hydrophobic interactions.

  17. Light-Induced Gelling in a Micellar Fluid Based on a Zwitterionic Surfactant.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kumar, Rakesh; Raghavan, Srinivasa

    2007-03-01

    Fluids with photoresponsive rheological properties (i.e. photorheological or PR fluids) can be useful in a range of applications, such as in dampers, sensors, and valves for microfluidic or MEMS devices. Previously, we have demonstrated a cationic surfactant-based PR fluid whose viscosity can be rapidly decreased by UV irradiation. This viscosity decrease was not reversible. Here, we describe a different formulation based on a zwitterionic surfactant that shows a rapid increase in viscosity (gelling) upon exposure to UV radiation. The formulation consists of the zwitterionic surfactant and a photosensitive cinnamic acid derivative. Initially, the viscosity of the fluid is low indicating the presence of small micelles. Upon UV irradiation, the cinnamic acid derivative is photoisomerized from trans to cis. In turn, the small micelles transform into long wormlike micelles, thus increasing the solution viscosity by more than five orders of magnitude. Small angle neutron scattering (SANS) data confirms the dramatic increase in micelle length. Possible reasons for such changes in micelle dimensions will be discussed.

  18. Mechanism of the inhibitory effect of zwitterionic drugs (levofloxacin and grepafloxacin) on carnitine transporter (OCTN2) in Caco-2 cells.

    PubMed

    Hirano, Takeshi; Yasuda, Satoru; Osaka, Yuki; Kobayashi, Masaki; Itagaki, Shirou; Iseki, Ken

    2006-11-01

    L-Carnitine plays an important role in lipid metabolism by facilitating the transport of long-chain fatty acids across the mitochondrial inner membrane followed by fatty acid beta-oxidation. It is known that L-carnitine exists as a zwitterion and that member of the OCTN family play an important role in its transport. The aims of this study were to characterize L-carnitine transport in the intestine by using Caco-2 cells and to elucidate the effects of levofloxacin (LVFX) and grepafloxacin (GPFX), which are zwitterionic drugs, on L-carnitine uptake. Kinetic analysis showed that the half-saturation Na+ concentration, Hill coefficient and Km value of L-carnitine uptake in Caco-2 cells were 10.3 +/- 4.5 mM, 1.09 and 8.0 +/- 1.0 microM, respectively, suggesting that OCTN2 mainly transports L-carnitine. LVFX and GPFX have two pKa values and the existence ratio of their zwitterionic forms is higher under a neutral condition than under an acidic condition. Experiments on the inhibitory effect of LVFX and GPFX on L-carnitine uptake showed that LVFX and GPFX inhibited L-carnitine uptake more strongly at pH 7.4 than at pH 5.5. It was concluded that the zwitterionic form of drugs plays an important role in inhibition of OCTN2 function.

  19. Antifouling Properties of a Self-Assembling Glutamic Acid-Lysine Zwitterionic Polymer Surface Coating.

    PubMed

    Ziemba, Christopher; Khavkin, Maria; Priftis, Dimitris; Acar, Handan; Mao, Jun; Benami, Maya; Gottlieb, Moshe; Tirrell, Matthew; Kaufman, Yair; Herzberg, Moshe

    2018-04-23

    There is a need for the development of antifouling materials to resist adsorption of biomacromolecules. Here we describe the preparation of a novel zwitterionic block copolymer with the potential to prevent or delay the formation of microbial biofilms. The block copolymer comprised a zwitterionic (hydrophilic) section of alternating glutamic acid (negatively charged) and lysine (positively charged) units and a hydrophobic polystyrene section. Cryo-TEM and dynamic-light-scattering (DLS) results showed that, on average, the block copolymer self-assembled into 7-nm-diameter micelles in aqueous solutions (0 to 100 mM NaCl, pH 6). Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and contact angle measurements demonstrated that the block copolymer self-assembled into a brush-like monolayer on polystyrene surfaces. The brush-like monolayer produced from a 100 mg/L block copolymer solution exhibited an average distance, d, of approximately 4-8 nm between each block copolymer molecule (center to center). Once the brush-like monolayer self-assembled, it reduced EPS adsorption onto the polystyrene surface by ∼70% (mass), reduced the rate of bacterial attachment by >80%, and inhibited the development of thick biofilms. QCM-D results revealed that the EPS molecules penetrate between the chains of the brush and adsorb onto the polystyrene surface. Additionally, AFM analyses showed that the brush-like monolayer prevents the adhesion of large (> d) hydrophilic colloids onto the surface via hydration repulsion; however, molecules or colloids small enough to fit between the brush polymers (< d) were able to be adsorbed onto the surface via van der Waals interactions. Overall, we found that the penetration of extracellular organelles, as well as biopolymers through the brush, is critical for the failure of the antifouling coating, and likely could be prevented through tuning of the brush density. Stability and biofilm development

  20. Tautomeric and Microscopic Protonation Equilibria of Anthranilic Acid and Its Derivatives.

    PubMed

    Zapała, Lidia; Woźnicka, Elżbieta; Kalembkiewicz, Jan

    2014-01-01

    The acid-base chemistry of three zwitterionic compounds, namely anthranilic (2-aminobenzoic acid), N -methylanthranilic and N -phenylanthranilic acid has been characterized in terms of the macroconstants K a1 , K a2 , the isoelectric point p H I , the tautomerization constant K z and microconstants k 11 , k 12 , k 21 , k 22 . The potentiometric titration method was used to determine the macrodissociation constants. Due to the very poor water solubility of N -phenylanthranilic acid the dissociation constants p K a1 and p K a2 were determined in MDM-water mixtures [MDM is a co-solvent mixture, consisting of equal volumes of methanol (MeOH), dioxane and acetonitrile (MeCN)]. The Yasuda-Shedlovsky extrapolation procedure has been used to obtain the values of p K a1 and p K a2 in aqueous solutions. The p K a1 and p K a2 values obtained by this method are 2.86 ± 0.01 and 4.69 ± 0.03, respectively. The tautomerization constant K z describing the equilibrium between unionized form ⇌ zwitterionic form was evaluated by the K z method based on UV-VIS spectrometry. The method uses spectral differences between the zwitterionic form (found at isoelectric pH in aqueous solution) and the unionized form (formed in an organic solvent of low dielectric constant). The highest value of the K z constant has been observed in the case of N -methylantranilic acid (log 10 K z  = 1.31 ± 0.04). The values of log 10 K z for anthranilic and N -phenylanthranilic acids are similar and have values of 0.93 ± 0.03 and 0.90 ± 0.05, respectively. The results indicate that the tested compounds, in aqueous solution around the isoelectric point pH I , occur mainly in the zwitterionic form. Moreover, the influence of the type of substituent and pH of the aqueous phase on the equilibrium were analyzed with regard to the formation and the coexistence of different forms of the acids in the examined systems.

  1. Hemocompatibility improvement of poly(ethylene terephthalate) via self-polymerization of dopamine and covalent graft of zwitterions.

    PubMed

    Cai, Xianmei; Yuan, Jiang; Chen, Shuangchun; Li, Pengfei; Li, Li; Shen, Jian

    2014-03-01

    Poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) has been widely adopted as a scaffold biomaterial, but further hemocompatibility improvement is still needed for wide biomedical applications. Inspired by the composition of adhesive proteins in mussels, we propose to use self-polymerized dopamine to form a surface-adherent polydopamine layer onto PET sheet, followed by Michael addition with N,N-dimethylethylenediamine (DMDA) to build tertiary amine, and final zwitterions(sulfobetaine and carboxybetaine) construction through ring-opening reaction. Physicochemical properties of substrates were demonstrated by water contact angle measurement, attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The hemocompatibility was evaluated by platelet adhesion, hemolytic, and protein adsorption. The results showed that the zwitterions immobilized PET endowed with improved resistance to nonspecific protein adsorption and platelet adhesion as well as nonhemolytic. The zwitterions with desirable hemocompatibility can be readily tailored to catheter for various biomedical applications. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. Evaluation of pH-responsive liposomes containing amino acid-based zwitterionic lipids for improving intracellular drug delivery in vitro and in vivo.

    PubMed

    Obata, Yosuke; Tajima, Shoji; Takeoka, Shinji

    2010-03-03

    We developed pH-responsive liposomes containing synthetic glutamic acid-based zwitterionic lipids and evaluated their properties both in vitro and in vivo with the aim of constructing an efficient liposome-based systemic drug delivery system. The glutamic acid-based lipids; 1,5-dihexadecyl N-glutamyl-L-glutamate (L1) and 1,5-dihexadecyl N,N-diglutamyl-lysyl-L-glutamate (L2) were synthesized as a pH-responsive component of liposomes that respond to endosomal pH. The zeta potential of liposomes containing L1 or L2 was positive when the solution pH was below 4.6 or 5.6, respectively, but negative at higher pH values. The pH-responsive liposomes showed improved fusogenic potential to an endosome-mimicking anionic membrane at acidic pH, where the zeta potential of the liposomes was positive. We then prepared doxorubicin (DOX)-encapsulating liposomes containing L1 or L2, and clarified by confocal microscopic studies that the contents were rapidly transferred into both the cytoplasm and nucleus. Release of DOX from the endosomes mediated by the pH-responsive liposomes dramatically inhibited cancer cell growth. The L2-liposomes were slightly more effective than L1-liposomes as a drug delivery system. Intravenously injected L2-liposomes displayed blood persistence comparable to that of conventional phospholipid (PC)-based liposomes. Indeed, the antitumor efficacy of L2-liposomes was higher than that of PC-based liposomes against a xenograft breast cancer tumor in vivo. Thus, the high performance of L2-liposomes results from both efficient intracellular drug delivery and comparable blood persistence in comparison with the conventional PC-based liposomes in vitro and in vivo. Copyright 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  3. Multidentate zwitterionic chitosan oligosaccharide modified gold nanoparticles: stability, biocompatibility and cell interactions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Xiangsheng; Huang, Haoyuan; Liu, Gongyan; Zhou, Wenbo; Chen, Yangjun; Jin, Qiao; Ji, Jian

    2013-04-01

    Surface engineering of nanoparticles plays an essential role in their colloidal stability, biocompatibility and interaction with biosystems. In this study, a novel multidentate zwitterionic biopolymer derivative is obtained from conjugating dithiolane lipoic acid and zwitterionic acryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine to the chitosan oligosaccharide backbone. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) modified by this polymer exhibit remarkable colloidal stabilities under extreme conditions including high salt conditions, wide pH range and serum or plasma containing media. The AuNPs also show strong resistance to competition from dithiothreitol (as high as 1.5 M). Moreover, the modified AuNPs demonstrate low cytotoxicity investigated by both MTT and LDH assays, and good hemocompatibility evaluated by hemolysis of human red blood cells. In addition, the intracellular fate of AuNPs was investigated by ICP-MS and TEM. It showed that the AuNPs are uptaken by cells in a concentration dependent manner, and they can escape from endosomes/lysosomes to cytosol and tend to accumulate around the nucleus after 24 h incubation but few of them are excreted out of the cells. Gold nanorods are also stabilized by this ligand, which demonstrates robust dispersion stability and excellent hemocompatibility. This kind of multidentate zwitterionic chitosan derivative could be widely used for stabilizing other inorganic nanoparticles, which will greatly improve their performance in a variety of bio-related applications.Surface engineering of nanoparticles plays an essential role in their colloidal stability, biocompatibility and interaction with biosystems. In this study, a novel multidentate zwitterionic biopolymer derivative is obtained from conjugating dithiolane lipoic acid and zwitterionic acryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine to the chitosan oligosaccharide backbone. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) modified by this polymer exhibit remarkable colloidal stabilities under extreme conditions including high salt

  4. Free flow cell electrophoresis using zwitterionic buffer

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Rodkey, R. Scott

    1990-01-01

    Studies of a zwitterionic buffer formulated for cell electrophoresis were done using the McDonnell-Douglas Continuous Flow Electrophoresis System. Standard buffers were analyzed for their stability in the electrical field and the results showed that both buffers tested were inherently unstable. Further, titration studies showed that the standards buffers buffered poorly at the pH employed for electrophoresis. The zwitterionic buffer buffered well at its nominal pH and was shown to be stable in the electrical field. Comparative studies of the buffer with standard cell separation buffers using formalin fixed rabbit and goose red blood cells showed that the zwitterionic buffer gave better resolution of the fixed cells. Studies with viable hybridoma cells showed that buffer Q supported cell viability equal to Hank's Balanced Salt Solution and that hybridoma cells in different stages of the growth cycle demonstrated reproducible differences in electrophoretic mobility.

  5. Efficient CO2 capture by tertiary amine-functionalized ionic liquids through Li+-stabilized zwitterionic adduct formation

    PubMed Central

    Yang, Zhen-Zhen

    2014-01-01

    Summary Highly efficient CO2 absorption was realized through formation of zwitterionic adducts, combining synthetic strategies to ionic liquids (ILs) and coordination. The essence of our strategy is to make use of multidentate cation coordination between Li+ and an organic base. Also PEG-functionalized organic bases were employed to enhance the CO2-philicity. The ILs were reacted with CO2 to form the zwitterionic adduct. Coordination effects between various lithium salts and neutral ligands, as well as the CO2 capacity of the chelated ILs obtained were investigated. For example, the CO2 capacity of PEG150MeBu2N increased steadily from 0.10 to 0.66 (mol CO2 absorbed per mol of base) through the formation of zwitterionic adducts being stabilized by Li+. PMID:25246955

  6. A zwitterionic macro-crosslinker for durable non-fouling coatings.

    PubMed

    Wang, Wei; Lu, Yang; Xie, Jinbing; Zhu, Hui; Cao, Zhiqiang

    2016-03-28

    A novel zwitterionic macro-crosslinker was developed and applied to fabricate durable non-fouling coatings on a polyurethane substrate. The zwitterionic macro-crosslinker coating exhibited superior durability over the traditional brush polymer coating and was able to retain its non-fouling property even after weeks of shearing in flowing liquid.

  7. Facilitated preparation of bioconjugatable zwitterionic quantum dots using dual-lipid encapsulation.

    PubMed

    Shrake, Robert; Demillo, Violeta G; Ahmadiantehrani, Mojtaba; Zhu, Xiaoshan; Publicover, Nelson G; Hunter, Kenneth W

    2015-01-01

    Zwitterionic quantum dots prepared through incorporated zwitterionic ligands on quantum dot surfaces, are being paid significant attention in biomedical applications because of their excellent colloidal stability across a wide pH and ionic strength range, antifouling surface, good biocompatibility, etc. In this work, we report a dual-lipid encapsulation approach to prepare bioconjugatable zwitterionic quantum dots using amidosulfobetaine-16 lipids, dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine lipids with functional head groups, and CuInS2/ZnS quantum dots in a tetrahydrofuran/methanol/water solvent system with sonication. Amidosulfobetaine-16 is a zwitterionic lipid and dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine, with its functional head, provides bioconjugation capability. Under sonication, tetrahydrofuran/methanol containing amidosulfobetaine-16, dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine, and hydrophobic quantum dots are dispersed in water to form droplets. Highly water-soluble tetrahydrofuran/methanol in droplets is further displaced by water, which induces the lipid self-assembling on hydrophobic surface of quantum dots and thus forms water soluble zwitterionic quantum dots. The prepared zwitterionic quantum dots maintain colloidal stability in aqueous solutions with high salinity and over a wide pH range. They are also able to be conjugated with biomolecules for bioassay with minimal nonspecific binding. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. Controllable self-assembly of sodium caseinate with a zwitterionic vitamin-derived bolaamphiphile.

    PubMed

    Sun, Li-Hui; Sun, Yu-Long; Yang, Li-Jun; Zhang, Jian; Chen, Zhong-Xiu

    2013-11-06

    The control of self-assembly of sodium caseinate (SC) including the formation of mixed layers, microspheres, or nanoparticles is highly relevant to the microstructure of food and the design of promising drug delivery systems. In this paper, we designed a structure-switchable zwitterionic bolaamphiphile, 1,12-diaminododecanediorotate (DDO), from orotic acid, which has special binding sites and can guide the self-assembly of SC. Complexation between SC and DDO was investigated using dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and fluorescence spectra measurements. Monomeric DDO was bound to the negatively charged sites on the SC micelle and made the structure of SC more compact with decreased electrostatic repulsion between the head groups. Vesicular DDO led to reassociation of vesicles with enlarged size via preferable hydrophobic interactions. Moreover, the aggregation between SC and DDO was found to be temperature-dependent and reversible. This research provides an effective way to control the reversible self-assembly of SC by the zwitterionic vitamin-derived bolaamphiphile.

  9. Modulation of surgical fibrosis by microbial zwitterionic polysaccharides

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ruiz-Perez, Begonia; Chung, Doo R.; Sharpe, Arlene H.; Yagita, Hideo; Kalka-Moll, Wiltrud M.; Sayegh, Mohamed H.; Kasper, Dennis L.; Tzianabos, Arthur O.

    2005-11-01

    Bacterial carbohydrates have long been considered T cell-independent antigens that primarily induce humoral immune responses. Recently, it has been demonstrated that bacterial capsules that possess a zwitterionic charge motif can activate CD4+ T cells after processing and presentation by antigen-presenting cells. Here we show that these zwitterionic polysaccharides can prevent T helper 1-mediated fibrosis by signaling for the release of IL-10 from CD4+ T cells in vivo. IL-10 production by these T cells and their ability to prevent fibrosis is controlled by the inducible costimulator (ICOS)-ICOS ligand pathway. These data demonstrate that the interaction of the zwitterionic polysaccharides with T cells results in modulation of surgical fibrosis in vivo and suggest a previously undescribed approach to "harnessing" T cell function to prevent inflammatory tissue disorders in humans. IL-10 | microbial polysaccharides | inducible costimulator

  10. Structure of water at zwitterionic copolymer film-liquid water interfaces as examined by the sum frequency generation method.

    PubMed

    Kondo, Takuya; Nomura, Kouji; Gemmei-Ide, Makoto; Kitano, Hiromi; Noguchi, Hidenori; Uosaki, Kohei; Saruwatari, Yoshiyuki

    2014-01-01

    A copolymer film composed of zwitterionic carboxymethylbetaine (CMB) and n-butyl methacrylate (BMA), Poly(CMB-r-BMA), was cast on a flat plane of an octadecyltrichlorosilane (ODS)-modified fused quartz prism with a semi-cylindrical shape. CH stretching of the polymer film and O-H stretching of water at the surface of the film were examined using the sum frequency generation (SFG) technique. The C-H stretching band of the cast film, indicating a gauche defect of the film, was affected by the contact medium including dry nitrogen, water vapor-saturated nitrogen and liquid water. In contrast, the C-H stretching of an octadecyl group introduced onto the quartz prism for stable attachment of the cast film was not significantly changed by the contact medium. The O-H stretching band indicated that water molecules at the surface of the Poly(CMB-r-BMA) film in contact with liquid water were not greatly oriented in comparison with those at the surfaces of a bare prism, an ODS SAM-modified prism, and a prism covered with a PolyBMA film or a copolymer film of BMA and methacrylic acid or 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate. A similar small perturbation of the structure of water was previously observed in the vicinity of water-soluble zwitterionic polymers and zwitterionic copolymer films using Raman and attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopies, respectively. A distinct effect of charge neutralization to diminish the perturbation of the structure of interfacial water around polymer materials was suggested. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  11. Sulfobetaine as a zwitterionic mediator for 3D hydroxyapatite mineralization

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Pingsheng; Song, Jie

    2013-01-01

    Both positively and negatively charged residues play pivotal roles in recruiting precursor ions or ion clusters, and lowering interfacial energy in natural biomineralization process. Synergistic utilization of opposite charges, however, has rarely been implemented in the design of cytocompatible synthetic scaffolds promoting hydroxyapatite (HA)-mineralization and osteointegration. We report the use of cytocompatible zwitterionic sulfobetaine ligands to enable 3-dimensional in vitro mineralization of HA across covalently crosslinked hydrogels. The overall charge-neutral zwitterionic hydrogel effectively recruited oppositely charged precursor ions while overcame excessive swelling exhibited by anionic and cationic hydrogels under physiological conditions, resulting in denser and structurally well-integrated mineralized composites. Further controls over the size, content, and spatial distribution of the mineral domains within the zwitterionic hydrogel are accomplished by facile adjustments of hydrogel crosslinking densities and the supersaturation rate governing heterogeneous mineral nucleation and growth. These findings should inspire many creative uses of zwitterionic polymers and polymer coatings for skeletal tissue repair and regeneration. PMID:23332320

  12. Sulfobetaine as a zwitterionic mediator for 3D hydroxyapatite mineralization.

    PubMed

    Liu, Pingsheng; Song, Jie

    2013-03-01

    Both positively and negatively charged residues play pivotal roles in recruiting precursor ions or ion clusters, and lowering interfacial energy in natural biomineralization process. Synergistic utilization of opposite charges, however, has rarely been implemented in the design of cytocompatible synthetic scaffolds promoting hydroxyapatite (HA)-mineralization and osteointegration. We report the use of cytocompatible zwitterionic sulfobetaine ligands to enable 3-dimensional in vitro mineralization of HA across covalently crosslinked hydrogels. The overall charge-neutral zwitterionic hydrogel effectively recruited oppositely charged precursor ions while overcame excessive swelling exhibited by anionic and cationic hydrogels under physiological conditions, resulting in denser and structurally well-integrated mineralized composites. Further controls over the size, content, and spatial distribution of the mineral domains within the zwitterionic hydrogel are accomplished by facile adjustments of hydrogel crosslinking densities and the supersaturation rate governing heterogeneous mineral nucleation and growth. These findings should inspire many creative uses of zwitterionic polymers and polymer coatings for skeletal tissue repair and regeneration. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  13. Zwitterion radicals and anion radicals from electron transfer and solvent condensation with the fingerprint developing agent ninhydrin.

    PubMed

    Schertz, T D; Reiter, R C; Stevenson, C D

    2001-11-16

    Ninhydrin (the fingerprint developing agent) spontaneously dehydrates in liquid ammonia and in hexamethylphosphoramide (HMPA) to form indantrione, which has a sufficiently large solution electron affinity to extract an electron from the solvent (HMPA) to produce the indantrione anion radical. In liquid NH(3), the presence of trace amounts of amide ion causes the spontaneous formation of an anion radical condensation product, wherein the no. 2 carbon (originally a carbonyl carbon) becomes substituted with -NH(2) and -OH groups. In HMPA, the indantrione anion radical spontaneously forms condensation products with the HMPA to produce a variety of zwitterionic radicals, wherein the no. 2 carbon becomes directly attached to a nitrogen of the HMPA. The mechanisms for the formation of the zwitterionic paramagnetic condensation products are analogous to that observed in the reaction of ninhydrin with amino acids to yield Ruhemann's Purple, the contrast product in fingerprint development. The formation of anion and zwitterionic radical condensation products from ninhydrin and nitrogen-containing solvents may represent an example of a host of analogous polyketone-solvent reactions.

  14. Using temperature-responsive zwitterionic surfactant to enhance the enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocelluloses and recover cellulase by cooling.

    PubMed

    Cai, Cheng; Pang, Yuxia; Zhan, Xuejuan; Zeng, Meijun; Lou, Hongming; Qian, Yong; Yang, Dongjie; Qiu, Xueqing

    2017-11-01

    Some zwitterionic surfactants exhibit upper critical solution temperature (UCST) in aqueous solutions. For the zwitterionic surfactant solution mixed with cellulase, when its temperature is below UCST, the cellulase can be recovered by coprecipitation with zwitterionic surfactant. In this work, 3-(Hexadecyldimethylammonio) propanesulfonate (SB3-16) was selected to enhance the enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocelluloses and recover the cellulase. After adding 2mmol/L of SB3-16, the enzymatic digestibility of eucalyptus pretreated by dilute acid (Eu-DA) and by sulfite (Eu-SPORL) increased from 27.9% and 35.1% to 72.6% and 89.7%, respectively. The results showed that SB3-16 could reduce the non-productive adsorption of cellulase on hydrophobic interface, while it did not significantly inhibit the activity of cellulase. For the solution contained 1wt% SB3-16 and 200mg protein/L CTec2 cellulase, 55.2% of protein could be recovered by cooling. The filter paper activity of the recovered cellulase was 1.93FPU/mg protein, which was 95.8% of its initial activity. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  15. Bioinspired Zwitterionic Surface Coatings with Robust Photostability and Fouling Resistance.

    PubMed

    Huang, Chun-Jen; Chu, Sz-Hau; Wang, Lin-Chuan; Li, Chien-Hung; Lee, T Randall

    2015-10-28

    Great care has been paid to the biointerface between a bulk material and the biological environment, which plays a key role in the optimized performance of medical devices. In this work, we report a new superhydrophilic adsorbate, called L-cysteine betaine (Cys-b), having branched zwitterionic groups that give rise to surfaces and nanoparticles with enhanced chemical stability, biofouling resistance, and inertness to environmental changes. Cys-b was synthesized from the amphoteric sulfur-containing amino acid, L-cysteine (Cys), by quaternization of its amino group. Gold surfaces modified with Cys-b exhibited prominent repellence against the nonspecific adsorption of proteins, bacteria, and fibroblast cells. In addition, Cys-b existed in zwitterionic form over a wide pH range (i.e., pH 3.4 to 10.8), and showed excellent suppression in photoinduced oxidation on gold substrates. Furthermore, the modification of hollow Ag@Au nanoshells with Cys-b gave rise to nanoparticles with excellent colloidal stability and resistance to coordinative interaction with Cu(2+). Taken together, the unique features of Cys-b offer a new nanoscale coating for use in a wide spectrum of applications.

  16. Surface charge control for zwitterionic polymer brushes: Tailoring surface properties to antifouling applications.

    PubMed

    Guo, Shanshan; Jańczewski, Dominik; Zhu, Xiaoying; Quintana, Robert; He, Tao; Neoh, Koon Gee

    2015-08-15

    Electrostatic interactions play an important role in adhesion phenomena particularly for biomacromolecules and microorganisms. Zero charge valence of zwitterions has been claimed as the key to their antifouling properties. However, due to the differences in the relative strength of their acid and base components, zwitterionic materials may not be charge neutral in aqueous environments. Thus, their charge on surfaces should be further adjusted for a specific pH environment, e.g. physiological pH typical in biomedical applications. Surface zeta potential for thin polymeric films composed of polysulfobetaine methacrylate (pSBMA) brushes is controlled through copolymerizing zwitterionic SBMA and cationic methacryloyloxyethyltrimethyl ammonium chloride (METAC) via surface-initiated atom transfer polymerization. Surface properties including zeta potential, roughness, free energy and thickness are measured and the antifouling performance of these surfaces is assessed. The zeta potential of pSBMA brushes is -40 mV across a broad pH range. By adding 2% METAC, the zeta potential of pSBMA can be tuned to zero at physiological pH while minimally affecting other physicochemical properties including dry brush thickness, surface free energy and surface roughness. Surfaces with zero and negative zeta potential best resist fouling by bovine serum albumin, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Surfaces with zero zeta potential also reduce fouling by lysozyme more effectively than surfaces with negative and positive zeta potential. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  17. New zwitterionic monoterpene indole alkaloids from Uncaria rhynchophylla.

    PubMed

    Guo, Qiang; Yang, Hongshuai; Liu, Xinyu; Si, Xiali; Liang, Hong; Tu, Pengfei; Zhang, Qingying

    2018-01-31

    Four new zwitterionic monoterpene indole alkaloids, rhynchophyllioniums A-D (1-4), together with eight known alkaloids (5-12), were isolated from the hook-bearing stems of Uncaria rhynchophylla. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic data analysis of MS, 1D and 2D NMR, and ECD, and the zwitterionic forms and absolute configurations of 1 and 2 were unambiguously confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. All the isolates, including the monoterpene indole alkaloids with free C-22 carboxyl group and those with C-22 carboxyl methyl ester, were proved to be naturally coexisting in the herb by LC-MS analysis. This is the first report of monoterpene indole alkaloids that exist in the form of zwitterion. Additionally, the cytotoxic activities of all isolates against A549, HepG2, and MCF-7 cell lines are reported. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  18. Ionic-liquid-induced changes in the properties of aqueous zwitterionic surfactant solution: solvent and rotational relaxation studies.

    PubMed

    Rao, Vishal Govind; Ghatak, Chiranjib; Ghosh, Surajit; Mandal, Sarthak; Sarkar, Nilmoni

    2012-03-29

    In the recent past, the chameleon-like nature of zwitterionic micelles has been utilized for performing electrophilic, nucleophilic, base, and acid catalyzed reactions. But the use of simple salts to induce the zwitterionic character limits the variation to inorganic cations and anions only. To overcome this problem, we have used room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs), which can be tailored according to need. More precisely, we have shown the effect of added RTILs on the nature of water molecules in the palisade layer of a zwitterionic (N-hexadecyl-N,N-dimethylammonio-1-propanesulfonate (SB-16)) micelle using solvation and rotational relaxation studies of C-153 dye. We have carried out a comparative study of changes in the solvent and rotational relaxation parameters of C-153 in an aqueous solution of SB-16 upon addition of three different ionic liquids (ILs): 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ethyl sulfate [C(2)mim][C(2)SO(4)], 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium n-butyl sulfate [C(2)mim][C(4)SO(4)], and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium n-hexyl sulfate [C(2)mim][C(6)SO(4)]. It has been observed that in the presence of added RTILs the solvation dynamics become faster and the change in solvation dynamics is more pronounced in the case of [C(2)mim][C(6)SO(4)] compared to that for [C(2)mim][C(4)SO(4)] and [C(2)mim][C(2)SO(4)]. This can be accounted for by considering the increased water penetration (increased microfluidity) with the addition of ILs. In accordance with solvation dynamics results, fluorescence anisotropy studies also indicate an increase in microfluidity of the palisade layer of the SB-16 micelle with the added RTILs. The average rotational relaxation time in 28 mM SB-16 was found to be 1.12 ns. With the addition of 800 mM [C(2)mim][C(2)SO(4)], the average rotational relaxation time remains the same (1.12 ns), whereas with the addition of 800 mM [C(2)mim][C(6)SO(4)] it decreases to 0.40 ns. This observation is in agreement with our earlier report on the microfluidity of

  19. Surface zwitterionization: Effective method for preventing oral bacterial biofilm formation on hydroxyapatite surfaces

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lee, Myoungjin; Kim, Heejin; Seo, Jiae; Kang, Minji; Kang, Sunah; Jang, Joomyung; Lee, Yan; Seo, Ji-Hun

    2018-01-01

    In this study, we conducted surface zwitterionization of hydroxyapatite (HA) surfaces by immersing them in the zwitterionic polymer solutions to provide anti-bacterial properties to the HA surface. Three different monomers containing various zwitterionic groups, i.e., phosphorylcholine (PC), sulfobetaine (SB), and carboxybetaine (CB), were copolymerized with the methacrylic monomer containing a Ca2+-binding moiety, using the free radical polymerization method. As a control, functionalization of the copolymer containing the Ca2+-binding moiety was synthesized using a hydroxy group. The stable immobilization of the zwitterionic functional groups was confirmed by water contact angle analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurement conducted after the sonication process. The zwitterionized HA surface showed significantly decreased protein adsorption, whereas the hydroxyl group-coated HA surface showed limited efficacy. The anti-bacterial adhesion property was confirmed by conducting Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) adhesion tests for 6 h and 24 h. When furanone C-30, a representative anti-quorum sensing molecule for S. mutans, was used, only a small amount of bacteria adhered after 6 h and the population did not increase after 24 h. In contrast, zwitterionized HA surfaces showed almost no bacterial adhesion after 6 h and the effect was retained for 24 h, resulting in the lowest level of oral bacterial adhesion. These results confirm that surface zwitterionization is a promising method to effectively prevent oral bacterial adhesion on HA-based materials.

  20. Molecular level studies on interfacial hydration of zwitterionic and other antifouling polymers in situ.

    PubMed

    Leng, Chuan; Sun, Shuwen; Zhang, Kexin; Jiang, Shaoyi; Chen, Zhan

    2016-08-01

    Antifouling polymers have wide applications in biomedical engineering and marine industry. Recently, zwitterionic materials have been reported as promising candidates for antifouling applications, while strong hydration is believed to be the key antifouling mechanism. Zwitterionic materials can be designed with various molecular structures, which affect their hydration and antifouling performance. Although strong hydration has been proposed to occur at the material surfaces, probing the solid material/water interfaces is challenging with traditional analytical techniques. Here in this review, we will review our studies on surface hydration of zwitterionic materials and other antifouling materials by using sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy, which provides molecular understanding of the water structures at various material surfaces. The materials studied include zwitterionic polymer brushes with different molecular structures, amphiphilic polymers with zwitterionic groups, uncharged hydrophilic polymer brushes, amphiphilic polypeptoids, and widely used antifouling material poly(ethylene glycol). We will compare the differences among zwitterionic materials with various molecular structures as well as the differences between antifouling materials and fouling surfaces of control samples. We will also discuss the effects of pH and biological molecules like proteins on the surface hydration of the zwitterionic materials. Using SFG spectroscopy, we have measured the hydration layers of antifouling materials and found that strong hydrogen bonds are key to the formation of strong hydration layers preventing protein fouling at the polymer interfaces. Antifouling polymers have wide applications in biomedical engineering and marine industry. Recently, zwitterionic materials have been reported as promising candidates for antifouling applications, while strong hydration is believed to be the key antifouling mechanism. However, zwitterionic materials can be

  1. An innovative monolithic zwitterionic stationary phase for the separation of phenolic acids in coffee bean extracts by capillary electrochromatography.

    PubMed

    Murauer, Adele; Bakry, Rania; Schottenberger, Herwig; Huck, Christian; Ganzera, Markus

    2017-04-22

    A methacrylate based monolith, containing the innovative zwitterionic monomer (3-allyl-1-imidazol)propane sulfonate, was prepared in 100 μm I.D. silica capillaries by UV initiated photo-polymerization. Composition of the porogen, i.e. a mixture of 1-propanol, 1,4 butanediol and water, was of great importance to obtain a homogeneous monolith with satisfactory permeability and good electrochromatographic performance. Morphology of the stationary phase was studied in Scanning Electron Microscopy and IR experiments, which revealed a good attachment to the capillary wall, flowthrough-pores in the range of 0.5-2 μm, and a continuous monolithic structure. The developed material was well suited for the analysis of six common phenolic acids (salicylic, cinnamic, syringic, rosmarinic, caffeic and chlorogenic acid) by CEC. Their separation was possible in less than 8 min with a mobile phase comprising a 12 mM aqueous ammonium acetate solution with pH 8.5 and acetonitrile, at an applied voltage of - 20 kV. The developed method was validated (R 2  ≥ 0.995; LOD ≤ 3.9 μg mL -1 , except for salicylic acid; recovery rates from 94 to 104%) and successfully used for the determination of phenolic acids in Coffea arabica samples. All of them contained cinnamic, syringic and caffeic acid, however only in unroasted coffee beans chlorogenic acid (0.06%) was found. The quantitative results were in good agreement to reported literature data. Copyright © 2017 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. Zwitterionic chiral stationary phases based on cinchona and chiral sulfonic acids for the direct stereoselective separation of amino acids and other amphoteric compounds.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Tong; Holder, Emilie; Franco, Pilar; Lindner, Wolfgang

    2014-06-01

    An extensive series of free amino acids and analogs were directly resolved into enantiomers (and stereoisomers where appropriate) by HPLC on zwitterionic chiral stationary phases (Chiralpak ZWIX(+) and Chiralpak ZWIX(-)). The interaction and chiral recognition mechanisms were based on the synergistic double ion-paring process between the analyte and the chiral selectors. The chiral separation and elution order were found to be predictable for primary α-amino acids with apolar aliphatic side chains. A systematic investigation was undertaken to gain an insight into the influence of the structural features on the enantiorecognition. The presence of polar and/or aromatic groups in the analyte structure is believed to tune the double ion-paring equilibrium by the involvement of the secondary interaction forces such as hydrogen bonding, Van der Waals forces and π-π stacking in concert with steric parameters. The ZWIX chiral columns were able to separate enantiomers and stereoisomers of various amphoteric compounds with no need for precolumn derivatization. Column switching between ZWIX(+) and ZWIX(-) is believed to be an instrumental tool to reverse or control the enantiomers elution order, due to the complementarity of the applied chiral selectors. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  3. Hollow Fiber Membrane Modification with Functional Zwitterionic Macromolecules for Improved Thromboresistance in Artificial Lungs

    PubMed Central

    Ye, Sang-Ho; Arazawa, David T.; Zhu, Yang; Shankarraman, Venkat; Malkin, Alexander D.; Kimmel, Jeremy D.; Gamble, Lara J.; Ishihara, Kazuhiko; Federspiel, William J.; Wagner, William R.

    2015-01-01

    Respiratory assist devices seek optimized performance in terms of gas transfer efficiency and thromboresistance to minimize device size and reduce complications associated with inadequate blood biocompatibility. The exchange of gas with blood occurs at the surface of the hollow fiber membranes (HFMs) used in these devices. In this study, three zwitterionic macromolecules were attached to HFM surfaces to putatively improve thromboresistance: (1) carboxyl-functionalized zwitterionic phosphorylcholine (PC) and (2) sulfobetaine (SB) macromolecules (mPC or mSB-COOH) prepared by a simple thiol-ene radical polymerization and (3) a low-molecular weight sulfobetaine (SB)-co-methacrylic acid (MA) block copolymer (SBMAb-COOH) prepared by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Each macromolecule type was covalently immobilized on an aminated commercial HFM (Celg-A) by a condensation reaction, and HFM surface composition changes were analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Thrombotic deposition on the HFMs was investigated after contact with ovine blood in vitro. The removal of CO2 by the HFMs was also evaluated using a model respiratory assistance device. The HFMs conjugated with zwitterionic macromolecules (Celg-mPC, Celg-mSB, and Celg-SBMAb) showed expected increases in phosphorus or sulfur surface content. Celg-mPC and Celg-SBMAb experienced rates of platelet deposition significantly lower than those of unmodified (Celg-A, >95% reduction) and heparin-coated (>88% reduction) control HFMs. Smaller reductions were seen with Celg-mSB. The CO2 removal rate for Celg-SBMAb HFMs remained comparable to that of Celg-A. In contrast, the rate of removal of CO2 for heparin-coated HFMs was significantly reduced. The results demonstrate a promising approach to modifying HFMs using zwitterionic macromolecules for artificial lung devices with improved thromboresistance without degradation of gas transfer. PMID:25669307

  4. Molecular design of high performance zwitterionic liquids for enhanced heavy-oil recovery processes.

    PubMed

    Martínez-Magadán, J M; Cartas-Rosado, A R; Oviedo-Roa, R; Cisneros-Dévora, R; Pons-Jiménez, M; Hernández-Altamirano, R; Zamudio-Rivera, L S

    2018-03-01

    Branched gemini zwitterionic liquids, which contain two zwitterionic moieties of linked quaternary-ammonium and carboxylate groups, are proposed as chemicals to be applied in the Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) from fractured carbonate reservoirs. The zwitterionic moieties are bridged between them through an alkyl chain containing 12 ether groups, and each zwitterionic moiety has attached a long alkyl tail including a CC double bond. A theoretical molecular mechanism over which EOR could rest, consisting on both the disaggregation of heavy oil and the reservoir-rock wettability alteration, was suggested. Results show that chemicals can both reduce the viscosity and remove heavy-oil molecules from the rock surface. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  5. Novel sulfonated polyimide/zwitterionic polymer-functionalized graphene oxide hybrid membranes for vanadium redox flow battery

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cao, Li; Kong, Lei; Kong, Lingqian; Zhang, Xingxiang; Shi, Haifeng

    2015-12-01

    Hybrid membranes (SPI/ZGO) composed of sulfonated polyimide (SPI) and zwitterionic polymer-functionalized graphene oxide (ZGO) are fabricated via a solution-casting method for vanadium redox flow battery (VRB). Successful preparation of ZGO fillers and SPI/ZGO hybrid membranes are demonstrated by FT-IR, XPS and SEM, indicating that ZGO fillers is homogeneously dispersed into SPI matrix. Through controlling the interfacial interaction between SPI matrix and ZGO fillers, the physicochemical properties, e.g., vanadium ion barrier and proton transport pathway, of hybrid membranes are tuned via the zwitterionic acid-base interaction in the hybrid membrane, showing a high ion selectivity and good stability with the incorporated ZGO fillers. SPI/ZGO-4 hybrid membrane proves a higher cell efficiencies (CE: 92-98%, EE: 65-79%) than commercial Nafion 117 membrane (CE: 89-94%, EE: 59-70%) for VRB application at 30-80 mA cm-2. The assembled VRB with SPI/ZGO-4 membrane presents a stable cycling charge-discharge performance over 280 times, which demonstrates its excellent chemical stability under the strong acidic and oxidizing conditions. SPI/ZGO hybrid membranes show a brilliant perspective for VRB application.

  6. Zwitteration: Coating Surfaces with Zwitterionic Functionality to Reduce Nonspecific Adsorption

    PubMed Central

    2015-01-01

    Coating surfaces with thin or thick films of zwitterionic material is an effective way to reduce or eliminate nonspecific adsorption to the solid/liquid interface. This review tracks the various approaches to zwitteration, such as monolayer assemblies and polymeric brush coatings, on micro- to macroscopic surfaces. A critical summary of the mechanisms responsible for antifouling shows how zwitterions are ideally suited to this task. PMID:24754399

  7. A zwitterionic gel electrolyte for efficient solid-state supercapacitors

    PubMed Central

    Peng, Xu; Liu, Huili; Yin, Qin; Wu, Junchi; Chen, Pengzuo; Zhang, Guangzhao; Liu, Guangming; Wu, Changzheng; Xie, Yi

    2016-01-01

    Gel electrolytes have attracted increasing attention for solid-state supercapacitors. An ideal gel electrolyte usually requires a combination of advantages of high ion migration rate, reasonable mechanical strength and robust water retention ability at the solid state for ensuring excellent work durability. Here we report a zwitterionic gel electrolyte that successfully brings the synergic advantages of robust water retention ability and ion migration channels, manifesting in superior electrochemical performance. When applying the zwitterionic gel electrolyte, our graphene-based solid-state supercapacitor reaches a volume capacitance of 300.8 F cm−3 at 0.8 A cm−3 with a rate capacity of only 14.9% capacitance loss as the current density increases from 0.8 to 20 A cm−3, representing the best value among the previously reported graphene-based solid-state supercapacitors, to the best of our knowledge. We anticipate that zwitterionic gel electrolyte may be developed as a gel electrolyte in solid-state supercapacitors. PMID:27225484

  8. Zwitterionic Group VIII transition metal initiators supported by olefin ligands

    DOEpatents

    Bazan, Guillermo C [Goleta, CA; Chen, Yaofeng [Shanghai, CN

    2011-10-25

    A zwitterionic Group VIII transition metal complex containing the simple and relatively small 3-(arylimino)-but-1-en-2-olato ligand that catalyzes the formation of polypropylene and high molecular weight polyethylene. A novel feature of this catalyst is that the active species is stabilized by a chelated olefin adduct. The present invention also provides methods of polymerizing olefin monomers using zwitterionic catalysts, particularly polypropylene and high molecular weight polyethylene.

  9. Development of zwitterionic chromophores for electro-optic applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xiong, Ying

    In order to unlock the full potential of the zwitterionic NLO chromophores for electro-optic (EO) applications, a new series of PeQDM chromophores with large first hyperpolarizabilities (beta0 ˜ 600 x 10-30 esu) have been designed and synthesized. A large EO coefficient (r33) of 110 pm/V at 1550 nm has been realized with a 5 wt% (corresponding to 3.8 wt% core content) chromophore doped polymer. The EO study of guest-host polymers reveals that dipolar dye aggregation in a less polar medium is responsible for a low chromophore loading and low EO activity. Modification of NLO chromophore by attaching large dendrons can effectively increase the chromophore loading in a host and improve the poling efficiency. Crosslinkable NLO polymers have also been prepared to improve the temporal stability of the poled noncentrosymmetric order. The following are some important highlights from this thesis work. (1) A series of thermally stable zwitterionic chromophores (PeQDM) with large first hyperpolarizabilities (beta up to -1797 x 10-30 esu) are synthesized in good yields (˜ 50%). The charge-separated ground state is evident by a negative solvatochromism. X-ray crystallographic data further confirms the zwitterionic nature and demonstrates a face-to-face anti-parallel H-aggregation of two monomers due to strong electrostatic interactions between the dipoles. (2) PeQDM chromophores are also NIR fluorescent (lambdaPL ˜ 840-870 nm in solution) and labile to acid, making them potential candidates for NIR pH sensor applications. (3) The hydroxyl-containing PeQDM chromophores are modified with ES-dendron, which exhibit good solubility in solvents and polymers. Self-forming films can be prepared by direct casting or spin-coating of two dendrons modified chromophores (ES-PeQDM-2 and ES-PeQDM-3), in which the chromophore core contents reach 14.9 and 16.9 wt%, respectively. Compared to ES-PeQDM-2 with two dendrons only at the donor part (r33 = 0 pm/V), ES-PeQDM-3 with the bulky ES

  10. Crystal Structure and Antitumor Activity of the Novel Zwitterionic Complex of tri-n-Butyltin(IV) with 2-Thiobarbituric Acid

    PubMed Central

    Balas, Vasilios I.; Hadjikakou, Sotiris K.; Hadjiliadis, Nick; Kourkoumelis, Nikolaos; Light, Mark E.; Hursthouse, Mike; Metsios, Apostolos K.; Karkabounas, Spyros

    2008-01-01

    A novel tri-n-butyl(IV) derivative of 2-thiobarbituric acid (HTBA) of formula [(n-Bu)3Sn(TBA) H2O] (1) has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis and 119Sn-NMR and FT-IR spectroscopic techniques. The crystal structure of complex 1 has been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis at 120(2) K. The geometry around Sn(IV) is trigonal bipyramidal. Three n-butyl groups and one oxygen atom from a deprotonated 2-thiobarbituric ligand are bonded to the metal center. The geometry is completed with one oxygen from a water molecule. Compound 1 exhibits potent, in vitro, cytotoxicity against sarcoma cancer cells (mesenchymal tissue) from the Wistar rat, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH, benzo[a]pyrene) carcinogenesis. In addition, the inhibition caused by 1, in the rate of lipoxygenase (LOX) catalyzed oxidation reaction of linoleic acid to hyperoxolinoleic acid, has been also kinetically and theoretically studied. The results are compared to that of cisplatin. PMID:18401456

  11. Universal Coatings Based on Zwitterionic-Dopamine Copolymer Microgels.

    PubMed

    Vatankhah-Varnosfaderani, Mohammad; Hu, Xiaobo; Li, Qiaoxi; Adelnia, Hossein; Ina, Maria; Sheiko, Sergei S

    2018-06-05

    Multifunctional coatings that adhere to chemically distinct substrates are vital in many industries, including automotive, aerospace, shipbuilding, construction, petrochemical, biomedical, and pharmaceutical. We design well-defined, nearly monodisperse microgels that integrate hydrophobic dopamine methacrylamide monomers and hydrophilic zwitterionic monomers. The dopamine functionalities operate as both intraparticle cross-linkers and interfacial binders, respectively providing mechanical strength of the coatings and their strong adhesion to different substrates. In tandem, the zwitterionic moieties enable surface hydration to empower antifouling and antifogging properties. Drop-casting of microgel suspensions in ambient as well as humid environments facilitates rapid film formation and tunable roughness through regulation of cross-linking density and deposition conditions.

  12. Simultaneous separation of inorganic anions and metal-citrate complexes on a zwitterionic stationary phase with on-column complexation.

    PubMed

    Nesterenko, Ekaterina P; Nesterenko, Pavel N; Paull, Brett

    2008-12-05

    The retention and separation selectivity of inorganic anions and on-column derivatised negatively charged citrate or oxalate metal complexes on reversed-phase stationary phases dynamically coated with N-(dodecyl-N,N-dimethylammonio)undecanoate (DDMAU) has been investigated. The retention mechanism for the metal-citrate complexes was predominantly anion exchange, although the amphoteric/zwitterionic nature of the stationary phase coating undoubtedly also contributed to the unusual separation selectivity shown. A mixture of 10 inorganic anions and metal cations was achieved using a 20 cm monolithic DDMAU modified column and a 1 mM citrate eluent, pH 4.0, flow rate equal to 0.8 mL/min. Selectivity was found to be strongly pH dependent, allowing additional scope for manipulation of solute retention, and thus application to complex samples. This is illustrated with the analysis of an acidic mine drainage sample with a range of inorganic anions and transition metal cations, varying significantly in their concentrations levels.

  13. Imaging the Drosophila retina: zwitterionic buffers PIPES and HEPES induce morphological artifacts in tissue fixation.

    PubMed

    Nie, Jing; Mahato, Simpla; Zelhof, Andrew C

    2015-02-03

    Tissue fixation is crucial for preserving the morphology of biological structures and cytological details to prevent postmortem degradation and autolysis. Improper fixation conditions could lead to artifacts and thus incorrect conclusions in immunofluorescence or histology experiments. To resolve reported structural anomalies with respect to Drosophila photoreceptor cell organization we developed and utilized a combination of live imaging and fixed samples to investigate the exact biogenesis and to identify the underlying source for the reported discrepancies in structure. We found that piperazine-N,N'-bis(ethanesulfonic acid) (PIPES) and 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid (HEPES), two zwitterionic buffers commonly used in tissue fixation, can cause severe lumen and cell morphological defects in Drosophila pupal and adult retina; the inter-rhabdomeral lumen becomes dilated and the photoreceptor cells are significantly reduced in size. Correspondingly, the localization pattern of Eyes shut (EYS), a luminal protein, is severely altered. In contrast, tissues fixed in the phosphate buffered saline (PBS) buffer results in lumen and cell morphologies that are consistent with live imaging. We suggest that PIPES and HEPES buffers should be utilized with caution for fixation when examining the interplay between cells and their extracellular environment, especially in Drosophila pupal and adult retina research.

  14. XPS/NEXAFS spectroscopic and conductance studies of glycine on AlGaN/GaN transistor devices

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Myers, Matthew; Khir, Farah Liyana Muhammad; Home, Michael A.; Mennell, Christopher; Gillbanks, Jeremy; Tadich, Anton; Baker, Murray V.; Nener, Brett D.; Parish, Giacinta

    2018-03-01

    We report on a study using a combination of XPS/NEXAFS and conductivity measurements to develop a fundamental understanding of how dipolar molecules interact with the heterostructure device surface and affect the device conductivity of AlGaN/GaN heterostructure-based transistors. In such structures, which are increasingly being investigated for chemical and biological sensing, a 2-dimensional electron gas spontaneously forms at the layer interface that is sensitive to the charge characteristics of the exposed surface. Glycine, chosen for this study because it is the simplest of the amino acids and is known to form a zwitterionic configuration when stabilized through intermolecular interactions, was evaporated under ultra-high vacuum conditions onto the device surface and subsequently both XPS/NEXAFS and conductivity measurements were conducted. NEXAFS spectra show a preferential orientation for the Glycine molecules on the surface and evidence for both neutral and zwitterionic species on the surface. In situ conductivity measurements suggest that the negatively charged carboxylate group is closest to the surface. These results are a unique and pivotal contribution to the previous and at times conflicting literature on the zwitterionic nature of Glycine.

  15. Crystal engineering of a zwitterionic drug to neutral cocrystals: a general solution for floxacins.

    PubMed

    Gunnam, Anilkumar; Suresh, Kuthuru; Ganduri, Ramesh; Nangia, Ashwini

    2016-10-18

    The transformation of zwitterionic Sparfloxacin (SPX) to the neutral form is achieved by cocrystallization. Neutral forms of drugs are important for higher membrane permeability, while zwitterions are more soluble in water. The twin advantages of higher solubility/dissolution rate and good stability of neutral SPX are achieved in a molecular cocrystal compared to its zwitterionic SPX hydrate. The amine-phenol supramolecular synthon drives cocrystal formation, with the paraben ester acting as a "proton migrator" for the ionic to neutral transformation.

  16. Microscopic insight into the DNA condensation process of a zwitterion-functionalized polycation.

    PubMed

    Sun, Hui; Zhou, Li; Chen, Xiaolu; Han, Xia; Wang, Rui; Liu, Honglai

    2016-11-01

    Zwitterion-functionalized polycations are ideal gene carriers with long circulation, high cellular uptaking and low cell viability. However, the trade-off between the DNA condensation efficiency and the cell viability must be addressed. The purpose of this study is to provide a microscopic insight into the DNA condensation process and to explore the effect of a zwitterionic block of zwitterion-functionalized polycation, which is of great significance in designing novel gene delivery systems. Poly[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate-b-(sulfobetaine methacrylate)] (PDMAEMA-b-PSBMA) copolymers were synthesized and used as the model systems. Different from the conventional concept that the PSBMA zwitterionic block act only as the "stealthy" groups, the subtle differences in physical and colloidal characteristics between the polycation/DNA polyplexes show that the PSBMA segment is capable of wrapping DNA attributed to the quaternary ammonium cations, without compromising the DNA condensation capability. On the other hand, the incorporation of PSBMA block reduces the surface charge of the polyplexes, which substantially result in the inefficient transfection and the reduced cytotoxicity. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  17. Zwitterion mediator/quenchers. Coulombic minimization of the back-reaction in photocatalysis

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Brugger, P.A.; Graetzel, M.; Guarr, T.

    1982-03-18

    Zwitterionic analogues of methyl viologen, N,N'-bis(carboxyethyl)-4,4'-bipyridyl (CEB), and N,N'-bis(sulfonatopropyl)-4,4'-bipyridyl (SPB) have been studied as electron-transfer quenchers of excited-state photocatalysts. The molecules are formally neutral when oxidized but become negatively charged when reduced. This charge buildup minimizes undesirable back-recombination of the photogenerated redox products. This Coulombic effect is demonstrated both by direct flash photolysis measurements of back-recombination and by catalytic studies of water reduction. Results are compared for the zwitterion quenchers and methyl viologen, reacting with soluble anionic porphyrins and with micelle-associated reactants. For the anionic porphyrin system zinc tetrakis (sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin(4-) the rates of back-recombination are as follows: ZnTSPP/sup 3 -/more » + MV/sup +/...-->.. ZnTSPP/sup 4 -/ + MV/sup 2 +/ (k), k = 2 x 10/sup 9/M/sup -1/s/sup -1/; ZnTSPP/sup 3 -/ + CEB/sup -/. ..-->.. ZnTSPP/sup 4 -/ + CEB +- (k), k = 6 x 10/sup 8/ M/sup -1/ s/sup -1/. In a corresponding catalytic system incorporating ZnTPPS as the photoacceptor, CEB or methyl viologen as the quencher, and N-phenylglycine as the electron donor, a >2-fold enhancement of catalysis is observed by replacing MV/sup 2 +/ with CEB. These events can be greatly accentuated by increasing the charge on the components, via micellar localization. Thus, by using an amphiphilic derivative of Ru(bpy)/sub 3//sup 2 +/ as photoactive donor solubilized in anionic micelles and SPB as electron acceptor, one can achieve 200-fold reduction in the rate of the back-reaction.« less

  18. Diester-containing Zwitterionic Gemini Surfactants with Different Spacer and Its Impact on Micellization Properties and Viscosity of Aqueous Micellar Solution.

    PubMed

    Patil, Sachin Vasant; Patil, Sanyukta Arun; Pratap, Amit Prabhakar

    2016-09-01

    A series of diester containing zwitterionic gemini surfactants, N,N-dimethyl-N-alkyl-2-[[hydroxy (alkoxy) phosphinyl]oxy]-alkylammonium designated as C8(-)-S-Cn(+), S = 2 and 3, n = 12, 14 and 16, were synthesized and characterized by instrumental techniques namely FT-IR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, (31)P NMR and Mass spectral studies. These new gemini surfactants further investigated for their various surfactant properties. The critical micelle concentration (cmc) and the effectiveness of surface tension reduction (Πcmc) were determined as a function of surfactant concentration by means of surface tension measurement. Micellization and viscosity properties were investigated by surface tension, electrical conductivity, dye micellization and rheology techniques. The findings of the aqueous surfactant system obtained were impacted by polarity, size and the nature of zwitterions as the surface. The thermodynamic and viscosity properties of these surfactants found to be based on the structures of gemini surfactants.

  19. Investigation of the photophysical and photochemical properties of peripherally tetra-substituted water-soluble zwitterionic and cationic zinc(ii) phthalocyanines.

    PubMed

    Çolak, Senem; Durmuş, Mahmut; Yıldız, Salih Zeki

    2016-06-21

    In this study, 4-{4-[N-((3-dimethylamino)propyl)amide]phenoxy}phthalonitrile () and its zinc(ii) phthalocyanine derivative () were synthesized for the first time. 4-(N-((3-Dimethylamino)propyl)amide)phenoxy substituted zinc(ii) phthalocyanine () was converted to its water-soluble sulfobetaine (), betaine () and N-oxide () containing zwitterionic and quaternized cationic () derivatives. All newly synthesized compounds () were characterized by the combination of UV-vis, FT-IR, (1)H NMR, mass spectroscopy techniques and elemental analysis. The photophysical (fluorescence quantum yields and lifetimes) and photochemical (singlet oxygen quantum yields) properties were investigated in DMSO for all the synthesized zinc(ii) phthalocyanines () and in both DMSO and aqueous solutions for zwitterionic and cationic phthalocyanines () for the specification of their capability as photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy (PDT). The binding behavior of water soluble phthalocyanines () to the bovine serum albumin protein was also examined for the determination of their transportation ability in the blood stream.

  20. Efficient and Tunable Three-Dimensional Functionalization of Fully Zwitterionic Antifouling Surface Coatings.

    PubMed

    Lange, Stefanie C; van Andel, Esther; Smulders, Maarten M J; Zuilhof, Han

    2016-10-11

    To enhance the sensitivity and selectivity of surface-based (bio)sensors, it is of crucial importance to diminish background signals that arise from the nonspecific binding of biomolecules, so-called biofouling. Zwitterionic polymer brushes have been shown to be excellent antifouling materials. However, for sensing purposes, antifouling does not suffice but needs to be combined with the possibility to efficiently modify the brush with recognition units. So far this has been achieved only at the expense of either antifouling properties or binding capacity. Herein we present a conceptually new approach by integrating both characteristics into a single tailor-made monomer: a novel sulfobetaine-based zwitterionic monomer equipped with a clickable azide moiety. Copolymerization of this monomer with a well-established standard sulfobetaine monomer results in highly antifouling surface coatings with a large yet tunable number of clickable groups present throughout the entire brush. Subsequent functionalization of the azido brushes via widely used strain-promoted alkyne azide click reactions yields fully zwitterionic 3D-functionalized coatings with a recognition unit of choice that can be tailored for any specific application. Here we show a proof of principle with biotin-functionalized brushes on Si 3 N 4 that combine excellent antifouling properties with specific avidin binding from a protein mixture. The signal-to-noise ratio is significantly improved over that of traditional chain-end modification of sulfobetaine polymer brushes, even if the azide content is lowered to 1%. This therefore offers a viable approach to the development of biosensors with greatly enhanced performance on any surface.

  1. A novel approach for synthesis of zwitterionic polyurethane coating with protein resistance.

    PubMed

    Wang, Chunhua; Ma, Chunfeng; Mu, Changdao; Lin, Wei

    2014-11-04

    We have developed a novel approach to introduce zwitterions into polyurethane for the preparation of antibiofouling coating. First, the thiol-ene click reaction between 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) and 3-mercapto-1,2-propanediol (TPG) is used to synthesize dihydroxy-terminated DMAEMA (DMA(OH)2) under UV catalysis. The product has been proved by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FT-IR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)H NMR), and high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). DMA(OH)2 is then incorporated into polyurethane as side groups by polyaddition with diisocyanate and further reacts with 1,3-propane sultone to obtain the zwitterionic polyurethanes. The presence of sulfobetaine zwitterions side groups has been demonstrated by FT-IR and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Thermal analysis indicates that the thermal stability is decreased with the increasing content of zwitterionions. The antibiofouling property of polyurethanes has been investigated by the measurement of adsorption of fibrinogen, bovine serum albumin (BSA), and lysozyme on the polyurethanes surface using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D). The results show that the polyurethane coatings exhibit effective nonspecific protein resistance at higher content of zwitterionic side groups.

  2. Stabilization of the predominant disease-causing aldolase variant (A149P) with zwitterionic osmolytes.

    PubMed

    Stopa, Jack D; Chandani, Sushil; Tolan, Dean R

    2011-02-08

    Hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI) is a disease of carbohydrate metabolism that can result in hyperuricemia, hypoglycemia, liver and kidney failure, coma, and death. Currently, the only treatment for HFI is a strict fructose-free diet. HFI arises from aldolase B deficiency, and the most predominant HFI mutation is an alanine to proline substitution at position 149 (A149P). The resulting aldolase B with the A149P substitution (AP-aldolase) has activity that is <100-fold that of the wild type. The X-ray crystal structure of AP-aldolase at both 4 and 18 °C reveals disordered adjacent loops of the (α/β)(8) fold centered around the substitution, which leads to a dimeric structure as opposed to the wild-type tetramer. The effects of osmolytes were tested for restoration of structure and function. An initial screen of osmolytes (glycerol, sucrose, polyethylene glycol, 2,4-methylpentanediol, glutamic acid, arginine, glycine, proline, betaine, sarcosine, and trimethylamine N-oxide) reveals that glycine, along with similarly structured compounds, betaine and sarcosine, protects AP-aldolase structure and activity from thermal inactivation. The concentration and functional moieties required for thermal protection show a zwitterion requirement. The effects of osmolytes in restoring structure and function of AP-aldolase are described. Testing of zwitterionic osmolytes of increasing size and decreasing fractional polar surface area suggests that osmolyte-mediated AP-aldolase stabilization occurs neither primarily through excluded volume effects nor through transfer free energy effects. These data suggest that AP-aldolase is stabilized by binding to the native structure, and they provide a foundation for developing stabilizing compounds for potential therapeutics for HFI.

  3. Anti-Fouling Double-Skinned Forward Osmosis Membrane with Zwitterionic Brush for Oily Wastewater Treatment.

    PubMed

    Ong, Chi Siang; Al-Anzi, Bader; Lau, Woei Jye; Goh, Pei Sean; Lai, Gwo Sung; Ismail, Ahmad Fauzi; Ong, Yue Seong

    2017-07-31

    Despite its attractive features for energy saving separation, the performance of forward osmosis (FO) has been restricted by internal concentration polarization and fast fouling propensity that occur in the membrane sublayer. These problems have significantly affected the membrane performance when treating highly contaminated oily wastewater. In this study, a novel double-skinned FO membrane with excellent anti-fouling properties has been developed for emulsified oil-water treatment. The double-skinned FO membrane comprises a fully porous sublayer sandwiched between a highly dense polyamide (PA) layer for salt rejection and a fairly loose dense bottom zwitterionic layer for emulsified oil particle removal. The top dense PA layer was synthesized via interfacial polymerization meanwhile the bottom layer was made up of a zwitterionic polyelectrolyte brush - (poly(3-(N-2-methacryloxyethyl-N,N-dimethyl) ammonatopropanesultone), abbreviated as PMAPS layer. The resultant double-skinned membrane exhibited a high water flux of 13.7 ± 0.3 L/m 2 .h and reverse salt transport of 1.6 ± 0.2 g/m 2 .h under FO mode using 2 M NaCl as the draw solution and emulsified oily solution as the feed. The double-skinned membrane outperforms the single-skinned membrane with much lower fouling propensity for emulsified oil-water separation.

  4. Electrophoretic separations in poly(dimethylsiloxane) microchips using a mixture of ionic and zwitterionic surfactants

    PubMed Central

    Guan, Qian; Noblitt, Scott D.; Henry, Charles S.

    2012-01-01

    The use of mixtures of ionic and zwitterionic surfactants in poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) microchips is reported. The effect of surfactant concentration on EOF was studied for a single anionic surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulfate, SDS), a single zwitterionic surfactant (N-tetradecylammonium-N,N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate, TDAPS), and a mixed SDS/TDAPS surfactant system. SDS increased the EOF as reported previously while TDAPS showed an initial increase in EOF followed by a reduction at higher concentrations. When TDAPS was added to a solution containing SDS, the EOF decreased in a concentration dependent manner. The EOF for all three surfactant systems followed expected pH trends, with increasing EOF at higher pH. The mixed surfactant system allowed tuning of the EOF across a range of pH and concentration conditions. After establishing the EOF behavior, the adsorption/desorption kinetics were measured and showed a slower adsorption/desorption rate for TDAPS than SDS. Finally, the separation and electrochemical detection of model catecholamines in buffer and reduced glutathione (GSH) in red blood cell lysate using the mixed surfactant system were explored. The mixed surfactant system provided shorter analysis times and/or improved resolution when compared to the single surfactant systems. PMID:22222982

  5. Catalytic copolymerization of CO and ethylene with a charge neutral palladium(II) zwitterion.

    PubMed

    Lu, Connie C; Peters, Jonas C

    2002-05-15

    The synthesis of a zwitterionic Pd(II) complex supported by an anionic bis(phosphino)borate ligand, Ph(2)B(CH(2)PPh(2))(2) (abbreviated as [Ph(2)BP(2)]), is reported. The new complex, [Ph(2)BP(2)]PdMe(THF), is active for CO and ethylene copolymerization. The copolymerization activity and polyketone molecular weight for the neutral, zwitterionic system are compared with those for the cationic systems [R(2)E(CH(2)PPh(2))(2)PdMe(THF)][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] where ER(2) = SiPh(2) and CH(2). Surprisingly, the more electron rich zwitterionic system is a catalyst of activity comparable to that of the more conventional cationic systems.

  6. Water-soluble polymers bearing phosphorylcholine group and other zwitterionic groups for carrying DNA derivatives.

    PubMed

    Lin, Xiaojie; Ishihara, Kazuhiko

    2014-01-01

    Water-soluble polymers with equal positive and negative charges in the same monomer unit, such as the phosphorylcholine group and other zwitterionic groups, exhibit promising potential in gene delivery with appreciable transfection efficiency, compared with the traditional poly(ethylene glycol)-based polycation-gene complexes. These zwitterionic polymers with various architectural structures and properties have been synthesized by various polymerization methods, such as conventional radical polymerization, atom-transfer radical-polymerization, reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer polymerization, and nitroxide-mediated radical polymerization. These techniques have been used to efficiently facilitate gene therapy by fabrication of non-viral vectors with high cytocompatibility, large gene-carrying capacity, effective cell-membrane permeability, and in vivo gene-loading/releasing functionality. Zwitterionic polymer-based gene delivery vectors systems can be categorized into soluble-polymer/gene mixing, molecular self-assembly, and polymer-gene conjugation systems. This review describes the preparation and characterization of various zwitterionic polymer-based gene delivery vectors, specifically water-soluble phospholipid polymers for carrying gene derivatives.

  7. Isolation of a Moderately Stable but Sensitive Zwitterionic Diazonium Tetrazolyl-1,2,3-triazolate.

    PubMed

    Klapötke, Thomas M; Krumm, Burkhard; Pflüger, Carolin

    2016-07-15

    An unexpected formation of a diazonium compound was observed by nitration of an amino substituted triazolyl tetrazole with mixed acid. The crystal structure determination revealed a zwitterionic diazonium tetrazolyl-1,2,3-triazolate, whose constitution was supported by NMR and vibrational spectroscopic analysis. The thermal stability and sensitivity toward impact and friction were determined. In contrast, diazotriazoles are rather unstable and are mainly handled in solution and/or low temperatures, which is not the case for this diazonium tetrazolyl-1,2,3-triazolate, being stable at ambient temperature.

  8. Solvation and Aggregation of Meta-Aminobenzoic Acid in Water: Density Functional Theory and Molecular Dynamics Study

    PubMed Central

    Gaines, Etienne

    2018-01-01

    Meta-aminobenzoic acid, an important model system in the study of polymorphism and crystallization of active pharmaceutical ingredients, exist in water in both the nonionic (mABA) and zwitterionic (mABA±) forms. However, the constituent molecules of the polymorph that crystallizes from aqueous solutions are zwitterionic. This study reports atomistic simulations of the events surrounding the early stage of crystal nucleation of meta-aminobenzoic acid from aqueous solutions. Ab initio molecular dynamics was used to simulate the hydration of mABA± and mABA and to quantify the interaction of these molecules with the surrounding water molecules. Density functional theory calculations were conducted to determine the low-lying energy conformers of meta-aminobenzoic acid dimers and to compute the Gibbs free energies in water of nonionic, (mABA)2, zwitterionic, (mABA±)2, and nonionic-zwitterionic, (mABA)(mABA±), species. Classical molecular dynamics simulations of mixed mABA–mABA± aqueous solutions were carried out to examine the aggregation of meta-aminobenzoic acid. According to these simulations, the selective crystallization of the polymorphs whose constituent molecules are zwitterionic is driven by the formation of zwitterionic dimers in solution, which are thermodynamically more stable than (mABA)2 and (mABA)(mABA±) pairs. This work represents a paradigm of the role of molecular processes during the early stages of crystal nucleation in affecting polymorph selection during crystallization from solution. PMID:29360788

  9. Library of Antifouling Surfaces Derived From Natural Amino Acids by Click Reaction.

    PubMed

    Xu, Chen; Hu, Xin; Wang, Jie; Zhang, Ye-Min; Liu, Xiao-Jiu; Xie, Bin-Bin; Yao, Chen; Li, Yi; Li, Xin-Song

    2015-08-12

    Biofouling is of great concern in numerous applications ranging from ophthalmological implants to catheters, and from bioseparation to biosensors. In this report, a general and facile strategy to combat surface fouling is developed by grafting of amino acids onto polymer substrates to form zwitterionic structure through amino groups induced epoxy ring opening click reaction. First of all, a library of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-glycidyl methacrylate) hydrogels with zwitterionic surfaces were prepared, resulting in the formation of pairs of carboxyl anions and protonated secondary amino cations. The analysis of attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the successful immobilization of amino acids on the hydrogel surfaces. After that, the contact angle and equilibrium water content of the modified hydrogels showed that the hydrogels exhibited improved hydrophilicity compared with the parent hydrogel. Furthermore, the protein deposition was evaluated by bicinchoninic acid assay using bovine serum albumin (BSA) and lysozyme as models. The results indicated that the performance of the hydrogels was determined by the nature of incorporated amino acid: the hydrogels incorporated with neutral amino acids had nonspecific antiadsorption capability to both BSA and lysozyme; the hydrogels incorporated with charged amino acids showed antiadsorption behaviors against protein with same charge and enhanced adsorption to the protein with opposite charge; the optimal antiadsorption performance was observed on the hydrogels incorporated with polar amino acids with a hydroxyl residual. The improvement of antiprotein fouling of the neutral amino acids grafted hydrogels can be ascribed to the formation of zwitterionic surfaces. Finally, a couple of soft contact lenses grafted with amino acids were fabricated having improved antifouling property and hydrophilicity. The result demonstrated the success of

  10. Rapid chiral separation of atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol and the zwitterionic metoprolol acid using supercritical fluid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry - Application to wetland microcosms.

    PubMed

    Svan, Alfred; Hedeland, Mikael; Arvidsson, Torbjörn; Jasper, Justin T; Sedlak, David L; Pettersson, Curt E

    2015-08-28

    A method for enantiomeric separation of the three β-blocking agents atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol and the zwitterionic metoprolol acid, a major metabolite of both metoprolol and in environmental matrices also atenolol, has been developed. By use of supercritical fluid chromatography and the polysaccharide-based Chiralpak(®) IB-3, all four compounds were simultaneously enantiomerically separated (Rs>1.5) within 8min. Detection was performed using tandem mass spectrometry, and to avoid isobaric interference between the co-eluting metoprolol and metoprolol acid, the achiral column Acquity(®) UPC(2) BEH 2-EP was attached ahead of to the chiral column. Carbon dioxide with 18% methanol containing 0.5% (v/v) of the additives trifluoroacetic acid and ammonia in a 2:1 molar ratio were used as mobile phase. A post column make-up flow (0.3mL/min) of methanol containing 0.1% (v/v) formic acid was used to enhance the positive electrospray ionization. Detection was carried out using a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer operating in the selected reaction monitoring mode, using one transition per analyte and internal standard. The method was successfully applied for monitoring the enantiomeric fraction change over time in a laboratory scale wetland degradation study. It showed good precision, recovery, sensitivity and low effect of the sample matrix. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  11. Zwitterionic PEG-PC Hydrogels Modulate the Foreign Body Response in a Modulus-Dependent Manner.

    PubMed

    Jansen, Lauren E; Amer, Luke D; Chen, Esther Y-T; Nguyen, Thuy V; Saleh, Leila S; Emrick, Todd; Liu, Wendy F; Bryant, Stephanie J; Peyton, Shelly R

    2018-05-15

    Reducing the foreign body response (FBR) to implanted biomaterials will enhance their performance in tissue engineering. Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels are increasingly popular for this application due to their low cost, ease of use, and the ability to tune their compliance via molecular weight and cross-linking densities. PEG hydrogels can elicit chronic inflammation in vivo, but recent evidence has suggested that extremely hydrophilic, zwitterionic materials and particles can evade the immune system. To combine the advantages of PEG-based hydrogels with the hydrophilicity of zwitterions, we synthesized hydrogels with comonomers PEG and the zwitterion phosphorylcholine (PC). Recent evidence suggests that stiff hydrogels elicit increased immune cell adhesion to hydrogels, which we attempted to reduce by increasing hydrogel hydrophilicity. Surprisingly, hydrogels with the highest amount of zwitterionic comonomer elicited the highest FBR. Lowering the hydrogel modulus (165 to 3 kPa), or PC content (20 to 0 wt %), mitigated this effect. A high density of macrophages was found at the surface of implants associated with a high FBR, and mass spectrometry analysis of the proteins adsorbed to these gels implicated extracellular matrix, immune response, and cell adhesion protein categories as drivers of macrophage recruitment. Overall, we show that modulus regulates macrophage adhesion to zwitterionic-PEG hydrogels, and demonstrate that chemical modifications to hydrogels should be studied in parallel with their physical properties to optimize implant design.

  12. Solid-state acid-base interactions in complexes of heterocyclic bases with dicarboxylic acids: crystallography, hydrogen bond analysis, and 15N NMR spectroscopy.

    PubMed

    Li, Z Jane; Abramov, Yuriy; Bordner, Jon; Leonard, Jason; Medek, Ales; Trask, Andrew V

    2006-06-28

    A cancer candidate, compound 1, is a weak base with two heterocyclic basic nitrogens and five hydrogen-bonding functional groups, and is sparingly soluble in water rendering it unsuitable for pharmaceutical development. The crystalline acid-base pairs of 1, collectively termed solid acid-base complexes, provide significant increases in the solubility and bioavailability compared to the free base, 1. Three dicarboxylic acid-base complexes, sesquisuccinate 2, dimalonate 3, and dimaleate 4, show the most favorable physicochemical profiles and are studied in greater detail. The structural analyses of the three complexes using crystal structure and solid-state NMR reveal that the proton-transfer behavior in these organic acid-base complexes vary successively correlating with Delta pKa. As a result, 2 is a neutral complex, 3 is a mixed ionic and zwitterionic complex and 4 is an ionic salt. The addition of the acidic components leads to maximized hydrogen bond interactions forming extended three-dimensional networks. Although structurally similar, the packing arrangements of the three complexes are considerably different due to the presence of multiple functional groups and the flexible backbone of 1. The findings in this study provide insight into the structural characteristics of complexes involving heterocyclic bases and carboxylic acids, and demonstrate that X-ray crystallography and 15N solid-state NMR are truly complementary in elucidating hydrogen bonding interactions and the degree of proton transfer of these complexes.

  13. Design and preparation of bi-functionalized short-chain modified zwitterionic nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Hu, Fenglin; Chen, Kaimin; Xu, Hong; Gu, Hongchen

    2018-05-01

    An ideal nanomaterial for use in the bio-medical field should have a distinctive surface capable of effectively preventing nonspecific protein adsorption and identifying target bio-molecules. Recently, the short-chain zwitterion strategy has been suggested as a simple and novel approach to create outstanding anti-fouling surfaces. In this paper, the carboxyl end group of short-chain zwitterion-coated silica nanoparticles (SiO 2 -ZWS) was found to be difficult to functionalize via a conventional EDC/NHS strategy due to its rapid hydrolysis side-reactions. Hence, a series of bi-functionalized silica nanoparticles (SiO 2 -ZWS/COOH) were designed and prepared by controlling the molar ratio of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) to short-chain zwitterionic organosiloxane (ZWS) in order to achieve above goal. The synthesized SiO 2 -ZWS/COOH had similar excellent anti-fouling properties compared with SiO 2 -ZWS, even in 50% fetal bovine serum characterized by DLS and turbidimetric titration. Subsequently, SiO 2 -ZWS/COOH 5/1 was chosen as a representative and then demonstrated higher detection signal intensity and more superior signal-to-noise ratios compare with the pure SiO 2 -COOH when they were used as a bio-carrier for chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay (CLEIA). These unique bi-functionalized silica nanoparticles have many potential applications in the diagnostic and therapeutic fields. Reducing nonspecific protein adsorption and enhancing the immobilized efficiency of specific bio-probes are two of the most important issues for bio-carriers, particularly for a nanoparticle based bio-carrier. Herein, we designed and prepared a bi-functional nanoparticle with anti-fouling property and bio conjugation capacity for further bioassay by improving the short-chain zwitterionic modification strategy we have proposed previously. The heterogeneous surface of this nanoparticle showed effective anti-fouling properties both in model protein solutions and fetal bovine serum

  14. Zwitterionic modification of polyurethane membranes for enhancing the anti-fouling property.

    PubMed

    Liu, Peiming; Huang, Tao; Liu, Pingsheng; Shi, Shufeng; Chen, Qiang; Li, Li; Shen, Jian

    2016-10-15

    Polyurethane (PU) is a biopolymer that has been commonly used for biomedical applications. However, the biofouling phenomenon on the hydrophobic PU surface is one of the crucial issues that embarrassing its applications. Here, we report a facile & efficient approach to improve the anti-biofouling ability of the PU substrates. Active residues were firstly generated on the PU surface by using the low temperature air-plasma treatment, promoting the immobilization of the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) initiators on the surface. Then, three types of zwitterionic polymer brushes, as well as PEG brushes, have been fabricated on the PU substrates through surface-initiated ATRP (SI-ATRP). Robust surface characterizations that capable of revealing the surface chemistry (including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and wettability tests), and antifouling evaluations of the PU substrates (protein adsorption, platelet adhesion, and cell adhesion measurements) were performed. Results showed that three types of zwitterionic brushes have been successful grafted on the PU surface, respectively. And the three types of zwitterionic brushes, in general, significantly inhibited the protein adsorption, the platelet adhesion, and the cell adhesion on the PU surface, endowing a significantly improved anti-fouling ability to the PU substrates. Furthermore, we found that this facial zwitterionic surface modification did not compromise the mechanical property of the PU substrates. This strategy could be easily exploited to PU-based biomaterials to improve their performance in many applications. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Antifouling Thin-Film Composite Membranes by Controlled Architecture of Zwitterionic Polymer Brush Layer.

    PubMed

    Liu, Caihong; Lee, Jongho; Ma, Jun; Elimelech, Menachem

    2017-02-21

    In this study, we demonstrate a highly antifouling thin-film composite (TFC) membrane by grafting a zwitterionic polymer brush via atom-transfer radical-polymerization (ATRP), a controlled, environmentally benign chemical process. Initiator molecules for polymerization were immobilized on the membrane surface by bioinspired catechol chemistry, leading to the grafting of a dense zwitterionic polymer brush layer. Surface characterization revealed that the modified membrane exhibits reduced surface roughness, enhanced hydrophilicity, and lower surface charge. Chemical force microscopy demonstrated that the modified membrane displayed foulant-membrane interaction forces that were 1 order of magnitude smaller than those of the pristine TFC membrane. The excellent fouling resistance imparted by the zwitterionic brush layer was further demonstrated by significantly reduced adsorption of proteins and bacteria. In addition, forward osmosis fouling experiments with a feed solution containing a mixture of organic foulants (bovine-serum albumin, alginate, and natural organic matter) indicated that the modified membrane exhibited significantly lower water flux decline compared to the pristine TFC membrane. The controlled architecture of the zwitterionic polymer brush via ATRP has the potential for a facile antifouling modification of a wide range of water treatment membranes without compromising intrinsic transport properties.

  16. Quantitative analysis of N-glycans from human alfa-acid-glycoprotein using stable isotope labeling and zwitterionic hydrophilic interaction capillary liquid chromatography electrospray mass spectrometry as tool for pancreatic disease diagnosis.

    PubMed

    Giménez, Estela; Balmaña, Meritxell; Figueras, Joan; Fort, Esther; de Bolós, Carme; Sanz-Nebot, Victòria; Peracaula, Rosa; Rizzi, Andreas

    2015-03-25

    In this work we demonstrate the potential of glycan reductive isotope labeling (GRIL) using [(12)C]- and [(13)C]-coded aniline and zwitterionic hydrophilic interaction capillary liquid chromatography electrospray mass spectrometry (μZIC-HILIC-ESI-MS) for relative quantitation of glycosylation variants in selected glycoproteins present in samples from cancer patients. Human α1-acid-glycoprotein (hAGP) is an acute phase serum glycoprotein whose glycosylation has been described to be altered in cancer and chronic inflammation. However, it is not clear yet whether some particular glycans in hAGP can be used as biomarker for differentiating between these two pathologies. In this work, hAGP was isolated by immunoaffinity chromatography (IAC) from serum samples of healthy individuals and from those suffering chronic pancreatitis and different stages of pancreatic cancer, respectively. After de-N-glycosylation, relative quantitation of the hAGP glycans was carried out using stable isotope labeling and μZIC-HILIC-ESI-MS analysis. First, protein denaturing conditions prior to PNGase F digestion were optimized to achieve quantitative digestion yields, and the reproducibility of the established methodology was evaluated with standard hAGP. Then, the proposed method was applied to the analysis of the clinical samples (control vs. pathological). Pancreatic cancer samples clearly showed an increase in the abundance of fucosylated glycans as the stage of the disease increases and this was unlike to samples from chronic pancreatitis. The results gained here indicate the mentioned glycan in hAGP as a candidate structure worth to be corroborated by an extended study including more clinical cases; especially those with chronic pancreatitis and initial stages of pancreatic cancer. Importantly, the results demonstrate that the presented methodology combining an enrichment of a target protein by IAC with isotope coded relative quantitation of N-glycans can be successfully used for

  17. 13C and 15N CP/MAS, 1H-15N SCT CP/MAS and FTIR spectroscopy as tools for qualitative detection of the presence of zwitterionic and non-ionic forms of ansa-macrolide 3-formylrifamycin SV and its derivatives in solid state.

    PubMed

    Przybylski, Piotr; Pyta, Krystian; Klich, Katarzyna; Schilf, Wojciech; Kamieński, Bohdan

    2014-01-01

    (13)C, (15)N CP/MAS, including (1)H-(13)C and (1)H-(15)N short contact time CP/MAS experiments, and FTIR methods were applied for detailed structural characterization of ansa-macrolides as 3-formylrifamycin SV (1) and its derivatives (2-6) in crystal and in powder forms. Although HPLC chromatograms for 2/CH3 OH and 2/CH3 CCl3 were the same for rifampicin crystals dissolved in respective solvents, the UV-vis data recorded for them were different in 300-375 nm region. Detailed solid state (13)C and (15)N CP/MAS NMR and FTIR studies revealed that rifampicin (2), in contrast to 3-formylrifamycin SV (1) and its amino derivatives (3-6), can occur in pure non-ionic or zwitterionic forms in crystal and in pure these forms or a mixture of them in a powder. Multinuclear CP/MAS and FTIR studies demonstrated also that 3-6 derivatives were present exclusively in pure zwitterionic forms, both in powder and in crystal. On the basis of the solid state NMR and FTIR studies, two conformers of 3-formylrifamycin SV were detected in powder form due to the different orientations of carbonyl group of amide moiety. The PM6 molecular modeling at the semi-empirical level of theory, allowed visualization the most energetically favorable non-ionic and zwitterionic forms of 1-6 antibiotics, strongly stabilized via intramolecular H-bonds. FTIR studies indicated that the originally adopted forms of these type antibiotics in crystal or in powder are stable in standard laboratory conditions in time. The results presented point to the fact that because of a possible presence of two forms of rifampicin (compound 2), quantification of the content of this antibiotic in relevant pharmaceuticals needs caution. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  18. Design, Synthesis, and Characterization of Novel Zwitterionic Lipids for Drug and siRNA Delivery Applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Walsh, Colin L.

    Lipid-based nanoparticles have long been used to deliver biologically active molecules such as drugs, proteins, peptides, DNA, and siRNA in vivo. Liposomes and lipoplexes alter the biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, and cellular uptake of their encapsulated or associated cargo. This can increase drug efficacy while reducing toxicity, resulting in an increased therapeutic index and better clinical outcomes. Unlike small molecule drugs, which passively diffuse through lipid membranes, nucleic acids and proteins require an active, carrier mediated escape mechanism to reach their site of action. As such, the therapeutic application and drug properties dictate the required biophysical characteristics of the lipid nanoparticle. These carrier properties depend on the structure and biophysical characteristics of the lipids and other components used to formulate them. This dissertation presents a series of studies related to the development of novel synthetic lipids for use in drug delivery systems. First, we developed a novel class of zwitterionic lipids with head groups containing a cationic amine and anionic carboxylate and ester-linked oleic acid tails. These lipids exhibit structure-dependent, pH-responsive biophysical properties, and may be useful components for next-generation drug delivery systems. Second, we extended the idea of amine/carboxylate containing zwitterionic head groups and synthesized a series of acetate terminated diacyl lipids containing a quaternary amine. These lipids have an inverted headgroup orientation compared to naturally occurring zwitterionic lipids, and show interesting salt-dependent biophysical properties. Third, we synthesized and characterized a focused library of ionizable lysine-based lipids, which contain a lysine head group linked to a long-chain dialkylamine. A focused library was synthesized to determine the impact of hydrophobic fluidity, lipid net charge, and lipid pKa on the biophysical and siRNA transfection characteristics

  19. Zwitterionization of glycine in water environment: Stabilization mechanism and NMR spectral signatures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Valverde, Danillo; da Costa Ludwig, Zélia Maria; da Costa, Célia Regina; Ludwig, Valdemir; Georg, Herbert C.

    2018-01-01

    At physiological conditions, myriads of biomolecules (e.g., amino acids, peptides, and proteins) exist predominantly in the zwitterionic structural form and their biological functions will result in these conditions. However these geometrical structures are inaccessible energetically in the gas phase, and at this point, stabilization of amino-acids in physiological conditions is still under debate. In this paper, the electronic properties of a glycine molecule in the liquid environment were studied by performing a relaxation of the glycine geometry in liquid water using the free energy gradient method combined with a sequential quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics approach. A series of Monte Carlo Metropolis simulations of the glycine molecule embedded in liquid water, followed by only a quantum mechanical calculation in each of them were carried out. Both the local and global liquid environments were emphasized to obtain nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) parameters for the glycine molecule in liquid water. The results of the equilibrium structure in solution and the systematic study of the hydrogen bonds were used to discard the direct proton transfer from the carboxyl group to the ammonium group of the glycine molecule in water solution. The calculations of the Density Functional Theory (DFT) were performed to study the polarization of the solvent in the parameters of nuclear magnetic resonance of the glycine molecule in liquid water. DFT calculations predicted isotropic chemical changes on the H, C, N, and O atoms of glycine in liquid water solution which agree with the available experimental data.

  20. Physiological stability and renal clearance of ultrasmall zwitterionic gold nanoparticles: Ligand length matters

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ning, Xuhui; Peng, Chuanqi; Li, Eric S.; Xu, Jing; Vinluan, Rodrigo D.; Yu, Mengxiao; Zheng, Jie

    2017-05-01

    Efficient renal clearance has been observed from ultrasmall zwitterionic glutathione-coated gold nanoparticles (GS-AuNPs), which have broad preclinical applications in cancer diagnosis and kidney functional imaging. However, origin of such efficient renal clearance is still not clear. Herein, we conducted head-to-head comparison on physiological stability and renal clearance of two zwitterionic luminescent AuNPs coated with cysteine and glycine-cysteine (Cys-AuNPs and Gly-Cys-AuNPs), respectively. While both of them exhibited similar surface charges and the same core sizes, additional glycine slightly increased the hydrodynamic diameter of the AuNPs by 0.4 nm but significantly enhanced physiological stability of the AuNPs as well as altered their clearance pathways. These studies indicate that the ligand length, in addition to surface charges and size, also plays a key role in the physiological stability and renal clearance of ultrasmall zwitterionic inorganic NPs.

  1. Poly(zwitterionic liquids) functionalized polypyrrole/graphene oxide nanosheets for electrochemically detecting dopamine at low concentration.

    PubMed

    Mao, Hui; Liang, Jiachen; Ji, Chunguang; Zhang, Haifeng; Pei, Qi; Zhang, Yuyang; Zhang, Yu; Hisaeda, Yoshio; Song, Xi-Ming

    2016-08-01

    Poly(3-(1-vinylimidazolium-3-yl)propane-1-sulfonate) (PVIPS), a novel kind of poly(zwitterionic liquids) (PZILs) containing both imidazolium cation and sulfonate anion, was successfully modified on the surface of polypyrrole/graphene oxide nanosheets (PPy/GO) by covalent bonding. The obtained novel PZILs functionalized PPy/GO nanosheets (PVIPS/PPy/GO) modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) presented the excellent electrochemical catalytic activity towards dopamine (DA) with high stability, sensitivity, selectivity and wide linear range (40-1220nM), especially having a lower detection limit (17.3nM). The excellent analytical performance is attributed to the strongly negative charges on the surface of modified GCE in aqueous solution, which is different from conventional poly(ionic liquids) modified GCE. DA cations could be quickly enriched on the electrode surface by electrostatic interaction in solution due to the existence of SO3(-) groups with negative charge at the end of pendant groups in zwitterionic PVIPS, resulting in a change of the electrons transmission mode in the oxidation of DA, that is, from a typical diffusion-controlled process at conventional poly(1-vinyl-3-ethylimidazole bromide) (PVEIB)/PPy/GO modified GCE to a typical surface-controlled process. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. Superior Antifouling Performance of a Zwitterionic Peptide Compared to an Amphiphilic, Non-Ionic Peptide.

    PubMed

    Ye, Huijun; Wang, Libing; Huang, Renliang; Su, Rongxin; Liu, Boshi; Qi, Wei; He, Zhimin

    2015-10-14

    The aim of this study was to explore the influence of amphiphilic and zwitterionic structures on the resistance of protein adsorption to peptide self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) and gain insight into the associated antifouling mechanism. Two kinds of cysteine-terminated heptapeptides were studied. One peptide had alternating hydrophobic and hydrophilic residues with an amphiphilic sequence of CYSYSYS. The other peptide (CRERERE) was zwitterionic. Both peptides were covalently attached onto gold substrates via gold-thiol bond formation. Surface plasmon resonance analysis results showed that both peptide SAMs had ultralow or low protein adsorption amounts of 1.97-11.78 ng/cm2 in the presence of single proteins. The zwitterionic peptide showed relatively higher antifouling ability with single proteins and natural complex protein media. We performed molecular dynamics simulations to understand their respective antifouling behaviors. The results indicated that strong surface hydration of peptide SAMs contributes to fouling resistance by impeding interactions with proteins. Compared to the CYSYSYS peptide, more water molecules were predicted to form hydrogen-bonding interactions with the zwitterionic CRERERE peptide, which is in agreement with the antifouling test results. These findings reveal a clear relation between peptide structures and resistance to protein adsorption, facilitating the development of novel peptide-containing antifouling materials.

  3. Crystal structure of zwitterionic bisimidazolium sulfonates

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kohmoto, Shigeo; Okuyama, Shinpei; Yokota, Nobuyuki; Takahashi, Masahiro; Kishikawa, Keiki; Masu, Hyuma; Azumaya, Isao

    2012-05-01

    Crystal structures of three zwitterionic bisimidazolium salts 1-3 in which imidazolium sulfonate moieties were connected with aromatic linkers, p-xylylene, 4,4'-dimethylenebiphenyl, and phenylene, respectively, were examined. The latter two were obtained as hydrates. An S-shaped molecular structure in which the sulfonate moiety was placed on the imidazolium ring was observed for 1. A helical array of hydrated water molecules was obtained for 2 while a linear array of hydrated water molecules was observed for 3.

  4. The self-assembling zwitterionic form of L-phenylalanine at neutral pH.

    PubMed

    Mossou, Estelle; Teixeira, Susana C M; Mitchell, Edward P; Mason, Sax A; Adler-Abramovich, Lihi; Gazit, Ehud; Forsyth, V Trevor

    2014-03-01

    The title zwitterion (2S)-2-azaniumyl-1-hydroxy-3-phenylpropan-1-olate, C9H11NO2, also known as L-phenylalanine, was characterized using synchrotron X-rays. It crystallized in the monoclinic space group P21 with four molecules in the asymmetric unit. The 0.62 Å resolution structure is assumed to be closely related to the fibrillar form of phenylalanine, as observed by electron microscopy and electron diffraction. The structure exists in a zwitterionic form in which π-π stacking and hydrogen-bonding interactions are believed to form the basis of the self-assembling properties.

  5. Enhancing the specificity of polymerase chain reaction by graphene oxide through surface modification: zwitterionic polymer is superior to other polymers with different charges.

    PubMed

    Zhong, Yong; Huang, Lihong; Zhang, Zhisen; Xiong, Yunjing; Sun, Liping; Weng, Jian

    Graphene oxides (GOs) with different surface characteristics, such as size, reduction degree and charge, are prepared, and their effects on the specificity of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are investigated. In this study, we demonstrate that GO with a large size and high reduction degree is superior to small and nonreduced GO in enhancing the specificity of PCR. Negatively charged polyacrylic acid (PAA), positively charged polyacrylamide (PAM), neutral polyethylene glycol (PEG) and zwitterionic polymer poly(sulfobetaine) (pSB) are used to modify GO. The PCR specificity-enhancing ability increases in the following order: GO-PAA < GO-PAM < GO-PEG < GO-pSB. Thus, zwitterionic polymer-modified GO is superior to other GO derivatives with different charges in enhancing the specificity of PCR. GO derivatives are also successfully used to enhance the specificity of PCR for the amplification of human mitochondrial DNA using blood genomic DNA as template. Molecular dynamics simulations and molecular docking are performed to elucidate the interaction between the polymers and Pfu DNA polymerase. Our data demonstrate that the size, reduction degree and surface charge of GO affect the specificity of PCR. Based on our results, zwitterionic polymer-modified GO may be used as an efficient additive for enhancing the specificity of PCR.

  6. Zwitterionic Antifouling Coatings for the Purification of High-Salinity Shale Gas Produced Water.

    PubMed

    Yang, Rong; Goktekin, Esma; Gleason, Karen K

    2015-11-03

    Fouling refers to the undesirable attachment of organic molecules and microorganisms to submerged surfaces. It is an obstacle to the purification of shale gas produced water and is currently without an effective solution due to the highly contaminated nature of produced water. Here, we demonstrate the direct vapor application of a robust zwitterionic coating to a variety of substrates. The coating remains unprecedentedly hydrophilic, smooth, and effectively antifouling in extremely high salinity solutions (with salt concentration of 200,000 ppm). The fouling resistance is assessed rapidly and quantitatively with a molecular force spectroscopy-based method and corroborated using quartz crystal microbalance system with dissipation monitoring. Grazing angle attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared is used in combination with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscope, and in situ spectroscopic ellipsometry to lend insight into the underlying mechanism for the exceptional stability and effectiveness of the zwitterionic coating under high-salinity conditions. A unique coating architecture, where the surface is concentrated with mobile zwitterionic moieties while the bulk is cross-linked to enhance coating durability, was discovered to be the origin of its stable fouling resistance under high salinity. Combined with previously reported exceptional stability in highly oxidative environments and strong fouling resistance to oil and grease, the zwitterionic surface here has the potential to enable low-cost, membrane-based techniques for the purification of produced water and to eventually balance the favorable economics and the concerning environmental impacts of the hydraulic fracturing industry.

  7. Tuning the probe location on zwitterionic micellar system with variation of pH and addition of surfactants with different alkyl chains: solvent and rotational relaxation studies.

    PubMed

    Banerjee, Chiranjib; Mandal, Sarthak; Ghosh, Surajit; Rao, Vishal Govind; Sarkar, Nilmoni

    2012-09-13

    In this manuscript, we have modulated the location of an anionic probe, Coumarin-343 (C-343) in a zwitterionic (N-hexadecyl-N,N-dimethylammonio-1-propanesulfonate (SB-16)) micellar system by three different approaches. The effect of addition of the surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and the room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL), 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium octylsulfate (EmimOs) and N,N-dimethylethanol hexanoate (DAH), to the micellar solution has been studied. The effect of pH variation has been studied as well using solvent and rotational measurements. Migration of the anionic probe, C-343, from the palisade layer of SB-16 micelle to the bulk water has been observed to varying extents with the addition of SDS and EmimOs. The effect is much more pronounced in the presence of SDS and can be ascribed to the presence of the long alkyl (dodecyl) chain on SDS which can easily orient itself and fuse inside the SB-16 micelle and facilitate the observed migration of the probe molecule. This phenomenon is confirmed by faster solvation and rotational relaxation of the investigated probe molecule. The analogous fusion process is difficult in case of EmimOs and DAH because of their comparatively smaller alkyl (octyl and hexanoate) chain. However, the direction of C-343 migration is reversed with the decrease of pH of the SB-16 micellar medium. An increase in the average solvation and rotational relaxation time of the probe in acidic medium has been observed. Since experimental conditions are maintained such that the probe molecules and the zwitterionic SB-16 micelles remain oppositely charged, the observed results can be attributed to the increased electrostatic interaction (attractive) between them. Temperature dependent study also supports this finding.

  8. The adsorption and reactions of the amino acid proline on rutile TiO 2(1 1 0) surfaces

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fleming, G. J.; Adib, K.; Rodriguez, J. A.; Barteau, M. A.; White, J. M.; Idriss, H.

    2008-06-01

    The reaction of the amino acid DL-proline is studied over stoichiometric and Ar-ions sputtered (reduced) TiO 2(1 1 0) single crystal surfaces by synchrotron High Resolution X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (HRXPS). On the stoichiometric surface proline gives two different species at 300 K: dissociated and zwitterionic. Upon heating the zwitterionic structure is removed first from the surface followed by the dissociated form. The C1s signal for the COO function is found close to 288.5 eV for both forms while the N 1s for the dissociated form is found at 400.0 eV and that of the zwitterionic from close to 401.8 eV. From the attenuation of the Ti 2p signal the surface coverage was estimated less than ½ (about 0.35). This smaller coverage than dissociatively adsorbed carboxylic acids on this surface (usually close to ½), is attributed to lateral repulsion caused by the ring of adjacent proline molecules adsorbed on five-fold coordinated Ti cations along the [0 0 1] direction. On the reduced surface the amount of zwitterion structure is found two times higher than that on the stoichiometric surface, at 300 K, most likely due to the considerable decrease of the amount of surface oxygen available. The stability of the zwitterionic structure on this surface is however found similar to that found on the stoichiometric surface. In addition, evidence of oxidation of reduced Ti cations upon adsorption at 300 K is noticed and explained as breaking of the carbon-oxygen bond of a fraction of adsorbed proline. Variable temperature HRXPS has been collected and results indicated that proline is more stable on the reduced surface compared to the stoichiometric surface.

  9. Effects of derivatization reagents consisting of n-alkyl chloroformate/n-alcohol combinations in LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis of zwitterionic antiepileptic drugs.

    PubMed

    Kostić, Nađa; Dotsikas, Yannis; Malenović, Anđelija; Medenica, Mirjana

    2013-11-15

    In the current study, three antiepileptic drugs with zwitterionic properties, namely vigabatrin, pregabalin and gabapentin, were chosen as model analytes to undergo derivatization by applying various n-alkyl chloroformate/n-alcohol combinations, followed by LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis. The employment of 16 combinations per drug using methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl chloroformate coupled with methanol, ethanol, propanol or butanol, greatly affected a series of parameters of the derivatives, such as retention time on C8 column, signal expressed via areas, limit of detection values, as well as the yields of the main and side reactions. Practically, even slight modification of n-alkyl group of either chloroformate or alcohol resulted in significant changes in the chromatographic and mass spectrometric behavior of the novel derivative. It was clearly demonstrated that all the estimated parameters were highly correlated with the length of n-alkyl groups of the involved chloroformate and alcohol. The most significant influence was monitored in peak area values, indicating that the length of the n-alkyl chain plays an important role in electrospray ionization efficiency. For this parameter, increasing the n-alkyl chain from methyl to butyl led to increment up to 2089%, 508.7% and 1075% for area values of derivatized vigabatrin, pregabalin and gabapentin, respectively. These changes affected also the corresponding values of limits of detection, with the estimated improvements up to 1553%, 397.7% and 875.0% for the aforementioned derivatized drugs, respectively. Besides the obvious utilization of these conclusions in the development of bioanalytical methods for these analytes with the current protocol, this study offers valuable data which can be useful in more general approaches, giving insights into the effects of this derivatization reaction and its performances. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  10. Supramolecular Hydrogels Based on Minimalist Amphiphilic Squaramide-Squaramates for Controlled Release of Zwitterionic Biomolecules.

    PubMed

    López, Carlos; Ximenis, Marta; Orvay, Francisca; Rotger, Carmen; Costa, Antonio

    2017-06-01

    Supramolecular hydrogels with tunable properties have innovative applications in biomedicine, catalysis, and materials chemistry. Minimalist low-molecular-weight hydrogelators based on squaramide and squaramic acid motifs have been designed. This approach benefits from the high acidity of squaramic acids and the aromaticity of squaramides. Moreover, substituents on the aryl ring tune the π density of the arylsquaramide motif. Thus, materials featuring distinct thermal and mechanical properties have been successfully prepared. The hydrogel (G'≈400 Pa, G''≈57 Pa; at 1.0 % w/v; 1 Hz) obtained from 4-nitrophenylsquaramide motif 1 is thermoreversible (T=57 °C at 0.2 % w/v), thixotropic, self-healable, and undergoes irreversible shrinking in response to saline stress. Furthermore, the hydrogel is injectable and can be loaded with substantial amounts (5:1 excess molar ratio) of zwitterionic biomolecules, such as l-carnitine, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), or d,l-Ala-d,l-Ala, without any loss of structural integrity. Then, the release of these molecules can be modulated by saline solutions. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  11. Nicotinic Acid Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate Analogs Substituted on the Nicotinic Acid and Adenine Ribosides. Effects on Receptor-Mediated Ca2+ release

    PubMed Central

    Trabbic, Christopher J.; Zhang, Fan; Walseth, Timothy F.; Slama, James T.

    2015-01-01

    Nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP) is a Ca2+ releasing intracellular second messenger in both mammals and echinoderms. We report that large functionalized substituents introduced at the nicotinic acid 5-position are recognized by the sea urchin receptor, albeit with a 20–500 fold loss in agonist potency. 5-(3-Azidopropyl)-NAADP was shown to release Ca2+ with an EC50 of 31 µM and to compete with NAADP for receptor binding with an IC50 of 56 nM. Attachment of charged groups to the nicotinic acid of NAADP is associated with loss of activity, suggesting that the nicotinate riboside moiety is recognized as a neutral zwitterion. Substituents (Br- and N3-) can be introduced at the 8-adenosyl position of NAADP while preserving high potency and agonist efficacy and an NAADP derivative substituted at both the 5-position of the nicotinic acid and at the 8-adenosyl position was also recognized although the agonist potency was significantly reduced. PMID:25826221

  12. Modification of silicone elastomer with zwitterionic silane for durable antifouling properties.

    PubMed

    Yeh, Shiou-Bang; Chen, Chien-Sheng; Chen, Wen-Yih; Huang, Chun-Jen

    2014-09-30

    Biofouling on medical devices generally causes adverse complications, such as thrombosis, infection, and pathogenic calcification. Silicone is a widely used material for medical applications. Its surface modification typically encounters undesirable "hydrophobic recovery", leading to deterioration of surface engineering. In this study, we developed a stable superhydrophilic zwitterionic interface on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomer by covalent silanization of sulfobetaine silane (SBSi) to resist nonspecific adsorption of bacteria, proteins, and lipids. SBSi is a zwitterionic organosilane assembly, enabling resisting surface reconstruction by forming a cross-linked network and polar segregation. Surface elemental composition was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and the long-term stability of modification was accessed using a contact angle goniometer. The biofouling tests were carried out by exposing substrates to bacterial, protein, and lipid solutions, revealing the excellent bioinertness of SBSi-tailored PDMS, even after 30 day storage in ambient. For the real-world application, we modified commercially available silicone hydrogel contact lenses with developed zwitterionic silane, presenting its antibacterial adhesion property. Moreover, the cytotoxicity of SBSi was accessed with NIH-3T3 fibroblast by the MTT assay, showing negligible cytotoxicity up to a concentration of 5 mM. Consequently, the strategy of surface engineering in this work can effectively retard the "hydrophobic recovery" occurrence and can be applied to other silicone-based medical devices in a facile way.

  13. In-Situ Measurements of the Radiation Stability of Amino Acids at 15-140 K

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Gerakines, Perry A.; Hudson, Reggie L.; Moore, Marla H.; Bell, Jan-Luca

    2012-01-01

    We present new kinetics data on the radiolytic destruction of amino acids measured in situ with infrared spectroscopy. Samples were irradiated at 15, 100, and 140 K with D.8-MeV protons, and amino-acid decay was followed at each temperature with and without H2O present. Observed radiation products included CO2 and amines, consistent with amino-acid decarboxylation. The half-lives of glycine, alanine, and phenylalanine were estimated for various extraterrestrial environments. Infrared spectral changes demonstrated the conversion from the non-zwitterion structure NH2-CH2(R)-COOH at 15 K to the zwitterion structure +NH3-CH2(R)-COO- at 140 K for each amino acid studied.

  14. A copper(II) paddle-wheel structure of tranexamic acid: di-chloro-tetra-kis-[μ-4-(ammonio-meth-yl)cyclo-hexane-1-carboxyl-ato-O,O']dicopper(II) dichloride hexa-hydrate.

    PubMed

    Altaf, Muhammad; Stoeckli-Evans, Helen

    2017-10-01

    Tranexamic acid [systematic name: trans -4-(amino-meth-yl)cyclo-hexane-1-carb-oxy-lic acid], is an anti-fibrinolytic amino acid that exists as a zwitterion [ trans -4-(ammonio-meth-yl)cyclo-hexane-1-carboxyl-ate] in the solid state. Its reaction with copper chloride leads to the formation of a compound with a copper(II) paddle-wheel structure that crystallizes as a hexa-hydrate, [Cu 2 Cl 2 (C 8 H 15 NO 2 ) 4 ] 2+ ·2Cl - ·6H 2 O. The asymmetric unit is composed of a copper(II) cation, two zwitterionic tranexamic acid units, a coordinating Cl - anion and a free Cl - anion, together with three water mol-ecules of crystallization. The whole structure is generated by inversion symmetry, with the Cu⋯Cu axle of the paddle-wheel dication being located about a center of symmetry. The cyclo-hexane rings of the zwitterionic tranexamic acid units have chair conformations. The carboxyl-ate groups that bridge the two copper(II) cations are inclined to one another by 88.4 (8)°. The copper(II) cation is ligated by four carboxyl-ate O atoms in the equatorial plane and by a Cl - ion in the axial position. Hence, it has a fivefold O 4 Cl coordination sphere with a perfect square-pyramidal geometry and a τ 5 index of zero. In the crystal, the paddle-wheel dications are linked by a series of N-H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds, involving the coordinating and free Cl - ions, forming a three-dimensional network. This network is strengthened by a series of N-H⋯O water , O water -H⋯Cl and O water -H⋯O hydrogen bonds.

  15. Chiral separation and quantitation of cetirizine and hydroxyzine by maltodextrin-mediated CE in human plasma: effect of zwitterionic property of cetirizine on enantioseparation.

    PubMed

    Nojavan, Saeed; Fakhari, Ali Reza

    2011-03-01

    In the present study, a very simple CE method for chiral separation and quantitation of zwitterionic cetirizine (CTZ), as the main metabolite of hydroxyzine (HZ), and HZ has been developed. In addition, the effect of zwitterionic property of CTZ on enantioseparation was investigated. Maltodextrin, a linear polysaccharide, as a chiral selector was used and several parameters affecting the separation such as pH of BGE, concentration of chiral selector and applied voltage were studied. The best BGE conditions for CTZ and HZ enantiomers were optimized as 75 mM sodium phosphate solution at pH of 2.0, containing 5% w/v maltodextrin. Results showed that, compared to HZ, pH of BGE was an effective parameter in enantioseparation of CTZ due to the zwitterionic property of CTZ. The linear range of the method was over 30-1200 ng/mL for all enantiomers of CTZ and HZ. The quantification and detection limits (S/N=3) of all enantiomers were 30 and 10 ng/mL, respectively. The method was used to quantitative enantioseparation of CTZ and HZ in spiked human plasma. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  16. Investigating tautomeric polymorphism in crystalline anthranilic acid using terahertz spectroscopy and solid-state density functional theory.

    PubMed

    Delaney, Sean P; Witko, Ewelina M; Smith, Tiffany M; Korter, Timothy M

    2012-08-02

    Terahertz spectroscopy is sensitive to the interactions between molecules in the solid-state and recently has emerged as a new analytical tool for investigating polymorphism. Here, this technique is applied for the first time to the phenomenon of tautomeric polymorphism where the crystal structures of anthranilic acid (2-aminobenzoic acid) have been investigated. Three polymorphs of anthranilic acid (denoted Forms I, II and III) were studied using terahertz spectroscopy and the vibrational modes and relative polymorph stabilities analyzed using solid-state density functional theory calculations augmented with London dispersion force corrections. Form I consists of both neutral and zwitterionic molecules and was found to be the most stable polymorph as compared to Forms II and III (both containing only neutral molecules). The simulations suggest that a balance between steric interactions and electrostatic forces is responsible for the favoring of the mixed neutral/zwitterion solid over the all neutral or all zwitterion crystalline arrangements.

  17. Photodetachment of Zwitterions: Probing Intramolecular Coulomb Repulsion and Attraction in the Gas Phase Using Mono- Decarboxylated Pyridinium Dicarboxylates. Implications on the Mechanism of Orotidine 5' -Monophosphate Decarboxylase

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Wang, Xue B.; Dacres, J E.; Yang, Xin

    2003-11-11

    Negative ion photoelectron spectra resulting from the decarboxylation of nine zwitterionic pyridinium dicarboxylates (D(x,y)) are reported. Structural assignments are made on the basis of analogy to the spectra of related species, labeling experiments with C-13- or H-2-containing substrates, independent syntheses, and comparison to density functional theory and ab initio (B3LYP and CCSD(T), respectively) results. In some cases, an acid-catalyzed isomerization of the D(xy)-CO2 ions was found to take place. Adiabatic detachment energies of the resulting zwitterionic ions were measured and are well reproduced by theory. The relative stabilities of the D(x,Y)- CO2 decarboxylation products are largely determined by their intramolecularmore » electrostatic interactions, which are directly probed by the photoelectron spectra and were analyzed in terms of the resulting Coulombic forces. Expulsion of carbon dioxide from the D(x,y) ions was also used as an electrostatic model to probe the mechanism of the enzyme-catalyzed conversion of orotidine 5'-monophosphate (OMP) to uridine 5'-monophosphate (UMP). It was found that the loss of CO2 from these zwitterions; and from oxygen-protonated OMP is retarded by the presence of an additional anionic group. This suggests that the formation of a zwitterion intermediate in the enzyme-catalyzed transformation of OMP to UMP may have less of an energetic impact than commonly thought and could be a''red herring''. If so, the electrostatic stress mechanism proposed by Larsen et al. and Pai, Guo, and co-workers maybe followed.« less

  18. Improved antifouling performance of ultrafiltration membrane via preparing novel zwitterionic polyimide

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Huang, Haitao; Yu, Jiayu; Guo, Hanxiang; Shen, Yibo; Yang, Fan; Wang, Han; Liu, Rong; Liu, Yang

    2018-01-01

    On the basis of the outstanding fouling resistance of zwitterionic polymers, an antifouling ultrafiltration membrane was fabricated through phase inversion induced by immersion precipitation method, directly using the novel zwitterionic polyimide (Z-PI), which was synthesized via a two-step procedure including polycondensation and quaternary amination reaction, as membrane material. The chemical structure and composition of the obtained polymer were confirmed by using FTIR, 1H NMR and XPS analysis, and its thermal stability was thoroughly characterized by TGA measurement, respectively. The introduction of zwitterionic groups into polyimide could effectively increase membrane pore size, porosity and wettability, and convert the membrane surface from hydrophobic to highly hydrophilic. As a result, Z-PI membrane displayed significantly improved water permeability compared with that of the reference polyimide (R-PI) membrane without having an obvious compromise in protein rejection. According to the static adsorption and dynamic cycle ultrafiltration experiments of bovine serum albumin (BSA) solution, Z-PI membrane exhibited better fouling resistant ability, especially irreversible fouling resistant ability, suggesting superior antifouling property and long-term performance stability. Moreover, Z-PI membrane had a water flux recovery ratio of 93.7% after three cycle of BSA solution filtration, whereas only about 68.5% was obtained for the control R-PI membrane. These findings demonstrated the advantages of Z-PI membrane material and aimed to provide a facile and scalable method for the large-scale preparation of low fouling ultrafiltration membranes for potential applications.

  19. Zwitterionic and free forms of arylmethyl Meldrum's acids.

    PubMed

    Mierina, Inese; Mishnev, Anatoly; Jure, Mara

    2015-09-01

    C-Alkyl (including C-arylmethyl) derivatives of Meldrum's acids are attractive building blocks in organic synthesis, mainly due to the unusually high acidity of the resulting compounds. Three examples, namely 5-[4-(diethylamino)benzyl]-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxane-4,6-dione, C17H23NO4, (I), 2,2-dimethyl-5-(2,4,6-trimethoxybenzyl)-1,3-dioxane-4,6-dione, C16H20O7, (II), and 5-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxybenzyl)-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxane-4,6-dione, C15H18O7, (III), have been synthesized, characterized by NMR and IR spectroscopy, and studied by single-crystal X-ray structure analysis. The nature of the different substituents resulted in remarkable differences in both the molecular conformations and the crystal packing arrangements. The presence of a substituent with a basic centre in compound (I) leads to the formation of an inner salt accompanied by drastic changes in the conformation of the 1,3-dioxane-4,6-dione fragment. By virtue of strong N-H···O hydrogen bonds, the residues are assembled into infinite chains with the graph-set descriptor C(10). Compound (II) contains methoxy groups in both the ortho- and para-positions of the arylmethyl fragment. Because of the absence of classical hydrogen-bond donors in this structure, the crystal packing is controlled by van der Waals forces and weak C-H···O interactions. Compound (III) contains methoxy groups in both meta-positions and a hydroxy group in the para-position. Supramolecular tetrameric synthons which comprise hydrogen-bonded dimers associated into tetramers through π-π interactions of overlapping benzene rings were observed.

  20. On-line Ammonia Sensor and Invisible Security Ink by Fluorescent Zwitterionic Spirocyclic Meisenheimer Complex

    PubMed Central

    Das, Tanmay; Pramanik, Apurba; Haldar, Debasish

    2017-01-01

    Ammonia is not only a highly important gas for civilization but also contribute significantly for climate change and human health hazard. Highly sensitive ammonia sensor has been developed from a fluorescent zwitterionic spirocyclic Meisenheimer complex. Moreover, formation of this Meisenheimer complex can also be utilized for selective as well as naked eye instant detection of nitro aromatic explosive picric acid. The presence of a quaternary nitrogen atom directly attached to the spiro carbon is the unique feature of this Meisenheimer complex. This excellent photoluminescent (PL) Meisenheimer complex has two distinct stimuli responsive sites. One is sensitive towards acid while the other one is towards the base. These two positions can be modulated by adding one equivalent acid and one equivalent base to result two new products which are non fluorescent. One of these two non fluorescent species was found very exciting because of its UV/Vis transparency. Utilizing this concept we have fabricated an on-line sensor for measuring ammonia in dry or humid and condensing sewer air. The sensor was robust against ambient temperature and humidity variation. We have also developed an invisible ink from this Meisenheimer complex, with potential application for security purpose. PMID:28091542

  1. On-line Ammonia Sensor and Invisible Security Ink by Fluorescent Zwitterionic Spirocyclic Meisenheimer Complex.

    PubMed

    Das, Tanmay; Pramanik, Apurba; Haldar, Debasish

    2017-01-16

    Ammonia is not only a highly important gas for civilization but also contribute significantly for climate change and human health hazard. Highly sensitive ammonia sensor has been developed from a fluorescent zwitterionic spirocyclic Meisenheimer complex. Moreover, formation of this Meisenheimer complex can also be utilized for selective as well as naked eye instant detection of nitro aromatic explosive picric acid. The presence of a quaternary nitrogen atom directly attached to the spiro carbon is the unique feature of this Meisenheimer complex. This excellent photoluminescent (PL) Meisenheimer complex has two distinct stimuli responsive sites. One is sensitive towards acid while the other one is towards the base. These two positions can be modulated by adding one equivalent acid and one equivalent base to result two new products which are non fluorescent. One of these two non fluorescent species was found very exciting because of its UV/Vis transparency. Utilizing this concept we have fabricated an on-line sensor for measuring ammonia in dry or humid and condensing sewer air. The sensor was robust against ambient temperature and humidity variation. We have also developed an invisible ink from this Meisenheimer complex, with potential application for security purpose.

  2. On-line Ammonia Sensor and Invisible Security Ink by Fluorescent Zwitterionic Spirocyclic Meisenheimer Complex

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Das, Tanmay; Pramanik, Apurba; Haldar, Debasish

    2017-01-01

    Ammonia is not only a highly important gas for civilization but also contribute significantly for climate change and human health hazard. Highly sensitive ammonia sensor has been developed from a fluorescent zwitterionic spirocyclic Meisenheimer complex. Moreover, formation of this Meisenheimer complex can also be utilized for selective as well as naked eye instant detection of nitro aromatic explosive picric acid. The presence of a quaternary nitrogen atom directly attached to the spiro carbon is the unique feature of this Meisenheimer complex. This excellent photoluminescent (PL) Meisenheimer complex has two distinct stimuli responsive sites. One is sensitive towards acid while the other one is towards the base. These two positions can be modulated by adding one equivalent acid and one equivalent base to result two new products which are non fluorescent. One of these two non fluorescent species was found very exciting because of its UV/Vis transparency. Utilizing this concept we have fabricated an on-line sensor for measuring ammonia in dry or humid and condensing sewer air. The sensor was robust against ambient temperature and humidity variation. We have also developed an invisible ink from this Meisenheimer complex, with potential application for security purpose.

  3. Mitigation of Biofilm Development on Thin-Film Composite Membranes Functionalized with Zwitterionic Polymers and Silver Nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Liu, Caihong; Faria, Andreia F; Ma, Jun; Elimelech, Menachem

    2017-01-03

    We demonstrate the functionalization of thin-film composite membranes with zwitterionic polymers and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for combating biofouling. Combining hydrophilic zwitterionic polymer brushes and biocidal AgNPs endows the membrane with dual functionality: antiadhesion and bacterial inactivation. An atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) reaction is used to graft zwitterionic poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (PSBMA) brushes to the membrane surface, while AgNPs are synthesized in situ through chemical reduction of silver. Two different membrane architectures (Ag-PSBMA and PSBMA-Ag TFC) are developed according to the sequence AgNPs, and PSBMA brushes are grafted on the membrane surface. A static adhesion assay shows that both modified membranes significantly reduced the adsorption of proteins, which served as a model organic foulant. However, improved antimicrobial activity is observed for PSBMA-Ag TFC (i.e., AgNPs on top of the polymer brush) in comparison to the Ag-PSBMA TFC membrane (i.e., polymer brush on top of AgNPs), indicating that architecture of the antifouling layer is an important factor in the design of zwitterion-silver membranes. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) imaging indicated that PSBMA-Ag TFC membranes effectively inhibit biofilm formation under dynamic cross-flow membrane biofouling tests. Finally, we demonstrate the regeneration of AgNPs on the membrane after depletion of silver from the surface of the PSBMA-Ag TFC membrane.

  4. Conjugated Polymer Zwitterions: Efficient Interlayer Materials in Organic Electronics.

    PubMed

    Liu, Yao; Duzhko, Volodimyr V; Page, Zachariah A; Emrick, Todd; Russell, Thomas P

    2016-11-15

    Conjugated polymer zwitterions (CPZs) are neutral, hydrophilic, polymer semiconductors. The pendent zwitterions, viewed as side chain dipoles, impart solubility in polar solvents for solution processing, and open opportunities as interfacial components of optoelectronic devices, for example, between metal electrodes and organic semiconductor active layers. Such interlayers are crucial for defining the performance of organic electronic devices, e.g., field-effect transistors (OFETs), light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), and photovoltaics (OPVs), all of which consist of multilayer structures. The interlayers reduce the Schottky barrier height and thus improve charge injection in OFETs and OLEDs. In OPVs, the interlayers serve to increase the built-in electric potential difference (V bi ) across the active layer, ensuring efficient extraction of photogenerated charge carriers. In general, polar and even charged electronically active polymers have gained recognition for their ability to modify metal/semiconductor interfaces to the benefit of organic electronics. While conjugated polyelectrolytes (CPEs) as interlayer materials are well-documented, open questions remain about the role of mobile counterions in CPE-containing devices. CPZs possess the processing advantages of CPEs, but as neutral molecules lack any potential complications associated with counterions. The electronic implications of CPZs on metal electrodes stem from the orientation of the zwitterion dipole moment in close proximity to the metal surface, and the resultant surface-induced polarization. This generates an interfacial dipole (Δ) at the CPZ/metal interface, altering the work function of the electrode, as confirmed by ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS), and improving device performance. An ideal cathode interlayer would reduce electrode work function, have orthogonal processability to the active layer, exhibit good film forming properties (i.e., wettability/uniformity), prevent exciton

  5. Coefficients of interphase distribution and Gibbs energy of the transfer of nicotinic acid from water into aqueous solutions of ethanol and dimethylsulfoxide

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Grazhdan, K. V.; Gamov, G. A.; Dushina, S. V.; Sharnin, V. A.

    2012-11-01

    Coefficients of the interphase distribution of nicotinic acid are determined in aqueous solution systems of ethanol-hexane and DMSO-hexane at 25.0 ± 0.1°C. They are used to calculate the Gibbs energy of the transfer of nicotinic acid from water into aqueous solutions of ethanol and dimethylsulfoxide. The Gibbs energy values for the transfer of the molecular and zwitterionic forms of nicotinic acid are obtained by means of UV spectroscopy. The diametrically opposite effect of the composition of binary solvents on the transfer of the molecular and zwitterionic forms of nicotinic acid is noted.

  6. Polysulfone and polyacrylate-based zwitterionic coatings for the prevention and easy removal of marine biofouling

    DOE PAGES

    Hibbs, Michael R.; Hernandez-Sanchez, Bernadette A.; Daniels, Justin; ...

    2015-09-07

    A series of polysulfone and polyacrylate-based zwitterionic coatings were prepared on epoxy-primed aluminum substrata and characterized for their antifouling (AF) and fouling-release (FR) properties towards marine bacteria, microalgae and barnacles. The zwitterionic polymer coatings provided minimal resistance against bacterial biofilm retention and microalgal cell attachment, but facilitated good removal of attached microbial biomass by exposure to water-jet apparatus generated hydrodynamic shearing forces. Increasing the ion content of the coatings improved the AF properties, but required a stronger adhesive bond to the epoxy-primed aluminum substratum to prevent coating swelling and dissolution. Grafted poly(sulfobetaine) (gpSBMA), the most promising zwitterionic coating identified frommore » microfouling evaluations, enabled the removal of four out of five barnacles reattached to its surface without incurring damage to their baseplates. As a result, this significant result indicated that gpSBMA relied predominately on its surface chemistry for its FR properties since it was very thin (~1–2 µm) relative to commercial coating standards (>200 µm).« less

  7. Light-switchable polymer from cationic to zwitterionic form: synthesis, characterization, and interactions with DNA and bacterial cells.

    PubMed

    Sobolčiak, Patrik; Spírek, Mário; Katrlík, Jaroslav; Gemeiner, Peter; Lacík, Igor; Kasák, Peter

    2013-04-25

    A novel cationic polymer poly(N,N-dimethyl-N-[3-(methacroylamino) propyl]-N-[2-[(2-nitrophenyl)methoxy]-2-oxo-ethyl]ammonium chloride) is synthesized by free-radical polymerization of N-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl] methacrylamide and subsequent quaternization with o-nitrobenzyl 2-chloroacetate. The photolabile o-nitrobenzyl carboxymethyl pendant moiety is transformed to the zwitterionic carboxybetaine form upon the irradiation at 365 nm. This feature is used to condense and, upon the light irradiation, to release double-strand DNA tested by gel electrophoresis and surface plasmon resonance experiments as well as to switch the antibacterial activity to non-toxic character demonstrated for Escherichia coli bacterial cells in solution and at the surface using the self-assembled monolayers. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  8. Highly Selective Enrichment of Glycopeptides Based on Zwitterionically Functionalized Soluble Nanopolymers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cao, Weiqian; Huang, Jiangming; Jiang, Biyun; Gao, Xing; Yang, Pengyuan

    2016-07-01

    Efficient glycopeptides enrichment prior to mass spectrometry analysis is essential for glycoproteome study. ZIC-HILIC (zwitterionic hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography) based glycopeptides enrichment approaches have been attracting more attention for several benefits like easy operating, high enrichment specificity and intact glycopeptide retained. In this study, Poly (amidoamine) dendrimer (PAMAM) was adopted for the synthesis of zwitterionically functionalized (ZICF) materials for glycopeptide enrichment. The multiple branched structure and good solubility of ZICF-PAMAM enables a sufficient interaction with glycopeptides. The ZICF-PAMAM combined with the FASP-mode enrichment strategy exhibits more superior performance compared with the existing methods. It has the minimum detectable concentration of femtomolar level and high recovery rate of over 90.01%, and can efficiently enrich glycopeptides from complex biological samples even for merely 0.1 μL human serum. The remarkable glycopeptides enrichment capacity of ZICF-PAMAM highlights the potential application in in-depth glycoproteome research, which may open up new opportunities for the development of glycoproteomics.

  9. Highly Selective Enrichment of Glycopeptides Based on Zwitterionically Functionalized Soluble Nanopolymers.

    PubMed

    Cao, Weiqian; Huang, Jiangming; Jiang, Biyun; Gao, Xing; Yang, Pengyuan

    2016-07-14

    Efficient glycopeptides enrichment prior to mass spectrometry analysis is essential for glycoproteome study. ZIC-HILIC (zwitterionic hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography) based glycopeptides enrichment approaches have been attracting more attention for several benefits like easy operating, high enrichment specificity and intact glycopeptide retained. In this study, Poly (amidoamine) dendrimer (PAMAM) was adopted for the synthesis of zwitterionically functionalized (ZICF) materials for glycopeptide enrichment. The multiple branched structure and good solubility of ZICF-PAMAM enables a sufficient interaction with glycopeptides. The ZICF-PAMAM combined with the FASP-mode enrichment strategy exhibits more superior performance compared with the existing methods. It has the minimum detectable concentration of femtomolar level and high recovery rate of over 90.01%, and can efficiently enrich glycopeptides from complex biological samples even for merely 0.1 μL human serum. The remarkable glycopeptides enrichment capacity of ZICF-PAMAM highlights the potential application in in-depth glycoproteome research, which may open up new opportunities for the development of glycoproteomics.

  10. The relative abundance of dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) among other zwitterions in branching coral at Heron Island, southern Great Barrier Reef.

    PubMed

    Swan, Hilton B; Deschaseaux, Elisabeth S M; Jones, Graham B; Eyre, Bradley D

    2017-07-01

    Dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) and eleven other target zwitterions were quantified in the branch tips of six Acropora species and Stylophora pistillata hard coral growing on the reef flat surrounding Heron Island in the southern Great Barrier Reef (GBR), Australia. Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (HILIC-MS) was used for sample analysis with isotope dilution MS applied to quantify DMSP. The concentration of DMSP was ten times greater in A. aspera than A. valida, with this difference being maintained throughout the spring, summer and winter seasons. In contrast, glycine betaine was present in significantly higher concentrations in these species during the summer than the winter. Exposure of branch tips of A. aspera to air and hypo-saline seawater for up to 1 h did not alter the concentrations of DMSP present in the coral when compared with control samples. DMSP was the most abundant target zwitterion in the six Acropora species examined, ranging from 44-78% of all target zwitterions in A. millepora and A. aspera, respectively. In contrast, DMSP only accounted for 7% in S. pistillata, with glycine betaine and stachydrine collectively accounting for 88% of all target zwitterions in this species. The abundance of DMSP in the six Acropora species examined points to Acropora coral being an important source for the biogeochemical cycling of sulfur throughout the GBR, since this reef-building branching coral dominates the coral cover of the GBR. Graphical Abstract HILIC-MS extracted ion chromatogram showing zwitterionic metabolites from the branching coral Acropora isopora.

  11. Surface modification of silicon wafer by grafting zwitterionic polymers to improve its antifouling property

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sun, Yunlong; Chen, Changlin; Xu, Heng; Lei, Kun; Xu, Guanzhe; Zhao, Li; Lang, Meidong

    2017-10-01

    Silicon (111) wafer was modified by triethoxyvinylsilane containing double bond as an intermedium, and then P4VP (polymer 4-vinyl pyridine) brush was "grafted" onto the surface of silicon wafer containing reactive double bonds by adopting the "grafting from" way and Si-P4VP substrate (silicon wafer grafted by P4VP) was obtained. Finally, P4VP brush of Si-P4VP substrate was modified by 1,3-propanesulfonate fully to obtain P4VP-psl brush (zwitterionic polypyridinium salt) and the functional Si-P4VP-psl substrate (silicon wafer grafted by zwitterionic polypyridinium salt based on polymer 4-vinyl pyridine) was obtained successfully. The antifouling property of the silicon wafer, the Si-P4VP substrate and the Si-P4VP-psl substrate was investigated by using bovine serum albumin, mononuclear macrophages (RAW 264.7) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) ATTC25922 as model bacterium. The results showed that compared with the blank sample-silicon wafer, the Si-P4VP-psl substrate had excellent anti-adhesion ability against bovine serum albumin, cells and bacterium, due to zwitterionic P4VP-psl brush (polymer 4-vinyl pyridine salt) having special functionality like antifouling ability on biomaterial field.

  12. Crystal structure of zwitterionic 4-(ammonio­methyl)­benzoate: a simple mol­ecule giving rise to a complex supra­molecular structure

    PubMed Central

    Atria, Ana María; Garland, Maria Teresa; Baggio, Ricardo

    2014-01-01

    The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C8H9NO2·H2O consists of an isolated 4-(ammonio­meth­yl)benzoate zwitterion derived from 4-amino­methyl­benzoic acid through the migration of the acidic proton, together with a water molecule of crystallization that is disordered over three sites with occupancy ratios (0.50:0.35:0.15). In the crystal structure, N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds together with π–π stacking of the benzene rings [centroid–centroid distance = 3.8602 (18) Å] result in a strongly linked, compact three-dimensional structure. PMID:25484753

  13. Computational and spectroscopic studies of a new Schiff base 3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzylidene(2-hydroxyphenyl)amine and molecular structure of its corresponding zwitterionic form.

    PubMed

    Habibi, Mohammad Hossein; Shojaee, Elahe; Ranjbar, Mahnaz; Memarian, Hamid Reza; Kanayama, Akihiko; Suzuki, Takayoshi

    2013-03-15

    Computational and spectroscopic properties of a novel Schiff base compound, 3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzylidene(2-hydroxyphenyl)amine were studied. The crystal structures of the title compound and its corresponding zwitterionic form were analyzed by X-ray diffraction. The presence of N-H, C-O and C=N stretching vibrations in IR spectrum strongly suggest that the title compound has zwitterionic form in the solid state. Molecular geometry of the title compound in the ground state has been calculated using the density functional method (DFT) at B3LYP 6-31++G(d,p) basis set and was compared with the experimental data. The calculated results of the title compound show that the optimized geometry can well reproduce the crystal structure. The molecule shows absorption bands at 345 and 363 nm in EtOH. The shoulder-shaped bands at 415 nm can be assigned to n→π(*) transitions. The absorption band is observed at 285 nm in EtOH corresponds to the π→π(*) transitions. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. RNA and DNA interactions with zwitterionic and charged lipid membranes - a DSC and QCM-D study.

    PubMed

    Michanek, Agnes; Kristen, Nora; Höök, Fredrik; Nylander, Tommy; Sparr, Emma

    2010-04-01

    The aim of the present study is to establish under which conditions tRNA associates with phospholipid bilayers, and to explore how this interaction influences the lipid bilayer. For this purpose we have studied the association of tRNA or DNA of different sizes and degrees of base pairing with a set of model membrane systems with varying charge densities, composed of zwitterionic phosphatidylcholines (PC) in mixtures with anionic phosphatidylserine (PS) or cationic dioctadecyl-dimethyl-ammoniumbromide (DODAB), and with fluid or solid acyl-chains (oleoyl, myristoyl and palmitoyl). To prove and quantify the attractive interaction between tRNA and model-lipid membrane we used quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) monitoring to study the tRNA adsorption to deposit phospholipid bilayers from solutions containing monovalent (Na(+)) or divalent (Ca(2+)) cations. The influence of the adsorbed polynucleic acids on the lipid phase transitions and lipid segregation was studied by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The basic findings are: i) tRNA adsorbs to zwitterionic liquid-crystalline and gel-phase phospholipid bilayers. The interaction is weak and reversible, and cannot be explained only on the basis of electrostatic attraction. ii) The adsorbed amount of tRNA is higher for liquid-crystalline bilayers compared to gel-phase bilayers, while the presence of divalent cations show no significant effect on the tRNA adsorption. iii) The adsorption of tRNA can lead to segregation in the mixed 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphatidylcholine (DMPC)-1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylserine (DMPS) and DMPC-DODAB bilayers, where tRNA is likely excluded from the anionic DMPS-rich domains in the first system, and associated with the cationic DODAB-rich domains in the second system. iv) The addition of shorter polynucleic acids influence the chain melting transition and induce segregation in a mixed DMPC-DMPS system, while larger polynucleic acids do

  15. Conformational analysis of glutamic acid: a density functional approach using implicit continuum solvent model.

    PubMed

    Turan, Başak; Selçuki, Cenk

    2014-09-01

    Amino acids are constituents of proteins and enzymes which take part almost in all metabolic reactions. Glutamic acid, with an ability to form a negatively charged side chain, plays a major role in intra and intermolecular interactions of proteins, peptides, and enzymes. An exhaustive conformational analysis has been performed for all eight possible forms at B3LYP/cc-pVTZ level. All possible neutral, zwitterionic, protonated, and deprotonated forms of glutamic acid structures have been investigated in solution by using polarizable continuum model mimicking water as the solvent. Nine families based on the dihedral angles have been classified for eight glutamic acid forms. The electrostatic effects included in the solvent model usually stabilize the charged forms more. However, the stability of the zwitterionic form has been underestimated due to the lack of hydrogen bonding between the solute and solvent; therefore, it is observed that compact neutral glutamic acid structures are more stable in solution than they are in vacuum. Our calculations have shown that among all eight possible forms, some are not stable in solution and are immediately converted to other more stable forms. Comparison of isoelectronic glutamic acid forms indicated that one of the structures among possible zwitterionic and anionic forms may dominate over the other possible forms. Additional investigations using explicit solvent models are necessary to determine the stability of charged forms of glutamic acid in solution as our results clearly indicate that hydrogen bonding and its type have a major role in the structure and energy of conformers.

  16. Investigation of the retention/pH profile of zwitterionic fluoroquinolones in reversed-phase and ion-interaction high performance liquid chromatography.

    PubMed

    Pistos, C; Tsantili-Kakoulidou, A; Koupparis, M

    2005-09-15

    The retention/pH profiles of three fluoroquinolones, ofloxacin, norfloxacin and ciprofloxacin, was investigated by means of reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and reversed-phase ion-interaction chromatography (RP-IIC), using an octadecylsilane stationary phase and acetonitrile as organic modifier. Sodium hexanesulphonate and tetrabutylammonium hydroxide were used as sources of counter ions in ion-interaction chromatography. The retention/pH profiles under in RP-HPLC were compared to the corresponding lipophilicity/pH profiles. Despite the rather hydrophilic nature of the three fluoroquinolones positive retention factors were obtained while there was a shift of the retention maximum towards more acidic pH values. This behavior was attributed mainly to non-hydrophobic silanophilic interactions with the silanized silica gel material of the stationary phase. In ion-interaction chromatography the effect of counter ions over a broad pH range was found to be ruled rather by the ion pair formation in the mobile phase which led to a drastic decrease in retention as a consequence of the disruption of the zwitterionic structure and thereupon the deliberation of a net charge in the molecules. At pH values at which zwitterionic structure was not favored both the ion-exchange and ion pair formation mechanisms were assumed to contribute to the retention.

  17. Clarithromycin and Tetracycline Binding to Soil Humic Acid in the Absence and Presence of Calcium.

    PubMed

    Christl, Iso; Ruiz, Mercedes; Schmidt, J R; Pedersen, Joel A

    2016-09-20

    Numerous ionizable organic micropollutants contain positively charged moieties at pH values typical of environmental systems. Describing organic cation and zwitterion interaction with dissolved natural organic matter requires explicit consideration of the pH-dependent speciation of both sorbate and sorbent. We studied the pH-, ionic strength-, and concentration-dependent binding of relatively large, organic cations and zwitterions (viz., the antibiotics clarithromycin and tetracycline) to dissolved humic acid in the absence and presence of Ca(2+) and evaluated the ability of the NICA-Donnan model to describe the data. Clarithromycin interaction with dissolved humic acid was well described by the model including the competitive effect of Ca(2+) on clarithromycin binding over a wide range of solution conditions by considering only the binding of the cationic species to low proton-affinity sites in humic acid. Tetracycline possesses multiple ionizable moieties and forms complexes with Ca(2+). An excellent fit to experimental data was achieved by considering tetracycline cation interaction with both low and high proton-affinity sites of humic acid and zwitterion interaction with high proton-affinity sites. In contrast to clarithromycin, tetracycline binding to humic acid increased in the presence of Ca(2+), especially under alkaline conditions. Model calculations indicate that this increase is due to electrostatic interaction of positively charged tetracycline-Ca complexes with humic acid rather than due to the formation of ternary complexes, except at very low TC concentrations.

  18. Bypassing Protein Corona Issue on Active Targeting: Zwitterionic Coatings Dictate Specific Interactions of Targeting Moieties and Cell Receptors.

    PubMed

    Safavi-Sohi, Reihaneh; Maghari, Shokoofeh; Raoufi, Mohammad; Jalali, Seyed Amir; Hajipour, Mohammad J; Ghassempour, Alireza; Mahmoudi, Morteza

    2016-09-07

    Surface functionalization strategies for targeting nanoparticles (NP) to specific organs, cells, or organelles, is the foundation for new applications of nanomedicine to drug delivery and biomedical imaging. Interaction of NPs with biological media leads to the formation of a biomolecular layer at the surface of NPs so-called as "protein corona". This corona layer can shield active molecules at the surface of NPs and cause mistargeting or unintended scavenging by the liver, kidney, or spleen. To overcome this corona issue, we have designed biotin-cysteine conjugated silica NPs (biotin was employed as a targeting molecule and cysteine was used as a zwitterionic ligand) to inhibit corona-induced mistargeting and thus significantly enhance the active targeting capability of NPs in complex biological media. To probe the targeting yield of our engineered NPs, we employed both modified silicon wafer substrates with streptavidin (i.e., biotin receptor) to simulate a target and a cell-based model platform using tumor cell lines that overexpress biotin receptors. In both cases, after incubation with human plasma (thus forming a protein corona), cellular uptake/substrate attachment of the targeted NPs with zwitterionic coatings were significantly higher than the same NPs without zwitterionic coating. Our results demonstrated that NPs with a zwitterionic surface can considerably facilitate targeting yield of NPs and provide a promising new type of nanocarriers in biological applications.

  19. Mono- and bimetallic zwitterionic chromium(0) and tungsten(0) allenyls.

    PubMed

    Giner, Elena A; Santiago, Alicia; Gómez-Gallego, Mar; Ramírez de Arellano, Carmen; Poulten, Rebecca C; Whittlesey, Michael K; Sierra, Miguel A

    2015-06-01

    A series of stable chiral (racemic), formally neutral, zwitterionic mono- and bimetallic M(CO)5[C(OEt)═C═CR(NHC)] (M = Cr, W) σ-allenyls are ready available by the addition of N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) to Cr(0) and W(0) alkynyl Fischer carbene complexes. Different classes of NHCs, (e.g., 1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene, 1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazolin-2-ylidene, and their six- and seven-membered analogues and 1,3-bis(dimethyl)imidazol-2-ylidene) were employed as nucleophiles in these C-C bond-forming reactions yielding the novel complexes in essentially quantitative yields. A systematic experimental and computational study of the electronic properties of the Cr- and W-allenyls shows that their UV-vis spectra are directly influenced by the structure of the heterocyclic moiety derived from the NHC (ring size, substituents on the N atoms) and by the nature of the metal fragment (Cr/W). The electron-releasing nature of these complexes allows them to participate in electron-transfer reactions in the ground state, leading to a type of charged α,β-unsaturated Fischer carbenes that incorporate an NHC fragment in their structure.

  20. METHOD FOR THE MEASUREMENT OF SITE-SPECIFIC TAUTOMERIC AND ZWITTERIONIC MICROSPECIES EQUILIBRIUM CONSTANTS

    EPA Science Inventory

    We describe a method for the individual measurement of simultaneously occurring, unimolecular, site-specific “microequilibrium” constants as in, for example, prototropic tautomerism and zwitterionic equilibria. Our method represents an elaboration of that of Nygren et al. (Anal. ...

  1. Synchronized Regulation of Different Zwitterionic Metabolites in the Osmoadaption of Phytoplankton

    PubMed Central

    Gebser, Björn; Pohnert, Georg

    2013-01-01

    The ability to adapt to different seawater salinities is essential for cosmopolitan marine phytoplankton living in very diverse habitats. In this study, we examined the role of small zwitterionic metabolites in the osmoadaption of two common microalgae species Emiliania huxleyi and Prorocentrum minimum. By cultivation of the algae under salinities between 16‰ and 38‰ and subsequent analysis of dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP), glycine betaine (GBT), gonyol, homarine, trigonelline, dimethylsulfonioacetate, trimethylammonium propionate, and trimethylammonium butyrate using HPLC-MS, we could reveal two fundamentally different osmoadaption mechanisms. While E. huxleyi responded with cell size reduction and a nearly constant ratio between the major metabolites DMSP, GBT and homarine to increasing salinity, osmolyte composition of P. minimum changed dramatically. In this alga DMSP concentration remained nearly constant at 18.6 mM between 20‰ and 32‰ but the amount of GBT and dimethylsulfonioacetate increased from 4% to 30% of total investigated osmolytes. Direct quantification of zwitterionic metabolites via LC-MS is a powerful tool to unravel the complex osmoadaption and regulation mechanisms of marine phytoplankton. PMID:23774888

  2. Reaction of iminopropadienones with amines--formation of zwitterionic intermediates, ketenes, and ketenimines.

    PubMed

    Veedu, Rakesh Naduvile; Kokas, Okanya J; Couturier-Tamburelli, Isabelle; Koch, Rainer; Aycard, Jean-Pierre; Borget, Fabien; Wentrup, Curt

    2008-10-09

    Five aryliminopropadienones 4a- d have been synthesized by flash vacuum thermolysis (FVT) by using two different precursors in each case. These compounds were deposited at 50 K at a pressure of ca. 10(-6) mbar together with three different nucleophiles, namely, trimethylamine (TMA), dimethylamine (DMA), and diethylamine (DEA), in order to study their reactions as neat solids during warm-up by FTIR spectroscopy. The reaction with TMA showed that a zwitterionic species (5 and/or 6) was formed in all the cases. With DMA and DEA, an alpha-oxoketenimine and/or an imidoylketene (7 and 8 or 9 and 10) was formed as the final product. In addition, several bands were observed, which can be assigned to zwitterionic intermediates (11 or 12). Optimized structures and vibrational spectra for all products were calculated at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) level of theory by using the polarizable continuum model (epsilon = 5).

  3. Preparation of pH-sensitive zwitterionic nano micelles and drug controlled release for enhancing cellular uptake.

    PubMed

    Wu, Luyan; Ni, Caihua; Zhang, Liping; Shi, Gang

    2016-01-01

    Zwitterionic copolymers have exhibited high resistance to nonspecific protein adsorption and have wide applications in drug delivery systems. Herein, a pH-responsive poly(Lysine-alt-N,N'-bis(acryloyl) diaminohexane) was synthesized through the Michael addition polymerization between N, N'-bis(acryloyl) diaminohexane and lysine. Subsequently, nano micelles (NMs) were formed by self-assembly of the copolymer in an aqueous solution. The NMs showed a slightly negative charge in blood environment, but a positively charged surface in extracellular pH of tumor. This feature could be used to enhance permeability and retention effect, and reinforce tumor cell uptake. Vitro release studies revealed that the release of DOX from the DOX-loaded NMs was evidently faster at pH 5.0 than at pH 7.4. MTT assays revealed that NMs were nontoxic. Thus, these smart NMs were feasible candidates and could be potentially used in cancer chemotherapy.

  4. Monovalent Ions and Water Dipoles in Contact with Dipolar Zwitterionic Lipid Headgroups-Theory and MD Simulations

    PubMed Central

    Velikonja, Aljaž; Perutkova, Šarka; Gongadze, Ekaterina; Kramar, Peter; Polak, Andraž; Maček-Lebar, Alenka; Iglič, Aleš

    2013-01-01

    The lipid bilayer is a basic building block of biological membranes and can be pictured as a barrier separating two compartments filled with electrolyte solution. Artificial planar lipid bilayers are therefore commonly used as model systems to study the physical and electrical properties of the cell membranes in contact with electrolyte solution. Among them the glycerol-based polar phospholipids which have dipolar, but electrically neutral head groups, are most frequently used in formation of artificial lipid bilayers. In this work the electrical properties of the lipid layer composed of zwitterionic lipids with non-zero dipole moments are studied theoretically. In the model, the zwitterionic lipid bilayer is assumed to be in contact with aqueous solution of monovalent salt ions. The orientational ordering of water, resulting in spatial variation of permittivity, is explicitly taken into account. It is shown that due to saturation effect in orientational ordering of water dipoles the relative permittivity in the zwitterionic headgroup region is decreased, while the corresponding electric potential becomes strongly negative. Some of the predictions of the presented mean-field theoretical consideration are critically evaluated using the results of molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. PMID:23434651

  5. Determination of Halide Concentrations at the Interface of Zwitterionic Micelles by Chemical Trapping: Influence of the Orientation of the Dipole and the Nature of the Cation.

    PubMed

    Cuccovia; Romsted; Chaimovich

    1999-12-01

    The interfacial concentrations of Cl(-) and Br(-) in aqueous zwitterionic micelles were determined by chemical trapping by analyzing product yields from spontaneous dediazoniation of micelle-bound 2,6-dimethyl-4-hexadecylbenzenediazonium ion. Interfacial concentrations of Cl(-) and Br(-) in 3-(N-hexadecyl-N, N-dimethylammonio) propane sulfonate, HPS, micelles were higher than in bulk solutions prepared with Li(+), Na(+), Rb(+), Cs(+), tetramethylammonium (TMA(+)), Mg(+2), and Ca(+2) salts. In contrast, the interfacial concentrations of Cl(-) and Br(-) were generally lower than in bulk solution in hexadecylphosphoryl choline, HDPC, micelles for all salts except Mg(+2) and Ca(+2). In both HPS and HDPC micelles the interfacial concentration of Br(-) was higher than that of Cl(-), showing that binding is anion selective. The cation had a large effect on the interfacial concentration of halide ions with HDPC micelles decreasing in the order Ca(2+) > Mg(2+) > Li(+) > Na(+) > K(+) > Cs(+) > Rb(+) > TMA(+). These results are the first direct and extensive determination of local halide ion concentration at the surface of zwitterionic micelles, and they demonstrate that chemical trapping methodology will work in membranes at physiologically relevant salt concentrations. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

  6. Quantitative fabrication, performance optimization and comparison of PEG and zwitterionic polymer antifouling coatings.

    PubMed

    Xing, Cheng-Mei; Meng, Fan-Ning; Quan, Miao; Ding, Kai; Dang, Yuan; Gong, Yong-Kuan

    2017-09-01

    A versatile fabrication and performance optimization strategy of PEG and zwitterionic polymer coatings is developed on the sensor chip of surface plasma resonance (SPR) instrument. A random copolymer bearing phosphorylcholine zwitterion and active ester side chains (PMEN) and carboxylic PEG coatings with comparable thicknesses were deposited on SPR sensor chips via amidation coupling on the precoated polydopamine (PDA) intermediate layer. The PMEN coating showed much stronger resistance to bovine serum albumin (BSA) adsorption than PEG coating at very thin thickness (∼1nm). However, the BSA resistant efficacy of PEG coating could exceed that of PMEN due to stronger steric repelling effect when the thickness increased to 1.5∼3.3nm. Interestingly, both the PEG and PMEN thick coatings (≈3.6nm) showed ultralow fouling by BSA and bovine plasma fibrinogen (Fg). Moreover, changes in the PEG end group from -OH to -COOH, protein adsorption amount could increase by 10-fold. Importantly, the optimized PMEN and PEG-OH coatings were easily duplicated on other substrates due to universal adhesion of the PDA layer, showed excellent resistance to platelet, bacteria and proteins, and no significant difference in the antifouling performances was observed. These detailed results can explain the reported discrepancy in performances between PEG and zwitterionic polymer coatings by thickness. This facile and substrate-independent coating strategy may benefit the design and manufacture of advanced antifouling biomedical devices and long circulating nanocarriers. Prevention of biofouling is one of the biggest challenges for all biomedical applications. However, it is very difficult to fabricate a highly hydrophilic antifouling coating on inert materials or large devices. In this study, PEG and zwitterion polymers, the most widely investigated polymers with best antifouling performance, are conveniently immobilized on different kinds of substrates from their aqueous solutions by

  7. Interactions of a hydrophobically modified polycation with zwitterionic lipid membranes.

    PubMed

    Kepczynski, Mariusz; Jamróz, Dorota; Wytrwal, Magdalena; Bednar, Jan; Rzad, Ewa; Nowakowska, Maria

    2012-01-10

    The interactions between synthetic polycations and phospholipid bilayers play an important role in some biophysical applications such as gene delivery or antibacterial usage. Despite extensive investigation into the nature of these interactions, their physical and molecular bases remain poorly understood. In this Article, we present the results of our studies on the impact of a hydrophobically modified strong polycation on the properties of a zwitterionic bilayer used as a model of the mammalian cellular membrane. The study was carried out using a set of complementary experimental methods and molecular dynamic (MD) simulations. A new polycation, poly(allyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-hexylammonium chloride) (polymer 3), was synthesized, and its interactions with liposomes composed of 2-oleoyl-1-palmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC) were examined using dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential measurements, and cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM). Our results have shown that polymer 3 can efficiently associate with and insert into the POPC membrane. However, it does not change its lamellar structure, as was demonstrated by cryo-TEM. The influence of polymer 3 on the membrane functionality was studied by leakage experiments applying a fluorescence dye (calcein) encapsulated in the phospholipid vesicles. The MD simulations of model systems reveal that polymer 3 promotes formation of hydrophilic pores in the membrane, thus increasing considerably its permeability.

  8. Two-step liquid phase microextraction combined with capillary electrophoresis: a new approach to simultaneous determination of basic and zwitterionic compounds.

    PubMed

    Nojavan, Saeed; Moharami, Arezoo; Fakhari, Ali Reza

    2012-08-01

    In this work, two-step hollow fiber-based liquid-phase microextraction procedure was evaluated for extraction of the zwitterionic cetirizine (CTZ) and basic hydroxyzine (HZ) in human plasma. In the first step of extraction, the pH of sample was adjusted at 5.0 in order to promote liquid-phase microextraction of the zwitterionic CTZ. In the second step, the pH of sample was increased up to 11.0 for extraction of basic HZ. In this procedure, the extraction times for the first and the second steps were 30 and 20 min, respectively. Owing to the high ratio between the volumes of donor phase and acceptor phase, CTZ and HZ were enriched by factors of 280 and 355, respectively. The linearity of the analytical method was investigated for both compounds in the range of 10-500 ng mL(-1) (R(2) > 0.999). Limit of quantification (S/N = 10) for CTZ and HZ was 10 ng mL(-1) , while the limit of detection was 3 ng mL(-1) for both compounds at a signal to noise ratio of 3:1. Intraday and interday relative standard deviations (RSDs, n = 6) were in the range of 6.5-16.2%. This procedure enabled CTZ and HZ to be analyzed simultaneously by capillary electrophoresis. © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  9. Clarithromycin and tetracycline binding to soil humic acid in the absence and presence of calcium

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Christl, Iso; Ruiz, Mercedes; Schmidt, J. R.; Pedersen, Joel A.

    2017-04-01

    Many organic micropollutants including antibiotics contain positively charged moieties and are present as organic cations or zwitterions at environmentally relevant pH conditions. In this study, we investigated the pH-, ionic strength-, and concentration-dependent binding of the two antibiotics clarithromycin and tetracycline to dissolved humic acid in the absence and presence of Ca2+. The investigated compounds strongly differ in their chemical speciation. Clarithromycin can be present as neutral and cationic species, only. But tetracycline can form cations, zwitterions as well as anions and is able to form various calcium complexes. The pH-dependence of binding to soil humic acid was observed to be strongly linked to the protonation behavior for both antibiotics. The presence of Ca2+ decreased clarithromycin binding to soil humic acid, but increased tetracycline binding with increasing Ca2+ concentration. The experimental observations were well described with the NICA-Donnan model considering the complete aqueous speciation of antibiotics and allowing for binding of cationic and zwitterionic species to soil humic acid. Our results indicate that clarithromycin is subject to competition with Ca2+ for binding to soil humic acid and that the electrostatic interaction of positively charged tetracycline-Ca complexes with humic acid enhances tetracycline binding in presence of Ca2+ rather than the formation of ternary complexes, except at very low tetracycline concentrations. We conclude that for the description of ionizable organic micropollutant binding to dissolved natural organic matter, the complete speciation of both sorbate and sorbent has to be considered.

  10. A METHOD FOR THE MEASUREMENT OF SITE-SPECIFIC TAUTOMERIC AND ZWITTERIONIC MICROSPECIES EQUILIBRIUM CONSTANTS

    EPA Science Inventory

    We describe a method for the individual measurement of simultaneously occurring, unimolecular, site-specific "microequilibrium" constants as in, for example, prototropic tautomerism and zwitterionic equilibria. Our method represents an elaboration of that of Nygren et al. (Anal. ...

  11. Synthesis and surface activities of a novel di-hydroxyl-sulfate-betaine-type zwitterionic gemini surfactants

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Geng, Xiang F.; Hu, Xing Q.; Xia, Ji J.; Jia, Xue C.

    2013-04-01

    A series of novel di-hydroxyl-sulfate-betaine-type zwitterionic gemini surfactants of 1,2-bis[N-ethyl-N-(2-hydroxyl-3-sulfopropyl)-alkylammonium] alkyl betaines (DBAs-n, where s and n represent the spacer length of 2, 4 and 6 and the hydrocarbon chain length of 8, 12, 14, 16 and 18, respectively) were synthesized by reacting alkylamine with sodium 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropanesulfonate (the alternative sulphonated agent), followed by the reactions with а,ω-dibromoalkyl and then ethyl bromide. Their adsorption and aggregation properties were investigated by means of equilibrium surface tension, dynamic light-scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). DBAs-n gemini surfactants showed excellent surface activities and packed tightly at the interface. For example, the minimum CMC value for DBAs-n series was of the order of 10-5 M and the surface tension of water can be decreased as low as 22.2 mN/m. It was also found that the aggregates of DBAs-n solutions were significantly dependent on their hydrocarbon chain lengths. The aggregates changed from vesicles to entangled fiber-like micelles as the chain length increased from dodecyl to tetradecyl.

  12. Recyclable colorimetric sensor of Cr3 + and Pb2 + ions simultaneously using a zwitterionic amino acid modified gold nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sang, Fuming; Li, Xin; Zhang, Zhizhou; Liu, Jia; Chen, Guofu

    2018-03-01

    In this work, a rapid, simple and sensitive colorimetric sensor for simultaneous (or respective) detection of Cr3 + and Pb2 + using tyrosine functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPsTyr) has been developed. Tyrosine, a natural and zwitterionic amino acid, could be as a reducing and capping agent to synthesise AuNPs and allow for the simultaneous and selective detection of Cr3 + and Pb2 +. Upon the addition of Cr3 + or Pb2 + (a combination of them), the color of AuNPsTyr solution changes from red to blue grey and the characteristic surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band is red-shifted to 580 nm due to the aggregation of AuNPs. Interestingly, the aggregated AuNPsTyr can be regnerated and recycled by removing Pb2 + and Cr3 +. Even after 3 rounds, AuNPsTyr show almost the same A580 nm / A520 nm value for the assays of Pb2 + and Cr3 +, indicating the good recyclability of the colorimetric sensor. The responding time (within 1 min) and sensitivity of the colorimetric sensor are largely improved after the addition of 0.1 M NaCl. Moreover, the AuNPsTyr aggregated by Cr3 + or Pb2 + (a combination of them) show excellent selectivity compared to other metal ions (Cr3 +, Pb2 +, Fe2 +,Cu2 +,Zn2 +,Cr6 +,Ni2 +,Co2 +,Hg2 +,Mn2 +,Mg2 +,Ca2 +,Cd2 +). More importantly, the developed sensor manifests good stability at room temperature for 3 months, which has been successfully used to determine Cr3 + and Pb2 + in the real water samples with a high sensitivity.

  13. Serum protein adsorption and platelet adhesion on aspartic-acid-immobilized polysulfone membranes.

    PubMed

    Higuchi, Akon; Hashiba, Hirokazu; Hayashi, Rika; Yoon, Boo Ok; Sakurai, Masaru; Hara, Mariko

    2004-01-01

    Polysulfone (PSf) membranes that covalently conjugated with aspartic acid (ASP-PSf) were prepared and analyzed for hemocompatability. Compared to PSf or other types of surface-modified PSf membranes, the ASP-PSf membranes had a reduced ability to adsorb protein from either a plasma solution or a mixed solution of albumin, globulin and fibrinogen. This appears to be due to the creation of a hydrophilic surface by the aspartic acid zwitterion immobilized on the ASP-PSf membranes. Furthermore, the analyses of membrane protein adsorption showed that a mixed protein solution recapitulates the cooperative adsorption of proteins that occurs in plasma. We also found that the number of adhering platelets was the lowest on the ASP-PSf membranes and, in general, that platelet adhesion decreased in parallel with fibrinogen adsorption. In summary, aspartic acid immobilized on the ASP-PSf membranes, which have zwitterions with a net zero charge, effectively contributes to the hydrophilic and hemocompatible sites on the surface of the hydrophobic PSf membranes.

  14. Intracellular delivery and antitumor effects of pH-sensitive liposomes based on zwitterionic oligopeptide lipids.

    PubMed

    Mo, Ran; Sun, Qiong; Li, Nan; Zhang, Can

    2013-04-01

    pH-sensitive liposomes (HHG2C(18)-L and PEGHG2C(18)-L) based on zwitterionic oligopeptide lipids as anticancer drug carriers were developed and evaluated for effective intracellular delivery and enhanced antitumor activity. The amino acid-based lipids, 1,5-dioctadecyl-l-glutamyl 2-histidyl-hexahydrobenzoic acid (HHG2C(18)) and 1,5-distearyl N-(N-α-(4-mPEG2000) butanedione)-histidyl-l-glutamate (PEGHG2C(18)), were synthesized, which have the multistage pH-response to tumor microenvironmental pH (pH(e), pH 6.0-7.0) and endosomal/lysosomal pH (pH(i), pH 4.0-6.0) successively. HHG2C(18)-L contains HHG2C(18), while PEGHG2C(18)-L includes HHG2C(18) and PEGHG2C(18). Both of them displayed the capability of charge conversion to the surrounding pH. The zeta potentials of HHG2C(18)-L and PEGHG2C(18)-L were negative at pH 7.4, whereas positive at pH 6.5 and more positive at lower pH. Coumarin 6-loaded HHG2C(18)-L (C6/HHG2C(18)-L) and PEGHG2C(18)-L (C6/PEGHG2C(18)-L) showed higher tumor cellular uptake due to electrostatic absorptive endocytosis at pH(e) (pH 6.5), produced proton sponge effect for endo-lysosomal escape, and accumulated to the mitochondria based on stronger positive charge by the hydrolysis of a pH-sensitive linker at pH(i) (pH 5.5 and pH 4.5). Furthermore, temsirolimus (CCI-779)-loaded HHG2C(18)-L (CCI-779/HHG2C(18)-L) and PEGHG2C(18)-L (CCI-779/PEGHG2C(18)-L) had significantly higher antiproliferative and apoptosis inducing effects toward the human renal carcinoma (A498) cells at pH 6.5 relative to that at pH 7.4. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of CCI-779/HHG2C(18)-L and CCI-779/PEGHG2C(18)-L were about 3 μg/mL and 5 μg/mL at pH 6.5, 1.67-fold and 1.60-fold improved relative to that at pH 7.4, respectively. The total apoptotic ratio of CCI-779/HHG2C(18)-L and CCI-779/PEGHG2C(18)-L increased from 9.90% and 7.78% at pH 7.4 to 19.53% and 12.10% at pH 6.5, respectively. In vivo, CCI-779/PEGHG2C(18)-L after intravenous administration presented

  15. Induction of cell self-organization on weakly positively charged surfaces prepared by the deposition of polyion complex nanoparticles of thermoresponsive, zwitterionic copolymers.

    PubMed

    Iwai, Ryosuke; Haruki, Ryota; Nemoto, Yasushi; Nakayama, Yasuhide

    2017-07-01

    We have developed inducible cell self-organization through weakly positively charged culture surfaces. In this study, a thermoresponsive and zwitterionic copolymer comprised of N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) and methacrylic acid (MA) (PDMAEMA-co-PMA; Mn: ∼9.7 × 10 4 g/mol; PDMAEMA/PMA ratio: 10) was designed for inducing cell self-organization. The copolymer formed single polymer-derived polyion complex (sPIC) nanoparticles following dissolution in an aqueous solution. The sPIC nanoparticles had a positive charge (ca. 25 mV). Self-organization occurred in adipose-derived vascular stromal cell monolayers cultivated on sPIC-deposited surfaces. There were dramatic morphological changes of these cells with the formation of capillary-like networks and single-cell aggregates with little cytotoxicity. This was a significant improvement compared with cells grown on previously developed surfaces deposited with PIC, a mixture of PDMAEMA and plasmid DNA. Thus, sPICs of PDMAEMA-co-PMA may allow for the accurate evaluation of a variety of cell behaviors with less cytotoxicity, and may facilitate additional potential medical applications such as cell-based therapy and drug discovery. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 1009-1015, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  16. Modification of Silicone Elastomer Surfaces with Zwitterionic Polymers: Short-Term Fouling Resistance and Triggered Biofouling Release.

    PubMed

    Shivapooja, Phanindhar; Yu, Qian; Orihuela, Beatriz; Mays, Robin; Rittschof, Daniel; Genzer, Jan; López, Gabriel P

    2015-11-25

    We present a method for dual-mode-management of biofouling by modifying surface of silicone elastomers with zwitterionic polymeric grafts. Poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) was grafted from poly(vinylmethylsiloxane) elastomer substrates using thiol-ene click chemistry and surface-initiated, controlled radical polymerization. These surfaces exhibited both fouling resistance and triggered fouling-release functionality. The zwitterionic polymers exhibited fouling resistance over short-term (∼hours) exposure to bacteria and barnacle cyprids. The biofilms that eventually accumulated over prolonged-exposure (∼days) were easily detached by applying mechanical strain to the elastomer substrate. Such dual-functional surfaces may be useful in developing environmentally and biologically friendly coatings for biofouling management on marine, industrial, and biomedical equipment because they can obviate the use of toxic compounds.

  17. Development of Low Fouling and High Fouling-release Zwitterionic Marine Coatings

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-01-04

    amount, pigment , crosslinker type and catalyst amount. The details are shown below, 1. PDMS coating with zwitterionic copolymer incorporated. PDMS...onto aluminum panels. The coating can be cured within 3.5 hours. 2. PDMS coating with pigment incorporated. Various amount of the pigment cadmium...stirred vigorously until all the solid were dispersed uniformly. The obtained viscous liquid was then mixed with 3 g PDMS crosslinker, and applied onto

  18. Absorption, fluorescence, and acid-base equilibria of rhodamines in micellar media of sodium dodecyl sulfate

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Obukhova, Elena N.; Mchedlov-Petrossyan, Nikolay O.; Vodolazkaya, Natalya A.; Patsenker, Leonid D.; Doroshenko, Andrey O.; Marynin, Andriy I.; Krasovitskii, Boris M.

    2017-01-01

    Rhodamine dyes are widely used as molecular probes in different fields of science. The aim of this paper was to ascertain to what extent the structural peculiarities of the compounds influence their absorption, emission, and acid-base properties under unified conditions. The acid-base dissociation (HR+ ⇄ R + H+) of a series of rhodamine dyes was studied in sodium n-dodecylsulfate micellar solutions. In this media, the form R exists as a zwitterion R±. The indices of apparent ionization constants of fifteen rhodamine cations HR+ with different substituents in the xanthene moiety vary within the range of pKaapp = 5.04 to 5.53. The distinct dependence of emission of rhodamines bound to micelles on pH of bulk water opens the possibility of using them as fluorescent interfacial acid-base indicators.

  19. On the behaviour of biradicaloid [P(μ-NTer)]2 towards Lewis acids and bases.

    PubMed

    Hinz, Alexander; Schulz, Axel; Villinger, Alexander

    2016-05-07

    The well-known diphosphadiazane-1,3-diyl [P(μ-NTer)]2 (Ter = 2,6-bis(2,4,6-trimethyl-phenyl)-phenyl) was treated with Lewis bases such as N-heterocyclic carbenes and Lewis acids e.g. gold(i) chloride complexes. In the reaction with the Lewis base, fragmentation of the P2N2 framework was observed, yielding a salt of the type [(NHC)2P](+)[(TerN)2P](-) in a clean reaction. The reaction of [P(μ-NTer)]2 with gold(i) chloride afforded 1 : 1 and 1 : 2 complexes. The dinuclear complex [(ClAu)2P(μ-NTer)2P] displays a bridging P atom between both gold centers, as has been observed for P based zwitterions.

  20. Silica Nanoparticles Functionalized with Zwitterionic Sulfobetaine Siloxane for Application as a Versatile Antifouling Coating System.

    PubMed

    Knowles, Brianna R; Wagner, Pawel; Maclaughlin, Shane; Higgins, Michael J; Molino, Paul J

    2017-06-07

    The growing need to develop surfaces able to effectively resist biological fouling has resulted in the widespread investigation of nanomaterials with potential antifouling properties. However, the preparation of effective antifouling coatings is limited by the availability of reactive surface functional groups and our ability to carefully control and organize chemistries at a materials' interface. Here, we present two methods of preparing hydrophilic low-fouling surface coatings through reaction of silica-nanoparticle suspensions and predeposited silica-nanoparticle films with zwitterionic sulfobetaine (SB). Silica-nanoparticle suspensions were functionalized with SB across three pH conditions and deposited as thin films via a simple spin-coating process to generate hydrophilic antifouling coatings. In addition, coatings of predeposited silica nanoparticles were surface functionalized via exposure to zwitterionic solutions. Quartz crystal microgravimetry with dissipation monitoring was employed as a high throughput technique for monitoring and optimizing reaction to the silica-nanoparticle surfaces. Functionalization of nanoparticle films was rapid and could be achieved over a wide pH range and at low zwitterion concentrations. All functionalized particle surfaces presented a high degree of wettability and resulted in large reductions in adsorption of bovine serum albumin protein. Particle coatings also showed a reduction in adhesion of fungal spores (Epicoccum nigrum) and bacteria (Escherichia coli) by up to 87 and 96%, respectively. These results indicate the potential for functionalized nanosilicas to be further developed as versatile fouling-resistant coatings for widespread coating applications.

  1. Neutral vs zwitterionic glycine forms at the water/silica interface: structure, energies, and vibrational features from B3LYP periodic simulations.

    PubMed

    Rimola, Albert; Civalleri, Bartolomeo; Ugliengo, Piero

    2008-12-16

    B3LYP periodic calculations with a triple-xi-polarized Gaussian basis set have been used to study adsorption of glycine on a hydroxylated silica surface (2.2 OH/nm2) model derived from the (001) surface of edingtonite. The simulation envisages glycine adsorbed either as a gas-phase molecule or when microsolvated by up to five H20 molecules. Both neutral and zwitterionic forms of glycine have been considered and their structural, energetic, and spectroscopic vibrational features compared internally and with experiments. As a gas phase glycine sticks in its neutral form at the silica surface, the zwitterion being highly unstable and with transition-state character. When glycine is microsolvated at the silica interface, two H20 molecules render the zwitterion population comparable to that of the neutral form whereas with four H2O molecules the neutral glycine population is wiped out in favor of the zwitterion. With four H20 molecules the most stable structure shows no direct contact between glycine and the silica surface, H20 acting as a mediator via H-bond interactions. The B3LYP energies and structural data were also supported by comparing the scaled harmonic vibrational features with literature FTIR data of glycine adsorbed on an amorphous silica surface either from the gas phase or in water solution.

  2. Indium tin oxide with zwitterionic interfacial design for biosensing applications in complex matrices

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Darwish, Nadia T.; Alias, Yatimah; Khor, Sook Mei

    2015-01-01

    Biosensing interfaces consisting of linker molecules (COOH or NH2) and charged, antifouling moieties ((sbnd SO3- and N+(Me)3) for biosensing applications were prepared for the first time by the in situ deposition of mixtures of aryl diazonium cations on indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes. A linker molecule is required for the attachment of biorecognition molecules (e.g., antibodies, enzymes, DNA chains, and aptamers) close to the transducer surface. The attached molecules improve the biosensing sensitivity and also provide a short response time for analyte detection. Thus, the incorporation of a linker and antifouling molecules is an important interfacial design for both affinity and enzymatic biosensors. The reductive adsorption behavior and electrochemical measurement were studied for (1) an individual compound and (2) a mixture of antifouling zwitterionic molecules together with linker molecules [combination 1: 4-sulfophenyl (SP), 4-trimethylammoniophenyl (TMAP), and 1,4-phenylenediamine (PPD); combination 2: 4-sulfophenyl (SP), 4-trimethylammoniophenyl (TMAP), and 4-aminobenzoic acid (PABA)] of aryl diazonium cations grafted onto an ITO electrode. The mixture ratios of SP:TMAP:PPD and SP:TMAP:PABA that provided the greatest resistance to non-specific protein adsorptions of bovine serum albumin labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate (BSA-FITC) and cytochrome c labeled with rhodamine B isothiocyanate (RBITC-Cyt c) were determined by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). For the surface antifouling study, we used 2-[2-(2-methoxyethoxy) ethoxy]acetic acid (OEG) as a standard control because of its prominent antifouling properties. Surface compositions of combinations 1 and 2 were characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) was used to characterize the morphology of the grafted films to confirm the even distribution between linker and antifouling molecules grafted onto the ITO surfaces

  3. Combining Fullerenes and Zwitterions in non-Conjugated Polymer Interlayers to Raise Solar Cell Efficiency.

    PubMed

    Liu, Yao; Sheri, Madhu; Cole, Marcus D; Emrick, Todd; Russell, Thomas P

    2018-06-12

    Polymer zwitterions were synthesized by nucleophilic ring-opening of 3,3'-(but-2-ene-1,4-diyl)bis(1,2-oxathiolane 2,2-dioxide) (a bis-sultone) with functional perylene diimide (PDI) or fullerene monomers. Integration of these polymers into solar cell devices as cathode interlayers boosted efficiencies of fullerene-based organic photovoltaics (OPVs) from 2.75% to 10.74%, and of non-fullerene-based OPVs from 4.25% to 10.10%, demonstrating the versatility of these interlayer materials in OPVs. The fullerene-containing polymer zwitterion (C60-PZ) showed a higher interfacial dipole (∆) value and electron mobility than its PDI counterpart (PDI-PZ), affording solar cells with high efficiency. The power of PDI-PZ and C60-PZ to improve electron injection and extraction processes when positioned between metal electrodes and organic semiconductors highlights their promise to overcome energy barriers at the hard-soft materials interface of organic electronics. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  4. Microwave-assisted micellar extraction of organic and inorganic iodines using zwitterionic surfactants.

    PubMed

    Wang, Shu-Ling; Yi, Ling; Ye, Li-Hong; Cao, Jun; Du, Li-Jing; Peng, Li-Qing; Xu, Jing-Jing; Zhang, Qi-Dong

    2017-08-04

    Zwitterionic surfactant, used as extractant in microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) was investigated for the first time to extract organic and inorganic iodines from kelp samples. Optimized conditions for the MAE were 200W of microwave irradiation power, 100°C of extraction temperature, 10min of microwave irradiation time, 1g of sample, and 20mL of solvent volume. Ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS) was used for the quantitative and qualitative analyses of the iodines. Under the optimum experimental conditions, KI, MIT and DIT were identified in kelp samples, the limits of detection of these analytes were ranged between 3.39 and 6.31ng/mL. The recoveries for spiked samples obtained from different areas were all higher than 92.48%. Compared with the ultrasound-assisted extraction, the proposed method is faster and more effective. Thus, the combination of zwitterionic surfactant-MAE and UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS made up a simple, rapid and effective approach for extraction and determination of iodine compounds in complex seaweed materials. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  5. Theoretical study of the gas-phase structures of sodiated and cesiated leucine and isoleucine: zwitterionic structure disfavored in kinetic method experiments.

    PubMed

    Rozman, Marko

    2005-10-01

    The most stable charge-solvated (CS) and zwitterionic (ZW) structures of sodiated and cesiated leucine and isoleucine were studied by density functional theory methods. According to the Boltzmann distribution in gas phase, both forms of LeuNa+ and IleNa+ exist, but in LeuCs+ and IleCs+, the ZW forms are dominant. Results for the sodiated compounds are consistent with the relationship found between decrease in relative stability of CS versus ZW form and aliphatic amino acid side chain length. The observed degeneracy in energy for IleNa+ conformers is at odds with kinetic method results. Additional calculations showed that kinetic method structural determinations for IleNa+ do not reflect relative order of populations in the lowest energy conformers. Since complexation of cationized amino acids into ion-bound dimers disfavors ZW structure by approximately 8 kJ mol(-1), it is suggested that for energy close conformers of sodium-cationized amino acids, the kinetic method may not be reliable for structural determinations. Copyright (c) 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  6. Temperature regulated Brønsted acidic ionic liquid-catalyze esterification of oleic acid for biodiesel application

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rafiee, Ezzat; Mirnezami, Fakhrosadat

    2017-02-01

    By combining phosphotungstic acid (PW) and SO3H- functioned zwitterion, heteropoly anion-based Brønsted acidic ionic liquids (HPA-ILs) were successfully obtained. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were provided the morphology and composition of the prepared material. Catalytic performance and reusability of the catalysts were evaluated through an esterification reaction between oleic acid and methanol for production of biodiesel. Relationship between catalytic activities and acidity of the catalysts have been discussed by potentiometric titration. The results showed that HPA-ILs had good activity and reusability. HPA-ILs dissolved in the reaction mixture during the reaction process and could be precipitated and separated from products at lower temperature.

  7. Chirality measures of α-amino acids.

    PubMed

    Jamróz, Michał H; Rode, Joanna E; Ostrowski, Sławomir; Lipiński, Piotr F J; Dobrowolski, Jan Cz

    2012-06-25

    To measure molecular chirality, the molecule is treated as a finite set of points in the Euclidean R(3) space supplemented by k properties, p(1)((i)), p(2)((i)), ..., p(k)((i)) assigned to the ith atom, which constitute a point in the Property P(k) space. Chirality measures are described as the distance between a molecule and its mirror image minimized over all its arbitrary orientation-preserving isometries in the R(3) × P(k) Cartesian product space. Following this formalism, different chirality measures can be estimated by taking into consideration different sets of atomic properties. Here, for α-amino acid zwitterionic structures taken from the Cambridge Structural Database and for all 1684 neutral conformers of 19 biogenic α-amino acid molecules, except glycine and cystine, found at the B3LYP/6-31G** level, chirality measures have been calculated by a CHIMEA program written in this project. It is demonstrated that there is a significant correlation between the measures determined for the α-amino acid zwitterions in crystals and the neutral forms in the gas phase. Performance of the studied chirality measures with changes of the basis set and computation method was also checked. An exemplary quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) application of the chirality measures was presented by an introductory model for the benchmark Cramer data set of steroidal ligands of the sex-hormone binding globulin.

  8. Surface and anti-fouling properties of a polyampholyte hydrogel grafted onto a polyethersulfone membrane.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Wei; Yang, Zhe; Kaufman, Yair; Bernstein, Roy

    2018-05-01

    Zwitterion polymers have anti-fouling properties; therefore, grafting new zwitterions to surfaces, particularly as hydrogels, is one of the leading research directions for preventing fouling. Specifically, polyampholytes, polymers of random mixed charged subunits with a net-electric charge, offer a synthetically easy alternative for studying new zwitterions with a broad spectrum of charged moieties. Here, a novel polyampholyte hydrogel was grafted onto the surface of polyethersulfone membrane by copolymerizing a mixture of vinylsulfonic acid (VSA) and [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride (METMAC) as the negatively and positively charged monomers, respectively, using various monomer ratios in the polymerization solution, and with N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide as the crosslinker. The physicochemical, morphological and anti-fouling properties of the modified membranes were systematically investigated. Hydrophilic hydrogels were successfully grafted using monomers at different molar ratios. A thin-film zwitterion hydrogel (∼90 nm) was achieved at a 3:1 [VSA:METMAC] molar ratio in the polymerization solution. Among all examined membranes, the zwitterion polyampholyte-modified membrane demonstrated the lowest adsorption of proteins, humic acid, and sodium alginate. It also had low fouling and high flux recovery following filtration with a protein or with an extracellular polymeric substance solution. These findings suggest that this polyampholyte hydrogel is applicable as a low fouling surface coating. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  9. Zwitterionic (E)-1-[(4-nitro­phen­yl)iminio­meth­yl]naphthalen-2-olate

    PubMed Central

    Damous, Maamar; Hamlaoui, Meriem; Bouacida, Sofiane; Merazig, Hocine; Daran, Jean-Claude

    2011-01-01

    The title compound, C17H12N2O3, was synthesized by the reaction of 2-hy­droxy-1-naphthaldehyde with 4-nitro­benzenamine. These condense to form the Schiff base, which crystallizes in the zwitterionic form. In the structure, the keto–amino tautomer has a fairly short intra­molecular N—H⋯O hydrogen bond between the 2-naphthalenone and amino groups, with electron delocalization. The mol­ecule is essentially planar, with a dihedral angle of 1.96 (3)° between the ring systems. In the crystal, the mol­ecules are linked via inter­molecular C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming a layer parallel to (101). PMID:21754437

  10. Hemocompatible control of sulfobetaine-grafted polypropylene fibrous membranes in human whole blood via plasma-induced surface zwitterionization.

    PubMed

    Chen, Sheng-Han; Chang, Yung; Lee, Kueir-Rarn; Wei, Ta-Chin; Higuchi, Akon; Ho, Feng-Ming; Tsou, Chia-Chun; Ho, Hsin-Tsung; Lai, Juin-Yih

    2012-12-21

    In this work, the hemocompatibility of zwitterionic polypropylene (PP) fibrous membranes with varying grafting coverage of poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (PSBMA) via plasma-induced surface polymerization was studied. Charge neutrality of PSBMA-grafted layers on PP membrane surfaces was controlled by the low-pressure and atmospheric plasma treatment in this study. The effects of grafting composition, surface hydrophilicity, and hydration capability on blood compatibility of the membranes were determined. Protein adsorption onto the different PSBMA-grafted PP membranes from human fibrinogen solutions was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with monoclonal antibodies. Blood platelet adhesion and plasma clotting time measurements from a recalcified platelet-rich plasma solution were used to determine if platelet activation depends on the charge bias of the grafted PSBMA layer. The charge bias of PSBMA layer deviated from the electrical balance of positively and negatively charged moieties can be well-controlled via atmospheric plasma-induced interfacial zwitterionization and was further tested with human whole blood. The optimized PSBMA surface graft layer in overall charge neutrality has a high hydration capability and keeps its original blood-inert property of antifouling, anticoagulant, and antithrmbogenic activities when it comes into contact with human blood. This work suggests that the hemocompatible nature of grafted PSBMA polymers by controlling grafting quality via atmospheric plasma treatment gives a great potential in the surface zwitterionization of hydrophobic membranes for use in human whole blood.

  11. Interactions of Polyethylenimines with Zwitterionic and Anionic Lipid Membranes.

    PubMed

    Kwolek, Urszula; Jamróz, Dorota; Janiczek, Małgorzata; Nowakowska, Maria; Wydro, Paweł; Kepczynski, Mariusz

    2016-05-17

    Interactions between polyethylenimines (PEIs) and phospholipid membranes are of fundamental importance for various biophysical applications of these polymers such as gene delivery. Despite investigations into the nature of these interactions, their molecular basis remains poorly understood. In this article, we combined experimental methods and atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to obtain comprehensive insight into the effect of linear and branched PEIs on zwitterionic and anionic bilayers used as simple models of mammalian cellular membranes. Our results show that PEIs adsorb only partially on the surface of zwitterionic membranes by forming hydrogen bonds to the lipid headgroups, whereas a large part of the polymer chains dangles freely in the aqueous phase. In contrast, PEIs readily adhere to and insert into the anionic membrane. The attraction of the polymer chains to the membrane is due to electrostatic interactions as well as hydrogen bonding between the amine groups of PEI and the phosphate groups of lipids. These interactions were found to induce a substantial reorganization of the bilayer in the polymer vicinity due to the reorientation of lipid molecules. The lipid headgroups were pulled toward the center of the membrane, which can facilitate transmembrane translocations of anionic lipids. Furthermore, the PEI-lipid interactions affect the stability of liposomal dispersions, but we did not see any evidence of disruption of the vesicular structures into small fragments at polymer concentrations typically used in gene therapy. Our results provide a detailed molecular-level description of the lipid organization in the membrane in the presence of polycations that can be useful in understanding their mechanisms of in vitro and in vivo cytotoxicity.

  12. Platelet adhesive resistance of segmented polyurethane film surface-grafted with vinyl benzyl sulfo monomer of ammonium zwitterions.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Jun; Yuan, Jiang; Yuan, Youling; Zang, Xiaopeng; Shen, Jian; Lin, Sicong

    2003-10-01

    Platelet from human plasma adhered on the segmented poly(ether urethane) (SPEU) film grafted with N,N-dimethyl-N-(p-vinylbenyl)-N-(3-sulfopropyl) ammonium (DMVSA) was studied. SPEU films were hydroxylated by potassium peroxosulfate (KPS) and then grafted with DMVSA using ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) as initiator. The mixing time of hydroxylated SPEU/CAN and the monomer concentration effect on graft polymerization yield were determined by ATR-FTIR. Surface analysis of the grafted films by ATR-FTIR and ESCA confirmed that DMVSA was successfully grafted onto the SPEU film surface. The grafted film possessed a relatively hydrophilic surface, as revealed by water contact angle measurement. The improved blood compatibility of the grafted films was preliminarily evaluated by a platelet-rich plasma adhesion study and scanning electron microscopy, using original SPEU and hydroxylated SPEU films as the controls. The results showed that platelet attachment was decreased greatly on the segmented polyurethane films grafted with DMVSA. This kind of new biomaterials grafted with sulfo ammonium zwitterionic monomers might have potential for biomedical applications.

  13. Photodetachment of Zwitterions: Probing Intramolecular Coulomb Repulsion and Attraction in the Gas Phase Using Pyridinium Dicarboxylate Anions

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Wang, Xue B.; Dacres, J E.; Yang, Xin

    2003-10-23

    Zwitterions are critically important in many biological transformations and are used in numerous chemical processes. The consequences of electrostatic effects on reactivity and physical properties, however, are largely unknown. In this work, we report the results of negative ion photoelectron spectra of nine isomeric pyridinium dicarboxylate zwitterions and three nonzwitterionic methoxycarbonylpyridine carboxylate isomers (-O(2)CPyrCO(2)CH(3)). Information about the intramolecular electrostatic interactions was directly obtained from the photoelectron spectra. The adiabatic and vertical detachment energies were measured and understood in terms of intramolecular Coulombic forces. Calculations at the B3LYP and CCSD(T) level were performed and compared to the experimental electron binding energies.more » Structures, relative stabilities, and the electron detachment sites also were obtained from the calculations.« less

  14. Zwitterionic sulfobetaine polymer-immobilized surface by simple tyrosinase-mediated grafting for enhanced antifouling property.

    PubMed

    Kwon, Ho Joon; Lee, Yunki; Phuong, Le Thi; Seon, Gyeung Mi; Kim, Eunsuk; Park, Jong Chul; Yoon, Hyunjin; Park, Ki Dong

    2017-10-01

    Introducing antifouling property to biomaterial surfaces has been considered an effective method for preventing the failure of implanted devices. In order to achieve this, the immobilization of zwitterions on biomaterial surfaces has been proven to be an excellent way of improving anti-adhesive potency. In this study, poly(sulfobetaine-co-tyramine), a tyramine-conjugated sulfobetaine polymer, was synthesized and simply grafted onto the surface of polyurethane via a tyrosinase-mediated reaction. Surface characterization by water contact angle measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy demonstrated that the zwitterionic polymer was successfully introduced onto the surface of polyurethane and remained stable for 7days. In vitro studies revealed that poly(sulfobetaine-co-tyramine)-coated surfaces dramatically reduced the adhesion of fibrinogen, platelets, fibroblasts, and S. aureus by over 90% in comparison with bare surfaces. These results proved that polyurethane surfaces grafted with poly(sulfobetaine-co-tyramine) via a tyrosinase-catalyzed reaction could be promising candidates for an implantable medical device with excellent bioinert abilities. Antifouling surface modification is one of the key strategy to prevent the thrombus formation or infection which occurs on the surface of biomaterial after transplantation. Although there are many methods to modify the surface have been reported, necessity of simple modification technique still exists to apply for practical applications. The purpose of this study is to modify the biomaterial's surface by simply immobilizing antifouling zwitterion polymer via enzyme tyrosinase-mediated reaction which could modify versatile substrates in mild aqueous condition within fast time period. After modification, pSBTA grafted surface becomes resistant to various biological factors including proteins, cells, and bacterias. This approach appears to be a promising method to impart antifouling property on

  15. Enhancing MRI of liver metastases with a zwitterionized biodegradable dendritic contrast agent.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Xiaoxuan; Ye, Mingzhou; Han, Yuxin; Tang, Jianbin; Qian, Yue; Hu, Hongjie; Shen, Youqing

    2017-07-25

    Metastasis is the main reason for cancer-associated mortality, and accurate diagnostic imaging of metastases is critical for the clinical administration and tailoring personalized treatments for metastatic tumors. However, magnetic resonance imaging of metastases in the liver is impeded by its low sensitivity because the currently used contrast agents accumulate in hepatocytes and Kupffer cells instead of cancer cells. Herein, a 4 th generation zwitterionized biodegradable dendritic contrast agent (DCA) with a size of ca. 9 nm and a longitudinal relaxivity of 15.7 mM -1 s -1 in terms of Gd was synthesized and used to enhance the MRI of liver metastasis. The DCA could remarkably enhance the MRI of metastasized tumors in the liver, because it could simultaneously reduce the background signal in the liver by avoiding uptake by hepatocytes and Kupffer cells through the zwitterionization and increase the signal in tumors through the enhanced permeability and retention effect. Moreover, in contrast to non-biodegradable DCA, this DCA showed minimal long-term Gd 3+ retention in all organs and tissues because it could be degraded into small fragments. The significant capability of enhancing the MRI of metastases in the liver plus its excellent biodegradability made this DCA a promising CA for metastatic tumor imaging.

  16. Exploring Molecular Speciation and Crystallization Mechanism of Amorphous 2-Phenylamino Nicotinic Acid.

    PubMed

    Kalra, Arjun; Lubach, Joseph W; Munson, Eric J; Li, Tonglei

    2018-02-07

    Molecular understanding of phase stability and transition of the amorphous state helps in formulation and manufacturing of poorly-soluble drugs. Crystallization of a model compound, 2-phenylamino nicotinic acid (2PNA), from the amorphous state was studied using solid-state analytical methods. Our previous report suggests that 2PNA molecules mainly develop intermolecular -COOH∙∙∙pyridine N (acid-pyridine) interactions in the amorphous state. In the current study, the molecular speciation is explored with regard to the phase transition from the amorphous to the crystalline state. Using spectroscopic techniques, the molecular interactions and structural evolvement during the recrystallization from the glassy state were investigated. The results unveiled that the structurally heterogeneous amorphous state contains acid-pyridine aggregates - either as hydrogen-bonded neutral molecules or as zwitterions - as well as a population of carboxylic acid dimers. Phase transition from the amorphous state results in crystal structures composed of carboxylic acid dimer (acid-acid) synthon or acid-pyridine chains depending on the crystallization conditions employed. The study underlines the structural evolvement, as well as its impact on the metastability, of amorphous samples from local, supramolecular assemblies to long-range intermolecular ordering through crystallization.

  17. pH-responsive supramolecular self-assembly of well-defined zwitterionic ABC miktoarm star terpolymers.

    PubMed

    Liu, Hao; Li, Changhua; Liu, Hewen; Liu, Shiyong

    2009-04-21

    We report the first example of the synthesis and pH-responsive supramolecular self-assembly of double hydrophilic ABC miktoarm star terpolymers. Well-defined ABC miktoarm star terpolymers consisting of poly(ethylene glycol), poly(tert-butyl methacrylate), and poly(2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) arms [PEG(-b-PtBMA)-b-PDEA] were synthesized via the combination of consecutive click reactions and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), starting from a trifunctional core molecule, 1-azido-3-chloro-2-propanol (ACP). The click reaction of monoalkynyl-terminated PEG with an excess of ACP afforded difunctional PEG bearing a chlorine and a secondary hydroxyl moiety at the chain end, PEG113(-Cl)-OH (1). After azidation with NaN3, PEG-based macroinitiator PEG113(-N3)-Br (3) was prepared by the esterification of PEG113(-N3)-OH (2) with 2-bromoisobutyryl bromide and then employed in the ATRP of tert-butyl methacrylate (tBMA). The obtained PEG(-N3)-b-PtBMA copolymers (4) possessed an azido moiety at the diblock junction point. The preparation of PEG(-b-PtBMA)-b-PDEA miktoarm star terpolymers was then achieved via the click reaction of 4 with an excess of monoalkynyl-terminated PDEA. The obtained miktoarm star terpolymers were successfully converted into PEG(-b-PMAA)-b-PDEA, where PMAA is poly(methacrylic acid). In aqueous solution, PEG(-b-PMAA)-b-PDEA zwitterionic ABC miktoarm star terpolymers can self-assemble into three types of micellar aggregates by simply adjusting solution pH at room temperature. Above pH 8, PDEA-core micelles stabilized by PEG/ionized PMAA hybrid coronas were formed due to the insolubility of PDEA block. In the range of pH 5-7, micelles possessing polyion complex cores formed as a result of charge compensation between partially ionized PMAA and partially protonated PDEA sequences. At pH<4, hydrogen bonding interactions between fully protonated PMAA and PEG led to the formation of another type of micellar aggregates possessing hydrogen

  18. Zwitterionic sulfobetaine-grafted poly(vinylidene fluoride) membrane with highly effective blood compatibility via atmospheric plasma-induced surface copolymerization.

    PubMed

    Chang, Yung; Chang, Wan-Ju; Shih, Yu-Ju; Wei, Ta-Chin; Hsiue, Ging-Ho

    2011-04-01

    Development of nonfouling membranes to prevent nonspecific protein adsorption and platelet adhesion is critical for many biomedical applications. It is always a challenge to control the surface graft copolymerization of a highly polar monomer from the highly hydrophobic surface of a fluoropolymer membrane. In this work, the blood compatibility of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membranes with surface-grafted electrically neutral zwitterionic poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (PSBMA), from atmospheric plasma-induced surface copolymerization, was studied. The effect of surface composition and graft morphology, electrical neutrality, hydrophilicity and hydration capability on blood compatibility of the membranes were determined. Blood compatibility of the zwitterionic PVDF membranes was systematically evaluated by plasma protein adsorption, platelet adhesion, plasma-clotting time, and blood cell hemolysis. It was found that the nonfouling nature and hydration capability of grafted PSBMA polymers can be effectively controlled by regulating the grafting coverage and charge balance of the PSBMA layer on the PVDF membrane surface. Even a slight charge bias in the grafted zwitterionic PSBMA layer can induce electrostatic interactions between proteins and the membrane surfaces, leading to surface protein adsorption, platelet activation, plasma clotting and blood cell hemolysis. Thus, the optimized PSBMA surface graft layer in overall charge neutrality has a high hydration capability and the best antifouling, anticoagulant, and antihemolytic activities when comes into contact with human blood. © 2011 American Chemical Society

  19. Novel spirotetracyclic zwitterionic dual H(1)/5-HT(2A) receptor antagonists for the treatment of sleep disorders.

    PubMed

    Gianotti, Massimo; Botta, Maurizio; Brough, Stephen; Carletti, Renzo; Castiglioni, Emiliano; Corti, Corrado; Dal-Cin, Michele; Delle Fratte, Sonia; Korajac, Denana; Lovric, Marija; Merlo, Giancarlo; Mesic, Milan; Pavone, Francesca; Piccoli, Laura; Rast, Slavko; Roscic, Maja; Sava, Anna; Smehil, Mario; Stasi, Luigi; Togninelli, Andrea; Wigglesworth, Mark J

    2010-11-11

    Histamine H(1) and serotonin 5-HT(2A) receptors mediate two different mechanisms involved in sleep regulation: H(1) antagonists are sleep inducers, while 5-HT(2A) antagonists are sleep maintainers. Starting from 9'a, a novel spirotetracyclic compound endowed with good H(1)/5-HT(2A) potency but poor selectivity, very high Cli, and a poor P450 profile, a specific optimization strategy was set up. In particular, we investigated the possibility of introducing appropriate amino acid moieties to optimize the developability profile of the series. Following this zwitterionic approach, we were able to identify several advanced leads (51, 65, and 73) with potent dual H(1)/5-HT(2A) activity and appropriate developability profiles. These compounds exhibited efficacy as hypnotic agents in a rat telemetric sleep model with minimal effective doses in the range 3-10 mg/kg po.

  20. Effect of carbon spacer length on zwitterionic carboxybetaines.

    PubMed

    Shao, Qing; Jiang, Shaoyi

    2013-02-07

    Zwitterionic carboxybetaines (CBs) are ubiquitous in nature and considered promising materials for biological and chemical applications. A thorough understanding of the effect of carbon spacer length (CSL) on molecular properties is important. In this work, using molecular dynamics simulation and quantum chemical calculation, we investigated the effect of CSL on the molecular properties of CB molecules. The hydration number, structure, and dynamics of carboxylic and trimethyl ammonium groups were investigated and found to present different behaviors in regards to the variation of CSL. The simulation results with partial charges developed from quantum chemical calculations were compared with those with partial charges from the OPLS all atom (OPLSAA) force field. The hydration free energy of CB molecules and CB-Na(+) association was also studied as a function of CSL.

  1. Preparation and chromatographic evaluation of zwitterionic stationary phases with controllable ratio of positively and negatively charged groups.

    PubMed

    Cheng, Xiao-Dong; Hao, Yan-Hong; Peng, Xi-Tian; Yuan, Bi-Feng; Shi, Zhi-Guo; Feng, Yu-Qi

    2015-08-15

    The present study described the preparation and application of zwitterionic stationary phases (ACS) with controllable ratio of positively charged tertiary amine groups and negatively charged carboxyl groups. Various parameters, including water content, pH values and ionic strength of the mobile phase, were investigated to study the chromatographic characteristics of ACS columns. The prepared ACS columns demonstrated a mix-mode retention mechanism composed of surface adsorption, partitioning and electrostatic interactions. The elemental analysis of different batches of the ACS phases demonstrated good reproducibility of the preparation strategy. Additionally, various categories of compounds, including nucleosides, water-soluble vitamins, benzoic acid derivatives and basic compounds were successively employed to evaluate the separation selectivity of the prepared ACS stationary phases. These ACS phases exhibited entirely different selectivity and retention behavior from each other for various polar analytes, demonstrating the excellent application potential in the analysis of polar compounds in HILIC. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. Bioadhesive control of plasma proteins and blood cells from umbilical cord blood onto the interface grafted with zwitterionic polymer brushes.

    PubMed

    Chang, Yu; Chang, Yung; Higuchi, Akon; Shih, Yu-Ju; Li, Pei-Tsz; Chen, Wen-Yih; Tsai, Eing-Mei; Hsiue, Ging-Ho

    2012-03-06

    In this work, bioadhesive behavior of plasma proteins and blood cells from umbilical cord blood (UCB) onto zwitterionic poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (polySBMA) polymer brushes was studied. The surface coverage of polySBMA brushes on a hydrophobic polystyrene (PS) well plate with surface grafting weights ranging from 0.02 mg/cm(2) to 0.69 mg/cm(2) can be effectively controlled using the ozone pretreatment and thermal-induced radical graft-polymerization. The chemical composition, grafting structure, surface hydrophilicity, and hydration capability of prepared polySBMA brushes were determined to illustrate the correlations between grafting properties and blood compatibility of zwitterionic-grafted surfaces in contact with human UCB. The protein adsorption of fibrinogen in single-protein solutions and at complex medium of 100% UCB plasma onto different polySBMA brushes with different grafting coverage was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with monoclonal antibodies. The grafting density of the zwitterionic brushes greatly affects the PS surface, thus controlling the adsorption of fibrinogen, the adhesion of platelets, and the preservation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) in UCB. The results showed that PS surfaces grafted with polySBMA brushes possess controllable hydration properties through the binding of water molecules, regulating the bioadhesive and bioinert characteristics of plasma proteins and blood platelets in UCB. Interestingly, it was found that the polySBMA brushes with an optimized grafting weight of approximately 0.1 mg/cm(2) at physiologic temperatures show significant hydrated chain flexibility and balanced hydrophilicity to provide the best preservation capacity for HSPCs stored in 100% UCB solution for 2 weeks. This work suggests that, through controlling grafting structures, the hemocompatible nature of grafted zwitterionic polymer brushes makes them well suited to the molecular design of regulated

  3. The underestimated N-glycomes of lepidopteran species

    PubMed Central

    Stanton, Rhiannon; Hykollari, Alba; Eckmair, Barbara; Malzl, Daniel; Dragosits, Martin; Palmberger, Dieter; Wang, Ping; Wilson, Iain B. H.; Paschinger, Katharina

    2017-01-01

    Background Insects are significant to the environment, agriculture, health and biotechnology. Many of these aspects display some relationship to glycosylation, e.g., in case of pathogen binding or production of humanised antibodies; for a long time, it has been considered that insect N-glycosylation potentials are rather similar and simple, but as more species are glycomically analysed in depth, it is becoming obvious that there is indeed a large structural diversity and interspecies variability. Methods Using an off-line LC-MALDI-TOF MS approach, we have analysed the N-glycomes of two lepidopteran species (the cabbage looper Trichoplusia ni and the gypsy moth Lymantria dispar) as well as of the commonly-used T. ni High Five cell line. Results We detected not only sulphated, glucuronylated, core difucosylated and Lewis-like antennal fucosylated structures, but also the zwitterion phosphorylcholine on antennal GlcNAc residues, a modification otherwise familiar from nematodes; in L. dispar, N-glycans with glycolipid-like antennae containing α-linked N-acetylgalactosamine were also revealed. Conclusion The lepidopteran glycomes analysed not only display core α1,3-fucosylation, which is foreign to mammals, but also up to 5% anionic and/or zwitterionic glycans previously not found in these species. Significance The occurrence of anionic and zwitterionic glycans in the Lepidoptera data is not only of glycoanalytical and evolutionary interest, but is of biotechnological relevance as lepidopteran cell lines are potential factories for recombinant glycoprotein production. PMID:28077298

  4. Dielectric and vibrational properties of amino acids

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tulip, P. R.; Clark, S. J.

    2004-09-01

    We calculate polarizability tensors and normal mode frequencies for the amino acids alanine, leucine, isoleucine, and valine using density functional perturbation theory implemented within the plane wave pseudopotential framework. It is found that the behavior of the electron density under external fields depends to a large extent on the geometrical structure of the molecule in question, rather than simply on the constituent functional groups. The normal modes are able to help distinguish between the different types of intramolecular hydrogen bonding present, and help to explain why leucine is found in the zwitterionic form for the gaseous phase. Calculated IR spectra show a marked difference between those obtained for zwitterionic and nonzwitterionic molecules. These differences can be attributed to the different chemical and hydrogen bonds present. Effective dynamical charges are calculated, and compared to atomic charges obtained from Mulliken population analysis. It is found that disagreement exists, largely due to the differing origins of these quantities.

  5. Phospholipase A2 activity-dependent and -independent fusogenic activity of Naja nigricollis CMS-9 on zwitterionic and anionic phospholipid vesicles.

    PubMed

    Chiou, Yi-Ling; Chen, Ying-Jung; Lin, Shinne-Ren; Chang, Long-Sen

    2011-11-01

    CMS-9, a phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) from Naja nigricollis venom, induced the death of human breast cancer MCF-7 cells accompanied with the formation of cell clumps without clear boundaries between cells. Annexin V-FITC staining indicated that abundant phosphatidylserine appeared on the outer membrane of MCF-7 cell clumps, implying the possibility that CMS-9 may promote membrane fusion via anionic phospholipids. To validate this proposition, fusogenic activity of CMS-9 on vesicles composed of zwitterionic phospholipid alone or a combination of zwitterionic and anionic phospholipids was examined. Although CMS-9-induced fusion of zwitterionic phospholipid vesicles depended on PLA(2) activity, CMS-9-induced fusion of vesicles containing anionic phospholipids could occur without the involvement of PLA(2) activity. Membrane-damaging activity of CMS-9 was associated with its fusogenicity. Moreover, CMS-9 induced differently membrane leakage and membrane fusion of vesicles with different compositions. Membrane fluidity and binding capability with phospholipid vesicles were not related to the fusogenicity of CMS-9. However, membrane-bound conformation and mode of CMS-9 depended on phospholipid compositions. Collectively, our data suggest that PLA(2) activity-dependent and -independent fusogenicity of CMS-9 are closely related to its membrane-bound modes and targeted membrane compositions. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. Determination of the presence of hyaluronic acid in preparations containing amino acids: the molecular weight characterization.

    PubMed

    Bellomaria, A; Nepravishta, R; Mazzanti, U; Marchetti, M; Piccioli, P; Paci, M

    2014-10-15

    Several pharmaceutical preparations contain hyaluronic acid in the presence of a large variety of low molecular weight charged molecules like amino acids. In these mixtures, it is particularly difficult to determine the concentration and the molecular weight of the hyaluronic acid fragments. In fact zwitterionic compounds in high concentration behave by masking the hyaluronic acid due to the electrostatic interactions between amino acids and hyaluronic acid. In such conditions the common colorimetric test of the hyaluronic acid determination appears ineffective and in the (1)H NMR spectra the peaks of the polymer disappear completely. By a simple separation procedure the presence of hyaluronic acid was revealed by the DMAB test and (1)H NMR while its average molecular weight in the final product was determined by DOSY NMR spectroscopy alone. The latter determination is very important due to the healthy effects of some sizes of this polymer's fragments. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. Cooperative Effects of Zwitterionic-Ionic Surfactant Mixtures on the Interfacial Water Structure Revealed by Sum Frequency Generation Vibrational Spectroscopy.

    PubMed

    Pan, Xuecong; Yang, Fangyuan; Chen, Shunli; Zhu, Xuefeng; Wang, Chuanyi

    2018-05-08

    Cooperative effects of a series of equimolar binary zwitterionic-ionic surfactant mixtures on the interfacial water structure at the air-water interfaces have been studied by sum frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy (SFG-VS). For zwitterionic surfactant palmityl sulfobetaine (SNC 16 ), anionic surfactant sodium hexadecyl sulfate (SHS), and cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) with the same length of alkyl chain, significantly enhanced ordering of interfacial water molecules was observed for the zwitterionic-anionic surfactant mixtures SNC 16 -SHS, indicating that SNC 16 interacts more strongly with SHS than with CTAB because of the strong headgroup-headgroup electrostatic attraction for SNC 16 -SHS. Meanwhile, the SFG amplitude ratio of methyl and methylene symmetric stretching modes was used to verify the stronger interaction between SNC 16 and SHS. The conformational order indicator increased from 0.64 for SNC 16 to 7.17 for SNC 16 -SHS but only 0.94 for SNC 16 -CTAB. In addition, another anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) was introduced to study the influence of chain-chain interaction. Decreased SFG amplitude of interfacial water molecules for SNC 16 -SDS was observed. Therefore, both the headgroup-headgroup electrostatic interaction and chain-chain van der Waals attractive interaction of the surfactants play an important role in enhancing the ordering of interfacial water molecules. The results provided experimental and theoretical bases for practical applications of the surfactants.

  8. Consequences of transition from liquid chromatography to supercritical fluid chromatography on the overall performance of a chiral zwitterionic ion-exchanger.

    PubMed

    Wolrab, Denise; Frühauf, Peter; Gerner, Christopher; Kohout, Michal; Lindner, Wolfgang

    2017-09-29

    Major differences in the chromatographic performance of a zwitterion ion-exchange type (ZWIX) chiral stationary phase (CSP) in supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) have been observed. To explain these differences, transition from HPLC to SFC conditions has been performed. The amount of a protic organic modifier in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO 2 ) was stepwise increased and the effect of this change studied using acidic, basic and ampholytic analytes. At the same time, the effect of various basic additives to the mobile phase and transient acidic buffer species, formed by the reaction of scCO 2 with the organic modifier and additives, was assessed. Evidence is provided that a transient acid together with the intrinsic counter-ions present in the ZWIX selector structure drive the elution of analytes even when no buffer is employed. We show that the tested analytes can be enantioseparated under both SFC and HPLC conditions; the best conditions for the resolution of ampholytes are in the so-called enhanced-fluidity mobile phase region. As a consequence, subcritical fluid and enhanced-fluidity mobile phase regions seem to be chromatographic modes with a high potential for operating ZWIX CSPs. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. A zwitterionic squaraine dye with a large Stokes shift for in vivo and site-selective protein sensing.

    PubMed

    Xu, Yongqian; Liu, Qin; Li, Xiaopeng; Wesdemiotis, Chrys; Pang, Yi

    2012-11-28

    A novel squaraine dye (SQ) exhibits improved fluorescence response toward protein detection by incorporation of a zwitterionic structure. With the aid of a dansylamide (DNSA) substituent, the new probe (DNSA-SQ) exhibits remarkable selectivity in binding to site I (a specific substructure in protein).

  10. Nanowires formed by the co-assembly of a negatively charged low-molecular weight gelator and a zwitterionic polythiophene.

    PubMed

    Li, Feng; Palaniswamy, Ganesan; de Jong, Menno R; Aslund, Andreas; Konradsson, Peter; Marcelis, Antonius T M; Sudhölter, Ernst J R; Stuart, Martien A Cohen; Leermakers, Frans A M

    2010-06-21

    Conjugated organic nanowires have been prepared by co-assembling a carboxylate containing low-molecular weight gelator (LMWG) and an amino acid substituted polythiophene derivative (PTT). Upon introducing the zwitterionic polyelectrolyte PTT to a basic molecular solution of the organogelator, the negative charges on the LMWG are compensated by the positive charges of the PTT. As a result, nanowires form through co-assembly. These nanowires are visualized by both transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Depending on the concentration and ratio of the components these nanowires can be micrometers long. These measurements further suggest that the aggregates adopt a helical conformation. The morphology of these nanowires are studied with fluorescent confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The interactions between LMWG and PTT are characterized by steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy studies. The steady-state spectra indicate that the backbone of the PTT adopts a more planar and more aggregated conformation when interacting with LMWG. The time- resolved fluorescence decay studies confirm this interpretation.

  11. Health benefits of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid.

    PubMed

    Siriwardhana, Nalin; Kalupahana, Nishan S; Moustaid-Moussa, Naima

    2012-01-01

    Marine-based fish and fish oil are the most popular and well-known sources of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), namely, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These n-3 PUFAs are known to have variety of health benefits against cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) including well-established hypotriglyceridemic and anti-inflammatory effects. Also, various studies indicate promising antihypertensive, anticancer, antioxidant, antidepression, antiaging, and antiarthritis effects. Moreover, recent studies also indicate anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing effects of these fatty acids in metabolic disorders. Classically, n-3 PUFAs mediate some of these effects by antagonizing n-6 PUFA (arachidonic acid)-induced proinflammatory prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) formation. Another well-known mechanism by which n-3 PUFAs impart their anti-inflammatory effects is via reduction of nuclear factor-κB activation. This transcription factor is a potent inducer of proinflammatory cytokine production, including interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor-α, both of which are decreased by EPA and DHA. Other evidence also demonstrates that n-3 PUFAs repress lipogenesis and increase resolvins and protectin generation, ultimately leading to reduced inflammation. Finally, beneficial effects of EPA and DHA in insulin resistance include their ability to increase secretion of adiponectin, an anti-inflammatory adipokine. In summary, n-3 PUFAs have multiple health benefits mediated at least in part by their anti-inflammatory actions; thus their consumption, especially from dietary sources, should be encouraged. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. Influence of Zwitterions on Thermomechanical Properties and Morphology of Acrylic Copolymers: Implications for Electroactive Applications

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-09-30

    transducers from branched sulfonated polysulfones.7 The mechanical strength of the membranes drastically decreased upon introduction of ionic liquids to... liquids ,8 and zwitterionomers maintained mechanical strengths upon swelling with 10 wt % ionic liquid . Zwitterions are chargedmolecules that contain...water purification5 to biotechnology.6 A unique combination of physical properties of ionomeric membranes is the ionic con- ductivity of lowmolar mass

  13. The potential of zwitterionic nanoliposomes against neurotoxic alpha-synuclein aggregates in Parkinson's Disease.

    PubMed

    Aliakbari, Farhang; Mohammad-Beigi, Hossein; Rezaei-Ghaleh, Nasrollah; Becker, Stefan; Dehghani Esmatabad, Faezeh; Eslampanah Seyedi, Hadieh Alsadat; Bardania, Hassan; Tayaranian Marvian, Amir; Collingwood, Joanna F; Christiansen, Gunna; Zweckstetter, Markus; Otzen, Daniel E; Morshedi, Dina

    2018-05-17

    The protein α-synuclein (αSN) aggregates to form fibrils in neuronal cells of Parkinson's patients. Here we report on the effect of neutral (zwitterionic) nanoliposomes (NLPs), supplemented with cholesterol (NLP-Chol) and decorated with PEG (NLP-Chol-PEG), on αSN aggregation and neurotoxicity. Both NLPs retard αSN fibrillization in a concentration-independent fashion. They do so largely by increasing lag time (formation of fibrillization nuclei) rather than elongation (extension of existing nuclei). Interactions between neutral NLPs and αSN may locate to the N-terminus of the protein. This interaction can even perturb the interaction of αSN with negatively charged NLPs which induces an α-helical structure in αSN. This interaction was found to occur throughout the fibrillization process. Both NLP-Chol and NLP-Chol-PEG were shown to be biocompatible in vitro, and to reduce αSN neurotoxicity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels with no influence on intracellular calcium in neuronal cells, emphasizing a prospective role for NLPs in reducing αSN pathogenicity in vivo as well as utility as a vehicle for drug delivery.

  14. Novel, one-step synthesis of zwitterionic polymer nanoparticles via distillation-precipitation polymerization and its application for dye removal membrane.

    PubMed

    Ibrahim, G P Syed; Isloor, Arun M; Inamuddin; Asiri, Abdullah M; Ismail, Norafiqah; Ismail, Ahmed Fauzi; Ashraf, Ghulam Md

    2017-11-21

    In this work, poly(MBAAm-co-SBMA) zwitterionic polymer nanoparticles were synthesized in one-step via distillation-precipitation polymerization (DPP) and were characterized. [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]dimethyl-(3-sulfopropyl)ammonium hydroxide (SBMA) as monomer and N, N'-methylene bis(acrylamide) (MBAAm) as cross-linker are used for the synthesis of nanoparticles. As  far as our knowledge, this is the first such report on the synthesis of poly(MBAAm-co-SBMA) nanoparticles via DPP. The newly synthesized nanoparticles were further employed for the surface modification of polysulfone (PSF) hollow fiber membranes for dye removal. The modified hollow fiber membrane exhibited the improved permeability (56 L/ m 2 h bar) and dye removal (>98% of Reactive Black 5 and >80.7% of Reactive orange 16) with the high permeation of salts. Therefore, the as-prepared membrane can have potential application in textile and industrial wastewater treatment.

  15. Dispersing Zwitterions into Comb Polymers for Nonviral Transfection: Experiments and Molecular Simulation.

    PubMed

    Ghobadi, Ahmadreza F; Letteri, Rachel; Parelkar, Sangram S; Zhao, Yue; Chan-Seng, Delphine; Emrick, Todd; Jayaraman, Arthi

    2016-02-08

    Polymer-based gene delivery vehicles benefit from the presence of hydrophilic groups that mitigate the inherent toxicity of polycations and that provide tunable polymer-DNA binding strength and stable complexes (polyplexes). However, hydrophilic groups screen charge, and as such can reduce cell uptake and transfection efficiency. We report the effect of embedding zwitterionic sulfobetaine (SB) groups in cationic comb polymers, using a combination of experiments and molecular simulations. Ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) produced comb polymers with tetralysine (K4) and SB pendent groups. Dynamic light scattering, zeta potential measurements, and fluorescence-based experiments, together with coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations, described the effect of SB groups on the size, shape, surface charge, composition, and DNA binding strength of polyplexes formed using these comb polymers. Experiments and simulations showed that increasing SB composition in the comb polymers decreased polymer-DNA binding strength, while simulations indicated that the SB groups distributed throughout the polyplex. This allows polyplexes to maintain a positive surface charge and provide high levels of gene expression in live cells. Notably, comb polymers with nearly 50 mol % SB form polyplexes that exhibit positive surface charge similarly as polyplexes formed from purely cationic comb polymers, indicating the ability to introduce an appreciable amount of SB functionality without screening surface charge. This integrated simulation-experimental study demonstrates the effectiveness of incorporating zwitterions in polyplexes, while guiding the design of new and effective gene delivery vectors.

  16. Probing the weak interaction of proteins with neutral and zwitterionic antifouling polymers.

    PubMed

    Wu, Jiang; Zhao, Chao; Hu, Rundong; Lin, Weifeng; Wang, Qiuming; Zhao, Jun; Bilinovich, Stephanie M; Leeper, Thomas C; Li, Lingyan; Cheung, Harry M; Chen, Shengfu; Zheng, Jie

    2014-02-01

    Protein-polymer interactions are of great interest in a wide range of scientific and technological applications. Neutral poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and zwitterionic poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (pSBMA) are two well-known nonfouling materials that exhibit strong surface resistance to proteins. However, it still remains unclear or unexplored how PEG and pSBMA interact with proteins in solution. In this work, we examine the interactions between two model proteins (bovine serum albumin and lysozyme) and two typical antifouling polymers of PEG and pSBMA in aqueous solution using fluorescence spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance. The effect of protein:polymer mass ratios on the interactions is also examined. Collective data clearly demonstrate the existence of weak hydrophobic interactions between PEG and proteins, while there are no detectable interactions between pSBMA and proteins. The elimination of protein interaction with pSBMA could be due to an enhanced surface hydration of zwitterionic groups in pSBMA. New evidence is given to demonstrate the interactions between PEG and proteins, which are often neglected in the literature because the PEG-protein interactions are weak and reversible, as well as the structural change caused by hydrophobic interaction. This work provides a better fundamental understanding of the intrinsic structure-activity relationship of polymers underlying polymer-protein interactions, which are important for designing new biomaterials for biosensor, medical diagnostics and drug delivery applications. Copyright © 2013 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. Evaluation of an ODS column modified with zwitterionic/nonionic mixed surfactants and its application to direct injection determination of inorganic anions.

    PubMed

    Hasegawa, Takuya; Umemura, Tomonari; Koide, Akira; Chiba, Koichi; Ueki, Yuji; Tsunoda, Kin-ichi; Haraguchi, Hiroki

    2005-08-01

    An octadecylsilica (ODS) column modified with zwitterionic/nonionic mixed surfactants was evaluated for the direct injection determination of inorganic anions in biological fluids by ion chromatography. A zwitterionic surfactant (sulfobetaine-type) and a nonionic surfactant (polyoxyethylene-type) were used for a stationary-phase modification. When aqueous electrolyte solutions with concentrations of sub-mM to several mM were used as a mobile phase, the zwitterionic surfactant coated on the ODS surface exhibited unique separation selectivity for ionic species, while the nonionic surfactant coated on the ODS might have formed a hydrophilic network over the ODS surface and restricted matrix proteins from adsorbing on the stationary phase. Consequently, the mixed surfactant-modified column system allowed an efficient ion chromatographic separation of inorganic anions as well as a size-exclusive removal of column-fouling proteins. This separation system was applied to the direct injection determination of UV-absorbing anions in human saliva. The detection limits for nitrite, nitrate, iodide and thiocyanate were 3.1, 2.7, 4.5 and 25 microM, respectively, with UV detection at 210 nm (injection volume; 20 microl), and their relative standard deviations for 5 replicate measurements of saliva samples spiked with 100 microM each of those anions were 1.4, 0.9, 2.2 and 5.5%, respectively.

  18. Docosahexaenoic acid synthesis from n-3 fatty acid precursors in rat hippocampal neurons.

    PubMed

    Kaduce, Terry L; Chen, Yucui; Hell, Johannes W; Spector, Arthur A

    2008-05-01

    Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the most abundant n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid in the brain, has important functions in the hippocampus. To better understand essential fatty acid homeostasis in this region of the brain, we investigated the contributions of n-3 fatty acid precursors in supplying hippocampal neurons with DHA. Primary cultures of rat hippocampal neurons incorporated radiolabeled 18-, 20-, 22-, and 24-carbon n-3 fatty acid and converted some of the uptake to DHA, but the amounts produced from either [1-14C]alpha-linolenic or [1-14C]eicosapentaenoic acid were considerably less than the amounts incorporated when the cultures were incubated with [1-14C]22:6n-3. Most of the [1-14C]22:6n-3 uptake was incorporated into phospholipids, primarily ethanolamine phosphoglycerides. Additional studies demonstrated that the neurons converted [1-14C]linoleic acid to arachidonic acid, the main n-6 fatty acid in the brain. These findings differ from previous results indicating that cerebral and cerebellar neurons cannot convert polyunsaturated fatty acid precursors to DHA or arachidonic acid. Fatty acid compositional analysis demonstrated that the hippocampal neurons contained only 1.1-2.5 mol% DHA under the usual low-DHA culture conditions. The relatively low-DHA content suggests that some responses obtained with these cultures may not be representative of neuronal function in the brain.

  19. Tetrakis(1-imidazolyl) borate (BIM4) based zwitterionic and related molecules used as electron injection layers

    DOEpatents

    Li, Huaping; Xu, Yunhua; Bazan, Guillermo C

    2013-02-05

    Tetrakis(1-imidazolyl)borate (BIm4) based zwitterionic and/or related molecules for the fabrication of PLEDs is provided. Device performances with these materials approaches that of devices with Ba/Al cathodes for which the cathode contact is ohmic. Methods of producing such materials, and electron injection layers and devices containing these materials are also provided.

  20. Cell-Adhesive and Cell-Repulsive Zwitterionic Oligopeptides for Micropatterning and Rapid Electrochemical Detachment of Cells

    PubMed Central

    Kakegawa, Takahiro; Mochizuki, Naoto; Sadr, Nasser; Suzuki, Hiroaki

    2013-01-01

    In this study, we describe the development of oligopeptide-modified cell culture surfaces from which adherent cells can be rapidly detached by application of an electrical stimulus. An oligopeptide, CGGGKEKEKEK, was designed with a terminal cysteine residue to mediate binding to a gold surface via a gold–thiolate bond. The peptide forms a self-assembled monolayer through the electrostatic force between the sequence of alternating charged glutamic acid (E) and lysine (K) residues. The dense and electrically neutral oligopeptide zwitterionic layer of the modified surface was resistant to nonspecific adsorption of proteins and adhesion of cells, while the surface was altered to cell adhesive by the addition of a second oligopeptide (CGGGKEKEKEKGRGDSP) containing the RGD cell adhesion motif. Application of a negative electrical potential to this gold surface cleaved the gold–thiolate bond, leading to desorption of the oligopeptide layer, and rapid (within 2 min) detachment of virtually all cells. This approach was applicable not only to detachment of cell sheets but also for transfer of cell micropatterns to a hydrogel. This electrochemical approach of cell detachment may be a useful tool for tissue-engineering applications. PMID:22853640

  1. Predicting Thermodynamic Behaviors of Non-Protein Amino Acids as a Function of Temperature and pH

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kitadai, Norio

    2016-03-01

    Why does life use α-amino acids exclusively as building blocks of proteins? To address that fundamental question from an energetic perspective, this study estimated the standard molal thermodynamic data for three non-α-amino acids (β-alanine, γ-aminobutyric acid, and ɛ-aminocaproic acid) and α-amino- n-butyric acid in their zwitterionic, negative, and positive ionization states based on the corresponding experimental measurements reported in the literature. Temperature dependences of their heat capacities were described based on the revised Helgeson-Kirkham-Flowers (HKF) equations of state. The obtained dataset was then used to calculate the standard molal Gibbs energies ( ΔG o) of the non-α-amino acids as a function of temperature and pH. Comparison of their ΔG o values with those of α-amino acids having the same molecular formula showed that the non-α-amino acids have similar ΔG o values to the corresponding α-amino acids in physiologically relevant conditions (neutral pH, <100 °C). In acidic and alkaline pH, the non-α-amino acids are thermodynamically more stable than the corresponding α-ones over a broad temperature range. These results suggest that the energetic cost of synthesis is not an important selection pressure to incorporate α-amino acids into biological systems.

  2. Predicting Thermodynamic Behaviors of Non-Protein Amino Acids as a Function of Temperature and pH.

    PubMed

    Kitadai, Norio

    2016-03-01

    Why does life use α-amino acids exclusively as building blocks of proteins? To address that fundamental question from an energetic perspective, this study estimated the standard molal thermodynamic data for three non-α-amino acids (β-alanine, γ-aminobutyric acid, and ε-aminocaproic acid) and α-amino-n-butyric acid in their zwitterionic, negative, and positive ionization states based on the corresponding experimental measurements reported in the literature. Temperature dependences of their heat capacities were described based on the revised Helgeson-Kirkham-Flowers (HKF) equations of state. The obtained dataset was then used to calculate the standard molal Gibbs energies (∆G (o)) of the non-α-amino acids as a function of temperature and pH. Comparison of their ∆G (o) values with those of α-amino acids having the same molecular formula showed that the non-α-amino acids have similar ∆G (o) values to the corresponding α-amino acids in physiologically relevant conditions (neutral pH, <100 °C). In acidic and alkaline pH, the non-α-amino acids are thermodynamically more stable than the corresponding α-ones over a broad temperature range. These results suggest that the energetic cost of synthesis is not an important selection pressure to incorporate α-amino acids into biological systems.

  3. Ion-Specific Modulation of Interfacial Interaction Potentials between Solid Substrates and Cell-Sized Particles Mediated via Zwitterionic, Super-Hydrophilic Poly(sulfobetaine) Brushes.

    PubMed

    Higaki, Yuji; Fröhlich, Benjamin; Yamamoto, Akihisa; Murakami, Ryo; Kaneko, Makoto; Takahara, Atsushi; Tanaka, Motomu

    2017-02-16

    Zwitterionic polymer brushes draw increasing attention not only because of their superhydrophilic, self-cleaning capability but also due to their excellent antifouling capacity. We investigated the ion-specific modulation of the interfacial interaction potential via densely packed, uniform poly(sulfobetaine) brushes. The vertical Brownian motion of a cell-sized latex particle was monitored by microinterferometry, yielding the effective interfacial interaction potentials V(Δh) and the autocorrelation function of height fluctuation. The potential curvature V″(Δh) exhibited a monotonic increase according to the increase in monovalent salt concentrations, implying the sharpening of the potential confinement. An opposite tendency was observed in CaCl 2 solutions, suggesting that the ion specific modulation cannot be explained by the classical Hofmeister series. When the particle fluctuation was monitored in the presence of free sulfobetaine molecules, the increase in [sulfobetaine] resulted in a distinct increase in hydrodynamic friction. This was never observed in all the other salt solutions, suggesting the interference of zwitterionic pairing of sulfobetaine side chains by the intercalation of sulfobetaine molecules into the brush layer. Furthermore, poly(sulfobetaine) brushes exhibited a very low V″(Δh) and hydrodynamic friction to human erythrocytes, which seems to explain the excellent blood repellency of zwitterionic polymer materials.

  4. Formation of pyroglutamic acid from N-terminal glutamic acid in immunoglobulin gamma antibodies.

    PubMed

    Chelius, Dirk; Jing, Kay; Lueras, Alexis; Rehder, Douglas S; Dillon, Thomas M; Vizel, Alona; Rajan, Rahul S; Li, Tiansheng; Treuheit, Michael J; Bondarenko, Pavel V

    2006-04-01

    The status of the N-terminus of proteins is important for amino acid sequencing by Edman degradation, protein identification by shotgun and top-down techniques, and to uncover biological functions, which may be associated with modifications. In this study, we investigated the pyroglutamic acid formation from N-terminal glutamic acid residues in recombinant monoclonal antibodies. Almost half the antibodies reported in the literature contain a glutamic acid residue at the N-terminus of the light or the heavy chain. Our reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method could separate the pyroglutamic acid-containing light chains from the native light chains of reduced and alkylated recombinant monoclonal antibodies. Tryptic peptide mapping and tandem mass spectrometry of the reduced and alkylated proteins was used for the identification of the pyroglutamic acid. We identified the formation of pyroglutamic acid from N-terminal glutamic acid in the heavy chains and light chains of several antibodies, indicating that this nonenzymatic reaction does occur very commonly and can be detected after a few weeks of incubation at 37 and 45 degrees C. The rate of this reaction was measured in several aqueous buffers with different pH values, showing minimal formation of pyroglutamic acid at pH 6.2 and increased formation of pyroglutamic acid at pH 4 and pH 8. The half-life of the N-terminal glutamic acid was approximately 9 months in a pH 4.1 buffer at 45 degrees C. To our knowledge, we showed for the first time that glutamic acid residues located at the N-terminus of proteins undergo pyroglutamic acid formation in vitro.

  5. Recovery and redispersion of gold nanoparticles using the self-assembly of a pH sensitive zwitterionic amphiphile.

    PubMed

    Morita-Imura, Clara; Imura, Yoshiro; Kawai, Takeshi; Shindo, Hitoshi

    2014-11-04

    The pH-responsive self-assembly of zwitterionic amphiphile C16CA was expanded to the recovery of gold (Au) nanoparticles for environmentally friendly chemistry applications. Multilayered lamellae at pH ∼ 4 were successfully incorporated into nanoparticles by dispersion. Redispersion of nanoparticles was achieved under basic conditions by the transition of self-assembly.

  6. Dietary (n-6 : n-3) Fatty Acids Alter Plasma and Tissue Fatty Acid Composition in Pregnant Sprague Dawley Rats

    PubMed Central

    Kassem, Amira Abdulbari; Abu Bakar, Md Zuki; Yong Meng, Goh; Mustapha, Noordin Mohamed

    2012-01-01

    The objective of this paper is to study the effects of varying dietary levels of n-6 : n-3 fatty acid ratio on plasma and tissue fatty acid composition in rat. The treatment groups included control rats fed chow diet only, rats fed 50% soybean oil (SBO): 50% cod liver oil (CLO) (1 : 1), 84% SBO: 16% CLO (6 : 1), 96% SBO: 4% CLO (30 : 1). Blood samples were taken at day 15 of pregnancy, and the plasma and tissue were analyzed for fatty acid profile. The n-3 PUFA in plasma of Diet 1 : 1 group was significantly higher than the other diet groups, while the total n-6 PUFA in plasma was significantly higher in Diet 30 : 1 group as compared to the control and Diet 1 : 1 groups. The Diet 1 : 1 group showed significantly greater percentages of total n-3 PUFA and docosahexaenoic acid in adipose and liver tissue, and this clearly reflected the contribution of n-3 fatty acids from CLO. The total n-6 PUFA, linoleic acid, and arachidonic acid were significantly difference in Diet 30 : 1 as compared to Diet 1 : 1 and control group. These results demonstrated that the dietary ratio of n-6 : n-3 fatty acid ratio significantly affected plasma and tissue fatty acids profile in pregnant rat. PMID:22489205

  7. Constants and thermodynamics of the acid-base equilibria of triglycine in water-ethanol solutions containing sodium perchlorate at 298 K

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pham Tkhi, L.; Usacheva, T. R.; Tukumova, N. V.; Koryshev, N. E.; Khrenova, T. M.; Sharnin, V. A.

    2016-02-01

    The acid-base equilibrium constants for glycyl-glycyl-glycine (triglycine) in water-ethanol solvents containing 0.0, 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 mole fractions of ethanol are determined by potentiometric titration at 298.15 K and an ionic strength of 0.1, maintained with sodium perchlorate. It is established that an increase in the ethanol content in the solvent reduces the dissociation constant of the carboxyl group of triglycine (increases p K 1) and increases the dissociation constant of the amino group of triglycine (decreases p K 2). It is noted that the weakening of the acidic properties of a triglycinium ion upon an increase of the ethanol content in the solvent is due to the attenuation of the solvation shell of the zwitterionic form of triglycine, and to the increased solvation of triglycinium ions. It is concluded that the acid strength of triglycine increases along with a rise in the EtOH content in the solvent, due to the desolvation of the tripeptide zwitterion and the enhanced solvation of protons.

  8. Preparation and structural characterization of zwitterionic surfactant intercalated into NiZn-layered hydroxide salts

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Jiexiang; Wang, Jianlong; Zhang, Xiaoguang; Fang, Binbin; Hu, Pan; Zhao, Xuyang

    2015-10-01

    Three zwitterionic surfactants, dodecyl dimethyl carboxylbetaine (DCB), dodecyl dimethyl sulfobetaine (DSB) and N-dodecyl-β-aminoprpionate (DAP), intercalated into NiZn-layered hydroxide salts (NZL-DCB, NZL-DSB and NZL-DAP) were synthesized by the coprecipitation method. The effect of surfactant content, pH, temperature and time of hydrothermal treatment on preparation was investigated and discussed. The NZL-DCB, NZL-DSB and NZL-DAP were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetry analysis and differential thermal analysis (TGA/DTA). The results showed that basal spacings of NZL-DCB, NZL-DSB and NZL-DAP were around 3.45, 3.68 and 3.94 nm, respectively. DCB, DSB and DAP probably form an overlapped bilayer in the gallery. TGA/DTA data indicated that NZL-DCB, NZL-DSB and NZL-DAP displayed three loss weight stages: loss of adsorbed and structural water, dehydroxylation of matrix and decomposition of nitrate ions, decomposition and combustion of surfactants. Furthermore, chemical analysis data, BET surface area and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) were also measured and analyzed.

  9. System and process for capture of acid gasses at elevated pressure from gaseous process streams

    DOEpatents

    Heldebrant, David J.; Koech, Phillip K.; Linehan, John C.; Rainbolt, James E.; Bearden, Mark D.; Zheng, Feng

    2016-09-06

    A system, method, and material that enables the pressure-activated reversible chemical capture of acid gasses such as CO.sub.2 from gas volumes such as streams, flows or any other volume. Once the acid gas is chemically captured, the resulting product typically a zwitterionic salt, can be subjected to a reduced pressure whereupon the resulting product will release the captures acid gas and the capture material will be regenerated. The invention includes this process as well as the materials and systems for carrying out and enabling this process.

  10. Lipid domains in zwitterionic-anionic lipid mixtures induced by combined effect of monovalent and divalent ions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xu, Hongcheng; Ganesan, Sai; Matysiak, Silvina

    Lipid domain formation is an important process for many cellular processes. In experiment, the effects of Ba2+, Sr2+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ in inducing lateral phase separation in the binary phosphatidylcholine-phosphatidylserine (PC-PS) bilayer are quite different, of which the molecular mechanism remains to be understood. We have explored the effect of monovalent (MI) and divalent (MII) cationic radii on lipid domain formation in mixed zwitterionic-anionic lipid bilayers. We propose a mechanism for the formation of divalent-cation-induced lipid domains based on MD simulations with our Water-Explicit Polarizable MEMbrane (WEPMEM) coarse-grained model, which uses PC as the model for zwitterionic and PS for anionic lipids. Lipid aggregation only occurs with limited range of monovalent and divalent ion sizes in agreement with experimental observations. More ordering and closer packing of the lipids are noted within the domains, which correlate with bilayer thickness, curvature and lipid asymmetry. The results of the simulations reveal that the lipid domain consists of MII-mediated anionic lipid dimer/trimer complexes bridged by monovalent ions MI and provide a stereochemical insight in understanding the experimentally observed calcium-induced phase separation.

  11. Highly Specific Binding on Antifouling Zwitterionic Polymer-Coated Microbeads as Measured by Flow Cytometry.

    PubMed

    van Andel, Esther; de Bus, Ian; Tijhaar, Edwin J; Smulders, Maarten M J; Savelkoul, Huub F J; Zuilhof, Han

    2017-11-08

    Micron- and nano-sized particles are extensively used in various biomedical applications. However, their performance is often drastically hampered by the nonspecific adsorption of biomolecules, a process called biofouling, which can cause false-positive and false-negative outcomes in diagnostic tests. Although antifouling coatings have been extensively studied on flat surfaces, their use on micro- and nanoparticles remains largely unexplored, despite the widespread experimental (specifically, clinical) uncertainties that arise because of biofouling. Here, we describe the preparation of magnetic micron-sized beads coated with zwitterionic sulfobetaine polymer brushes that display strong antifouling characteristics. These coated beads can then be equipped with recognition elements of choice, to enable the specific binding of target molecules. First, we present a proof of principle with biotin-functionalized beads that are able to specifically bind fluorescently labeled streptavidin from a complex mixture of serum proteins. Moreover, we show the versatility of the method by demonstrating that it is also possible to functionalize the beads with mannose moieties to specifically bind the carbohydrate-binding protein concanavalin A. Flow cytometry was used to show that thus-modified beads only bind specifically targeted proteins, with minimal/near-zero nonspecific protein adsorption from other proteins that are present. These antifouling zwitterionic polymer-coated beads, therefore, provide a significant advancement for the many bead-based diagnostic and other biosensing applications that require stringent antifouling conditions.

  12. Highly Specific Binding on Antifouling Zwitterionic Polymer-Coated Microbeads as Measured by Flow Cytometry

    PubMed Central

    2017-01-01

    Micron- and nano-sized particles are extensively used in various biomedical applications. However, their performance is often drastically hampered by the nonspecific adsorption of biomolecules, a process called biofouling, which can cause false-positive and false-negative outcomes in diagnostic tests. Although antifouling coatings have been extensively studied on flat surfaces, their use on micro- and nanoparticles remains largely unexplored, despite the widespread experimental (specifically, clinical) uncertainties that arise because of biofouling. Here, we describe the preparation of magnetic micron-sized beads coated with zwitterionic sulfobetaine polymer brushes that display strong antifouling characteristics. These coated beads can then be equipped with recognition elements of choice, to enable the specific binding of target molecules. First, we present a proof of principle with biotin-functionalized beads that are able to specifically bind fluorescently labeled streptavidin from a complex mixture of serum proteins. Moreover, we show the versatility of the method by demonstrating that it is also possible to functionalize the beads with mannose moieties to specifically bind the carbohydrate-binding protein concanavalin A. Flow cytometry was used to show that thus-modified beads only bind specifically targeted proteins, with minimal/near-zero nonspecific protein adsorption from other proteins that are present. These antifouling zwitterionic polymer-coated beads, therefore, provide a significant advancement for the many bead-based diagnostic and other biosensing applications that require stringent antifouling conditions. PMID:29064669

  13. Application of cinchona-sulfonate-based chiral zwitterionic ion exchangers for the separation of proline-containing dipeptide rotamers and determination of on-column isomerization parameters from dynamic elution profiles.

    PubMed

    Wernisch, Stefanie; Trapp, Oliver; Lindner, Wolfgang

    2013-09-17

    The interconversion of cis and trans isomers of dipeptides containing C-terminal proline was studied by dynamic chromatography on zwitterionic chiral stationary phases at temperatures ranging from -15°C to +45°C The cis-trans isomers could be separated below 0°C and above 0-10°C plateau formation and peak coalescence phenomena occurred, which is characteristic for a dynamic process at the time-scale of partitioning. At and above room temperature, full coalescence was observed, which allowed separations of enantiomers without interference from interconversion effects. Analysis of the dynamic elution profiles of the interconverting peptides allowed the determination of isomerization rate constants and thermodynamic activation parameters (isomerization enthalpy, entropy and activation energy). In accordance with established results, isomerization rates and thermodynamic parameters were found to depend on the nature of the N-terminal amino acid. Isomerization barriers were only slightly lower than values determined with other methods but significant differences in the relative contributions of the activation enthalpy and entropy as well as isomerization rates pointed toward selector-moderated isomerization dynamics. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. Interfacial concentrations of chloride and bromide in zwitterionic micelles with opposite dipoles: experimental determination by chemical trapping and a theoretical description.

    PubMed

    de Souza, Tereza Pereira; Chaimovich, Hernan; Fahr, Alfred; Schweitzer, Bianca; Agostinho Neto, Augusto; Cuccovia, Iolanda Midea

    2012-04-01

    Interfacial concentrations of chloride and bromide ions, with Li(+), Na(+), K(+), Rb(+), Cs(+), trimethylammonium (TMA(+)), Ca(2+), and Mg(2+) as counterions, were determined by chemical trapping in micelles formed by two zwitterionic surfactants, namely N-hexadecyl-N,N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate (HPS) and hexadecylphosphorylcholine (HDPC) micelles. Appropriate standard curves for the chemical trapping method were obtained by measuring the product yields of chloride and bromide salts with 2,4,6-trimethyl-benzenediazonium (BF(4)) in the presence of low molecular analogs (N,N,N-trimethyl-propane sulfonate and methyl-phosphorylcholine) of the employed surfactants. The experimentally determined values for the local Br(-) (Cl(-)) concentrations were modeled by fully integrated non-linear Poisson Boltzmann equations. The best fits to all experimental data were obtained by considering that ions at the interface are not fixed at an adsorption site but are free to move in the interfacial plane. In addition, the calculation of ion distribution allowed the estimation of the degree of ion coverage by using standard chemical potential differences accounting for ion specificity. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Purification and thermal analysis of perfluoro-n-alkanoic acids.

    PubMed

    Tsuji, Minami; Inoue, Tohru; Shibata, Osamu

    2008-01-15

    Purification of perfluoro-n-alkanoic acids (C(n)F(2n+1)COOH, n=7, 9, 11, 13, 15 and 17) was made by repeated recrystallizations from n-hexane/acetone mixed solvent, and their purity was found to be more than 99.5% by GC-MS, NMR, and elemental analysis. The thermal behaviors such as melting point and enthalpy change of fusion were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The melting point monotonously increased with increasing carbon number (n) of the acids, while the enthalpy change showed irregularity at n=14. The crystal structure of these acids was found to be dependent upon solvent used for recrystallization; that is, the acids recrystallized from the above solvent becomes more stable energetically, indicating their higher enthalpy change of fusion than that of the solidified acids from fused ones. The solid state was also found to vary depending upon the thermal history, indicating that a few crystal structures of the solid state are quite similar energetically. The melting points (T(m)) of perfluoro-n-alkanoic acids are higher than those of corresponding n-alkanoic acids, and the difference in T(m) increases with increasing carbon number in the acids.

  16. Glutamic Acid as a Precursor to N-Terminal Pyroglutamic Acid in Mouse Plasmacytoma Protein

    PubMed Central

    Twardzik, Daniel R.; Peterkofsky, Alan

    1972-01-01

    Cell suspensions derived from a mouse plasmacytoma (RPC-20) that secretes an immunoglobulin light chain containing N-terminal pyroglutamic acid can synthesize protein in vitro. Chromatographic examination of an enzymatic digest of protein labeled with glutamic acid shows only labeled glutamic acid and pyroglutamic acid; hydrolysis of protein from cells labeled with glutamine, however, yields substantial amounts of glutamic acid in addition to glutamine and pyroglutamic acid. The absence of glutamine synthetase and presence of glutaminase in plasmacytoma homogenates is consistent with these findings. These data indicate that N-terminal pyroglutamic acid can be derived from glutamic acid without prior conversion of glutamic acid to glutamine. Since free or bound forms of glutamine cyclize nonezymatically to pyroglutamate with ease, while glutamic acid does not, the data suggest that N-terminal pyroglutamic acid formation from glutamic acid is enzymatic rather than spontaneous. Images PMID:4400295

  17. Hydration and vibrational dynamics of betaine (N,N,N-trimethylglycine)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Tanping; Cui, Yaowen; Mathaga, John; Kumar, Revati; Kuroda, Daniel G.

    2015-06-01

    Zwitterions are naturally occurring molecules that have a positive and a negative charge group in its structure and are of great importance in many areas of science. Here, the vibrational and hydration dynamics of the zwitterionic system betaine (N,N,N-trimethylglycine) is reported. The linear infrared spectrum of aqueous betaine exhibits an asymmetric band in the 1550-1700 cm-1 region of the spectrum. This band is attributed to the carboxylate asymmetric stretch of betaine. The potential of mean force computed from ab initio molecular dynamic simulations confirms that the two observed transitions of the linear spectrum are related to two different betaine conformers present in solution. A model of the experimental data using non-linear response theory agrees very well with a vibrational model comprising of two vibrational transitions. In addition, our modeling shows that spectral parameters such as the slope of the zeroth contour plot and central line slope are both sensitive to the presence of overlapping transitions. The vibrational dynamics of the system reveals an ultrafast decay of the vibrational population relaxation as well as the correlation of frequency-frequency correlation function (FFCF). A decay of ˜0.5 ps is observed for the FFCF correlation time and is attributed to the frequency fluctuations caused by the motions of water molecules in the solvation shell. The comparison of the experimental observations with simulations of the FFCF from ab initio molecular dynamics and a density functional theory frequency map shows a very good agreement corroborating the correct characterization and assignment of the derived parameters.

  18. Hydration and vibrational dynamics of betaine (N,N,N-trimethylglycine)

    PubMed Central

    Li, Tanping; Cui, Yaowen; Mathaga, John; Kumar, Revati; Kuroda, Daniel G.

    2015-01-01

    Zwitterions are naturally occurring molecules that have a positive and a negative charge group in its structure and are of great importance in many areas of science. Here, the vibrational and hydration dynamics of the zwitterionic system betaine (N,N,N-trimethylglycine) is reported. The linear infrared spectrum of aqueous betaine exhibits an asymmetric band in the 1550-1700 cm−1 region of the spectrum. This band is attributed to the carboxylate asymmetric stretch of betaine. The potential of mean force computed from ab initio molecular dynamic simulations confirms that the two observed transitions of the linear spectrum are related to two different betaine conformers present in solution. A model of the experimental data using non-linear response theory agrees very well with a vibrational model comprising of two vibrational transitions. In addition, our modeling shows that spectral parameters such as the slope of the zeroth contour plot and central line slope are both sensitive to the presence of overlapping transitions. The vibrational dynamics of the system reveals an ultrafast decay of the vibrational population relaxation as well as the correlation of frequency-frequency correlation function (FFCF). A decay of ∼0.5 ps is observed for the FFCF correlation time and is attributed to the frequency fluctuations caused by the motions of water molecules in the solvation shell. The comparison of the experimental observations with simulations of the FFCF from ab initio molecular dynamics and a density functional theory frequency map shows a very good agreement corroborating the correct characterization and assignment of the derived parameters. PMID:26049458

  19. Applying thermosettable zwitterionic copolymers as general fouling-resistant and thermal-tolerant biomaterial interfaces.

    PubMed

    Chou, Ying-Nien; Chang, Yung; Wen, Ten-Chin

    2015-05-20

    We introduced a thermosettable zwitterionic copolymer to design a high temperature tolerance biomaterial as a general antifouling polymer interface. The original synthetic fouling-resistant copolymer, poly(vinylpyrrolidone)-co-poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (poly(VP-co-SBMA)), is both thermal-tolerant and fouling-resistant, and the antifouling stability of copolymer coated interfaces can be effectively controlled by regulating the VP/SBMA composition ratio. We studied poly(VP-co-SBMA) copolymer gels and networks with a focus on their general resistance to protein, cell, and bacterial bioadhesion, as influenced by the thermosetting process. Interestingly, we found that the shape of the poly(VP-co-SBMA) copolymer material can be set at a high annealing temperature of 200 °C while maintaining good antifouling properties. However, while the zwitterionic PSBMA polymer gels were bioinert as expected, control of the fouling resistance of the PSBMA polymer networks was lost in the high temperature annealing process. A poly(VP-co-SBMA) copolymer network composed of PSBMA segments at 32 mol % showed reduced fibrinogen adsorption, tissue cell adhesion, and bacterial attachment, but a relatively higher PSBMA content of 61 mol % was required to optimize resistance to platelet adhesion and erythrocyte attachment to confer hemocompatibility to human blood. We suggest that poly(VP-co-SBMA) copolymers capable of retaining stable fouling resistance after high temperature shaping have a potential application as thermosettable materials in a bioinert interface for medical devices, such as the thermosettable coating on a stainless steel blood-compatible metal stent investigated in this study.

  20. Dietary n-6 and n-3 fatty acids in immunity and autoimmune disease.

    PubMed

    Harbige, L S

    1998-11-01

    Clearly there is much evidence to show that under well-controlled laboratory and dietary conditions fatty acid intake can have profound effects on animal models of autoimmune disease. Studies in human autoimmune disease have been less dramatic; however, human trials have been subject to uncontrolled dietary and genetic backgrounds, infection and other environmental influences, and basic trial designs have been inadequate. The impact of dietary fatty acids on animal autoimmune disease models appears to depend on the animal model and the type and amount of fatty acids fed. Diets low in fat, essential fatty acid-deficient, or high in n-3 fatty acids from fish oils increase the survival and reduce disease severity in spontaneous autoantibody-mediated disease, whilst linoleic acid-rich diets appear to increase disease severity. In experimentally-induced T-cell-mediated autoimmune disease, essential fatty acid-deficient diets or diets supplemented with n-3 fatty acids appear to augment disease, whereas n-6 fatty acids prevent or reduce the severity. In contrast, in both T-cell and antibody-mediated auto-immune disease the desaturated and elongated metabolites of linoleic acid are protective. Suppression of autoantibody and T lymphocyte proliferation, apoptosis of autoreactive lymphocytes, and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine production by high-dose fish oils are all likely mechanisms by which n-3 fatty acids ameliorate autoimmune disease. However, these could be undesirable long-term effects of high-dose fish oil which may compromise host immunity. The protective mechanism(s) of n-6 fatty acids in T-cell- mediated autoimmune disease are less clear, but may include dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid- and arachidonic acid-sensitive immunoregulatory circuits such as Th1 responses, TGF beta 1-mediated effects and Th3-like responses. It is often claimed that n-6 fatty acids promote autoimmune and inflammatory disease based on results obtained with linoleic acid only. It should be

  1. Nonionic and zwitterionic forms of glycylglycylarginine as a part of spider silk protein: Spectroscopic and theoretical study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Arı, Hatice; Özpozan, Talat

    2016-01-01

    Glycylglycylarginine as a part of GGX motif of spider silk spidroin in nonionic (non-GGR) and zwitterionic (zwt-GGR) forms have been examined from theoretical and spectroscopic aspects. The most stable conformational isomers of non-GGR and zwt-GGR were obtained through relaxed scan using the DFT/B3LYP with 6-31G(d) basis set. Nonionic and zwitterionic forms of 310-helix structures of GGR have also been calculated and compared with the most stable conformers obtained as a result of conformer analysis of isolated three peptide structures. This comparison should give an idea about the stability contribution of intermolecular interactions between the 310-helix structured peptide chains. O3LYP and B3PW91 hybrid functionals beside B3LYP have also been used for further calculations of geometry optimization, vibrational analysis, Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) analysis, HOMO-LUMO analysis and hydrogen bonding analysis. Normal Mode Analysis was carried through Potential Energy Distribution (PED) calculations by means of VEDA4 program package. IR and Raman spectra of GGR have also been used to relate the spectroscopic data obtained to electronic and structural features.

  2. Nonionic and zwitterionic forms of glycylglycylarginine as a part of spider silk protein: Spectroscopic and theoretical study.

    PubMed

    Arı, Hatice; Özpozan, Talat

    2016-01-05

    Glycylglycylarginine as a part of GGX motif of spider silk spidroin in nonionic (non-GGR) and zwitterionic (zwt-GGR) forms have been examined from theoretical and spectroscopic aspects. The most stable conformational isomers of non-GGR and zwt-GGR were obtained through relaxed scan using the DFT/B3LYP with 6-31G(d) basis set. Nonionic and zwitterionic forms of 310-helix structures of GGR have also been calculated and compared with the most stable conformers obtained as a result of conformer analysis of isolated three peptide structures. This comparison should give an idea about the stability contribution of intermolecular interactions between the 310-helix structured peptide chains. O3LYP and B3PW91 hybrid functionals beside B3LYP have also been used for further calculations of geometry optimization, vibrational analysis, Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) analysis, HOMO-LUMO analysis and hydrogen bonding analysis. Normal Mode Analysis was carried through Potential Energy Distribution (PED) calculations by means of VEDA4 program package. IR and Raman spectra of GGR have also been used to relate the spectroscopic data obtained to electronic and structural features. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  3. A comparative density functional theory study of electronic structure and optical properties of γ-aminobutyric acid and its cocrystals with oxalic and benzoic acid

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    da Silva Filho, J. G.; Freire, V. N.; Caetano, E. W. S.; Ladeira, L. O.; Fulco, U. L.; Albuquerque, E. L.

    2013-11-01

    In this letter, we study the electronic structure and optical properties of the active medicinal component γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and its cocrystals with oxalic (OXA) and benzoic (BZA) acid by means of the density functional theory formalism. It is shown that the cocrystallization strongly weakens the zwitterionic character of the GABA molecule leading to striking differences among the electronic band structures and optical absorption spectra of the GABA crystal and GABA:OXA, GABA:BZA cocrystals, originating from distinct sets of hydrogen bonds. Calculated band widths and Δ-sol band gap estimates indicate that both GABA and GABA:OXA, GABA:BZA cocrystals are indirect gap insulators.

  4. High temperature ultralow water content carbon dioxide-in-water foam stabilized with viscoelastic zwitterionic surfactants.

    PubMed

    Alzobaidi, Shehab; Da, Chang; Tran, Vu; Prodanović, Maša; Johnston, Keith P

    2017-02-15

    Ultralow water content carbon dioxide-in-water (C/W) foams with gas phase volume fractions (ϕ) above 0.95 (that is <0.05 water) tend to be inherently unstable given that the large capillary pressures that cause the lamellar films to thin. Herein, we demonstrate that these C/W foams may be stabilized with viscoelastic aqueous phases formed with a single zwitterionic surfactant at a concentration of only 1% (w/v) in DI water and over a wide range of salinity. Moreover, they are stable with a foam quality ϕ up to 0.98 even for temperatures up to 120°C. The properties of aqueous viscoelastic solutions and foams containing these solutions are examined for a series of zwitterionic amidopropylcarbobetaines, R-ONHC 3 H 6 N(CH 3 ) 2 CH 2 CO 2 , where R is varied from C 12 - 14 (coco) to C 18 (oleyl) to C 22 (erucyl). For the surfactants with long C 18 and C 22 tails, the relaxation times from complex rheology indicate the presence of viscoelastic wormlike micelles over a wide range in salinity and pH, given the high surfactant packing fraction. The apparent viscosities of these ultralow water content foams reached more than 120cP with stabilities more than 30-fold over those for foams formed with the non-viscoelastic C 12 - 14 surfactant. At 90°C, the foam morphology was composed of ∼35μm diameter bubbles with a polyhedral texture. The apparent foam viscosity typically increased with ϕ and then dropped at ϕ values higher than 0.95-0.98. The Ostwald ripening rate was slower for foams with viscoelastic versus non-viscoelastic lamellae as shown by optical microscopy, as a consequence of slower lamellar drainage rates. The ability to achieve high stabilities for ultralow water content C/W foams over a wide temperature range is of interest in various technologies including polymer and materials science, CO 2 enhanced oil recovery, CO 2 sequestration (by greater control of the CO 2 flow patterns), and possibly even hydraulic fracturing with minimal use of water to reduce

  5. Structural evidence for solvent-stabilisation by aspartic acid as a mechanism for halophilic protein stability in high salt concentrations.

    PubMed

    Lenton, Samuel; Walsh, Danielle L; Rhys, Natasha H; Soper, Alan K; Dougan, Lorna

    2016-07-21

    Halophilic organisms have adapted to survive in high salt environments, where mesophilic organisms would perish. One of the biggest challenges faced by halophilic proteins is the ability to maintain both the structure and function at molar concentrations of salt. A distinct adaptation of halophilic proteins, compared to mesophilic homologues, is the abundance of aspartic acid on the protein surface. Mutagenesis and crystallographic studies of halophilic proteins suggest an important role for solvent interactions with the surface aspartic acid residues. This interaction, between the regions of the acidic protein surface and the solvent, is thought to maintain a hydration layer around the protein at molar salt concentrations thereby allowing halophilic proteins to retain their functional state. Here we present neutron diffraction data of the monomeric zwitterionic form of aspartic acid solutions at physiological pH in 0.25 M and 2.5 M concentration of potassium chloride, to mimic mesophilic and halophilic-like environmental conditions. We have used isotopic substitution in combination with empirical potential structure refinement to extract atomic-scale information from the data. Our study provides structural insights that support the hypothesis that carboxyl groups on acidic residues bind water more tightly under high salt conditions, in support of the residue-ion interaction model of halophilic protein stabilisation. Furthermore our data show that in the presence of high salt the self-association between the zwitterionic form of aspartic acid molecules is reduced, suggesting a possible mechanism through which protein aggregation is prevented.

  6. Preparation and characterization of novel zwitterionic poly(arylene ether sulfone) ultrafiltration membrane with good thermostability and excellent antifouling properties

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rong, Guolong; Zhou, Di; Han, Xiaocui; Pang, Jinhui

    2018-01-01

    Zwitterionic poly(arylene ether sulfone) (PAES-NS) was synthesized via copolymerization by using a bisphenol monomer with a pyridine group. The chemical structures of the copolymers were confirmed by using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy; the copolymers showed good thermal stability. A series of polyphenysulfone (PPSU)/PAES-NS blend ultrafiltration (UF) membranes was prepared via conventional immersion precipitation phase inversion methods The morphologies of the modified membranes were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The surface hydrophilicity of the UF membranes was studied by water contact angle measurement, indicating that the zwitterionic group increased the membrane hydrophilicity. UF of solvated model pollutants using the membranes showed a significant reduction of the irreversible adsorption of the foulants, illustrating the excellent anti-fouling properties of the membrane. The water flux of the PAES-NS membrane was significantly enhanced, being almost three times higher than that of the pristine PPSU membrane, with retention of a high rejection level. After three UF cycles, the water flux recovery of the PAES-NS membrane was as high as 96%.

  7. Surface damage in cystine, an amino acid dimer, induced by keV ions.

    PubMed

    Salles, R C M; Coutinho, L H; da Veiga, A G; Sant'Anna, M M; de Souza, G G B

    2018-01-28

    We have studied the interaction of an ion beam (17.6 keV F - ) with cystine, a dimer formed by the binding of two cysteine residues. Cystine can be considered as an ideal prototype for the study of the relevance of the disulfide (-S-S-) chemical bond in biomolecules. For the sake of comparison, the amino acid cysteine has also been subjected to the same experimental conditions. Characterization of the samples by XPS and NEXAFS shows that both pristine cystine and pristine cysteine are found as a dipolar ion (zwitterion). Following irradiation, the dimer and the amino acid show a tendency to change from the dipole ion form to the normal uncharged form. The largest spectral modification was observed in the high resolution XPS spectra obtained at around the N 1s core level for the two biomolecules. The 2p sulfur edge spectra of cysteine and cystine were much less sensitive to radiation effects. We suggest that the disulfide bond (-S-S-) remains stable before and after irradiation, contributing to the larger radiation stability of cystine as compared to the amino acid cysteine.

  8. Versatile antifouling polyethersulfone filtration membranes modified via surface grafting of zwitterionic polymers from a reactive amphiphilic copolymer additive.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Yi-Fan; Zhang, Pei-Bin; Sun, Jian; Liu, Cui-Jing; Yi, Zhuan; Zhu, Li-Ping; Xu, You-Yi

    2015-06-15

    Here we describe the development of versatile antifouling polyethersulfone (PES) filtration membranes modified via surface grafting of zwitterionic polymers from a reactive amphiphilic copolymer additive. Amphiphilic polyethersulfone-block-poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PES-b-PHEMA) was beforehand designed and used as the blending additive of PES membranes prepared by phase inversion technique. The surface enriched PHEMA blocks on membrane surface acted as an anchor to immobilize the initiating site. Poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (PSBMA) were subsequently grafted onto the PES blend membranes by surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP). The analysis of surface chemistry confirmed the successful grafting of zwitterionic PSBMA brushes on PES membrane surface. The resulted PES-g-PSBMA membranes were capable of separating proteins from protein solution and oil from oil/water emulsion efficiently. Furthermore, the modified membranes showed high hydrophilicity and strongly antifouling properties due to the incorporation of well-defined PSBMA layer. In addition, the PES-g-PSBMA membranes exhibited excellent blood compatibility and durability during the washing process. The developed antifouling PES membranes are versatile and can find their applications in protein filtration, blood purification and oil/water separation, etc. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  9. N-3 fatty acids reduced trans fatty acids retention and increased docosahexaenoic acid levels in the brain.

    PubMed

    Lavandera, Jimena Verónica; Saín, Juliana; Fariña, Ana Clara; Bernal, Claudio Adrián; González, Marcela Aída

    2017-09-01

    The levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) and arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4n-6) are critical for the normal structure and function of the brain. Trans fatty acids (TFA) and the source of the dietary fatty acids (FA) interfere with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) biosynthesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of TFA supplementation in diets containing different proportions of n-9, n-6, and n-3 FA on the brain FA profile, including the retention of TFA, LC-PUFA levels, and n-6/n-3 PUFA ratios. These parameters were also investigated in the liver, considering that LC-PUFA are mainly bioconverted from their dietary precursors in this tissue and transported by serum to the brain. Also, stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD1) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) gene expressions were evaluated. Male CF1 mice were fed (16 weeks) diets containing different oils (olive, corn, and rapeseed) with distinct proportions of n-9, n-6, and n-3 FA (55.2/17.2/0.7, 32.0/51.3/0.9, and 61.1/18.4/8.6), respectively, substituted or not with 0.75% of TFA. FA composition of the brain, liver, and serum was assessed by gas chromatography. TFA were incorporated into, and therefore retained in the brain, liver, and serum. However, the magnitude of retention was dependent on the tissue and type of isomer. In the brain, total TFA retention was lower than 1% in all diets. Dietary n-3 PUFA decreased TFA retention and increased DHA accretion in the brain. The results underscore the importance of the type of dietary FA on the retention of TFA in the brain and also on the changes of the FA profile.

  10. Preparation and evaluation of a silica-based 1-alkyl-3-(propyl-3-sulfonate) imidazolium zwitterionic stationary phase for high-performance liquid chromatography.

    PubMed

    Qiu, Hongdeng; Jiang, Qiong; Wei, Zheng; Wang, Xusheng; Liu, Xia; Jiang, Shengxiang

    2007-09-07

    A new zwitterionic stationary phase based on silica bonded with 1-alkyl-3-(propyl-3-sulfonate) imidazolium was synthesized and characterized in this paper. The materials have been confirmed and evaluated by elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Potassium and calcium were separated simultaneously with several common inorganic anions including an iodate, chloride, bromide, nitrate and iodide on the phase. The effects of the concentration, organic solvent and pH of the eluent on the separation of anions were studied. Operated in the anion-exchange mode, this new stationary phase shows considerable promise for the separation of anions. Bases, vitamins and three imidazolium ionic liquids with different alkyl chains are also separated successfully on this column. The stationary phase has multiple retention mechanisms, such as anion-exchange, electrostatic attraction and repulsion interactions, and hydrophobic interaction between the zwitterionic stationary phase and specimens.

  11. The suppression of the N-nitrosating reaction by chlorogenic acid.

    PubMed Central

    Kono, Y; Shibata, H; Kodama, Y; Sawa, Y

    1995-01-01

    N-Nitrosation of a model aromatic amine (2,3-diamino-naphthalene) by the N-nitrosating agent produced by nitrite in acidic solution was inhibited by a polyphenol, chlorogenic acid, which is an ester of caffeic acid quinic acid. Caffeic acid also inhibited the N-nitrosation, but quinic acid did not. 1,2-Benzenediols and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid had inhibitory activities. Chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, 1,2-benzenediols and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid were able to scavenge the stable free radical, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl. Chlorogenic acid was found to be nitrated by acidic nitrite. The kinetic studies and the nitration observed only by bubbling of nitric oxide plus nitrogen dioxide gases indicated that the nitrating agent was nitrogen sesquioxide. The observations showed that the mechanism by which chlorogenic acid inhibited N-nitrosation of 2,3-diamino-naphthalene is due to its ability to scavenge the nitrosating agent, nitrogen sesquioxide. Chlorogenic acid may be effective not only in protecting against oxidative damage but also in inhibiting potentially mutagenic and carcinogenic reactions in vivo. PMID:8554543

  12. Mg2+-induced DNA compaction, condensation, and phase separation in gene delivery vehicles based on zwitterionic phospholipids: a dynamic light scattering and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopic study.

    PubMed

    Süleymanoğlu, Erhan

    2017-12-01

    Despite the significant efforts towards applying improved non-destructive and label-free measurements of biomolecular structures of lipid-based gene delivery vectors, little is achieved in terms of their structural relevance in gene transfections. Better understanding of structure-activity relationships of lipid-DNA complexes and their gene expression efficiencies thus becomes an essential issue. Raman scattering offers a complimentary measurement technique for following the structural transitions of both DNA and lipid vesicles employed for their transfer. This work describes the use of SERS coupled with light scattering approaches for deciphering the bioelectrochemical phase formations between nucleic acids and lipid vesicles within lipoplexes and their surface parameters that could influence both the uptake of non-viral gene carriers and the endocytic routes of interacting cells. As promising non-viral alternatives of currently employed risky viral systems or highly cytotoxic cationic liposomes, complexations of both nucleic acids and zwitterionic lipids in the presence of Mg 2+ were studied applying colloidal Ag nanoparticles. It is shown that the results could be employed in further conformational characterizations of similar polyelectrolyte gene delivery systems.

  13. Pork as a Source of Omega-3 (n-3) Fatty Acids

    PubMed Central

    Dugan, Michael E.R.; Vahmani, Payam; Turner, Tyler D.; Mapiye, Cletos; Juárez, Manuel; Prieto, Nuria; Beaulieu, Angela D.; Zijlstra, Ruurd T.; Patience, John F.; Aalhus, Jennifer L.

    2015-01-01

    Pork is the most widely eaten meat in the world, but typical feeding practices give it a high omega-6 (n-6) to omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid ratio and make it a poor source of n-3 fatty acids. Feeding pigs n-3 fatty acids can increase their contents in pork, and in countries where label claims are permitted, claims can be met with limited feeding of n-3 fatty acid enrich feedstuffs, provided contributions of both fat and muscle are included in pork servings. Pork enriched with n-3 fatty acids is, however, not widely available. Producing and marketing n-3 fatty acid enriched pork requires regulatory approval, development costs, quality control costs, may increase production costs, and enriched pork has to be tracked to retail and sold for a premium. Mandatory labelling of the n-6/n-3 ratio and the n-3 fatty acid content of pork may help drive production of n-3 fatty acid enriched pork, and open the door to population-based disease prevention polices (i.e., food tax to provide incentives to improve production practices). A shift from the status-quo, however, will require stronger signals along the value chain indicating production of n-3 fatty acid enriched pork is an industry priority. PMID:26694475

  14. Pork as a Source of Omega-3 (n-3) Fatty Acids.

    PubMed

    Dugan, Michael E R; Vahmani, Payam; Turner, Tyler D; Mapiye, Cletos; Juárez, Manuel; Prieto, Nuria; Beaulieu, Angela D; Zijlstra, Ruurd T; Patience, John F; Aalhus, Jennifer L

    2015-12-16

    Pork is the most widely eaten meat in the world, but typical feeding practices give it a high omega-6 (n-6) to omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid ratio and make it a poor source of n-3 fatty acids. Feeding pigs n-3 fatty acids can increase their contents in pork, and in countries where label claims are permitted, claims can be met with limited feeding of n-3 fatty acid enrich feedstuffs, provided contributions of both fat and muscle are included in pork servings. Pork enriched with n-3 fatty acids is, however, not widely available. Producing and marketing n-3 fatty acid enriched pork requires regulatory approval, development costs, quality control costs, may increase production costs, and enriched pork has to be tracked to retail and sold for a premium. Mandatory labelling of the n-6/n-3 ratio and the n-3 fatty acid content of pork may help drive production of n-3 fatty acid enriched pork, and open the door to population-based disease prevention polices (i.e., food tax to provide incentives to improve production practices). A shift from the status-quo, however, will require stronger signals along the value chain indicating production of n-3 fatty acid enriched pork is an industry priority.

  15. Erythrocyte stearidonic acid and other n-3 fatty acids and CHD in the Physicians’ Health Study

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Intake of marine-based n-3 fatty acids (EPA, docosapentaenoic acid and DHA) is recommended to prevent CHD. Stearidonic acid (SDA), a plant-based n-3 fatty acid, is a precursor of EPA and may be more readily converted to EPA than a-linolenic acid (ALA). While transgenic soyabeans might supply SDA at ...

  16. Thermodynamic, Spectroscopic, and Computational Studies of f -Element Complexation by N -Hydroxyethyl-diethylenetriamine- N,N ', N ", N"-tetraacetic Acid

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Grimes, Travis S.; Heathman, Colt R.; Jansone-Popova, Santa

    Potentiometric and spectroscopic techniques were combined with DFT calculations to probe the coordination environment and determine thermodynamic features of trivalent f-element complexation by N-hydroxyethyl-diethylenetriamine-N,N',N",N"-tetraacetic acid, HEDTTA. Ligand protonation constants and lanthanide stability constants were determined using potentiometry. Five protonation constants were accessible in I = 2.0 M (H +/Na +)ClO 4. UV–vis spectroscopy was used to determine stability constants for Nd 3+ and Am 3+ complexation with HEDTTA. Luminescence spectroscopy indicates two water molecules in the inner coordination sphere of the Eu/HEDTTA complex, suggesting HEDTTA is heptadentate. Luminescence data was supported by DFT calculations, which demonstrate that substitution of themore » acetate pendant arm by a N-hydroxyethyl group weakens the metal–nitrogen bond. This bond elongation is reflected in HEDTTA’s ability to differentiate trivalent actinides from trivalent lanthanides. The trans-lanthanide Ln/HEDTTA complex stability trend is analogous to Ln/DTPA complexation; however, the loss of one chelate ring resulting from structural substitution weakens the complexation by ~3 orders of magnitude. Successful separation of trivalent americium from trivalent lanthanides was demonstrated when HEDTTA was utilized as aqueous holdback complexant in a liquid–liquid system. Time-dependent extraction studies for HEDTTA were compared to diethylenetriamine-N,N,N',N",N"-pentaacetic acid (DTPA) and N-hydroxyethyl-ethylenediamine-N,N',N'-triacetic acid (HEDTA). The results presented here indicate substantially enhanced phase-transfer kinetic rates for mixtures containing HEDTTA.« less

  17. Thermodynamic, Spectroscopic, and Computational Studies of f -Element Complexation by N -Hydroxyethyl-diethylenetriamine- N,N ', N ", N"-tetraacetic Acid

    DOE PAGES

    Grimes, Travis S.; Heathman, Colt R.; Jansone-Popova, Santa; ...

    2017-01-24

    Potentiometric and spectroscopic techniques were combined with DFT calculations to probe the coordination environment and determine thermodynamic features of trivalent f-element complexation by N-hydroxyethyl-diethylenetriamine-N,N',N",N"-tetraacetic acid, HEDTTA. Ligand protonation constants and lanthanide stability constants were determined using potentiometry. Five protonation constants were accessible in I = 2.0 M (H +/Na +)ClO 4. UV–vis spectroscopy was used to determine stability constants for Nd 3+ and Am 3+ complexation with HEDTTA. Luminescence spectroscopy indicates two water molecules in the inner coordination sphere of the Eu/HEDTTA complex, suggesting HEDTTA is heptadentate. Luminescence data was supported by DFT calculations, which demonstrate that substitution of themore » acetate pendant arm by a N-hydroxyethyl group weakens the metal–nitrogen bond. This bond elongation is reflected in HEDTTA’s ability to differentiate trivalent actinides from trivalent lanthanides. The trans-lanthanide Ln/HEDTTA complex stability trend is analogous to Ln/DTPA complexation; however, the loss of one chelate ring resulting from structural substitution weakens the complexation by ~3 orders of magnitude. Successful separation of trivalent americium from trivalent lanthanides was demonstrated when HEDTTA was utilized as aqueous holdback complexant in a liquid–liquid system. Time-dependent extraction studies for HEDTTA were compared to diethylenetriamine-N,N,N',N",N"-pentaacetic acid (DTPA) and N-hydroxyethyl-ethylenediamine-N,N',N'-triacetic acid (HEDTA). The results presented here indicate substantially enhanced phase-transfer kinetic rates for mixtures containing HEDTTA.« less

  18. Surface Propensity of Atmospherically Relevant Amino Acids Studied by XPS.

    PubMed

    Mocellin, Alexandra; Gomes, Anderson Herbert de Abreu; Araújo, Oscar Cardoso; de Brito, Arnaldo Naves; Björneholm, Olle

    2017-04-27

    Amino acids constitute an important fraction of the water-soluble organic nitrogen (WSON) compounds in aerosols and are involved in many processes in the atmosphere. In this work, we applied X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to study aqueous solutions of four amino acids, glycine, alanine, valine, and methionine, in their zwitterionic forms. We found that amino acids with hydrophilic side chains and smaller size, GLY and ALA, tend to stay in the bulk of the liquid, while the hydrophobic and bigger amino acids, VAL and MET, are found to concentrate more on the surface. We found experimental evidence that the amino acids have preferential orientation relative to the surface, with the hydrophobic side chain being closer to the surface than the hydrophilic carboxylate group. The observed amino acid surface propensity has implications in atmospheric science as the surface interactions play a central role in cloud droplet formation, and they should be considered in climate models.

  19. Thermodynamic and Spectroscopic Studies of Trivalent f -element Complexation with Ethylenediamine- N,N '-di(acetylglycine)- N,N '-diacetic Acid

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Heathman, Colt R.; Grimes, Travis S.; Zalupski, Peter R.

    In this study, the coordination behavior and thermodynamic features of complexation of trivalent lanthanides and americium by ethylenediamine- N,N'-di(acetylglycine)- N,N'-diacetic acid (EDDAG-DA) (bisamide-substituted-EDTA) were investigated by potentiometric and spectroscopic techniques. Acid dissociation constants (K a) and complexation constants (β) of lanthanides (except Pm) were determined by potentiometric analysis. Absorption spectroscopy was used to determine stability constants for the binding of trivalent americium and neodymium by EDDAG-DA under similar conditions. The potentiometry revealed 5 discernible protonation constants and 3 distinct metal–ligand complexes (identified as ML –, MHL, and MH 2L +). Time-resolved fluorescence studies of Eu-(EDDAG-DA) solutions (at varying pH) identifiedmore » a constant inner-sphere hydration number of 3, suggesting that glycine functionalities contained in the amide pendant arms are not involved in metal complexation and are protonated under more acidic conditions. The thermodynamic studies identified that f-element coordination by EDDAG-DA is similar to that observed for ethylenediamine- N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (EDTA). However, coordination via two amidic oxygens of EDDAG-DA lowers its trivalent f-element complex stability by roughly 3 orders of magnitude relative to EDTA.« less

  20. Thermodynamic and Spectroscopic Studies of Trivalent f -element Complexation with Ethylenediamine- N,N '-di(acetylglycine)- N,N '-diacetic Acid

    DOE PAGES

    Heathman, Colt R.; Grimes, Travis S.; Zalupski, Peter R.

    2016-03-21

    In this study, the coordination behavior and thermodynamic features of complexation of trivalent lanthanides and americium by ethylenediamine- N,N'-di(acetylglycine)- N,N'-diacetic acid (EDDAG-DA) (bisamide-substituted-EDTA) were investigated by potentiometric and spectroscopic techniques. Acid dissociation constants (K a) and complexation constants (β) of lanthanides (except Pm) were determined by potentiometric analysis. Absorption spectroscopy was used to determine stability constants for the binding of trivalent americium and neodymium by EDDAG-DA under similar conditions. The potentiometry revealed 5 discernible protonation constants and 3 distinct metal–ligand complexes (identified as ML –, MHL, and MH 2L +). Time-resolved fluorescence studies of Eu-(EDDAG-DA) solutions (at varying pH) identifiedmore » a constant inner-sphere hydration number of 3, suggesting that glycine functionalities contained in the amide pendant arms are not involved in metal complexation and are protonated under more acidic conditions. The thermodynamic studies identified that f-element coordination by EDDAG-DA is similar to that observed for ethylenediamine- N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (EDTA). However, coordination via two amidic oxygens of EDDAG-DA lowers its trivalent f-element complex stability by roughly 3 orders of magnitude relative to EDTA.« less

  1. 'Designer oils' low in n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratio beneficially modifies cardiovascular risks in mice.

    PubMed

    Riediger, Natalie D; Azordegan, Nazila; Harris-Janz, Sydney; Ma, David W L; Suh, Miyoung; Moghadasian, Mohammed H

    2009-08-01

    Cardiovascular benefits of dietary n-3 fatty acids have been shown. However, benefits of n-3 fatty acids as part of a high fat, low n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratio diet has not been fully characterized. Aim of this study is to investigate cardiovascular and metabolic benefits of 'designer oils' containing a low ratio of n-6:n-3 fatty acids in C57BL/6 mice. Three groups of C57BL/6 mice were fed an atherogenic diet supplemented with either a fish oil- or flaxseed oil-based 'designer oil' with an approximate n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratio of 2:1 (treated groups, n = 6 each) or with a safflower oil-based formulation with a high ratio (25:1) of n-6:n-3 fatty acids (control group, n = 6) for 6 weeks. Food intake, body weight, and blood lipid levels were monitored regularly. Fatty acid profile of the heart tissues was assessed. Histological assessment of liver samples was conducted. At the end of the study body weight and food intake was significantly higher in the flax group compared to control. The levels of 20:5n-3 and 22:6n-3 was significantly increased in the heart phospholipids in both flax and fish groups compared to control; tissue 20:4n-6 was significantly reduced in the fish group compared to control. Significant liver pathology was observed in the control group only. Lowering dietary ratio of n-6:n-3 fatty acids may significantly reduce cardiovascular and metabolic risks in mice regardless of the source of n-3 fatty acids.

  2. Divergent shifts in lipid mediator profile following supplementation with n-3 docosapentaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid.

    PubMed

    Markworth, James F; Kaur, Gunveen; Miller, Eliza G; Larsen, Amy E; Sinclair, Andrew J; Maddipati, Krishna Rao; Cameron-Smith, David

    2016-11-01

    In contrast to the well-characterized effects of specialized proresolving lipid mediators (SPMs) derived from eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), little is known about the metabolic fate of the intermediary long-chain (LC) n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) docosapentaenoic acid (DPA). In this double blind crossover study, shifts in circulating levels of n-3 and n-6 PUFA-derived bioactive lipid mediators were quantified by an unbiased liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry lipidomic approach. Plasma was obtained from human subjects before and after 7 d of supplementation with pure n-3 DPA, n-3 EPA or placebo (olive oil). DPA supplementation increased the SPM resolvin D5 n -3DPA (RvD5 n -3DPA ) and maresin (MaR)-1, the DHA vicinal diol 19,20-dihydroxy-DPA and n-6 PUFA derived 15-keto-PG E 2 (15-keto-PGE 2 ). EPA supplementation had no effect on any plasma DPA or DHA derived mediators, but markedly elevated monohydroxy-eicosapentaenoic acids (HEPEs), including the e-series resolvin (RvE) precursor 18-HEPE; effects not observed with DPA supplementation. These data show that dietary n-3 DPA and EPA have highly divergent effects on human lipid mediator profile, with no overlap in PUFA metabolites formed. The recently uncovered biologic activity of n-3 DPA docosanoids and their marked modulation by dietary DPA intake reveals a unique and specific role of n-3 DPA in human physiology.-Markworth, J. F., Kaur, G., Miller, E. G., Larsen, A. E., Sinclair, A. J., Maddipati, K. R., Cameron-Smith, D. Divergent shifts in lipid mediator profile following supplementation with n-3 docosapentaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid. © FASEB.

  3. Structural analysis of zwitterionic liquids vs. homologous ionic liquids

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wu, Boning; Kuroda, Kosuke; Takahashi, Kenji; Castner, Edward W.

    2018-05-01

    Zwitterionic liquids (Zw-ILs) have been developed that are homologous to monovalent ionic liquids (ILs) and show great promise for controlled dissolution of cellulosic biomass. Using both high energy X-ray scattering and atomistic molecular simulations, this article compares the bulk liquid structural properties for novel Zw-ILs with their homologous ILs. It is shown that the significant localization of the charges on Zw-ILs leads to charge ordering similar to that observed for conventional ionic liquids with monovalent anions and cations. A low-intensity first sharp diffraction peak in the liquid structure factor S(q) is observed for both the Zw-IL and the IL. This is unexpected since both the Zw-IL and IL have a 2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl (diether) functional group on the cationic imidazolium ring and ether functional groups are known to suppress this peak. Detailed analyses show that this intermediate range order in the liquid structure arises for slightly different reasons in the Zw-IL vs. the IL. For the Zw-IL, the ether tails in the liquid are shown to aggregate into nanoscale domains.

  4. Incorporation of N-amidino-pyroglutamic acid into peptides using intramolecular cyclization of alpha-guanidinoglutaric acid.

    PubMed

    Burov, Sergey; Moskalenko, Yulia; Dorosh, Marina; Shkarubskaya, Zoya; Panarin, Evgeny

    2009-11-01

    N-terminal modification of peptides by unnatural amino acids significantly affects their enzymatic stability, conformational properties and biological activity. Application of N-amidino-amino acids, positively charged under physiological conditions, can change peptide conformation and its affinity to the corresponding receptor. In this article, we describe synthesis of short peptides, containing a new building block-N-amidino-pyroglutamic acid. Although direct guanidinylation of pyroglutamic acid and oxidation of N-amidino-proline using RuO(4) did not produce positive results, N-amidino-Glp-Phe-OH was synthesized on Wang polymer by cyclization of alpha-guanidinoglutaric acid residue. In the course of synthesis, it was found that literature procedure of selective Boc deprotection using TMSOTf/TEA reagent is accompanied by concomitant side reaction of triethylamine alkylation by polymer linker fragment. It should be mentioned that independently from cyclization time and coupling agent (DIC or HCTU), the lactam formation was incomplete. Separation of the cyclic product from the linear precursor was achieved by HPLC in ammonium formate buffer at pH 6. HPLC analysis showed N-amidino-Glp-Phe-OH stability at acidic and physiological pH and fast ring opening in water solution at pH 9. The suggested method of N-amidino-Glp residue formation can be applied in the case of short peptide chains, whereas synthesis of longer ones will require fragment condensation approach.

  5. Group-12 metal complexes with isomeric 1-(diphenylphosphino)-1'-[N-(pyridylmethyl)carbamoyl]ferrocenes: coordination polymers vs. finite multinuclear coordination assemblies.

    PubMed

    Kühnert, Janett; Císarová, Ivana; Lamac, Martin; Stepnicka, Petr

    2008-05-14

    The isomeric ferrocene phosphine-carboxamides, 1-(diphenylphosphino)-1'-{[N-(2-pyridyl)-methyl]carbamoyl}ferrocene (1) and 1-(diphenylphosphino)-1'-{[N-(4-pyridyl)methyl]carbamoyl}ferrocene (2) have been studied as ligands in group-12 metal bromide complexes. The reactions of 1 with CdBr2 x 4H2O and HgBr(2) at 1:1 mole ratio gave the discrete tetracadmium complex [Cd2(micro-Br)2(-1kappa2O,N2)2[micro-1kappa2O,N2:2kappaP-(C5H4N)CH2NHC(O)fcPPh2-CdBr3]2] (7; fc = ferrocene-1,1'-diyl) and the halogeno-bridged dimer [[Hg(micro-Br)Br(-kappaP)]2] (8), respectively. In the presence of acetic acid, the CdBr2-1 system furnished a zwitterionic complex featuring protonated 1 as the P-monodentate donor, [CdBr3[Ph2PfcC(O)NHCH2(C5H4NH)-kappaP

  6. Design of Phosphonium-Type Zwitterion as an Additive to Improve Saturated Water Content of Phase-Separated Ionic Liquid from Aqueous Phase toward Reversible Extraction of Proteins

    PubMed Central

    Ito, Yoritsugu; Kohno, Yuki; Nakamura, Nobuhumi; Ohno, Hiroyuki

    2013-01-01

    We designed phosphonium-type zwitterion (ZI) to control the saturated water content of separated ionic liquid (IL) phase in the hydrophobic IL/water biphasic systems. The saturated water content of separated IL phase, 1-butyl-3-methyimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, was considerably improved from 0.4 wt% to 62.8 wt% by adding N,N,N-tripentyl-4-sulfonyl-1-butanephosphonium-type ZI (P555C4S). In addition, the maximum water content decreased from 62.8 wt% to 34.1 wt% by increasing KH2PO4/K2HPO4 salt content in upper aqueous phosphate buffer phase. Horse heart cytochrome c (cyt.c) was dissolved selectively in IL phase by improving the water content of IL phase, and spectroscopic analysis revealed that the dissolved cyt.c retained its higher ordered structure. Furthermore, cyt. c dissolved in IL phase was re-extracted again from IL phase to aqueous phase by increasing the concentration of inorganic salts of the buffer solution. PMID:24013379

  7. More Than Just Oligomannose: An N-glycomic Comparison of Penicillium Species*

    PubMed Central

    Hykollari, Alba; Jin, Chunsheng; Yan, Shi; Vanbeselaere, Jorick; Razzazi-Fazeli, Ebrahim

    2016-01-01

    N-glycosylation is an essential set of post-translational modifications of proteins; in the case of filamentous fungi, N-glycans are present on a range of secreted and cell wall proteins. In this study, we have compared the glycans released by peptide/N-glycosidase F from proteolysed cell pellets of three Penicillium species (P. dierckxii, P. nordicum and P. verrucosum that all belong to the Eurotiomycetes). Although the major structures are all within the range Hex5–11HexNAc2 as shown by mass spectrometry, variations in reversed-phase chromatograms and MS/MS fragmentation patterns are indicative of differences in the actual structure. Hydrofluoric acid and mannosidase treatments revealed that the oligomannosidic glycans were not only in part modified with phosphoethanolamine residues and outer chain och1-dependent mannosylation, but that bisecting galactofuranose was present in a species-dependent manner. These data are the first to specifically show the modification of N-glycans in fungi with zwitterionic moieties. Furthermore, our results indicate that mere mass spectrometric screening is insufficient to reveal the subtly complex nature of N-glycosylation even within a single fungal genus. PMID:26515459

  8. Synthesis, characterization and computational studies of 3-{(E)-[(2-hydroxyphenyl)imino]methyl}benzene-1,2-diol and molecular structure of its zwitterionic form

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ezeorah, Julius Chigozie; Ossai, Valentine; Obasi, Lawrence Nnamdi; Elzagheid, Mohamed I.; Rhyman, Lydia; Lutter, Michael; Jurkschat, Klaus; Dege, Necmi; Ramasami, Ponnadurai

    2018-01-01

    The Schiff base 3-{(E)-[(2-hydroxyphenyl)imino]methyl}benzene-1,2-diol was synthesized by the condensation of 2,3-dihydroxybenzaldehyde and 2-aminophenol in water at room temperature. The crystal was grown using two solvents (dry methanol and 60% methanol). The compound was characterized using elemental microanalysis, IR, NMR, UV spectroscopies and single-crystal X-ray diffraction crystallography. The X-ray structure reveals that the Schiff base crystallizes as a methanol solvate in dry methanol with triclinic crystal system, space group P-1 and Z = 2 in the unit cell and as a non-methanol solvate in 60% methanol with triclinic crystal system, space group P-1 and Z = 4 in the unit cell. The compound showed absorption bands at 272, 389, 473 and 602 nm in DMSO. These bands were assigned as π → π ∗, n → π∗ and n-σ∗ transitions. The 473 and 602 nm bands in DMSO reveal that the compound exists in tautomeric forms. The presence of N-H, C-O and Cdbnd N stretching vibrations in the IR spectrum indicates that the compound is zwitterionic in the solid state. This study was supplemented using density functional theory method.

  9. α-Amidoalkylating agents from N-acyl-α-amino acids: 1-(N-acylamino)alkyltriphenylphosphonium salts.

    PubMed

    Mazurkiewicz, Roman; Adamek, Jakub; Październiok-Holewa, Agnieszka; Zielińska, Katarzyna; Simka, Wojciech; Gajos, Anna; Szymura, Karol

    2012-02-17

    N-Acyl-α-amino acids were efficiently transformed in a two-step procedure into 1-N-(acylamino)alkyltriphenylphosphonium salts, new powerful α-amidoalkylating agents. The effect of the α-amino acid structure, the base used [MeONa or a silica gel-supported piperidine (SiO(2)-Pip)], and the main electrolysis parameters (current density, charge consumption) on the yield and selectivity of the electrochemical decarboxylative α-methoxylation of N-acyl-α-amino acids (Hofer-Moest reaction) was investigated. For most proteinogenic and all studied unproteinogenic α-amino acids, very good results were obtained using a substoichiometric amount of SiO(2)-Pip as the base. Only in the cases of N-acylated cysteine, methionine, and tryptophan, attempts to carry out the Hofer-Moest reaction in the applied conditions failed, probably because of the susceptibility of these α-amino acids to an electrochemical oxidation on the side chain. The methoxy group of N-(1-methoxyalkyl)amides was effectively displaced with the triphenylphosphonium group by dissolving an equimolar amount of N-(1-methoxyalkyl)amide and triphenylphosphonium tetrafluoroborate in CH(2)Cl(2) at room temperature for 30 min, followed by the precipitation of 1-N-(acylamino)alkyltriphenylphosphonium salt with Et(2)O.

  10. 40 CFR 721.3821 - L-Glutamic acid, N-(1-oxododecyl)-.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false L-Glutamic acid, N-(1-oxododecyl... Substances § 721.3821 L-Glutamic acid, N-(1-oxododecyl)-. (a) Chemical substance and significant new uses subject to reporting. (1) The chemical substance identified as L-Glutamic acid, N-(1-oxododecyl)- (PMN P...

  11. Functionalizable and ultra stable nanoparticles coated with zwitterionic poly(carboxybetaine) in undiluted blood serum.

    PubMed

    Yang, Wei; Zhang, Lei; Wang, Shanlin; White, Andrew D; Jiang, Shaoyi

    2009-10-01

    A new surface chemistry presenting an abundance of functional groups for ligand immobilization in an ultra-low fouling background all in one material for nanoparticles was introduced. This surface platform, as demonstrated by zwitterionic poly(carboxybetaine acrylamide) (polyCBAA) coated nanoparticles, is not only ultra stable in undiluted human blood serum, but also can be conjugated to biomolecules conveniently and effectively. Thus, this surface chemistry is ideal to create multi-functional nanoparticles for targeted delivery and diagnostics. In addition, this work clearly shows that 10% blood serum commonly used to evaluate the stability of nanoparticles is insufficient and a new evaluation criterion with undiluted blood serum is recommended.

  12. 40 CFR 721.3152 - Ethanaminium, N-ethyl-2-hydroxy-N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-, diester with C12-18 fatty acids, ethyl...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ...-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-, diester with C12-18 fatty acids, ethyl sulfates (salts). 721.3152 Section 721... Ethanaminium, N-ethyl-2-hydroxy-N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-, diester with C12-18 fatty acids, ethyl sulfates... ethanaminium, N-ethyl-2-hydroxy-N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-, diester with C12-18 fatty acids, ethyl sulfates...

  13. 40 CFR 721.3152 - Ethanaminium, N-ethyl-2-hydroxy-N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-, diester with C12-18 fatty acids, ethyl...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ...-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-, diester with C12-18 fatty acids, ethyl sulfates (salts). 721.3152 Section 721... Ethanaminium, N-ethyl-2-hydroxy-N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-, diester with C12-18 fatty acids, ethyl sulfates... ethanaminium, N-ethyl-2-hydroxy-N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-, diester with C12-18 fatty acids, ethyl sulfates...

  14. 40 CFR 721.3152 - Ethanaminium, N-ethyl-2-hydroxy-N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-, diester with C12-18 fatty acids, ethyl...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ...-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-, diester with C12-18 fatty acids, ethyl sulfates (salts). 721.3152 Section 721... Ethanaminium, N-ethyl-2-hydroxy-N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-, diester with C12-18 fatty acids, ethyl sulfates... ethanaminium, N-ethyl-2-hydroxy-N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-, diester with C12-18 fatty acids, ethyl sulfates...

  15. 40 CFR 721.3152 - Ethanaminium, N-ethyl-2-hydroxy-N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-, diester with C12-18 fatty acids, ethyl...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ...-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-, diester with C12-18 fatty acids, ethyl sulfates (salts). 721.3152 Section 721... Ethanaminium, N-ethyl-2-hydroxy-N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-, diester with C12-18 fatty acids, ethyl sulfates... ethanaminium, N-ethyl-2-hydroxy-N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-, diester with C12-18 fatty acids, ethyl sulfates...

  16. N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid regulation of hepatic gene transcription

    PubMed Central

    Jump, Donald B.

    2009-01-01

    Purpose of review The liver plays a central role in whole body lipid metabolism and adapts rapidly to changes in dietary fat composition. This adaption involves changes in the expression of genes involved in glycolysis, de-novo lipogenesis, fatty acid elongation, desaturation and oxidation. This review brings together metabolic and molecular studies that help explain n-3 (omega-3) polyunsaturated fatty acid regulation of hepatic gene transcription. Recent findings Dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid regulates hepatic gene expression by targeting three major transcriptional regulatory networks: peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α, sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 and the carbohydrate regulatory element binding protein/Max-like factor X heterodimer. 22 : 6,n-3, the most prominent n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid in tissues, is a weak activator of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α. Hepatic metabolism of 22 : 6,n-3, however, generates 20 : 5,n-3, a strong peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α activator. In contrast to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α, 22 : 6,n-3 is the most potent fatty acid regulator of hepatic sterol regulatory element binding protein-1. 22 : 6,n-3 suppresses sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 gene expression while enhancing degradation of nuclear sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 through 26S proteasome and Erk1/2-dependent mechanisms. Both n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid suppress carbohydrate regulatory element binding protein and Max-like factor X nuclear abundance and interfere with glucose-regulated hepatic metabolism. Summary These studies have revealed unique mechanisms by which specific polyunsaturated fatty acids control peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α, sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 and carbohydrate regulatory element binding protein/Max-like factor X function. As such, specific metabolic and signal transduction pathways contribute

  17. n-3 fatty acids reduce plasma 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid and blood pressure in patients with chronic kidney disease.

    PubMed

    Barden, Anne E; Burke, Valerie; Mas, Emilie; Beilin, Lawrence J; Puddey, Ian B; Watts, Gerald F; Irish, Ashley B; Mori, Trevor A

    2015-09-01

    Metabolism of arachidonic acid by cytochrome P450 ω-hydroxylase leads to the formation of 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) that regulates vascular function, sodium homeostasis and blood pressure (BP). Supplementation with n-3 fatty acids is known to alter arachidonic acid metabolism and reduce the formation of the lipid peroxidation products F2-isoprostanes, but the effect of n-3 fatty acids on 20-HETE has not been studied. We previously reported a significant effect of n-3 fatty acids but not coenzyme Q10 (CoQ) to reduce BP in a double-blind, placebo-controlled intervention, wherein patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) were randomized to n-3 fatty acids (4 g), CoQ (200 mg), both supplements or control (4 g olive oil), daily for 8 weeks. This study examined the effect of n-3 fatty acids on plasma and urinary 20-HETE in the same study, as well as plasma and urinary F2-isoprostanes, and relate these to changes in BP. Seventy-four patients completed the 8-week intervention. n-3 fatty acids but not CoQ significantly reduced plasma 20-HETE (P = 0.001) and F2-isoprostanes (P < 0.001). In regression models adjusted for BP at baseline, postintervention plasma 20-HETE was a significant predictor of the fall in SBP (P < 0.0001) and DBP (P < 0.0001) after n-3 fatty acids. This is the first report that n-3 fatty acid supplementation reduces plasma 20-HETE in humans and that this associates with reduced BP. These results provide a plausible mechanism for the reduction in BP observed in patients with CKD following n-3 fatty acid supplementation.

  18. Simultaneous determination of cations, zwitterions and neutral compounds using mixed-mode reversed-phase and cation-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography.

    PubMed

    Li, Jingyi; Shao, Shan; Jaworsky, Markian S; Kurtulik, Paul T

    2008-03-28

    A novel mixed-mode reversed-phase and cation-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method is described to simultaneously determine four related impurities of cations, zwitterions and neutral compounds in developmental Drug A. The commercial column is Primesep 200 containing hydrophobic alkyl chains with embedded acidic groups in H(+) form on a silica support. The mobile phase variables of acid additives, contents of acetonitrile and concentrations of potassium chloride have been thoroughly investigated to optimize the separation. The retention factors as a function of the concentrations of potassium chloride and the percentages of acetonitrile in the mobile phases are investigated to get an insight into the retention and separation mechanisms of each related impurity and Drug A. Furthermore, the elution orders of the related impurities and Drug A in an ion-pair chromatography (IPC) are compared to those in the mixed-mode HPLC to further understand the chromatographic retention behaviors of each related impurity and Drug A. The study found that the positively charged Degradant 1, Degradant 2 and Drug A were retained by both ion-exchange and reversed-phase partitioning mechanisms. RI2, a small ionic compound, was primarily retained by ion-exchange. RI4, a neutral compound, was retained through reversed-phase partitioning without ion-exchange. Moreover, the method performance characteristics of selectivity, sensitivity and accuracy have been demonstrated to be suitable to determine the related impurities in the capsules of Drug A.

  19. Far infrared spectra of solid state aliphatic amino acids in different protonation states

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Trivella, Aurélien; Gaillard, Thomas; Stote, Roland H.; Hellwig, Petra

    2010-03-01

    Far infrared spectra of zwitterionic, cationic, and anionic forms of aliphatic amino acids in solid state have been studied experimentally. Measurements were done on glycine, L-alanine, L-valine, L-leucine, and L-isoleucine powder samples and film samples obtained from dried solutions prepared at pH ranging from 1 to 13. Solid state density functional theory calculations were also performed, and detailed potential energy distributions were obtained from normal mode results. A good correspondence between experimental and simulated spectra was achieved and this allowed us to propose an almost complete band assignment for the far infrared spectra of zwitterionic forms. In the 700-50 cm-1 range, three regions were identified, each corresponding to a characteristic set of normal modes. A first region between 700 and 450 cm-1 mainly contained the carboxylate bending, rocking, and wagging modes as well as the ammonium torsional mode. The 450-250 cm-1 region was representative of backbone and sidechain skeletal bending modes. At last, the low wavenumber zone, below 250 cm-1, was characteristic of carboxylate and skeletal torsional modes and of lattice modes. Assignments are also proposed for glycine cationic and anionic forms, but could not be obtained for all aliphatic amino acids due to the lack of structural data. This work is intended to provide fundamental information for the understanding of peptides vibrational properties.

  20. Direct N-alkylation of unprotected amino acids with alcohols

    PubMed Central

    Yan, Tao; Feringa, Ben L.; Barta, Katalin

    2017-01-01

    N-alkyl amino acids find widespread application as highly valuable, renewable building blocks. However, traditional synthesis methodologies to obtain these suffer from serious limitations, providing a major challenge to develop sustainable alternatives. We report the first powerful catalytic strategy for the direct N-alkylation of unprotected α-amino acids with alcohols. This method is highly selective, produces water as the only side product leading to a simple purification procedure, and a variety of α-amino acids are mono- or di-N-alkylated, in most cases with excellent retention of optical purity. The hydrophobicity of the products is tunable, and even simple peptides are selectively alkylated. An iron-catalyzed route to mono-N-alkyl amino acids using renewable fatty alcohols is also described that represents an ideal green transformation for obtaining fully bio-based surfactants. PMID:29226249

  1. Poly(zwitterionic)protein conjugates offer increased stability without sacrificing binding affinity or bioactivity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Keefe, Andrew J.; Jiang, Shaoyi

    2012-01-01

    Treatment with therapeutic proteins is an attractive approach to targeting a number of challenging diseases. Unfortunately, the native proteins themselves are often unstable in physiological conditions, reducing bioavailability and therefore increasing the dose that is required. Conjugation with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is often used to increase stability, but this has a detrimental effect on bioactivity. Here, we introduce conjugation with zwitterionic polymers such as poly(carboxybetaine). We show that poly(carboxybetaine) conjugation improves stability in a manner similar to PEGylation, but that the new conjugates retain or even improve the binding affinity as a result of enhanced protein-substrate hydrophobic interactions. This chemistry opens a new avenue for the development of protein therapeutics by avoiding the need to compromise between stability and affinity.

  2. Dietary n-3 fatty acid restriction during gestation in rats: neuronal cell body and growth-cone fatty acids.

    PubMed

    Auestad, N; Innis, S M

    2000-01-01

    Growth cones are membrane-rich structures found at the distal end of growing axons and are the predecessors of the synaptic membranes of nerve endings. This study examined whether n-3 fatty acid restriction during gestation in rats alters the composition of growth cone and neuronal cell body membrane fatty acids in newborns. Female rats were fed a standard control diet containing soy oil (8% of fatty acids as 18:3n-3 by wt) or a semisynthetic n-3 fatty acid-deficient diet with safflower oil (0.3% of fatty acids as 18:3n-3 by wt) throughout normal pregnancy. Experiments were conducted on postnatal day 2 to minimize the potential for contamination from synaptic membranes and glial cells. Dietary n-3 fatty acid restriction resulted in lower docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) concentrations and a corresponding higher docosapentaenoic acid concentration in neuronal growth cones, but had no effects on neuronal cell body fatty acid concentrations. These studies suggest that accretion of DHA in growth cones, but not neuronal cell bodies, is affected by n-3 fatty acid restriction during gestation. Differences in other fatty acids or components between the semisynthetic and the standard diet, however, could have been involved in the effects on growth-cone DHA content. The results also provide evidence to suggest that the addition of new membrane fatty acids to neurons during development occurs along the shaft of the axon or at the growth cone, rather than originating at the cell body.

  3. Potential of ethylenediaminedi(o-hydroxyphenylacetic acid) and N,N'-bis(hydroxybenzyl)ethylenediamine-N,N'-diacetic acid for the determination of metal ions by capillary electrophoresis.

    PubMed

    Krokhin, O V; Kuzina, O V; Hoshino, H; Shpigun, O A; Yotsuyanagi, T

    2000-08-25

    Two aromatic polyaminocarboxylate ligands, ethylenediaminedi(o-hydroxyphenylacetic acid) (EDDHA) and N,N'-bis(hydroxybenzyl)ethylenediamine-N,N'-diacetic acid (HBED), were applied for the separation of transition and heavy metal ions by the ion-exchange variant of electrokinetic chromatography. EDDHA structure contains two chiral carbon centers. It makes it impossible to use the commercially available ligand. All the studied metal ions showed two peaks, which correspond to meso and rac forms of the ligand. The separation of metal-HBED chelates was performed using poly(diallyldimethylammonium) polycations in mixed acetate-hydroxide form. Simultaneous separation of nine single- and nine double-charged HBED chelates, including In(III), Ga(III), Co(II)-(III) and Mn(II)-(III) pairs demonstrated the efficiency of 40,000-400,000 theoretical plates. The separation of Co(III), Fe(III) complexes with different arrangements of donor groups and oxidation of Co(II), Mn(H), Fe(II) ions in reaction with HBED have been discussed.

  4. Synthesis and solution aggregation studies of a suite of mixed neutral and zwitterionic chromophores for second-order nonlinear optics.

    PubMed

    Peddie, Victoria; Anderson, Jack; Harvey, Joanne E; Smith, Gerald J; Kay, Andrew

    2014-11-07

    We report details of the synthesis of a series of bi- and trichromophores. These compounds contain mixtures of chromophores that have zwitterionic (ZWI) and neutral ground state (NGS) components covalently attached to each other. The neutral ground state moieties are based on dyes with aniline donors--such as Disperse Red 1--whereas the zwitterionic components are derived from chromophores with pro-aromatic donors such as 1,4-dihydropyridinylidene. By combining both ZWI and NGS components, we aim to develop novel compounds for nonlinear optics in which there is an enhancement of the overall hyperpolarizability coupled with a decrease in the net dipole moment. Thus, this approach should eliminate the electrostatic effects that result when only one type of chromophore is used, and so reduce the likelihood of undesirable aggregation occurring. This, in turn, should enable us to realize organic materials with large macroscopic optical nonlinearities. An analysis of the UV-vis results suggests that there is a strong dependence on solvent polarity that determines whether the embedded constituents should be treated as discrete elements; in low polarity solvents, there appear to be strong intramolecular interactions occurring, particularly when a 1,4-quinolinylidene-based donor is used in the ZWI component.

  5. Effects of dietary saturated and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids on the incorporation of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids into blood lipids.

    PubMed

    Dias, C B; Wood, L G; Garg, M L

    2016-07-01

    Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3PUFA) are better absorbed when they are combined with high-fat meals. However, the role of different dietary fats in modulating the incorporation of n-3PUFA in blood lipids in humans has not been previously explored. Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-6PUFA) are known to compete with n-3PUFA in the metabolic pathways and for the incorporation into phospholipids, whereas saturated fats (SFA) may enhance n-3PUFA incorporation into tissues. In a randomized parallel-design trial, we aimed to investigate the long-term effects of n-3PUFA supplementation in subjects consuming a diet enriched with either SFA or n-6PUFA on fatty acid incorporation into plasma and erythrocytes and on blood lipid profiles (total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglycerides). Dietary supplementation with n-3PUFA co-administered with SFA for 6 weeks resulted in a significant rise in total cholesterol (0.46±0.60 mmol/L; P=0.020) and LDL-C (0.48±0.48 mmol/L; P=0.011) in comparison with combination with n-6PUFA. The diet enriched with SFA also induced a greater increase in eicosapentaenoic acid (2.07±0.79 vs 1.15±0.53; P=0.004), a smaller decrease in docosapentaenoic acid (-0.12±0.23 vs -0.30±0.20; P=0.034) and a similar increase in docosahexaenoic acid (3.85±1.14 vs 3.10±1.07; P=0.128) percentage in plasma compared with the diet enriched with n-6PUFA. A similar effect was seen in erythrocytes. N-3PUFA supplementation resulted in similar changes in HDL-C and triglyceride levels. The results suggest that dietary substitution of SFA with n-6PUFA, despite maintaining low levels of circulating cholesterol, hinders n-3PUFA incorporation into plasma and tissue lipids.

  6. Characterization of N-Succinylation of L-Lysylphosphatidylglycerol in Bacillus subtilis Using Tandem Mass Spectrometry

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Atila, Metin; Katselis, George; Chumala, Paulos; Luo, Yu

    2016-10-01

    Phospholipids generally dominate in bacterial lipids. The negatively charged nature of phospholipids renders bacteria susceptible to cationic antibiotic peptides. In comparison with Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria in general have much less zwitterionic phosphatidylethanolamine. However, they are known for producing aminoacylated phosphatidylglycerol (PG), especially positively charged l-lysyl-PG, which is catalyzed by lysyl-PG synthase MprF, which appears to have a broad range of specificity for l-aminoacyl transfer RNAs. In addition, many Gram-positive bacteria also have a dlt-gene-coded d-alanylation pathway for lipoteichoic acids and wall teichoic acids covalently attached to a glycolipid or peptidoglycan. d-Alanylation also masks the dominant negative charge of the phosphate-rich polymers of teichoic acids. Using mass spectrometry, we have recently observed that precursor scans in negative mode for deprotonated amino acid fragments were most sensitive for ester-linked amino acids. Such a scan for precursors generating an m/ z 145 lysyl anion revealed lysyl-PG as well as an additional species 100 m/ z units greater than lysyl-PG. This unexpected species corresponded precisely to the expected mass of N-succinylated lysyl-PG. Tandem mass spectrometry revealed a precise match to the fragmentation pattern of this putative new species. PG, lysyl-PG, and N-succinyl-lysyl-PG may form a complete loop of charge reversal from -1 to +1 and then back to -1. Analogous charge reversal by N-succinylation of lysine residues in the bacterial as well as eukaryotic proteomes has been recently discovered as a major posttranslational modification. Such modification in bacterial lipids is possibly catalyzed by an enzyme homologous to the enzymes that modify lysine residues in proteins.

  7. Dynamic acid/base equilibrium in single component switchable ionic liquids and consequences on viscosity

    DOE PAGES

    Cantu, David C.; Lee, Juntaek; Lee, Mal -Soon; ...

    2016-03-28

    The deployment of transformational non-aqueous CO 2-capture solvent systems is encumbered by high viscosity even at intermediate uptakes. Using single-molecule CO 2 binding organic liquids as a prototypical example, we identify the key molecular features controlling bulk liquid viscosity and CO 2 uptake kinetics. Fast uptake kinetics arise from close proximity of the alcohol and amine sites that are involved in CO 2 binding. This process results in the concerted formation of a Zwitterion containing both an alkylcarbonate and a protonated amine. The hydrogen bonding between the two functional groups ultimately determines the solution viscosity. Based on molecular simulation, thismore » work reveals options to significantly reduce viscosity with molecular modifications that shift the proton transfer equilibrium towards a neutral acid/amine species as opposed to the ubiquitously accepted Zwitterionic state. Lastly, the molecular design concepts proposed here, for the alkyl-carbonate systems, are readily extensible to other CO 2 capture technologies, such as the carbamate- or imidazole-based solvent chemistries.« less

  8. Suppressing surface reconstruction of superhydrophobic PDMS using a superhydrophilic zwitterionic polymer.

    PubMed

    Keefe, Andrew J; Brault, Norman D; Jiang, Shaoyi

    2012-05-14

    Poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) is extensively used for biomedical applications due to its low cost, ease of fabrication, high durability and flexibility, oxygen permeability, and self-healing properties. PDMS, however, has some significant drawbacks. PDMS endures unacceptably high levels of nonspecific protein fouling when used with biological samples due to its superhydrophobic characteristics. Unfortunately, conventional surface modification methods do not work for PDMS due to its low glass transition temperature. This phenomenon has been well-known for years as "hydrophobic regeneration". For the same reason, it is also very difficult to bring functionalities onto PDMS surfaces. Herein, we demonstrate how a superhydrophilic zwitterionic material, poly(carboxybetaine methacrylate) (pCBMA), can provide a highly stable coating with long-term stabilty due to the sharp contrast in hydrophobicity between pCBMA and PDMS. This material is able to suppress nonspecific protein adsorption in complex media and functionalize desired biomolecules needed in applications, such as diagnostics, without sacrificing its nonfouling characteristics.

  9. Suppressing Surface Reconstruction of Superhydrophobic PDMS using a Superhydrophilic Zwitterionic Polymer

    PubMed Central

    Keefe, Andrew J.; Brault, Norman D.; Jiang, Shaoyi

    2014-01-01

    Poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) is extensively used for biomedical applications due to its low cost, ease of fabrication, high durability and flexibility, oxygen permeability, and self-healing properties. PDMS, however, has some significant drawbacks. PDMS endures unacceptably high levels of non-specific protein fouling when used with biological samples due to its superhydrophobic characteristics. Unfortunately, conventional surface modification methods do not work for PDMS due to its low glass transition temperature. This phenomenon has been well-known for years as “hydrophobic regeneration”. For the same reason, it is also very difficult to bring functionalities onto PDMS surfaces. Herein, we demonstrate how a superhydrophilic zwitterionic material, poly(carboxybetaine methacrylate) (pCBMA), can provide a highly stable coating with long term stabilty due to the sharp contrast in hydrophobicity between pCBMA and PDMS. This material is able to suppress nonspecific protein adsorption in complex media and functionalize desired biomolecules needed in applications, such as diagnostics, without sacrificing its nonfouling characteristics. PMID:22512660

  10. Blood fatty acid changes in healthy young Americans in response to a 10-week diet that increased n-3 and reduced n-6 fatty acid consumption: a randomised controlled trial.

    PubMed

    Young, Andrew J; Marriott, Bernadette P; Champagne, Catherine M; Hawes, Michael R; Montain, Scott J; Johannsen, Neil M; Berry, Kevin; Hibbeln, Joseph R

    2017-05-01

    Military personnel generally under-consume n-3 fatty acids and overconsume n-6 fatty acids. In a placebo-controlled, double-blinded study, we investigated whether a diet suitable for implementation in military dining facilities and civilian cafeterias could benefit n-3/n-6 fatty acid status of consumers. Three volunteer groups were provided different diets for 10 weeks. Control (CON) participants consumed meals from the US Military's Standard Garrison Dining Facility Menu. Experimental, moderate (EXP-Mod) and experimental-high (EXP-High) participants consumed the same meals, but high n-6 fatty acid and low n-3 fatty acid containing chicken, egg, oils and food ingredients were replaced with products having less n-6 fatty acids and more n-3 fatty acids. The EXP-High participants also consumed smoothies containing 1000 mg n-3 fatty acids per serving, whereas other participants received placebo smoothies. Plasma and erythrocyte EPA and DHA in CON group remained unchanged throughout, whereas EPA, DHA and Omega-3 Index increased in EXP-Mod and EXP-High groups, and were higher than in CON group after 5 weeks. After 10 weeks, Omega-3 Index in EXP-High group had increased further. No participants exhibited changes in fasting plasma TAG, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, mood or emotional reactivity. Replacing high linoleic acid (LA) containing foods in dining facility menus with similar high oleic acid/low LA and high n-3 fatty acid foods can improve n-6/n-3 blood fatty acid status after 5 weeks. The diets were well accepted and suitable for implementation in group feeding settings like military dining facilities and civilian cafeterias.

  11. The structure of ions and zwitterionic lipids regulates the charge of dipolar membranes.

    PubMed

    Szekely, Or; Steiner, Ariel; Szekely, Pablo; Amit, Einav; Asor, Roi; Tamburu, Carmen; Raviv, Uri

    2011-06-21

    In pure water, zwitterionic lipids form lamellar phases with an equilibrium water gap on the order of 2 to 3 nm as a result of the dominating van der Waals attraction between dipolar bilayers. Monovalent ions can swell those neutral lamellae by a small amount. Divalent ions can adsorb onto dipolar membranes and charge them. Using solution X-ray scattering, we studied how the structure of ions and zwitterionic lipids regulates the charge of dipolar membranes. We found that unlike monovalent ions that weakly interact with all of the examined dipolar membranes, divalent and trivalent ions adsorb onto membranes containing lipids with saturated tails, with an association constant on the order of ∼10 M(-1). One double bond in the lipid tail is sufficient to prevent divalent ion adsorption. We suggest that this behavior is due to the relatively loose packing of lipids with unsaturated tails that increases the area per lipid headgroup, enabling their free rotation. Divalent ion adsorption links two lipids and limits their free rotation. The ion-dipole interaction gained by the adsorption of the ions onto unsaturated membranes is insufficient to compensate for the loss of headgroup free-rotational entropy. The ion-dipole interaction is stronger for cations with a higher valence. Nevertheless, polyamines behave as monovalent ions near dipolar interfaces in the sense that they interact weakly with the membrane surface, whereas in the bulk their behavior is similar to that of multivalent cations. Advanced data analysis and comparison with theory provide insight into the structure and interactions between ion-induced regulated charged interfaces. This study models biologically relevant interactions between cell membranes and various ions and the manner in which the lipid structure governs those interactions. The ability to monitor these interactions creates a tool for probing systems that are more complex and forms the basis for controlling the interactions between dipolar

  12. Can long chain n-3 fatty acids from feed be converted into very long chain n-3 fatty acids in fillets from farmed rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lušnic Polak, M.; Demšar, L.; Luzar, U.; Polak, T.

    2017-09-01

    The link between the basic chemical and fatty acid composition of trout feed on one hand and trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) meat (fillet) was investigated.. The content of 52 fatty acids from feed and trout meat lipids was determined by in-situ transesterification and capillary column gas-liquid chromatography. On average, 100 g of trout feed contained 7.4 g of moisture, 47.7 g of proteins, 6.09 g of ash, 21.4 g of fat, and as for fatty acid composition, 47.8 wt. % were monounsaturated, 34.0 wt. % were polyunsaturated and 18.1 wt. % were saturated fatty acids, with the PS ratio 1.88, n-6/n-3 ratio 1.74, 0.80 wt. % of trans and 3.28 wt. % of very long chain n-3 fatty acids. On average, 100 g of trout meat contained 76.1 g of moisture, 21.4 g of proteins, 1.34 g of ash, 2.52 g of fat, and in the fatty acid composition 42.1 wt. % were monounsaturated, 38.2 wt. % were polyunsaturated and 18.9 wt. % were saturated fatty acids, with the PS ratio 2.02, n-6/n-3 ratio 0.98, 0.95 wt. % of trans and 13.25 wt. % of very long chain n-3 fatty acids.

  13. Polymeric microcapsules assembled from a cationic/zwitterionic pair of responsive block copolymer micelles.

    PubMed

    Addison, Timothy; Cayre, Olivier J; Biggs, Simon; Armes, Steven P; York, David

    2010-05-04

    Using a layer-by-layer (LbL) approach, this work presents the preparation of hollow microcapsules with a membrane constructed entirely from a cationic/zwitterionic pair of pH-responsive block copolymer micelles. Our previous work with such systems highlighted that, in order to retain the responsive nature of the individual micelles contained within the multilayer membranes, it is important to optimize the conditions required for the selective dissolution of the sacrificial particulate templates. Consequently, here, calcium carbonate particles have been employed as colloidal templates as they can be easily dissolved in aqueous environments with the addition of chelating agents such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Furthermore, the dissolution can be carried out in solutions buffered to a desirable pH so not to adversely affect the pH sensitive micelles forming the capsule membranes. First, we have deposited alternating layers of anionic poly[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate-block-poly(2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)] (PDMA-PDEA) and cationic poly(2-(diethylamino)ethyl)methacrylate-block-poly(methacrylic acid) (PDEA-PMAA) copolymer micelles onto calcium carbonate colloidal templates. After deposition of five micelle bilayers, addition of dilute EDTA solution resulted in dissolution of the calcium carbonate and formation of hollow polymer capsules. The capsules were imaged using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which shows that the micelle/micelle membrane is sufficiently robust to withstand dissolution of the supporting template. Quartz crystal microbalance studies were conducted and provide good evidence that the micelle multilayer structure is retained after EDTA treatment. In addition, a hydrophobic dye was incorporated into the micelle cores prior to adsorption. After dissolution of the particle template, the resulting hollow capsules retained a high concentration of dye, suggesting that the core

  14. Comparison of PFDA (Perfluoro-n-Decanoic Acid) and TCDD on Heart Membranes.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1986-06-18

    AD-A171 960 COMPARISON OF PFDA ( PERFLUORO -N-DECANOIC ACID) AND TCDD 1/1 ON HEART NEMBRANES(U) WRIGHT STATE UNIY DAYTON OH SCHOOL OF MEDICINE A E...1986) Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. Perfluoro -n-decanoic acid ( PFDA ) is a synthetic chemical resembling a 10 carbon fatty acid. Several studies have...3 INTRODUCTION Perfluoro -n-decanoic acid ( PFDA ; nonadecafluorodecanoic acid, C10 F19 0 2H) is a straight-chain 10 carbon carboxylic acid with fluorine

  15. Thermodynamic characteristics of the protolytic equilibria of tetramethylenediamine- N,N,N', N'-tetraacetic acid

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gridchin, S. N.; Nikol'skii, V. M.

    2014-04-01

    The stepwise dissociation constants of tetramethylenediamine- N,N,N', N'-tetraacetic acid (H4L) are determined by means of potentiometry at 298.15 K and ionic strength values of 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 (KNO3). The heat effects of the dissociation of the betaine groups of the complexone are measured by direct calorimetry. The standard thermodynamic characteristics of the protolytic equilibria of H4L are calculated via combined use of the results from thermochemical and potentiometric studies performed under identical experimental conditions. Our results are compared with the corresponding data on relative compounds.

  16. Screening and structural elucidation of the zwitterionic cocrystal o-picolinic acid with p-nitro aniline

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mekala, R.; Jagdish, P.; Mathammal, R.; Sangeetha, K.

    2017-04-01

    The cocrystal was screened by solvent drop grinding method and the crystals were grown by slow evaporation method at ambient conditions. The cocrystal formation of o-picolinic acid with p-nitro aniline was initially analysed by powder X-ray diffraction. Further the structural properties of the grown crystal were confirmed by the single X-ray diffraction which indicates that the cocrystal were connected by the strong N+sbnd H-⋯O hydrogen bond interaction. The cell parameters of the grown crystal were a = 14.2144(5) Å, b = 5.7558(2) Å, c = 16.0539(6) Å. The functional groups were identified using Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectral analysis. The excitation and emission state of the sample was analysed by the UV-Visible and Fluorescence studies. The red emission was observed from the Fluorescence studies. NMR studies revealed the chemical shift of the cocrystal. Thermal stability and its melting behaviour were studied by TGA and DSC analytical techniques. Electrical behaviour was studied using the dielectric studies. The intermolecular charge transfer within the molecule were analysed using HOMO- LUMO plots.

  17. Microbial CH4 and N2O Consumption in Acidic Wetlands

    PubMed Central

    Kolb, Steffen; Horn, Marcus A.

    2012-01-01

    Acidic wetlands are global sources of the atmospheric greenhouse gases methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). Consumption of both atmospheric gases has been observed in various acidic wetlands, but information on the microbial mechanisms underlying these phenomena is scarce. A substantial amount of CH4 is consumed in sub soil by aerobic methanotrophs at anoxic–oxic interfaces (e.g., tissues of Sphagnum mosses, rhizosphere of vascular plant roots). Methylocystis-related species are likely candidates that are involved in the consumption of atmospheric CH4 in acidic wetlands. Oxygen availability regulates the activity of methanotrophs of acidic wetlands. Other parameters impacting on the methanotroph-mediated CH4 consumption have not been systematically evaluated. N2O is produced and consumed by microbial denitrification, thus rendering acidic wetlands as temporary sources or sinks for N2O. Denitrifier communities in such ecosystems are diverse, and largely uncultured and/or new, and environmental factors that control their consumption activity are unresolved. Analyses of the composition of N2O reductase genes in acidic wetlands suggest that acid-tolerant Proteobacteria have the potential to mediate N2O consumption in such soils. Thus, the fragmented current state of knowledge raises open questions concerning methanotrophs and denitrifiers that consume atmospheric CH4 and N2O in acidic wetlands. PMID:22403579

  18. Zwitterionic polymer functionalization of polysulfone membrane with improved antifouling property and blood compatibility by combination of ATRP and click chemistry.

    PubMed

    Xiang, Tao; Lu, Ting; Xie, Yi; Zhao, Wei-Feng; Sun, Shu-Dong; Zhao, Chang-Sheng

    2016-08-01

    The chemical compositions are very important for designing blood-contacting membranes with good antifouling property and blood compatibility. In this study, we propose a method combining ATRP and click chemistry to introduce zwitterionic polymer of poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (PSBMA), negatively charged polymers of poly(sodium methacrylate) (PNaMAA) and/or poly(sodium p-styrene sulfonate) (PNaSS), to improve the antifouling property and blood compatibility of polysulfone (PSf) membranes. Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectra, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and water contact angle results confirmed the successful grafting of the functional polymers. The antifouling property and blood compatibility of the modified membranes were systematically investigated. The zwitterionic polymer (PSBMA) grafted membranes showed good resistance to protein adsorption and bacterial adhesion; the negatively charged polymer (PNaSS or PNaMAA) grafted membranes showed improved blood compatibility, especially the anticoagulant property. Moreover, the PSBMA/PNaMAA modified membrane showed both antifouling property and anticoagulant property, and exhibited a synergistic effect in inhibiting blood coagulation. The functionalization of membrane surfaces by a combination of ATRP and click chemistry is demonstrated as an effective route to improve the antifouling property and blood compatibility of membranes in blood-contact. Copyright © 2016 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. Response surface methodology for the determination of the design space of enantiomeric separations on cinchona-based zwitterionic chiral stationary phases by high performance liquid chromatography.

    PubMed

    Hanafi, Rasha Sayed; Lämmerhofer, Michael

    2018-01-26

    Quality-by-Design approach for enantioselective HPLC method development surpasses Quality-by-Testing in offering the optimal separation conditions with the least number of experiments and in its ability to describe the method's Design Space visually which helps to determine enantiorecognition to a significant extent. Although some schemes exist for enantiomeric separations on Cinchona-based zwitterionic stationary phases, the exact design space and the weights by which each of the chromatographic parameters influences the separation have not yet been statistically studied. In the current work, a screening design followed by a Response Surface Methodology optimization design were adopted for enantioseparation optimization of 3 model drugs namely the acidic Fmoc leucine, the amphoteric tryptophan and the basic salbutamol. The screening design proved that the acid/base additives are of utmost importance for the 3 chiral drugs, and that among 3 different pairs of acids and bases, acetic acid and diethylamine is the couple able to provide acceptable resolution at variable conditions. Visualization of the response surface of the retention factor, separation factor and resolution helped describe accurately the magnitude by which each chromatographic factor (% MeOH, concentration and ratio of acid base modifiers) affects the separation while interacting with other parameters. The global optima compromising highest enantioresolution with the least run time for the 3 chiral model drugs varied extremely, where it was best to set low % methanol with equal ratio of acid-base modifiers for the acidic drug, very high % methanol and 10-fold higher concentration of the acid for the amphoteric drug while 20 folds of the base modifier with moderate %methanol were needed for the basic drug. Considering the selected drugs as models for many series of structurally related compounds, the design space defined and the optimum conditions computed are the key for method development on

  20. Plasma n-3 and n-6 fatty acids and inflammatory markers in Chinese vegetarians.

    PubMed

    Yu, Xiaomei; Huang, Tao; Weng, Xiumei; Shou, Tianxing; Wang, Qiang; Zhou, Xiaoqiong; Hu, Qinxin; Li, Duo

    2014-09-29

    Polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intake favorably affects chronic inflammatory-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease; however, the relationship between the PUFA and inflammatory factors in the healthy vegetarians were not clear. We aimed to investigate the plasma fatty acids status, and its association with plasma inflammatory factors in Chinese vegetarians and omnivores. A total of 89 male vegetarians and 106 male omnivores were participated the study. Plasma concentrations of inflammatory factors were detected by ELISA, and as standard methods fatty acids were extracted and determined by chromatography. Compared with omnivores, vegetarians have significant higher interleukin-6 (IL-6), plasma n-6 PUFA, n-6/n-3, and 18:3n-3; while they have significant lower leukotriene B4 (LTB4), cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX2) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), 20:5n-3, 22:5n-3, 22:6n-3, and n-3 PUFA. In vegetarians, plasma 20:4n-6 was significant positively related to TNF-α. LTB4 was significantly positively related to plasma 22:6n-3, and negatively associated with n-6 PUFA. Vegetarians have higher plasma n-6 PUFA and IL-6, but lower LTB4, n-3 PUFA, 22:6n-3, COX2 and PGE2 levels. It would seem appropriate for vegetarians to increase their dietary n-3 PUFA, while reduce dietary n-6 PUFA and thus reduce the risk of chronic inflammatory-related diseases.

  1. Temporary anion states of selected amino acids

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Aflatooni, K.; Hitt, B.; Gallup, G. A.; Burrow, P. D.

    2001-10-01

    Vertical attachment energies for the formation of low-lying temporary anion states of glycine, alanine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, and proline in the gas phase are reported using electron transmission spectroscopy. Electron attachment into the empty π* orbital of the -COOH group was observed in all the compounds. Temporary anion states associated with the side groups in phenylalanine and tryptophan are found to be stabilized with respect to those in the reference compounds toluene and indole, respectively, by approximately 0.2 eV. We attribute this to electrostatic effects and explore, using simple theoretical models, the extent to which such anion states could be further stabilized if these amino acids were in zwitterionic form.

  2. Physiological role of D-amino acid-N-acetyltransferase of Saccharomyces cerevisiae: detoxification of D-amino acids.

    PubMed

    Yow, Geok-Yong; Uo, Takuma; Yoshimura, Tohru; Esaki, Nobuyoshi

    2006-03-01

    Saccharomyces cerevisiae is sensitive to D-amino acids: those corresponding to almost all proteinous L-amino acids inhibit the growth of yeast even at low concentrations (e.g. 0.1 mM). We have determined that D-amino acid-N-acetyltransferase (DNT) of the yeast is involved in the detoxification of D-amino acids on the basis of the following findings. When the DNT gene was disrupted, the resulting mutant was far less tolerant to D-amino acids than the wild type. However, when the gene was overexpressed with a vector plasmid p426Gal1 in the wild type or the mutant S. cerevisiae as a host, the recombinant yeast, which was found to show more than 100 times higher DNT activity than the wild type, was much more tolerant to D-amino acids than the wild type. We further confirmed that, upon cultivation with D-phenylalanine, N-acetyl-D-phenylalanine was accumulated in the culture but not in the wild type and hpa3Delta cells overproducing DNT cells. Thus, D-amino acids are toxic to S. cerevisiae but are detoxified with DNT by N-acetylation preceding removal from yeast cells.

  3. Lewis pair polymerization by classical and frustrated Lewis pairs: acid, base and monomer scope and polymerization mechanism.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Yuetao; Miyake, Garret M; John, Mallory G; Falivene, Laura; Caporaso, Lucia; Cavallo, Luigi; Chen, Eugene Y-X

    2012-08-14

    Classical and frustrated Lewis pairs (LPs) of the strong Lewis acid (LA) Al(C(6)F(5))(3) with several Lewis base (LB) classes have been found to exhibit exceptional activity in the Lewis pair polymerization (LPP) of conjugated polar alkenes such as methyl methacrylate (MMA) as well as renewable α-methylene-γ-butyrolactone (MBL) and γ-methyl-α-methylene-γ-butyrolactone (γ-MMBL), leading to high molecular weight polymers, often with narrow molecular weight distributions. This study has investigated a large number of LPs, consisting of 11 LAs as well as 10 achiral and 4 chiral LBs, for LPP of 12 monomers of several different types. Although some more common LAs can also be utilized for LPP, Al(C(6)F(5))(3)-based LPs are far more active and effective than other LA-based LPs. On the other hand, several classes of LBs, when paired with Al(C(6)F(5))(3), can render highly active and effective LPP of MMA and γ-MMBL; such LBs include phosphines (e.g., P(t)Bu(3)), chiral chelating diphosphines, N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs), and phosphazene superbases (e.g., P(4)-(t)Bu). The P(4)-(t)Bu/Al(C(6)F(5))(3) pair exhibits the highest activity of the LP series, with a remarkably high turn-over frequency of 9.6 × 10(4) h(-1) (0.125 mol% catalyst, 100% MMA conversion in 30 s, M(n) = 2.12 × 10(5) g mol(-1), PDI = 1.34). The polymers produced by LPs at RT are typically atactic (P(γ)MMBL with ∼47% mr) or syndio-rich (PMMA with ∼70-75% rr), but highly syndiotactic PMMA with rr ∼91% can be produced by chiral or achiral LPs at -78 °C. Mechanistic studies have identified and structurally characterized zwitterionic phosphonium and imidazolium enolaluminates as the active species of the current LPP system, which are formed by the reaction of the monomer·Al(C(6)F(5))(3) adduct with P(t)Bu(3) and NHC bases, respectively. Kinetic studies have revealed that the MMA polymerization by the (t)Bu(3)P/Al(C(6)F(5))(3) pair is zero-order in monomer concentration after an initial

  4. Zwitterionic Nanocages Overcome the Efficacy Loss of Biologic Drugs.

    PubMed

    Li, Bowen; Yuan, Zhefan; Zhang, Peng; Sinclair, Andrew; Jain, Priyesh; Wu, Kan; Tsao, Caroline; Xie, Jingyi; Hung, Hsiang-Chieh; Lin, Xiaojie; Bai, Tao; Jiang, Shaoyi

    2018-04-01

    For biotherapeutics that require multiple administrations to fully cure diseases, the induction of undesirable immune response is one common cause for the failure of their treatment. Covalent binding of hydrophilic polymers to proteins is commonly employed to mitigate potential immune responses. However, while this technique is proved to partially reduce the antibodies (Abs) reactive to proteins, it may induce Abs toward their associated polymers and thus result in the loss of efficacy. Zwitterionic poly(carboxybetaine) (PCB) is recently shown to improve the immunologic properties of proteins without inducing any antipolymer Abs against itself. However, it is unclear if the improved immunologic profiles can translate to better clinical outcomes since improved immunogenicity cannot directly reflect amelioration in efficacy. Here, a PCB nanocage (PCB NC) is developed, which can physically encase proteins while keeping their structure intact. PCB NC encapsulation of uricase, a highly immunogenic enzyme, is demonstrated to eradicate all the immune responses. To bridge the gap between immunogenicity and efficacy studies, the therapeutic performance of PCB NC uricase is evaluated and compared with its PEGylated counterpart in a clinical-mimicking gouty rat model to determine any loss of efficacy evoked after five administrations. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  5. Installing amino acids and peptides on N-heterocycles under visible-light assistance

    PubMed Central

    Jin, Yunhe; Jiang, Min; Wang, Hui; Fu, Hua

    2016-01-01

    Readily available natural α-amino acids are one of nature’s most attractive and versatile building blocks in synthesis of natural products and biomolecules. Peptides and N-heterocycles exhibit various biological and pharmaceutical functions. Conjugation of amino acids or peptides with N-heterocycles provides boundless potentiality for screening and discovery of diverse biologically active molecules. However, it is a great challenge to install amino acids or peptides on N-heterocycles through formation of carbon-carbon bonds under mild conditions. In this article, eighteen N-protected α-amino acids and three peptides were well assembled on phenanthridine derivatives via couplings of N-protected α-amino acid and peptide active esters with substituted 2-isocyanobiphenyls at room temperature under visible-light assistance. Furthermore, N-Boc-proline residue was successfully conjugated with oxindole derivatives using similar procedures. The simple protocol, mild reaction conditions, fast reaction, and high efficiency of this method make it an important strategy for synthesis of diverse molecules containing amino acid and peptide fragments. PMID:26830014

  6. Reevaluation of the effect of ellagic acid on N-methyl-N-nitrosourea DNA alkylation and mutagenicity

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Lord, H.L.; Josephy, P.D.; Snieckus, V.A.

    N-Methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) is a reactive, mutagenic methylating agent. MNU methylates DNA at various sites, including guanine N{sup 7}, guanine O{sup 6}, and adenine N{sup 3}. Dixit and Gold ((1986) Proc. Natl, Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 83, 8039-8043) reported that ellagic acid, a phenolic natural product, inhibited the mutagenicity of MNU in Salmonella typhimurium strain TA 100, inhibited salmon sperm DNA alkylation by ({sup 3}H)MNU, and also greatly reduced the ratio of guanine O{sup 6} to guanine N{sup 7} alkylation. We have examined the MNU-induced alkylation of calf thymus DNA and evaluated the effect of ellagic acid on this binding. Ellagic acidmore » had only a slight effect on total alkylation and did not alter the ratio of methylation at guanine-O{sup 6} and -N{sup 7} positions. In further experiments, ellagic acid did not significantly inhibit MNU mutagenicity. These findings do not support the potential use of ellagic acid as an inhibitor of biological damage induced by nitrosoureas.« less

  7. Contrasting effects of acidic pH on the extracellular and intracellular activities of the anti-gram-positive fluoroquinolones moxifloxacin and delafloxacin against Staphylococcus aureus.

    PubMed

    Lemaire, Sandrine; Tulkens, Paul M; Van Bambeke, Françoise

    2011-02-01

    In contrast to currently marketed fluoroquinolones, which are zwitterionic, delafloxacin is an investigational fluoroquinolone with an anionic character that is highly active against Gram-positive bacteria. We have examined the effect of acidic pH on its accumulation in Staphylococcus aureus and in human THP-1 cells, in parallel with its activity against extracellular and intracellular S. aureus. Moxifloxacin was used as a comparator. Delafloxacin showed MICs 3 to 5 log(2) dilutions lower than those of moxifloxacin for a collection of 35 strains with relevant resistance mechanisms and also proved to be 10-fold more potent against intracellular S. aureus ATCC 25923. In medium at pH 5.5, this difference was further enhanced, with the MIC decreasing by 5 log(2) dilutions. In infected cells incubated in acidic medium, the relative potency was 10-fold higher than that at neutral pH and the maximal relative efficacy reached a bactericidal effect at 24 h. These results can be explained by a 10-fold increase in delafloxacin accumulation in both bacteria and cells at acidic pH, making delafloxacin one of the most efficient drugs tested in this model. Opposite effects were seen for moxifloxacin with respect to both activity and accumulation. As reported for zwitterionic fluoroquinolones, delafloxacin was found associated with the soluble fraction in homogenates of eukaryotic cells. Taken together, these properties may confer to delafloxacin an advantage for the eradication of S. aureus in acidic environments, including intracellular infections.

  8. Adsorption of zwitterionic surfactant on limestone measured with high-performance liquid chromatography: micelle-vesicle influence.

    PubMed

    Nieto-Alvarez, David Aaron; Zamudio-Rivera, Luis S; Luna-Rojero, Erick E; Rodríguez-Otamendi, Dinora I; Marín-León, Adlaí; Hernández-Altamirano, Raúl; Mena-Cervantes, Violeta Y; Chávez-Miyauchi, Tomás Eduardo

    2014-10-21

    Herein is presented a new methodology to determine the static adsorption of a zwitterionic surfactant on limestone in three different aqueous media [high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) water, seawater, and connate water] with the use of HPLC at room temperature and 70 °C. The results showed that, in both HPLC water and seawater, the surfactant adsorption followed a monolayer Langmuir tendency. In contrast, for connate water, the surfactant presented a new adsorption profile, characterized by two regions: (i) At surfactant concentrations below 1500 mg L(-1), an increase of adsorption is observed as the amount of divalent cations increases in the aqueous media. (ii) At surfactant concentrations above 1500 mg L(-1), the adsorption decreases because the equilibrium, monomer ⇆ micelle ⇆ vesicle, is shifted to the formation of vesicles, giving as a result a decrease in the concentration of monomers, thus reducing the interaction between the surfactant and the rock, and therefore, lower adsorption values were obtained. The behavior of the surfactant adsorption under different concentrations of divalent cations was well-described by the use of a new modified Langmuir model: (dΓ/dt)ads = k(ads)c(Γ∞ - Γ) - k(cmc)(c - c(cmc))(n)ΓH(c - c(cmc)). It was also observed that, as the temperature increases, the adsorption is reduced because of the exothermic nature of the adsorption processes.

  9. Association between very long chain fatty acids in the meibomian gland and dry eye resulting from n-3 fatty acid deficiency.

    PubMed

    Tanaka, Hideko; Harauma, Akiko; Takimoto, Mao; Moriguchi, Toru

    2015-06-01

    In our previously study, we reported lower tear volume in with an n-3 fatty acid deficient mice and that the docosahexaenoic acid and total n-3 fatty acid levels in these mice are significantly reduced in the meibomian gland, which secretes an oily tear product. Furthermore, we noted very long chain fatty acids (≥25 carbons) in the meibomian gland. To verify the detailed mechanism of the low tear volume in the n-3 fatty acid-deficient mice, we identified the very long chain fatty acids in the meibomian gland, measured the fatty acid composition in the tear product. Very long chain fatty acids were found to exist as monoesters. In particular, very long chain fatty acids with 25-29 carbons existed for the most part as iso or anteiso branched-chain fatty acids. n-3 fatty acid deficiency was decreased the amount of meibum secretion from meibomian gland without change of fatty acid composition. These results suggest that the n-3 fatty acid deficiency causes the enhancement of evaporation of tear film by reducing oily tear secretion along with the decrease of meibomian gland function. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. Synthesis and Anti-microbial Activity of Novel Phosphatidylethanolamine-N-amino Acid Derivatives.

    PubMed

    Vijeetha, Tadla; Balakrishna, Marrapu; Karuna, Mallampalli Sri Lakshmi; Surya Koppeswara Rao, Bhamidipati Venkata; Prasad, Rachapudi Badari Narayana; Kumar, Koochana Pranay; Surya Narayana Murthy, Upadyaula

    2015-01-01

    The study involved synthesis of five novel amino acid derivatives of phosphatidylethanolamine isolated from egg yolk lecithin employing a three step procedure i) N-protection of L-amino acids with BOC anhydride in alkaline medium ii) condensation of - CO2H group of N-protected amino acid with free -NH2 of PE by a peptide linkage and iii) deprotection of N-protected group of amino acids to obtain phosphatidylethanolamine-N-amino acid derivatives in 60-75% yield. The five L-amino acids used were L glycine, L-valine, L-leucine, L-isoleucine and L-phenylalanine. The amino acid derivatives were screened for anti-baterial activity against B. subtilis, S. aureus, P. aeroginosa and E. coli taking Streptomycin as reference compound and anti-fungal activity against C. albicans, S. cervisiae, A. niger taking AmphotericinB as reference compound. All the amino acid derivatives exhibited extraordinary anti-bacterial activities about 3 folds or comparable to Streptomycin and moderate or no anti-fungal activity against Amphotericin-B.

  11. The Modulation of Adaptive Immune Responses by Bacterial Zwitterionic Polysaccharides

    PubMed Central

    Stephen, Tom Li; Groneck, Laura; Kalka-Moll, Wiltrud Maria

    2010-01-01

    The detection of pathogen-derived molecules as foreign particles by adaptive immune cells triggers T and B lymphocytes to mount protective cellular and humoral responses, respectively. Recent immunological advances elucidated that proteins and some lipids are the principle biological molecules that induce protective T cell responses during microbial infections. Polysaccharides are important components of microbial pathogens and many vaccines. However, research concerning the activation of the adaptive immune system by polysaccharides gained interest only recently. Traditionally, polysaccharides were considered to be T cell-independent antigens that did not directly activate T cells or induce protective immune responses. Here, we review several recent advances in “carbohydrate immunobiology”. A group of bacterial polysaccharides that are known as “zwitterionic polysaccharides (ZPSs)” were recently identified as potent immune modulators. The immunomodulatory effect of ZPSs required antigen processing and presentation by antigen presenting cells, the activation of CD4 T cells and subpopulations of CD8 T cells and the modulation of host cytokine responses. In this review, we also discuss the potential use of these unique immunomodulatory ZPSs in new vaccination strategies against chronic inflammatory conditions, autoimmunity, infectious diseases, allergies and asthmatic conditions. PMID:21234388

  12. Antifouling aptasensor for the detection of adenosine triphosphate in biological media based on mixed self-assembled aptamer and zwitterionic peptide.

    PubMed

    Wang, Guixiang; Su, Xiaoli; Xu, Qingjun; Xu, Guiyun; Lin, Jiehua; Luo, Xiliang

    2018-03-15

    Direct detection of targets in complex biological media with conventional biosensors is an enormous challenge due to the nonspecific adsorption and severe biofouling. In this work, a facile strategy for sensitive and low fouling detection of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is developed through the construction of a mixed self-assembled biosensing interface, which was composed of zwitterionic peptide (antifouling material) and ATP aptamer (bio-recognition element). The peptide and aptamer (both containing thiol groups) were simultaneously self-assembled onto gold electrode surface electrodeposited with gold nanoparticles. The developed aptasensor possessed high selectivity and sensitivity for ATP, and it showed a wide linear response range towards ATP from 0.1pM to 5nM. Owing to the presence of peptide with excellent antifouling property in the biosensing interface, the aptasensor can detect ATP in complex biological media with remarkably reduced biofouling or nonspecific adsorption effect. Moreover, it can directly detect ATP in 1% human whole blood without suffering from any significant interference, indicating its great potential for practical assaying of ATP in biological samples. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  13. Zwitterion functionalized gold nanoclusters for multimodal near infrared fluorescence and photoacoustic imaging

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shen, Danjin; Henry, Maxime; Trouillet, Vanessa; Comby-Zerbino, Clothilde; Bertorelle, Franck; Sancey, Lucie; Antoine, Rodolphe; Coll, Jean-Luc; Josserand, Véronique; Le Guével, Xavier

    2017-05-01

    Gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) are an emerging type of theranostic agents combining therapeutic and imaging features with reduced toxicity. Au NCs stabilized by a zwitterion ligand with a fine control of the metal core size and the ligand coverage were synthesized by wet chemistry. Intense fluorescence signal is reported for the highest ligand coverage, whereas photoacoustic signal is stronger for the largest metal core. The best Au NC candidate with an average molecular weight of 17 kDa could be detected with high sensitivity on a 2D-near-infrared imaging instrument (limit of detection (LOD) = 2.3 μ M ) and by photoacoustic imaging. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrate an efficient cell uptake in U87 cell lines, a fast renal clearance (t1 /2 α = 6.5 ± 1.3 min), and a good correlation between near infrared fluorescence and photoacoustic measurements to follow the early uptake of Au NCs in liver.

  14. Mead acid (20:3n-9) and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are not associated with risk of posterior longitudinal ligament ossification: results of a case-control study.

    PubMed

    Hamazaki, Kei; Kawaguchi, Yoshiharu; Nakano, Masato; Yasuda, Taketoshi; Seki, Shoji; Hori, Takeshi; Hamazaki, Tomohito; Kimura, Tomoatsu

    2015-05-01

    Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) involves the replacement of ligamentous tissue with ectopic bone. Although genetics and heritability appear to be involved in the development of OPLL, its pathogenesis remains to be elucidated. Given previous findings that 5,8,11-eicosatrienoic acid [20:3n-9, Mead acid (MA)] has depressive effects on osteoblastic activity and anti-angiogenic effects, and that n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have a preventive effect on heterotopic ossification, we hypothesized that both fatty acids would be involved in OPLL development. To examine the biological significance of these and other fatty acids in OPLL, we conducted this case-control study involving 106 patients with cervical OPLL and 109 age matched controls. Fatty acid composition was determined from plasma samples by gas chromatography. Associations between fatty acid levels and incident OPLL were evaluated by logistic regression. Contrary to our expectations, we found no significant differences between patients and controls in the levels of MA or n-3 PUFAs (e.g., eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid). Logistic regression analysis did not reveal any associations with OPLL risk for MA or n-3 PUFAs. In conclusion, no potential role was found for MA or n-3 PUFAs in ectopic bone formation in the spinal canal. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. n-3 fatty acids: role in neurogenesis and neuroplasticity.

    PubMed

    Crupi, R; Marino, A; Cuzzocrea, S

    2013-01-01

    Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are essential unsaturated fatty acids with a double bond (C=C) starting after the third carbon atom from the end of the carbon chain. They are important nutrients but, unfortunately, mammals cannot synthesize them, whereby they must be obtained from food sources or from supplements. Amongst nutritionally important polyunsaturated n-3 fatty acids, α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are highly concentrated in the brain and have anti-oxidative stress, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects. They are involved in many bodily processes and may reportedly lead to neuron protection in neurological diseases. aged or damaged neurons and in Alzheimer's disease. Their effect in cognitive and behavioral functions and in several neurological and psychiatric disorders has been also proven. The dentate gyrus (DG), a sub-region of hippocampus, is implicated in cognition and mood regulation. The hippocampus represents one of the two areas in the mammalian brain in which adult neurogenesis occurs. This process is associated with beneficial effects on cognition, mood and chronic pharmacological treatment. The exposure to n-3 fatty acids enhances adult hippocampal neurogenesis associated with cognitive and behavioral processes, promotes synaptic plasticity by increasing long-term potentiation and modulates synaptic protein expression to stimulate the dendritic arborization and new spines formation. On this basis we review the effect of n-3 fatty acids on adult hippocampal neurogenesis and neuroplasticity. Moreover their possible use as a new therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative diseases is pointed out.

  16. N-Substituted carbazolyloxyacetic acids modulate Alzheimer associated gamma-secretase.

    PubMed

    Narlawar, Rajeshwar; Pérez Revuelta, Blanca I; Baumann, Karlheinz; Schubenel, Robert; Haass, Christian; Steiner, Harald; Schmidt, Boris

    2007-01-01

    N-Sulfonylated and N-alkylated carbazolyloxyacetic acids were investigated for the inhibition and modulation of the Alzheimer's disease associated gamma-secretase. The introduction of a lipophilic substituent, which may vary from arylsulfone to alkyl, turned 2-carbazolyloxyacetic acids into potent gamma-secretase modulators. This resulted in the selective reduction of Abeta(42) and an increase of the less aggregatory Abeta(38) fragment by several compounds (e.g., 7d and 8c). Introduction of an electron donating group at position 6 and 8 of N-substituted carbazolyloxyacetic acids either decreased the activity or inversed modulation. The most active compounds displayed activity on amyloid precursor protein (APP) overexpressing cell lines in the low micromolar range and little or no effect on the gamma-secretase cleavage at the epsilon-site.

  17. Oleic acid derived metabolites in mouse neuroblastoma N18TG2 cells.

    PubMed

    Merkler, David J; Chew, Geoffrey H; Gee, Andrew J; Merkler, Kathleen A; Sorondo, Jean-Paul O; Johnson, Mitchell E

    2004-10-05

    Oleamide is an endogenous sleep-inducing lipid that has been isolated from the cerebrospinal fluid of sleep-deprived mammals. Oleamide is the best-understood member of the primary fatty acid amide family. One key unanswered question regarding oleamide and all other primary acid amides is the pathway by which these molecules are produced. One proposed pathway involves oleoyl-CoA and N-oleoylglycine as intermediates: oleic acid --> oleoyl-CoA --> N-oleoylglycine --> oleamide. The first and third reactions are known reactions, catalyzed by acyl-CoA synthetase and peptidylglycine alpha-amidating monooxygenase (PAM). Oleoyl-CoA formation from oleic acid has been demonstrated in vitro and in vivo while, to date, N-oleoylglycine cleavage to oleamide has been established only in vitro. PAM catalyzes the final step in alpha-amidated peptide biosynthesis, and its proposed role in primary fatty acid amide biosynthesis has been controversial. Mouse neuroblastoma N(18)TG(2) cells are an excellent model system for the study of oleamide biosynthesis because these cells convert [(14)C]-oleic acid to [(14)C]-oleamide and express PAM in a regulated fashion. We report herein that growth of the N(18)TG(2) cells in the presence of [(14)C]-oleic acid under conditions known to stimulate PAM expression generates an increase in [(14)C]-oleamide or in the presence of a PAM inhibitor generates [(14)C]-N-oleoylglycine. This represents the first identification of N-oleoylglycine from a biological source. In addition, N(18)TG(2) cell growth in the presence of N-oleoylglycine yields oleamide. These results strongly indicate that N-oleoylglycine is an intermediate in oleamide biosynthesis and provide further evidence that PAM does have a role in primary fatty acid amide production in vivo.

  18. Radical-cationic gaseous amino acids: a theoretical study.

    PubMed

    Sutherland, Kailee N; Mineau, Philippe C; Orlova, Galina

    2007-08-16

    Three major forms of gaseous radical-cationic amino acids (RCAAs), keto (COOH), enolic (C(OH)OH), and zwitterionic (COO(-)), as well as their tautomers, are examined for aliphatic Ala(.+), Pro(.+), and Ser(.+), sulfur-containing Cys(.+), aromatic Trp(.+), Tyr(.+), and Phe(.+), and basic His(.+). The hybrid B3LYP exchange-correlation functional with various basis sets along with the highly correlated CCSD(T) method is used. For all RCAAs considered, the main stabilizing factor is spin delocalization; for His(.+), protonation of the basic side chain is equally important. Minor stabilizing factors are hydrogen bonding and 3e-2c interactions. An efficient spin delocalization along the N-C(alpha)-C(O-)O moiety occurs upon H-transfer from C(alpha) to the carboxylic group to yield the captodative enolic form, which is the lowest-energy isomer for Ala(.+), Pro(.+), Ser(.+), Cys(.+), Tyr(.+), and Phe(.+). This H-transfer occurs in a single step as a 1,3-shift through the sigma-system. For His(.+), the lowest-energy isomer is formed upon H-transfer from C(alpha) to the basic side chain, which results in a keto form, with spin delocalized along the N-C(alpha)-C=O fragment. Trp(.+) is the only RCAA that favors spin delocalization over an aromatic system given the low ionization energy of indole. The lowest-energy isomer of Trp(.+) is a keto form, with no H-transfer.

  19. Zwitterionic metal carboxylate complexes: In solid state

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nath, Bhaskar; Kalita, Dipjyoti; Baruah, Jubaraj B.

    2012-07-01

    A flexible dicarboxylic acid having composition [(CH(o-C5H4N)(p-C6H4OCH2CO2H)2] derived from corresponding bis-phenol reacts with various metal(II) acetates such as manganese(II), cobalt(II) and nickel(II) acetate leads to zwtterionic complexes with compositions [CH(o-C5H4N)(p-C6H4OCH2CO2){p-C6H4OCH2CO2M(H2O)5}].6H2O (where M = Mn, Co, Ni). The complexes are characterised by X-ray crystallography. These complexes have chiral center due to unsymmetric structure conferred to the ligand through coordination at only one carboxylate group of the ligand. In solid state these complexes are racemic.

  20. Echium oil is better than rapeseed oil in enriching poultry meat with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, including eicosapentaenoic acid and docosapentaenoic acid.

    PubMed

    Kitessa, Soressa M; Young, Paul

    2009-03-01

    alpha-Linolenic acid (ALA; 18 : 3n-3) and stearidonic acid (SDA; 18 : 4n-3) are on the biosynthetic pathway of EPA (20 : 5n-3) and DHA (22 : 6n-3). The n-3 fatty acid in rapeseed oil is ALA while Echium oil contains both ALA and SDA. To determine the comparative efficacy of ALA- and SDA-rich oils in enriching broiler meat with n-3 PUFA, we offered diets supplemented with rapeseed oil (rapeseed group) or Echium oil (Echium group) for 35 d to two groups of chicks (age 21 d). There were no differences in carcass weight (2.20 (sem 0.06) v. 2.23 (sem 0.05) kg), boned, skinless thigh muscle (494 (sem 20.5) v. 507 (sem 16.7) g), boned, skinless breast muscle (553 (sem 13.4) v. 546 (sem 11.6) g) or organ weights (heart, liver and gizzard) between the two groups. The total intramuscular fat (IMF) percentage of thigh (8.0 (sem 0.64) v. 8.1 (sem 0.62) %) and breast muscles (2.3 (sem 0.24) v. 2.0 (sem 0.19) %) were also similar between the groups. In contrast, the concentrations of most of the individual n-3 fatty acids (ALA, SDA, EPA and docosapentaenoic acid) were all higher in the Echium than the rapeseed group (P < 0.05). However, differences in DHA concentrations were significant in breast but not thigh muscle IMF. The total n-3 yields/100 g serve thigh muscle were 265 and 676 mg for the rapeseed and Echium groups, respectively (P < 0.0001). The corresponding values for equivalent breast muscles were 70 and 137 mg, respectively (P < 0.01). We conclude that Echium oil is a better lipid supplement than rapeseed oil in changing the concentration and yield of n-3 fatty acids, except DHA, in broiler meat.

  1. The effects of n-3 fatty acid deficiency and repletion upon the fatty acid composition and function of the brain and retina.

    PubMed

    Connor, W E; Neuringer, M

    1988-01-01

    It is now apparent that both n-6 and n-3 fatty acids are essential for normal development in mammals, and that each has specific functions in the body. N-6 fatty acids are necessary primarily for growth, reproduction, and the maintenance of skin integrity, whereas n-3 fatty acids are involved in the development and function of the retina and cerebral cortex and perhaps other organs such as the testes. Fetal life and infancy are particularly critical for the nervous tissue development. Therefore, with respect to human nutrition, adequate amounts of omega-3 fatty acids should be provided during pregnancy, lactation and infancy, but probably throughout life. We estimate that adequate levels are provided by diets containing 6-8% kcals from linoleic acid and 1% from n-3 fatty acids (alpha-linolenic acid, EPA and DHA), resulting in a ratio of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids of 4:1 to 10:1. The essentiality of n-3 fatty acids resides in their presence as DHA in vital membranes of the photoreceptors of the retina and the synaptosomes and other subcellular membranes of the brain. The replacement of DHA in deficient animals by the n-6 fatty acid, 22:5, results in abnormal functioning of the membranes for reasons as yet to be ascertained. Most significant is the lability of fatty acid composition in the retinal and brain of deficient animals. Dietary fish oil, which contains EPA and DHA, will readily lead to a change in the composition of the membrane of retina and brain, fatty acids, with DHA replacing the n-6 fatty acid, 22:5. The interrelationships between the chemistry of neural and retinal membranes as affected by diet and their biological functioning provides an exciting prospect for future investigations.

  2. Polypeptide having an amino acid replaced with N-benzylglycine

    DOEpatents

    Mitchell, Alexander R.; Young, Janis D.

    1996-01-01

    The present invention relates to one or more polypeptides having useful biological activity in a mammal, which comprise: a polypeptide related to bradykinin of four to ten amino acid residues wherein one or more specific amino acids in the polypeptide chain are replaced with achiral N-benzylglycine. These polypeptide analogues have useful potent agonist or antagonist pharmacological properties depending upon the structure. A preferred polypeptide is (N-benzylglycine.sup.7)-bradykinin.

  3. Contrasting Effects of Acidic pH on the Extracellular and Intracellular Activities of the Anti-Gram-Positive Fluoroquinolones Moxifloxacin and Delafloxacin against Staphylococcus aureus ▿ †

    PubMed Central

    Lemaire, Sandrine; Tulkens, Paul M.; Van Bambeke, Françoise

    2011-01-01

    In contrast to currently marketed fluoroquinolones, which are zwitterionic, delafloxacin is an investigational fluoroquinolone with an anionic character that is highly active against Gram-positive bacteria. We have examined the effect of acidic pH on its accumulation in Staphylococcus aureus and in human THP-1 cells, in parallel with its activity against extracellular and intracellular S. aureus. Moxifloxacin was used as a comparator. Delafloxacin showed MICs 3 to 5 log2 dilutions lower than those of moxifloxacin for a collection of 35 strains with relevant resistance mechanisms and also proved to be 10-fold more potent against intracellular S. aureus ATCC 25923. In medium at pH 5.5, this difference was further enhanced, with the MIC decreasing by 5 log2 dilutions. In infected cells incubated in acidic medium, the relative potency was 10-fold higher than that at neutral pH and the maximal relative efficacy reached a bactericidal effect at 24 h. These results can be explained by a 10-fold increase in delafloxacin accumulation in both bacteria and cells at acidic pH, making delafloxacin one of the most efficient drugs tested in this model. Opposite effects were seen for moxifloxacin with respect to both activity and accumulation. As reported for zwitterionic fluoroquinolones, delafloxacin was found associated with the soluble fraction in homogenates of eukaryotic cells. Taken together, these properties may confer to delafloxacin an advantage for the eradication of S. aureus in acidic environments, including intracellular infections. PMID:21135179

  4. Long-chain n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and risk of atrial fibrillation: Results from a Danish cohort study.

    PubMed

    Mortensen, Lotte Maxild; Lundbye-Christensen, Søren; Schmidt, Erik Berg; Calder, Philip C; Schierup, Mikkel Heide; Tjønneland, Anne; Parner, Erik T; Overvad, Kim

    2017-01-01

    Studies of the relation between polyunsaturated fatty acids and risk of atrial fibrillation have been inconclusive. The risk of atrial fibrillation may depend on the interaction between n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids as both types of fatty acids are involved in the regulation of systemic inflammation. We investigated the association between dietary intake of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (individually and in combination) and the risk of atrial fibrillation with focus on potential interaction between the two types of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The risk of atrial fibrillation in the Diet, Cancer and Health Cohort was analyzed using the pseudo-observation method to explore cumulative risks on an additive scale providing risk differences. Dietary intake of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids was assessed by food frequency questionnaires. The main analyses were adjusted for the dietary intake of n-3 α-linolenic acid and n-6 linoleic acid to account for endogenous synthesis of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Interaction was assessed as deviation from additivity of absolute association measures (risk differences). Cumulative risks in 15-year age periods were estimated in three strata of the cohort (N = 54,737). No associations between intake of n-3 or n-6 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and atrial fibrillation were found, neither when analyzed separately as primary exposures nor when interaction between n-3 and n-6 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids was explored. This study suggests no association between intake of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and risk of atrial fibrillation.

  5. Supplementation with n-3, n-6, n-9 fatty acids in an insulin-resistance animal model: does it improve VLDL quality?

    PubMed

    Lucero, D; Olano, C; Bursztyn, M; Morales, C; Stranges, A; Friedman, S; Macri, E V; Schreier, L; Zago, V

    2017-05-24

    Insulin-resistance (IR), of increased cardiovascular risk, is characterized by the production of altered VLDL with greater atherogenicity. Dietary fatty acids influence the type of circulating VLDL. But, it is not clear how dietary fatty acids impact VLDL characteristics in IR. to evaluate the effects of n-3, n-6 and n-9 fatty acid supplementation on preventing atherogenic alterations in VLDL, in a diet-induced IR rat model. Male Wistar rats (180-200 g) were fed: standard diet (control, n = 8) and a sucrose rich diet (30% sucrose in water/12 weeks, SRD; n = 24). Simultaneously, SRD was subdivided into SRD-C (standard diet), and three other groups supplemented (15% w/w) with: fish oil (SRD-n3), sunflower oil (SRD-n6) and high oleic sunflower oil (SRD-n9). Lipid profile, free fatty acids, glucose, and insulin were measured. Isolated VLDL (d < 1.006 g ml -1 ) was characterized by chemical composition and size (size exclusion-HPLC). In comparison with SRD-C: SRD-n3 showed an improved lipoprotein profile (p < 0.01), with lower levels of insulin and HOMA-IR (p < 0.05). SRD-n6 showed increased levels of HDL-cholesterol and lower insulin levels. SRD-n9 did not exhibit differences in lipid and IR profile, and even favored weight gain and visceral fat. Only SRD-n3 prevented the alterations in VLDL-TG% (54.2 ± 4.4% vs. 68.6 ± 8.2, p < 0.05) and showed lower large VLDL-% (22.5[19.7-35.6] vs. 49.1[15.5-82.0], p < 0.05), while SRD-n6 and SRD-n9 did not show effects. In IR, while n-3 PUFA showed expected favorable effects, supplementation with n-6 PUFA and n-9 MUFA did not prevent atherogenic alterations of VLDL. Thus, the recommendations of supplementation with these fatty acids in general diet should be revised.

  6. N-Acyl derivatives of Asn, new bacterial N-acyl D-amino acids with surfactant activity.

    PubMed

    Peypoux, F; Laprévote, O; Pagadoy, M; Wallach, J

    2004-03-01

    New N-acyl D-amino acids were isolated from Bacillus pumilus IM 1801. Their structures were determined by chemical analysis and mass spectrometry. The lipid part was identified as a mixture of fatty acids with 11, 12, 13, 15, and 16 carbon atoms in the iso, anteiso or n configuration linked by an amide bond with a D-asparagine. They exhibited surfactant properties.

  7. n-hydrocarbons conversions over metal-modified solid acid catalysts

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zarubica, A.; Ranđelović, M.; Momčilović, M.; Radulović, N.; Putanov, P.

    2013-12-01

    The quality of a straight-run fuel oil can be improved if saturated n-hydrocarbons of low octane number are converted to their branched counterparts. Poor reactivity of traditional catalysts in isomerization reactions imposed the need for the development of new catalysts among which noble metal promoted acid catalysts, liquid and/or solid acid catalysts take a prominent place. Sulfated zirconia and metal promoted sulfated zirconia exhibit high activity for the isomerization of light alkanes at low temperatures. The present paper highlights the original results which indicate that the modification of sulfated zirconia by incorporation of metals (platinum and rhenium) significantly affects catalytic performances in n-hydrocarbon conversion reactions. Favourable activity/selectivity of the promoted sulfated zirconia depends on the crystal phase composition, critical crystallites sizes, platinum dispersion, total acidity and type of acidity. Attention is also paid to the recently developed solid acid catalysts used in other conversion reactions of hydrocarbons.

  8. The existence and gas phase acidity of the HAlnF3n+1 superacids (n = 1-4)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Czapla, Marcin; Skurski, Piotr

    2015-06-01

    Novel strong superacids are proposed and investigated on the basis of ab initio calculations. The gas phase acidity of the HAlF4, HAl2F7, and HAl3F10 systems evaluated by the estimation of the Gibbs free energies of their deprotonation reactions were found significant and comparable to the corresponding value characterizing the HTaF6, whereas the strength of the HAl4F13 acid was predicted to exceed that of the HSbF6 acid (the strongest liquid superacid recognized). The deprotonation energies of the HAlnF3n+1 acids (n = 1-4) turned out to be closely related to the electronic stabilities of their corresponding (AlnF3n+1)- anions.

  9. Thermodynamic characteristics of the acid-base equilibria of ethylenediamine- N, N'-diglutaric acid in aqueous solutions using calorimetric data

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gridchin, S. N.; Nikol'skii, V. M.

    2017-10-01

    The enthalpies of reaction of betaine group neutralization of ethylenediamine- N, N'-diglutaric acid (H4L) at 298.15 K and at different values of ionic strength of 0.1, 0.5, 1.0 (KNO3) is measured by direct calorimetry. The standard thermodynamic characteristics of the protolytic equilibria of H4L are calculated.

  10. Inflammation in Response to n3 Fatty Acids in a Porcine Obesity Model

    PubMed Central

    Faris, Richard J; Boddicker, Rebecca L; Walker-Daniels, Jennifer; Li, Jenny; Jones, Douglas E; Spurlock, Michael E

    2012-01-01

    Fatty acids have distinct cellular effects related to inflammation and insulin sensitivity. Dietary saturated fat activates toll-like receptor 4, which in turn can lead to chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and adipose tissue macrophage infiltration. Conversely, n3 fatty acids are generally antiinflammatory and promote insulin sensitivity, in part via peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ. Ossabaw swine are a useful biomedical model of obesity. We fed Ossabaw pigs either a low-fat control diet or a diet containing high-fat palm oil with or without additional n3 fatty acids for 30 wk to investigate the effect of saturated fats and n3 fatty acids on obesity-linked inflammatory markers. The diet did not influence the inflammatory markers C-reactive protein, TNFα, IL6, or IL12. In addition, n3 fatty acids attenuated the increase in inflammatory adipose tissue CD16–CD14+ macrophages induced by high palm oil. High-fat diets with and without n3 fatty acids both induced hyperglycemia without hyperinsulinemia. The high-fat only group but not the high-fat group with n3 fatty acids showed reduced insulin sensitivity in response to insulin challenge. This effect was not mediated by decreased phosphorylation of protein kinase B. Therefore, in obese Ossabaw swine, n3 fatty acids partially attenuate insulin resistance but only marginally change inflammatory status and macrophage phenotype in adipose tissue. PMID:23561883

  11. Combining ligand design and photo-ligation to provide optimal quantum dot-bioconjugates for sensing and imaging

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhan, Naiqian; Palui, Goutam; Safi, Malak; Mattoussi, Hedi

    2014-03-01

    We describe the design and synthesis of two metal-coordinating zwitterion ligands to promote the transfer of hydrophobic QDs to buffer media over broad range of conditions. The ligands are prepared by appending either one or two lipoic acid anchoring groups onto a zwitterion, LA-TEG200-ZW and bis(LA)- ZW. Combining these ligands with a photochemical reduction of the lipoic acid group in the presence of UV irradiation, provides an easy to implement method to transfer luminescent QDs to buffer media, while preserving their optical and spectroscopic properties intact. The resulting zwitterion-QDs have very thin capping shell, which allows their self-assembly with full size proteins via metal-to-histidine coordination. These conjugates have great potential for use in various bio-motivated applications.

  12. n3- polyunsaturated Fat Acid Content of Some Edible Fish from Bahrain Waters

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Al-Arrayedu, F. H.; Al Maskati, H. A.; Abdullah, F. J.

    1999-08-01

    This study was performed to determine the content of n3- polyunsaturated fatty acids in 10 fish species that are commonly consumed in Bahrain in addition to the main commercial shrimp species. White sardinella, which is a plankton feeder, had the highest content of n3- polyunsaturated fatty acids. It had the highest value of eicosapentaenoic acid (146.5 ± 20 mg 100 g-1) and linolenic acid (98.9±f 100 g-1) and the second highest value of docosahexaenoic acid at (133.7 ± 22 mg 100 g-1). Spanish mackerel which feeds mainly on sardinella was second with eicosapentaenoc acid at 55 ± 5.4 mg 100 g-1, docosahexaenoic acid at 161 ± 19.8 mg 100 g-1, linolenic acid at 16.4 mg 100 g-1 and docosapentaenoic acid at 25 ± 1.9 mg 100 g-1. Rabbitfish, the most popular edible fish in Bahrain which feeds mainly on benthic algae had the third highest content of n3- polyunsaturated fatty acids with eicosapentaenoic acid at 37.5 ± 3.9 mg 100 g-1, docosahexaenoic acid at 76 ± 6.7 mg 100 g-1, and docosapentaenoic acid at 85.8 ± 10 mg 100 g-1. The other fish and crustacean species studied were Arabian carpet shark, doublebar bream, grouper, gray grunt, golden travally, keeled mullet, spangled emperor and shrimp. The study explores the transfer of n3- polyunsaturated fatty acids through the food webs of the examined fish. It is apparent, generally, that plankton feeders displayed the highest content of n3- polyunsaturated fatty acids followed by seaweed and algae grazers, with benthic carnivores feeding on invertebrates displaying the poorest content. The values reported here, however, are much lower than those reported for fish available in American markets and in Mediterranean fish. Warm water temperature and high salinity which lead to lowering of the density of phytoplankton and phytoplankton content of n3- polyunsaturated fatty acids are suggested as the reason for the observed low values of n3- polyunsaturated fatty acids in Bahrain fish.

  13. Synthesis and characterization of a novel aminopolycarboxylate complexant for efficient trivalent f-element differentiation: N-butyl-2-acetamide-diethylenetriamine- N, N', N", N"-tetraacetic acid

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Heathman, Colt R.; Grimes, Travis S.; Jansone-Popova, Santa

    The novel metal ion complexant N-butyl-2-acetamide-diethylenetriamine-N,N',N",N"-tetraacetic acid (DTTA-BuA) uses an amide functionalization to increase the total ligand acidity and attain efficient 4f/5f differentiation in low pH conditions. The amide, when located on the diethylenetriamine platform containing four acetate pendant arms maintains the octadentate coordination sphere for all investigated trivalent f-elements. This compact coordination environment inhibits the protonation of LnL- complexes, as indicated by lower K 111 constants relative to the corresponding protonation site of the free ligand. For actinide ions, the enhanced stability of AnL- lowers the K 111 for americium and curium beyond the aptitude of potentiometric detection. Densitymore » functional theory computations indicate the difference in the back-donation ability of Am 3+ and Eu 3+ f-orbitals is mainly responsible for stronger proton affinity of EuL- compared to AmL-. The measured stability constants for the formation of AmL- and CmL- complexes are consistently higher, relative to ML- complexes with lanthanides of similar charge density. When compared with the conventional aminopolycarboxylate diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA), the modified DTTA-BuA complexant features higher ligand acidity and the important An 3+/Ln 3+ differentiation when deployed on a liquid–liquid distribution platform.« less

  14. Facile modification of electrospun fibrous structures with antifouling zwitterionic hydrogels.

    PubMed

    Xu, Tong; Yang, Jing; Zhang, Jiamin; Zhu, Yingnan; Li, Qingsi; Pan, Chao; Zhang, Lei

    2017-12-28

    Electrospinning technology can easily produce different shaped fibrous structures, making them highly valuable to various biomedical applications. However, surface contamination of biomolecules, cells, or blood has emerged as a significant challenge to the success of electrospun devices, especially artificial blood vessels, catheters and wound dressings etc. Many efforts have been made to resist the surface non-specific biomolecules or cells adsorption, but most of them require complex pre-treatment processes, hard-to-remove metal catalysts or rigorous reaction conditions. In addition, the stability of antifouling coatings, especially in complex conditions, is still a major concern. In this work, inspired by the interpenetrating polymer network and reinforced concrete structure, an efficient and facile strategy for modifying hydrophobic electrospun meshes and tubes with antifouling zwitterionic hydrogels has been introduced. The resulting products could efficiently resist the adhesion of proteins, cells, or even fresh whole blood. Meanwhile, they could maintain the shapes and mechanical strength of the original electrospun structures. Furthermore, the hydrogel structures could retain stable in a physiological condition for at least 3 months. This paper provided a general antifouling and hydrophilicity surface modification strategy for various fibrous structures, and could be of great value for many biomedical applications where antifouling properties are critical.

  15. Tea stains-inspired initiator primer for surface grafting of antifouling and antimicrobial polymer brush coatings.

    PubMed

    Pranantyo, Dicky; Xu, Li Qun; Neoh, Koon-Gee; Kang, En-Tang; Ng, Ying Xian; Teo, Serena Lay-Ming

    2015-03-09

    Inspired by tea stains, plant polyphenolic tannic acid (TA) was beneficially employed as the primer anchor for functional polymer brushes. The brominated TA (TABr) initiator primer was synthesized by partial modification of TA with alkyl bromide functionalities. TABr with trihydroxyphenyl moieties can readily anchor on a wide range of substrates, including metal, metal oxide, polymer, glass, and silicon. Concomitantly, the alkyl bromide terminals serve as initiation sites for atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Cationic [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride (META) and zwitterionic 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) and N-(3-sulfopropyl)-N-(methacryloxyethyl)-N,N-dimethylammonium betaine (SBMA) were graft-polymerized from the TABr-anchored stainless steel (SS) surface. The cationic polymer brushes on the modified surfaces are bactericidal, while the zwitterionic coatings exhibit resistance against bacterial adhesion. In addition, microalgal attachment (microfouling) and barnacle cyprid settlement (macrofouling) on the functional polymer-grafted surfaces were significantly reduced, in comparison to the pristine SS surface. Thus, the bifunctional TABr initiator primer provides a unique surface anchor for the preparation of functional polymer brushes for inhibiting both microfouling and macrofouling.

  16. Unexpected Hydrolytic Instability of N-Acylated Amino Acid Amides and Peptides

    PubMed Central

    2015-01-01

    Remote amide bonds in simple N-acyl amino acid amide or peptide derivatives 1 can be surprisingly unstable hydrolytically, affording, in solution, variable amounts of 3 under mild acidic conditions, such as trifluoroacetic acid/water mixtures at room temperature. This observation has important implications for the synthesis of this class of compounds, which includes N-terminal-acylated peptides. We describe the factors contributing to this instability and how to predict and control it. The instability is a function of the remote acyl group, R2CO, four bonds away from the site of hydrolysis. Electron-rich acyl R2 groups accelerate this reaction. In the case of acyl groups derived from substituted aromatic carboxylic acids, the acceleration is predictable from the substituent’s Hammett σ value. N-Acyl dipeptides are also hydrolyzed under typical cleavage conditions. This suggests that unwanted peptide truncation may occur during synthesis or prolonged standing in solution when dipeptides or longer peptides are acylated on the N-terminus with electron-rich aromatic groups. When amide hydrolysis is an undesired secondary reaction, as can be the case in the trifluoroacetic acid-catalyzed cleavage of amino acid amide or peptide derivatives 1 from solid-phase resins, conditions are provided to minimize that hydrolysis. PMID:24617596

  17. Metal chelates of phosphonate-containing ligands-III Analytical applications of N,N,N',N'-ethylenediaminetetra(methylenephosphonic) acid.

    PubMed

    Zaki, M T; Rizkalla, E N

    1980-05-01

    N,N*,N',N'-Ethylenediaminetetra(methylenephosphonic) acid is used as a titrant for the direct determination of Cu, Co and Ni, with murexide as indicator. Indirect titrimetric procedures are suggested for the determination of silver, mercury, zinc and cyanide and both direct and indirect methods are applied for the analysis of binary mixtures of silver (or mercury) and copper (cobalt or nickel). The stoichiometry of the reaction, interferences of some metal ions and the pH effects on the complexation reactions are discussed. The values of the equilibrium constants of the protonated CuH(n)L (n = 1, 2, 3 and 4) as well as the unprotonated CuL chelates have been measured.

  18. Regioselective Copper-Catalyzed Amination of Chlorobenzoic Acids: Synthesis and Solid-State Structures of N-Aryl Anthranilic Acid Derivatives

    PubMed Central

    Mei, Xuefeng; August, Adam T.; Wolf, Christian

    2008-01-01

    A chemo- and regioselective copper-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction for effective amination of 2-chlorobenzoic acids with aniline derivatives has been developed. The method eliminates the need for acid protection and produces a wide range of N-aryl anthranilic acid derivatives in up to 99%. The amination was found to proceed with both electron-rich and electron-deficient aryl chlorides and anilines and also utilizes sterically hindered anilines such as 2,6-dimethylaniline and 2-tert-butylaniline. The conformational isomerism of appropriately substituted N-aryl anthranilic acids has been investigated in the solid state. Crystallographic analysis of seven anthranilic acid derivatives showed formation of two distinct supramolecular architectures exhibiting trans-anti- and unprecedented trans-syn-dimeric structures. PMID:16388629

  19. Partial replacement of dietary linoleic acid with long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids protects against dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in rats.

    PubMed

    Tyagi, Anupama; Kumar, Uday; Santosh, Vadakattu Sai; Reddy, Suryam; Mohammed, Saazida Bhanu; Ibrahim, Ahamed

    2014-12-01

    Imbalances in the dietary n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have been implicated in the increased prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease. This study investigated the effects of substitution of linoleic acid with long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and hence decreasing n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratio on inflammatory response in dextran sulfate sodium induced colitis. Male weanling Sprague Dawley rats were fed diets with n-6:n-3 fatty acid in the ratios of 215,50,10 or 5 for 3 months and colitis was induced by administration of dextran sulfate sodium in drinking water during last 11 days. Decreasing the dietary n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratio to 10 and 5 significantly attenuated the severity of colitis as evidenced by improvements in clinical symptoms, reversal of shortening of colon length, reduced severity of anemia, preservation of colonic architecture as well as reduced colonic mucosal myeloperoxidase activity. This protection was associated with suppression of colonic mucosal proinflammatory mediators such as TNFα, IL-1β and nitric oxide. These findings suggest that long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids at a level of 3.0 g/kg diet (n-6:n-3 ratio of 10) prevents dextran sulfate sodium induced colitis by suppressing the proinflammatory mediators. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  20. Acid-Labile Acyclic Cucurbit[n]uril Molecular Containers for Controlled Release.

    PubMed

    Mao, Dake; Liang, Yajun; Liu, Yamin; Zhou, Xianhao; Ma, Jiaqi; Jiang, Biao; Liu, Jia; Ma, Da

    2017-10-02

    Stimuli-responsive molecular containers are of great importance for controlled drug delivery and other biomedical applications. A new type of acid labile acyclic cucurbit[n]uril (CB[n]) molecular containers is presented that can degrade and release the encapsulated cargo at accelerated rates under mildly acidic conditions (pH 5.5-6.5). These containers retain the excellent recognition properties of CB[n]-type hosts. A cell culture study demonstrated that the cellular uptake of cargos could be fine-tuned by complexation with different containers. The release and cell uptake of cargo dye was promoted by acidic pH. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  1. Coordination behavior of bis-phenolate saturated and unsaturated N-heterocyclic carbene ligands to zirconium: reactivity and activity in the copolymerization of cyclohexene oxide with CO2.

    PubMed

    Lalrempuia, Ralte; Breivik, Frida; Törnroos, Karl W; Le Roux, Erwan

    2017-06-27

    Tetravalent zirconium complexes supported by tridentate bis-phenolate imidazolidin-2-ylidene (L1), imidazol-2-ylidene (L2) and benzimidazol-2-ylidene (L3) NHC ligands were synthesized and evaluated as precursors for the copolymerization of cyclohexene oxide (CHO) with CO 2 . While the reactivity of the imidazolidinium [H 3 L1] chloride salt with Zr(OiPr) 4 (HOiPr), and subsequent ligand exchanges with either (CH 3 ) 3 SiCl or LiOiPr lead to a series of heteroleptic compounds (κ 3 -O,C,O-L1)Zr(X) 2 (THF) (X = Cl, OiPr), both imidazolium [H 3 L2] and benzimidazolium [H 3 L3] chloride salts give a mixture of homoleptic (κ 3 -O,C,O-NHC) 2 Zr and zwitterionic (κ 2 -O,O-HL)ZrCl 2 (OiPr) compounds along with traces or the absence of the heteroleptic intermediate (κ 3 -O,C,O-NHC)Zr(Cl)(OiPr)(THF). Such dissimilar reactivity between the unsaturated and saturated NHC ligands is predominantly ascribed to the increased acidity of azolium salts along with the π-donor strength of the C carbene in L2 and L3-Zr moieties. The reactivity with the more acidic azolium salts (H 3 L2/3) and the destabilized Zr-X trans to NHC carbene bond results in a significant increase in the amount of homoleptic compounds generating HCl. The released HCl reacts preferentially with the heteroleptic intermediates having non-planar NHC ligands (i.e. L2/3) promoting the formation of zwitterionic complexes. The in situ deprotonation of the isolated zwitterionic (κ 2 -O,O-HL3)ZrCl 2 (OiPr) compound by using Ag 2 O gives the homoleptic complex as the major component along with a bimetallic hydroxo-bridged [(κ 3 -O,C,O-L3)Zr(μ-OH)(OiPr)] 2 compound. Of particular interest is that only the heteroleptic NHC-Zr(iv) complexes were identified to be active and highly selective towards the copolymerization of CHO with CO 2 independently of the co-catalysts used (both anionic and neutral) under mild conditions (P CO 2 < 1 bar, T = 60 °C), and gave atactic and completely alternating copolymers in a

  2. Zwitterion-Coated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles: Surface Chemistry and Intracellular Uptake by Hepatocarcinoma (HepG2) Cells.

    PubMed

    Mondini, Sara; Leonzino, Marianna; Drago, Carmelo; Ferretti, Anna M; Usseglio, Sandro; Maggioni, Daniela; Tornese, Paolo; Chini, Bice; Ponti, Alessandro

    2015-07-07

    Nanoparticles (NPs) have received much attention in recent years for their diverse potential biomedical applications. However, the synthesis of NPs with desired biodistribution and pharmacokinetics is still a major challenge, with NP size and surface chemistry being the main factors determining the behavior of NPs in vivo. Here we report on the surface chemistry and in vitro cellular uptake of magnetic iron oxide NPs coated with zwitterionic dopamine sulfonate (ZDS). ZDS-coated NPs were compared to similar iron oxide NPs coated with PEG-like 2-[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy]acetic acid (MEEA) to investigate how surface chemistry affects their in vitro behavior. ZDS-coated NPs had a very dense coating, guaranteeing high colloidal stability in several aqueous media and negligible interaction with proteins. Treatment of HepG2 cells with increasing doses (2.5-100 μg Fe/mL) of ZDS-coated iron oxide NPs had no effect on cell viability and resulted in a low, dose-dependent NP uptake, inferior than most reported data for the internalization of iron oxide NPs by HepG2 cells. MEEA-coated NPs were scarcely stable and formed micrometer-sized aggregates in aqueous media. They decreased cell viability for dose ≥50 μg Fe/mL, and were more efficiently internalized than ZDS-coated NPs. In conclusion, our data indicate that the ZDS layer prevented both aggregation and sedimentation of iron oxide NPs and formed a biocompatible coating that did not display any biocorona effect. The very low cellular uptake of ZDS-coated iron NPs can be useful to achieve highly selective targeting upon specific functionalization.

  3. Transcriptional Analysis of Lactobacillus brevis to N-Butanol and Ferulic Acid Stress Responses

    PubMed Central

    Winkler, James; Kao, Katy C.

    2011-01-01

    Background The presence of anti-microbial phenolic compounds, such as the model compound ferulic acid, in biomass hydrolysates pose significant challenges to the widespread use of biomass in conjunction with whole cell biocatalysis or fermentation. Currently, these inhibitory compounds must be removed through additional downstream processing or sufficiently diluted to create environments suitable for most industrially important microbial strains. Simultaneously, product toxicity must also be overcome to allow for efficient production of next generation biofuels such as n-butanol, isopropanol, and others from these low cost feedstocks. Methodology and Principal Findings This study explores the high ferulic acid and n-butanol tolerance in Lactobacillus brevis, a lactic acid bacterium often found in fermentation processes, by global transcriptional response analysis. The transcriptional profile of L. brevis reveals that the presence of ferulic acid triggers the expression of currently uncharacterized membrane proteins, possibly in an effort to counteract ferulic acid induced changes in membrane fluidity and ion leakage. In contrast to the ferulic acid stress response, n-butanol challenges to growing cultures primarily induce genes within the fatty acid synthesis pathway and reduced the proportion of 19∶1 cyclopropane fatty acid within the L. brevis membrane. Both inhibitors also triggered generalized stress responses. Separate attempts to alter flux through the Escherichia coli fatty acid synthesis by overexpressing acetyl-CoA carboxylase subunits and deleting cyclopropane fatty acid synthase (cfa) both failed to improve n-butanol tolerance in E. coli, indicating that additional components of the stress response are required to confer n-butanol resistance. Conclusions Several promising routes for understanding both ferulic acid and n-butanol tolerance have been identified from L. brevis gene expression data. These insights may be used to guide further engineering of

  4. Relative quantitation of glycosylation variants by stable isotope labeling of enzymatically released N-glycans using [12C]/[13C] aniline and ZIC-HILIC-ESI-TOF-MS.

    PubMed

    Giménez, Estela; Sanz-Nebot, Victòria; Rizzi, Andreas

    2013-09-01

    Glycan reductive isotope labeling (GRIL) using [(12)C]- and [(13)C]-coded aniline was used for relative quantitation of N-glycans. In a first step, the labeling method by reductive amination was optimized for this reagent. It could be demonstrated that selecting aniline as limiting reactant and using the reductant in excess is critical for achieving high derivatization yields (over 95 %) and good reproducibility (relative standard deviations ∼1-5 % for major and ∼5-10 % for minor N-glycans). In a second step, zwitterionic-hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography in capillary columns coupled to electrospray mass spectrometry with time-of-flight analyzer (μZIC-HILIC-ESI-TOF-MS) was applied for the analysis of labeled N-glycans released from intact glycoproteins. Ovalbumin, bovine α1-acid-glycoprotein and bovine fetuin were used as test glycoproteins to establish and evaluate the methodology. Excellent separation of isomeric N-glycans and reproducible quantitation via the extracted ion chromatograms indicate a great potential of the proposed methodology for glycoproteomic analysis and for reliable relative quantitation of glycosylation variants in biological samples.

  5. Therapeutic potential of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in disease.

    PubMed

    Fetterman, James W; Zdanowicz, Martin M

    2009-07-01

    The potential therapeutic benefits of supplementation with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in various diseases are reviewed, and the antiinflammatory actions, activity, and potential drug interactions and adverse effects of n-3 PUFAs are discussed. Fish oils are an excellent source of long-chain n-3 PUFAs, such as eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. After consumption, n-3 PUFAs can be incorporated into cell membranes and reduce the amount of arachidonic acid available for the synthesis of proinflammatory eicosanoids (e.g., prostaglandins, leukotrienes). Likewise, n-3 PUFAs can also reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-1, and interleukin-6. Considerable research has been conducted to evaluate the potential therapeutic effects of fish oils in numerous conditions, including arthritis, coronary artery disease, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, and sepsis, all of which have inflammation as a key component of their pathology. Additional investigations into the use of supplementation with fish oils in patients with neural injury, cancer, ocular diseases, and critical illness have recently been conducted. The most commonly reported adverse effects of fish oil supplements are a fishy aftertaste and gastrointestinal upset. When recommending an n-3 PUFA, clinicians should be aware of any possible adverse effect or drug interaction that, although not necessarily clinically significant, may occur, especially for patients who may be susceptible to increased bleeding (e.g., patients taking warfarin). The n-3 PUFAs have been shown to be efficacious in treating and preventing various diseases. The wide variation in dosages and formulations used in studies makes it difficult to recommend dosages for specific treatment goals.

  6. Basal omega-3 fatty acid status affects fatty acid and oxylipin responses to high-dose n3-HUFA in healthy volunteers

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Objective: Baseline concentrations of highly unsaturated omega-3 fatty acid (n3-HUFA) may influence the ability of dietary n3-HUFA to affect changes in concentrations of esterified fatty acids and their metabolites. This study evaluates the influence of basal n3-HUFA and n3-HUFA metabolite status ...

  7. Zwitterionic-hydrophilic interaction capillary liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry for the characterization of human alpha-acid-glycoprotein N-glycan isomers.

    PubMed

    Mancera-Arteu, Montserrat; Giménez, Estela; Barbosa, José; Peracaula, Rosa; Sanz-Nebot, Victòria

    2017-10-23

    In this work, a μZIC-HILIC-MS/MS methodology was established in negative ion mode for the characterization of glycan isomers. The possibility to separate the glycan isomers by the μZIC-HILIC strategy coupled to a high resolution tandem mass spectrometry detection permitted us to obtain valuable information about each glycan structure. The most important diagnostic ion fragments previously described to characterize structural features of glycans, were evaluated in this study using hAGP as model glycoprotein. The assignation of hAGP glycan isomers performed in our previous work using the GRIL strategy in combination with exoglycosidase digestion [1] was used in this paper to confirm or discard some ion fragments reported in the literature and delve into the structural characterization of glycan isomers. Sialic acid as well as fucose linkage-type glycan isomers were assigned using this approach and daughter ions with higher diagnostic value were determined. The location of α2-3/α2-6 sialic acids on antennas and a deeper characterization of several highly sialylated tri- and tetraantennary glycans was also possible using the established MS/MS method. Moreover, relying on the characterization performed in Ref. [1], core and antenna fucosylation were differentiated in this work using specific ion fragments obtained in the tandem mass spectra. This methodology was also applied to hAGP purified from control and pathological serum samples, which corroborated its robustness and its potential for finding novel glycan-based biomarkers in patho-glycomic studies. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. Potential for daily supplementation of n-3 fatty acids to reverse symptoms of dry eye in mice.

    PubMed

    Harauma, Akiko; Saito, Junpei; Watanabe, Yoshitake; Moriguchi, Toru

    2014-06-01

    The purpose of this study was to determine the change in tear volume, as a predominant symptom of dry eye syndrome, in dietary n-3 fatty acid deficient mice compared with n-3 fatty acid adequate mice. The tear volume in n-3 fatty acid deficient mice was significantly lower than that in n-3 fatty acid adequate mice. In addition, the concentration of n-3 fatty acid in the lacrimal and meibomian glands, which affects the production of tears, was markedly decreased compared with n-3 fatty acid adequate mice. However, the tear volume recovered almost completely after one week of continuous administration of fish oil containing EPA and DHA in n-3 fatty acid deficient mice. Also, the concentration of DHA in the meibomian gland of n-3 fatty acid deficient group recovered to approximately 80% more than that of n-3 fatty acid adequate group. These results suggested that dietary n-3 fatty acids deficiency showed reversible dry eye syndrome, and that n-3 fatty acids have an important role in the production of tears. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  9. n-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with dysglycemia.

    PubMed

    Bosch, Jackie; Gerstein, Hertzel C; Dagenais, Gilles R; Díaz, Rafael; Dyal, Leanne; Jung, Hyejung; Maggiono, Aldo P; Probstfield, Jeffrey; Ramachandran, Ambady; Riddle, Matthew C; Rydén, Lars E; Yusuf, Salim

    2012-07-26

    The use of n-3 fatty acids may prevent cardiovascular events in patients with recent myocardial infarction or heart failure. Their effects in patients with (or at risk for) type 2 diabetes mellitus are unknown. In this double-blind study with a 2-by-2 factorial design, we randomly assigned 12,536 patients who were at high risk for cardiovascular events and had impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, or diabetes to receive a 1-g capsule containing at least 900 mg (90% or more) of ethyl esters of n-3 fatty acids or placebo daily and to receive either insulin glargine or standard care. The primary outcome was death from cardiovascular causes. The results of the comparison between n-3 fatty acids and placebo are reported here. During a median follow up of 6.2 years, the incidence of the primary outcome was not significantly decreased among patients receiving n-3 fatty acids, as compared with those receiving placebo (574 patients [9.1%] vs. 581 patients [9.3%]; hazard ratio, 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.87 to 1.10; P=0.72). The use of n-3 fatty acids also had no significant effect on the rates of major vascular events (1034 patients [16.5%] vs. 1017 patients [16.3%]; hazard ratio, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.93 to 1.10; P=0.81), death from any cause (951 [15.1%] vs. 964 [15.4%]; hazard ratio, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.89 to 1.07; P=0.63), or death from arrhythmia (288 [4.6%] vs. 259 [4.1%]; hazard ratio, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.93 to 1.30; P=0.26). Triglyceride levels were reduced by 14.5 mg per deciliter (0.16 mmol per liter) more among patients receiving n-3 fatty acids than among those receiving placebo (P<0.001), without a significant effect on other lipids. Adverse effects were similar in the two groups. Daily supplementation with 1 g of n-3 fatty acids did not reduce the rate of cardiovascular events in patients at high risk for cardiovascular events. (Funded by Sanofi; ORIGIN ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00069784.).

  10. A Propensity for n-omega-Amino Acids in Thermally-Altered Antarctic Meteorites

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Burton, Aaron S.; Elsila, Jamie E.; Callahan, Michael P.; Martin, Mildred G.; Glavin, Daniel P.; Johnson, Natasha M.; Dworkin, Jason P.

    2012-01-01

    Carbonaceous meteorites are known to contain a wealth of indigenous organic molecules, including amino acids, which suggests that these meteorites could have been an important source of prebiotic organic material during the origins of life on Earth and possibly elsewhere. We report the detection of extraterrestrial amino acids in thermally-altered type 3 CV and CO carbonaceous chondrites and ureilites recovered from Antarctica. The amino acid concentrations of the thirteen Antarctic meteorites were generally less abundant than in more amino acid-rich CI, CM, and CR carbonaceous chondrites that experienced much lower temperature aqueous alteration on their parent bodies. In contrast to low-temperature aqueously-altered meteorites that show complete structural diversity in amino acids formed predominantly by Strecker-cyanohydrin synthesis, the thermally-altered meteorites studied here are dominated by small, straight-chain, amine terminal (n-omega-amino) amino acids that are not consistent with Strecker formation. The carbon isotopic ratios of two extraterrestrial n-omega-amino acids measured in one of the CV chondrites are consistent with C-13-depletions observed previously in hydrocarbons produced by Fischer-Tropsch type reactions. The predominance of n-omega-amino acid isomers in thermally-altered meteorites hints at cosmochemical mechanisms for the preferential formation and preservation of a small subset of the possible amino acids.

  11. Crystal growth, structural, spectral, thermal, linear and nonlinear optical characterization of a new organic nonlinear chiral compound: L-tryptophan-fumaric acid-water (1/1/1) suitable for laser frequency conversion

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Peer Mohamed, M.; Jayaprakash, P.; Nageshwari, M.; Rathika Thaya Kumari, C.; Sangeetha, P.; Sudha, S.; Mani, G.; Lydia Caroline, M.

    2017-08-01

    A new organic active nonlinear optical crystal L-tryptophan fumaric acid water (1/1/1), (C15H17N2 O7. H2O)(LTFAW), consisting of zwitterion tryptophan molecule in conjunction with a fumaric acid molecule and a water molecule was grown by slow solvent evaporation technique from aqueous solution. The organic chromophore crystallizes from water in its zwitterions exhibiting tabular habit in monoclinic system with acentric space group C2 (Z = 4). The sharp peaks observed in Powder X-ray diffractogram depicts the crystalline nature. The presence of functional groups in the grown crystal was analyzed using FT-IR spectrum. The carbon and hydrogen environment in molecular structure was investigated using FT-NMR technique using deuterated DMSO solution. Ultraviolet-visible spectral analysis reveal that the crystal possess lower cut-off wavelength down to 275 nm, is a key factor to exhibit Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) signal. The direct optical band gap is evaluated to be 5.28 eV from the UV absorption profile. The evaluation of optical constants by employing UV-visible absorbance data such as, extinction coefficient, reflectance, refractive index, optical conductivity are supportive towards good performance as NLO devices. Temperature of decomposition was investigated using thermogravimetric analysis/differential thermal analysis techniques (TG/DTA). The luminescence profile exhibited two peaks (362 nm, 683 nm) due to the donation of protons from carboxylic group to amino group. The nonlinear optical behavior from the noncentrosymmetric crystal was observed by the generation of frequency doubled (2ω) optical radiation when subjected to pulsed Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm, 10 ns, 10 Hz) using Kurtz-Perry method. The variation of dielectric constant (εʹ) and dielectric loss (εʹʹ) vs. Log f for the title compound was analysed at a few selected temperatures and frequencies.

  12. Reconstruction of diaminopimelic acid biosynthesis allows characterisation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis N-succinyl-L,L-diaminopimelic acid desuccinylase

    PubMed Central

    Usha, Veeraraghavan; Lloyd, Adrian J.; Roper, David I.; Dowson, Christopher G.; Kozlov, Guennadi; Gehring, Kalle; Chauhan, Smita; Imam, Hasan T.; Blindauer, Claudia A.; Besra, Gurdyal S.

    2016-01-01

    With the increased incidence of tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis there is an urgent need for new and better anti-tubercular drugs. N-succinyl-L,L-diaminopimelic acid desuccinylase (DapE) is a key enzyme in the succinylase pathway for the biosynthesis of meso-diaminopimelic acid (meso-DAP) and L-lysine. DapE is a zinc containing metallohydrolase which hydrolyses N-succinyl L,L diaminopimelic acid (L,L-NSDAP) to L,L-diaminopimelic acid (L,L-DAP) and succinate. M. tuberculosis DapE (MtDapE) was cloned, over-expressed and purified as an N-terminal hexahistidine ((His)6) tagged fusion containing one zinc ion per DapE monomer. We redesigned the DAP synthetic pathway to generate L,L-NSDAP and other L,L-NSDAP derivatives and have characterised MtDapE with these substrates. In contrast to its other Gram negative homologues, the MtDapE was insensitive to inhibition by L-captopril which we show is consistent with novel mycobacterial alterations in the binding site of this drug. PMID:26976706

  13. Reconstruction of diaminopimelic acid biosynthesis allows characterisation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis N-succinyl-L,L-diaminopimelic acid desuccinylase.

    PubMed

    Usha, Veeraraghavan; Lloyd, Adrian J; Roper, David I; Dowson, Christopher G; Kozlov, Guennadi; Gehring, Kalle; Chauhan, Smita; Imam, Hasan T; Blindauer, Claudia A; Besra, Gurdyal S

    2016-03-15

    With the increased incidence of tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis there is an urgent need for new and better anti-tubercular drugs. N-succinyl-L,L-diaminopimelic acid desuccinylase (DapE) is a key enzyme in the succinylase pathway for the biosynthesis of meso-diaminopimelic acid (meso-DAP) and L-lysine. DapE is a zinc containing metallohydrolase which hydrolyses N-succinyl L,L diaminopimelic acid (L,L-NSDAP) to L,L-diaminopimelic acid (L,L-DAP) and succinate. M. tuberculosis DapE (MtDapE) was cloned, over-expressed and purified as an N-terminal hexahistidine ((His)6) tagged fusion containing one zinc ion per DapE monomer. We redesigned the DAP synthetic pathway to generate L,L-NSDAP and other L,L-NSDAP derivatives and have characterised MtDapE with these substrates. In contrast to its other Gram negative homologues, the MtDapE was insensitive to inhibition by L-captopril which we show is consistent with novel mycobacterial alterations in the binding site of this drug.

  14. n-3 and n-6 Fatty Acid Changes in the Erythrocyte Membranes of Patients with 658240251 Clostridium difficile Infection.

    PubMed

    Czepiel, Jacek; Gdula-Argasińska, Joanna; Garlicki, Aleksander

    2016-01-01

    The implications of circulating essential fatty acids (FA) on the inflammatory risk profile and clinical outcome are still unclear. In order to gain a deeper understanding of the role of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the pathogenesis of acute infection, we analyzed the FA content in red blood cell (RBC) membranes of patients with Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) and controls. We prospectively studied 60 patients including 30 patients with CDI and 30 controls to assess lipid concentrations in erythrocyte membranes using gas chromatography. We observed a higher level of saturated fatty acids (SFA) in RBC membranes from patients with CDI. In patients with CDI, we also noticed a higher level of 20:4 n-6 FA and only a small amounts of C20:2n-6, C20:3n-6 FAs, arachidonic acid (AA) precursors, which suggest an intense inflammatory reaction in the organism during infection. We also noticed low levels of n-3 FA in the RBC membranes of patients infected with CDI. There is a deficit of n-3 FA in patients with CDI. n-3 FA are probably used during CDI as precursors of pro-resolving mediators that may indicate a therapeutic role of n-3 PUFAs in CDI. The changes in fatty acids in erythrocyte membranes during CDI alter their functions which may have an impact on the clinical outcome.

  15. Dietary Conjugated Linoleic Acid-Enriched Cheeses Influence the Levels of Circulating n-3 Highly Unsaturated Fatty Acids in Humans.

    PubMed

    Murru, Elisabetta; Carta, Gianfranca; Cordeddu, Lina; Melis, Maria Paola; Desogus, Erika; Ansar, Hastimansooreh; Chilliard, Yves; Ferlay, Anne; Stanton, Catherine; Coakley, Mairéad; Ross, R Paul; Piredda, Giovanni; Addis, Margherita; Mele, Maria Cristina; Cannelli, Giorgio; Banni, Sebastiano; Manca, Claudia

    2018-06-11

    n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids (n-3 HUFA) directly and indirectly regulate lipid metabolism, energy balance and the inflammatory response. We investigated changes to the n-3 HUFA score of healthy adults, induced by different types and amounts of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)-enriched (ENCH) cheeses consumed for different periods of time, compared to dietary fish oil (FO) pills (500 mg, each containing 100 mg of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids—EPA+DHA) or α-linolenic acid (ALA)-rich linseed oil (4 g, containing 2 g of ALA). A significant increase in the n-3 HUFA score was observed, in a dose-dependent manner, after administration of the FO supplement. In terms of the impact on the n-3 HUFA score, the intake of ENCH cheese (90 g/day) for two or four weeks was equivalent to the administration of one or two FO pills, respectively. Conversely, the linseed oil intake did not significantly impact the n-3 HUFA score. Feeding ENCH cheeses from different sources (bovine, ovine and caprine) for two months improved the n-3 HUFA score by increasing plasma DHA, and the effect was proportional to the CLA content in the cheese. We suggest that the improved n-3 HUFA score resulting from ENCH cheese intake may be attributed to increased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α) activity. This study demonstrates that natural ENCH cheese is an alternative nutritional source of n-3 HUFA in humans.

  16. In Situ Synthesis of Antimicrobial Silver Nanoparticles within Antifouling Zwitterionic Hydrogels by Catecholic Redox Chemistry for Wound Healing Application.

    PubMed

    GhavamiNejad, Amin; Park, Chan Hee; Kim, Cheol Sang

    2016-03-14

    A multifunctional hydrogel that combines the dual functionality of both antifouling and antimicrobial capacities holds great potential for many bioapplications. Many approaches and different materials have been employed to synthesize such a material. However, a systematic study, including in vitro and in vivo evaluation, on such a material as wound dressings is highly scarce at present. Herein, we report on a new strategy that uses catecholic chemistry to synthesize antimicrobial silver nanoparticles impregnated into antifouling zwitterionic hydrogels. For this purpose, hydrophobic dopamine methacrylamide monomer (DMA) was mixed in an aqueous solution of sodium tetraborate decahydrate and DMA monomer became soluble after increasing pH to 9 due to the complexation between catechol groups and boron. Then, cross-linking polymerization of zwitterionic monomer was carried out with the solution of the protected dopamine monomer to produce a new hydrogel. When this new hydrogel comes in contact with a silver nitrate solution, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are formed in its structure as a result of the redox property of the catechol groups and in the absence of any other external reducing agent. The results obtained from TEM and XRD measurements indicate that AgNPs with diameters of around 20 nm had formed within the networks. FESEM images confirmed that the silver nanoparticles were homogeneously incorporated throughout the hydrogel network, and FTIR spectroscopy demonstrated that the catechol moiety in the polymeric backbone of the hydrogel is responsible for the reduction of silver ions into the AgNPs. Finally, the in vitro and in vivo experiments suggest that these mussel-inspired, antifouling, antibacterial hydrogels have great potential for use in wound healing applications.

  17. Development of rabbit meat products fortified with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.

    PubMed

    Petracci, Massimiliano; Bianchi, Maurizio; Cavani, Claudio

    2009-02-01

    Rabbit meat is a highly digestible, tasty, low-calorie food, often recommended by nutritionists over other meats. Currently research in the rabbit sector is interested in developing feeding strategies aiming to further increase the nutritional value of rabbit meat as a "functional food" by including n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA), conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), vitamins and antioxidants in rabbit diets and assessing their effects on both raw and stored/processed meat quality properties. Our recent studies indicate that the dietary inclusion from 3 to 6% of linseed might be considered as a way to achieve the enrichment of the meat with α-linolenic acid and to guarantee satisfactory product stability during further processing and storage. Considering that 6% dietary linseed corresponds to a n-3 PUFA content of 8.5% of the total fatty acids and a lipid content of 4.7 g/100 g of leg meat, a content of 396 mg n-3 PUFA/100g meat can be estimated, which represents about 19% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for n-3 PUFA.

  18. Development of Rabbit Meat Products Fortified With n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

    PubMed Central

    Petracci, Massimiliano; Bianchi, Maurizio; Cavani, Claudio

    2009-01-01

    Rabbit meat is a highly digestible, tasty, low-calorie food, often recommended by nutritionists over other meats. Currently research in the rabbit sector is interested in developing feeding strategies aiming to further increase the nutritional value of rabbit meat as a “functional food” by including n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA), conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), vitamins and antioxidants in rabbit diets and assessing their effects on both raw and stored/processed meat quality properties. Our recent studies indicate that the dietary inclusion from 3 to 6% of linseed might be considered as a way to achieve the enrichment of the meat with α-linolenic acid and to guarantee satisfactory product stability during further processing and storage. Considering that 6% dietary linseed corresponds to a n-3 PUFA content of 8.5% of the total fatty acids and a lipid content of 4.7 g/100 g of leg meat, a content of 396 mg n-3 PUFA/100g meat can be estimated, which represents about 19% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for n-3 PUFA. PMID:22253971

  19. Influence of ethylenediamine-n,n’-disuccinic acid (EDDS) concentration on the bactericidal activity of fatty acids in vitro

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    The antibacterial activity of mixtures of ethylenediamine-N,N’-disuccinic acid (EDDS) and antibacterial fatty acids (FA) was examined using the agar diffusion assay. Solutions of caproic, caprylic, capric, and lauric acids dissolved in potassium hydroxide (KOH) were supplemented with 0, 5, or 10 mM ...

  20. Atypical cleavage of protonated N-fatty acyl amino acids derived from aspartic acid evidenced by sequential MS3 experiments.

    PubMed

    Boukerche, Toufik Taalibi; Alves, Sandra; Le Faouder, Pauline; Warnet, Anna; Bertrand-Michel, Justine; Bouchekara, Mohamed; Belbachir, Mohammed; Tabet, Jean-Claude

    2016-12-01

    Lipidomics calls for information on detected lipids and conjugates whose structural elucidation by mass spectrometry requires to rationalization of their gas phase dissociations toward collision-induced dissociation (CID) processes. This study focused on activated dissociations of two lipoamino acid (LAA) systems composed of N-palmitoyl acyl coupled with aspartic and glutamic acid mono ethyl esters (as LAA (*D) and LAA (*E) ). Although in MS/MS, their CID spectra show similar trends, e.g., release of water and ethanol, the [(LAA (*D/*E) +H)-C 2 H 5 OH] + product ions dissociate via distinct pathways in sequential MS 3 experiments. The formation of all the product ions is rationalized by charge-promoted cleavages often involving stepwise processes with ion isomerization into ion-dipole prior to dissociation. The latter explains the maleic anhydride or ketene neutral losses from N-palmitoyl acyl aspartate and glutamate anhydride fragment ions, respectively. Consequently, protonated palmitoyl acid amide is generated from LAA (*D), whereas LAA (*E) leads to the [*E+H-H 2 O] + anhydride. The former releases ammonia to provide acylium, which gives the C n H (2n-1) and C n H (2n-3) carbenium series. This should offer structural information, e.g., to locate either unsaturation(s) or alkyl group branching present on the various fatty acyl moieties of lipo-aspartic acid in further studies based on MS n experiments.

  1. New salts of amino acids with dimeric cations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ghazaryan, V. V.; Fleck, M.; Petrosyan, A. M.

    2010-10-01

    Among salts of amino acids there are compounds with the composition 2A..HX, which consist of dimeric A...A+ cations with short symmetric or asymmetric hydrogen bonds between zwitter-ionic and protonated moieties. These species are materials liable to undergo phase transitions or possess interesting nonlinear optical properties. Here, we report the preparation of 20 new salts with dimeric cations from aqueous solutions, including compounds of glycine, betaine, β- alanine, L-alanine, L-phenylalanine, L-threonine, L-valine, L-leucine and L-proline, with BF4-, ClO4-, Cl-, Br-, HSeO3-, and HC2O4-; as anions. The prepared salts are characterized by IR and Raman spectroscopy. Some of them are grown in form of good quality single crystals, which allowed the determination of their crystal structure.

  2. Palmitoleic acid (16:1n7) increases oxygen consumption, fatty acid oxidation and ATP content in white adipocytes.

    PubMed

    Cruz, Maysa M; Lopes, Andressa B; Crisma, Amanda R; de Sá, Roberta C C; Kuwabara, Wilson M T; Curi, Rui; de Andrade, Paula B M; Alonso-Vale, Maria I C

    2018-03-20

    We have recently demonstrated that palmitoleic acid (16:1n7) increases lipolysis, glucose uptake and glucose utilization for energy production in white adipose cells. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that palmitoleic acid modulates bioenergetic activity in white adipocytes. For this, 3 T3-L1 pre-adipocytes were differentiated into mature adipocytes in the presence (or absence) of palmitic (16:0) or palmitoleic (16:1n7) acid at 100 or 200 μM. The following parameters were evaluated: lipolysis, lipogenesis, fatty acid (FA) oxidation, ATP content, oxygen consumption, mitochondrial mass, citrate synthase activity and protein content of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complexes. Treatment with 16:1n7 during 9 days raised basal and isoproterenol-stimulated lipolysis, FA incorporation into triacylglycerol (TAG), FA oxidation, oxygen consumption, protein expression of subunits representing OXPHOS complex II, III, and V and intracellular ATP content. These effects were not observed in adipocytes treated with 16:0. Palmitoleic acid, by concerted action on lipolysis, FA esterification, mitochondrial FA oxidation, oxygen consumption and ATP content, does enhance white adipocyte energy expenditure and may act as local hormone.

  3. Nitric Acid and Water Extraction by T2EHDGA in n -Dodecane

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Campbell, Emily L.; Holfeltz, Vanessa E.; Hall, Gabriel B.

    Liquid-liquid distribution behavior of nitric acid (HNO3) and water by a diglycolamide ligand, N,N,N',N'-tetra-2-ethylhexyldiglycolamide (T2EHDGA) into n-dodecane diluent was investigated. Spectroscopic FTIR and NMR characterization of the organic extraction solutions indicate T2EHDGA carbonyl coordinates HNO3 and progressively aggregates at high acid conditions. Water extraction increases in the presence of HNO3. The experimentally observed distribution of HNO3 was modeled using the computer program, SXLSQI. The results indicated that the formation of two organic phase species—HNO3·T2EHDGA and (HNO3)2·T2EHDGA—satisfactory describes the acid transport behavior. Temperature dependent solvent extraction studies allowed for determination of thermodynamic extraction constants and ΔH and ΔS parameters for themore » corresponding extractive processes.« less

  4. Membrane binding of an acyl-lactoferricin B antimicrobial peptide from solid-state NMR experiments and molecular dynamics simulations.

    PubMed

    Romo, Tod D; Bradney, Laura A; Greathouse, Denise V; Grossfield, Alan

    2011-08-01

    One approach to the growing health problem of antibiotic resistant bacteria is the development of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as alternative treatments. The mechanism by which these AMPs selectively attack the bacterial membrane is not well understood, but is believed to depend on differences in membrane lipid composition. N-acylation of the small amidated hexapeptide, RRWQWR-NH(2) (LfB6), derived from the 25 amino acid bovine lactoferricin (LfB25) can be an effective means to improve its antimicrobial properties. Here, we investigate the interactions of C6-LfB6, N-acylated with a 6 carbon fatty acid, with model lipid bilayers with two distinct compositions: 3:1 POPE:POPG (negatively charged) and POPC (zwitterionic). Results from solid-state (2)H and (31)P NMR experiments are compared with those from an ensemble of all-atom molecular dynamic simulations running in aggregate more than 8.6ms. (2)H NMR spectra reveal no change in the lipid acyl chain order when C6-LfB6 is bound to the negatively charged membrane and only a slight decrease in order when it is bound to the zwitterionic membrane. (31)P NMR spectra show no significant perturbation of the phosphate head groups of either lipid system in the presence of C6-LfB6. Molecular dynamic simulations show that for the negatively charged membrane, the peptide's arginines drive the initial association with the membrane, followed by attachment of the tryptophans at the membrane-water interface, and finally by the insertion of the C6 tails deep into the bilayer. In contrast, the C6 tail leads the association with the zwitterionic membrane, with the tryptophans and arginines associating with the membrane-water interface in roughly the same amount of time. We find similar patterns in the order parameters from our simulations. Moreover, we find in the simulations that the C6 tail can insert 1-2Å more deeply into the zwitterionic membrane and can exist in a wider range of angles than in the negatively charged membrane. We

  5. Association of plasma n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids with synovitis in the knee: the MOST study

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    In osteoarthritis (OA) the synovium is often inflamed and inflammatory cytokines contribute to cartilage damage. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) have anti-inflammatory effects whereas omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-6 PUFAs) have, on balance, proinflammatory effects. The goal ...

  6. Accumulation of n-alkanes and carboxylic acids in peat mounds

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gabov, D. N.; Beznosikov, V. A.; Gruzdev, I. V.; Yakovleva, E. V.

    2017-10-01

    The quantitative and qualitative compositions of n-alkanes and carboxylic acids have been identified, and the features of their vertical stratification in peat mound profiles of the forest-tundra zone of Komi Republic have been revealed. The composition of n-alkanes (structures with C23, C25, C27, C29, and C31) and carboxylic acids (C24, C26, and C28) and their proportions make it possible to determine changes in plant communities of peat mounds with time and can be used as markers for the degree of decomposition of organic matter. In cryogenic horizons, the contents of n-alkanes (mainly C23, C25, and C27) and carboxylic acids (C24, C26, and C28) significantly decrease because of the different botanic composition of cryogenic horizons (grass-woody residues) and seasonally thawing horizons (moss-subshrub residues) and the almost complete stopping of the equilibrium accumulation and transformation of organic compounds in permafrost.

  7. Reaction of N-acetylneuraminic acid derivatives with perfluorinated anhydrides: a short access to N-perfluoracylated glycals with antiviral properties.

    PubMed

    Rota, Paola; Allevi, Pietro; Mattina, Roberto; Anastasia, Mario

    2010-08-21

    An efficient short protocol for the preparation of N-perfluoroacylated glycals of neuraminic acid, by simple short treatment of differently protected N-acetylneuraminic acid with perfluorinated anhydrides in acetonitrile at 135 degrees C, is reported, together with a rationalitazion of the reaction that allows the alternative formation of N-perfluoroacylated 1,7-lactones to be previewed under the same reaction conditions.

  8. Proline zwitterion dynamics in solution, glass, and crystalline state.

    PubMed

    Kapitán, Josef; Baumruk, Vladimír; Kopecký, Vladimír; Pohl, Radek; Bour, Petr

    2006-10-18

    Raman and Raman optical activity spectra of L- and D-proline zwitterionic (PROZW) forms were recorded for H(2)O and D(2)O solutions in a wide frequency range and analyzed with respect to the motion of the proline ring and rotation of the carbonyl group. The solution spectra were additionally compared to Raman scattering of glass and crystalline powder proline. Solution and glass spectral band broadenings are similar and reveal information about the extent of internal molecular motion. Two distinct but equally populated flexible forms were found in the glass and the solution. The equal population is consistent with NMR data, temperature, and concentration dependencies. The molecular flexibility is reduced significantly in the crystal, however, where only one conformer is present. Consequently, the crystal bands are narrow and exhibit minor frequency shifts. The spectra were interpreted with the aid of density functional theory computations involving both continuum and explicit solvent. A two-dimensional potential energy surface pertaining to the five-member ring puckering coordinates was constructed and used for dynamical averaging of spectral properties. Comparison of the computed and experimental bandwidths suggests that the puckering is strongly correlated with the carbonyl rotation. An averaging over these two motions produces similar results. The interpretation of the Raman experiments with the aid of the simulation techniques also indicates that the environment modulates properties of the hydrophobic part of the molecule indirectly by interacting with the ionic group. Such behavior may be important for the reactivity and biological activity of proline-containing peptides and proteins.

  9. Metabolism of vertebrate amino sugars with N-glycolyl groups: mechanisms underlying gastrointestinal incorporation of the non-human sialic acid xeno-autoantigen N-glycolylneuraminic acid.

    PubMed

    Banda, Kalyan; Gregg, Christopher J; Chow, Renee; Varki, Nissi M; Varki, Ajit

    2012-08-17

    Although N-acetyl groups are common in nature, N-glycolyl groups are rare. Mammals express two major sialic acids, N-acetylneuraminic acid and N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc). Although humans cannot produce Neu5Gc, it is detected in the epithelial lining of hollow organs, endothelial lining of the vasculature, fetal tissues, and carcinomas. This unexpected expression is hypothesized to result via metabolic incorporation of Neu5Gc from mammalian foods. This accumulation has relevance for diseases associated with such nutrients, via interaction with Neu5Gc-specific antibodies. Little is known about how ingested sialic acids in general and Neu5Gc in particular are metabolized in the gastrointestinal tract. We studied the gastrointestinal and systemic fate of Neu5Gc-containing glycoproteins (Neu5Gc-glycoproteins) or free Neu5Gc in the Neu5Gc-free Cmah(-/-) mouse model. Ingested free Neu5Gc showed rapid absorption into the circulation and urinary excretion. In contrast, ingestion of Neu5Gc-glycoproteins led to Neu5Gc incorporation into the small intestinal wall, appearance in circulation at a steady-state level for several hours, and metabolic incorporation into multiple peripheral tissue glycoproteins and glycolipids, thus conclusively proving that Neu5Gc can be metabolically incorporated from food. Feeding Neu5Gc-glycoproteins but not free Neu5Gc mimics the human condition, causing tissue incorporation into human-like sites in Cmah(-/-) fetal and adult tissues, as well as developing tumors. Thus, glycoproteins containing glycosidically linked Neu5Gc are the likely dietary source for human tissue accumulation, and not the free monosaccharide. This human-like model can be used to elucidate specific mechanisms of Neu5Gc delivery from the gut to tissues, as well as general mechanisms of metabolism of ingested sialic acids.

  10. Maternal n-6 and n-3 fatty acid status during pregnancy is related to infant heart rate and heart rate variability: An exploratory study.

    PubMed

    Drewery, M L; Gaitán, A V; Spedale, S B; Monlezun, C J; Miketínas, D C; Lammi-Keefe, C J

    2017-11-01

    Early life heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) reflect autonomic system maturation. Intervention with n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) during pregnancy favorably affects fetal HR and HRV, complementing previous observations for n-3 LCPUFA intervention during infancy. The relationship between maternal fatty acid status during pregnancy and infant HR/HRV has not previously been assessed. The aim of this study was to explore associations between maternal n-6 and n-3 fatty acid status during pregnancy and infant HR and HRV at 2 weeks, 4 months, and 6 months of age using linear regression models. Maternal n-3 fatty acids were inversely related to infant HR and positively related to HRV. Conversely, maternal n-6 fatty acids were positively related to infant HR and inversely related to HRV. These data build on existing literature evidencing a role for n-3 fatty acids in accelerating autonomic development and link n-6 fatty acids to HR/HRV. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. 40 CFR 721.3820 - L-Glutamic acid, N-(1-oxododecyl)-, disodium salt.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false L-Glutamic acid, N-(1-oxododecyl... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.3820 L-Glutamic acid, N-(1-oxododecyl)-, disodium salt. (a) Chemical substance and significant new uses subject to reporting. (1) The chemical substance identified as L-Glutamic...

  12. [Effect of humic acids on migration and transformation of NH4(+) -N in saturated aquifer].

    PubMed

    Meng, Qing-Jun; Zhang, Yan; Feng, Qi-Yan; Zhang, Shuang-Sheng

    2011-11-01

    Isothermal adsorption experiment was used to study the adsorbing process of NH4(+) -N in quartz sands under the conditions with and without humic acid; the Langmuir and Freundlich equations were used to fit the absorption result and the maximum adsorption capacity of NH4(+) -N by quarts sands was calculated. Through the soil column experiments, the concentration of NH4(+) -N, NO3(-) -N and NO2(-) -N in effluent water in the tested soil column was investigated, and the effect of humic acid on migration and transformation of NH4(+) -N in saturated aquifer was analyzed, and Pseudo-second-order Kinetics Equation and Two-step Adsorption Kinetics Rate Equation were applied to fit the kinetic processes. The results showed that both Langmuir and Freundlich models can well describe the isothermal adsorption process of NH4(+) -N on the surface of quartz sands, which means that NH4(+) -N adsorbed by the quartz sand was mainly in the form of monolayer adsorption. The humic acid could increase the adsorption capacity of NH4(+) -N on quartz sand, and the saturated adsorption capacity was 0.354 mg x g(-1) under the condition with humic acid and 0.205 mg x g(-1) with the absence of humic acid. The experiment indicated that humic acid increased the adsorption capacity of NH4(+) -N on the surface of quartz sand by increasing adsorption space in the initial stage. After saturation, humic acid influenced the migration and transformation of NH4(+) -N to NO3(-) -N and NO2(-) -N probably through providing carbon source and energy for microorganisms such as nitrifying bacteria and then resulting in lower NH4(+) -N concentration in effluent water. Both Pseudo-second-order Kinetics Equation and Two-step Adsorption Kinetics Rate Equations can well describe the process of NH4(+) -N adsorption kinetics on quartz sand (R2 = 0.997 7 and R2 = 0.998 1 with humic acid; R2 = 0.992 3 and R2 = 0.994 4 without humic acid), indicating that this process was chemical adsorption. By comparing the

  13. Human baby hair amino acid natural abundance 15N-isotope values are not related to the 15N-isotope values of amino acids in mother's breast milk protein.

    PubMed

    Romek, Katarzyna M; Julien, Maxime; Frasquet-Darrieux, Marine; Tea, Illa; Antheaume, Ingrid; Hankard, Régis; Robins, Richard J

    2013-12-01

    Since exclusively breast-suckled infants obtain their nutrient only from their mother's milk, it might be anticipated that a correlation will exist between the (15)N/(14)N isotope ratios of amino acids of protein of young infants and those supplied by their mother. The work presented here aimed to determine whether amino nitrogen transfer from human milk to infant hair protein synthesized within the first month of life conserves the maternal isotopic signature or whether post-ingestion fractionation dominates the nitrogen isotope spectrum. The study was conducted at 1 month post-birth on 100 mother-infant pairs. Isotope ratios (15)N/(14)N and (13)C/(12)C were measured using isotope ratio measurement by Mass Spectrometry (irm-MS) for whole maternal milk, and infant hair and (15)N/(14)N ratios were also measured by GC-irm-MS for the N-pivaloyl-O-isopropyl esters of amino acids obtained from the hydrolysis of milk and hair proteins. The δ(15)N and δ(13)C (‰) were found to be significantly higher in infant hair than in breast milk (δ(15)N, P < 0.001; δ(13)C, P < 0.001). Furthermore, the δ(15)N (‰) of individual amino acids in infant hair was also significantly higher than that in maternal milk (P < 0.001). By calculation, the observed shift in isotope ratio was shown not to be accounted for by the amino acid composition of hair and milk proteins, indicating that it is not simply due to differences in the composition in the proteins present. Rather, it would appear that each pool-mother and infant-turns over independently, and that fractionation in infant N-metabolism even in the first month of life dominates over the nutrient N-content.

  14. Interaction of a lectin from Psathyrella velutina mushroom with N-acetylneuraminic acid.

    PubMed

    Ueda, H; Kojima, K; Saitoh, T; Ogawa, H

    1999-04-01

    A lectin from the fruiting body of Psathyrella velutina has been used as a specific probe for non-reducing terminal N-acetylglucosamine residues. We reveal in this report that P. velutina lectin recognizes a non-reducing terminal N-acetylneuraminic acid residue in glycoproteins and oligosaccharides. Binding of biotinyl P. velutina lectin to N-acetylneuraminic acid residues was prevented by desialylation of glycoconjugates and was distinguished from the binding to N-acetylglucosamine. Sialooligosaccharides were retarded or bound and eluted with N-acetylglucosamine on a P. velutina lectin column, being differentiated from each other and also from the oligosaccharides with non-reducing terminal N-acetylglucosamine which bound more strongly to the column.

  15. Age-related changes of n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the anterior cingulate cortex of individuals with major depressive disorder.

    PubMed

    Conklin, Sarah M; Runyan, Caroline A; Leonard, Sherry; Reddy, Ravinder D; Muldoon, Matthew F; Yao, Jeffrey K

    2010-01-01

    Accumulating evidence finds a relative deficiency of peripheral membrane fatty acids in persons with affective disorders such as unipolar and bipolar depression. Here we sought to investigate whether postmortem brain fatty acids within the anterior cingulate cortex (BA-24) varied according to the presence of major depression at the time of death. Using capillary gas chromatography we measured fatty acids in a depressed group (n=12), and in a control group without lifetime history of psychiatric diagnosis (n=14). Compared to the control group, the depressed group showed significantly lower concentrations of numerous saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids including both the n-3 and n-6 fatty acids. Additionally, significant correlations between age at death and precursor (or metabolites) in the n-3 fatty acid pathway were demonstrated in the depressed group but not in control subjects. In the n-6 fatty acid family, the ratio of 20:3(n-6)/18:2(n-6) was higher in patients than in control groups, whereas the ratio of 20:4(n-6)/20:3(n-6) was relatively decreased in patients. Lastly, a significant negative correlation between age and the ratio of 20:4(n-6) to 22:6(n-3) was found in patients, but not in controls. Taken together, decreases in 22:6(n-3) may be caused, at least in part, by the diminished formation of 20:5(n-3), which is derived from 20:4(n-3) through a Delta5 desaturase reaction. The present findings from postmortem brain tissue raise the possibility that an increased ratio of 20:4(n-6) to 22:6(n-3) may provide us with a biomarker for depression. Future research should further investigate these relationships. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  16. From N-triisopropylsilylpyrrole to an optically active C-4 substituted pyroglutamic acid: total synthesis of penmacric acid.

    PubMed

    Berini, Christophe; Pelloux-Léon, Nadia; Minassian, Frédéric; Denis, Jean-Noël

    2009-11-07

    The stereoselective synthesis of penmacric acid, an optically active C-4 substituted pyroglutamic acid, has been efficiently achieved through an unusual 11-step sequence starting from simple N-triisopropylsilylpyrrole. The key-steps are the initial addition of the pyrrole nucleus onto a chiral nitrone and the obtention of the pyroglutamic acid moiety by reductive hydrogenation of the pyrrole followed by oxidation of the corresponding pyrrolidine into pyrrolidinone.

  17. Synthesis, characterization and crystal structure of (2RS,4R)-2-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Muche, Simon; Müller, Matthias; Hołyńska, Małgorzata

    2018-03-01

    The condensation reaction of ortho-vanillin and L-cysteine leads to formation of a racemic mixture of (2RS,4R)-2-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid and not, as reported in the available literature, to a Schiff base. The racemic mixture was fully characterized by 1D and 2D NMR techniques, ESI-MS and X-ray diffraction. Addition of ZnCl2 led to formation of crystals in form of colorless needles, suitable for X-ray diffraction studies. The measured crystals were identified as the diastereomer (2R,4R)-2-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid 1. The bulk material is racemic. Thiazolidine exists as zwitterion in solid state, as indicated by the crystal structure.

  18. Evaluation of long-chain n3 fatty acid content in diploid and triploid rainbow trout

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Intake of long chain n3 fatty acids (LCn3), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5 n3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6 n3), is associated with reduced cardiovascular disease. There is growing interest in farmed fish like rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, as sources of LCn3. The trout industry raises...

  19. Red Blood Cell Docosapentaenoic Acid (DPA n-3) is Inversely Associated with Triglycerides and C-reactive Protein (CRP) in Healthy Adults and Dose-Dependently Increases Following n-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation

    PubMed Central

    Skulas-Ray, Ann C.; Flock, Michael R.; Richter, Chesney K.; Harris, William S.; West, Sheila G.; Kris-Etherton, Penny M.

    2015-01-01

    The role of the long-chain omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in lipid metabolism and inflammation has been extensively studied; however, little is known about the relationship between docosapentaenoic acid (DPA, 22:5 n-3) and inflammation and triglycerides (TG). We evaluated whether n-3 DPA content of red blood cells (RBC) was associated with markers of inflammation (interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and C-reactive protein (CRP) and fasting TG prior to n-3 supplementation in two studies (Study 1: n = 115, aged 20–44 years, body mass index (BMI) 20–30 kg/m2, TG = 34–176 mg/dL; Study 2: n = 28, aged 22–65 years, BMI 24–37 kg/m2, TG = 141–339 mg/dL). We also characterized the dose-response effects of n-3 fatty acid supplementation on RBC n-3 DPA after five months of supplementation with fish oil (Study 1: 0, 300, 600, 900, and 1800 mg/day EPA + DHA) and eight weeks of prescription n-3 ethyl esters (Study 2: 0, 850, and 3400 mg/day EPA + DHA). In Study 1, RBC n-3 DPA was inversely correlated with CRP (R2 = 36%, p < 0.001) and with fasting TG (r = −0.30, p = 0.001). The latter finding was replicated in Study 2 (r = −0.33, p = 0.04). In both studies, n-3 supplementation significantly increased RBC n-3 DPA dose-dependently. Relative increases were greater for Study 1, with increases of 29%–61% vs. 14%–26% for Study 2. The associations between RBC n-3 DPA, CRP, and fasting TG may have important implications for the prevention of atherosclerosis and chronic inflammatory diseases and warrant further study. PMID:26247967

  20. Ultra-low fouling and high antibody loading zwitterionic hydrogel coatings for sensing and detection in complex media.

    PubMed

    Chou, Ying-Nien; Sun, Fang; Hung, Hsiang-Chieh; Jain, Priyesh; Sinclair, Andrew; Zhang, Peng; Bai, Tao; Chang, Yung; Wen, Ten-Chin; Yu, Qiuming; Jiang, Shaoyi

    2016-08-01

    For surface-based diagnostic devices to achieve reliable biomarker detection in complex media such as blood, preventing nonspecific protein adsorption and incorporating high loading of biorecognition elements are paramount. In this work, a novel method to produce nonfouling zwitterionic hydrogel coatings was developed to achieve these goals. Poly(carboxybetaine acrylamide) (pCBAA) hydrogel thin films (CBHTFs) prepared with a carboxybetaine diacrylamide crosslinker (CBAAX) were coated on gold and silicon dioxide surfaces via a simple spin coating process. The thickness of CBHTFs could be precisely controlled between 15 and 150nm by varying the crosslinker concentration, and the films demonstrated excellent long-term stability. Protein adsorption from undiluted human blood serum onto the CBHTFs was measured with surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Hydrogel thin films greater than 20nm exhibited ultra-low fouling (<5ng/cm(2)). In addition, the CBHTFs were capable of high antibody functionalization for specific biomarker detection without compromising their nonfouling performance. This strategy provides a facile method to modify SPR biosensor chips with an advanced nonfouling material, and can be potentially expanded to a variety of implantable medical devices and diagnostic biosensors. In this work, we developed an approach to realize ultra-low fouling and high ligand loading with a highly-crosslinked, purely zwitterionic, carboxybetaine thin film hydrogel (CBHTF) coating platform. The CBHTF on a hydrophilic surface demonstrated long-term stability. By varying the crosslinker content in the spin-coated hydrogel solution, the thickness of CBHTFs could be precisely controlled. Optimized CBHTFs exhibited ultra-low nonspecific protein adsorption below 5ng/cm(2) measured by a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor, and their 3D architecture allowed antibody loading to reach 693ng/cm(2). This strategy provides a facile method to modify SPR biosensor chips with an advanced

  1. Kinetics study on the degradation of a model naphthenic acid by ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid-modified Fenton process.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Ying; Klamerth, Nikolaus; Messele, Selamawit Ashagre; Chelme-Ayala, Pamela; Gamal El-Din, Mohamed

    2016-11-15

    Naphthenic acids (NAs) are reported to be the main species responsible for the oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) toxicity. In this study, the degradation of cyclohexanoic acid (CHA) as a model compound for NAs by an ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid (EDDS)-modified Fenton process was investigated at pH 8. Optimum dose for Fe-EDDS (EDDS:Fe=2:1) was 0.45mM, and 2.94mM for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The time profiles of the main species in the process were studied, including CHA, H2O2, Fe(II), total Fe, and Fe-EDDS (in the main form of Fe(III)EDDS). The second-order rate constant between EDDS and hydroxyl radical (OH) at pH 8 was obtained as 2.48±0.43×10(9)M(-1)s(-1). OH was proved to be the main species responsible for the CHA degradation, while superoxide radical (O2(-)) played a minor role. The consecutive addition of H2O2 and Fe-EDDS led to a higher removal of CHA compared to that achieved by adding the reagents at a time. The half-wave potential of Fe(III/II)EDDS was measured at pH 7-9. The EDDS-modified Fenton process is a promising alternative to degrade NAs. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. Diffusion of aqueous solutions of ionic, zwitterionic, and polar solutes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Teng, Xiaojing; Huang, Qi; Dharmawardhana, Chamila Chathuranga; Ichiye, Toshiko

    2018-06-01

    The properties of aqueous solutions of ionic, zwitterionic, and polar solutes are of interest to many fields. For instance, one of the many anomalous properties of aqueous solutions is the behavior of water diffusion in different monovalent salt solutions. In addition, solutes can affect the stabilities of macromolecules such as proteins in aqueous solution. Here, the diffusivities of aqueous solutions of sodium chloride, potassium chloride, tri-methylamine oxide (TMAO), urea, and TMAO-urea are examined in molecular dynamics simulations. The decrease in the diffusivity of water with the concentration of simple ions and urea can be described by a simple model in which the water molecules hydrogen bonded to the solutes are considered to diffuse at the same rate as the solutes, while the remainder of the water molecules are considered to be bulk and diffuse at almost the same rate as pure water. On the other hand, the decrease in the diffusivity of water with the concentration of TMAO is apparently affected by a decrease in the diffusion rate of the bulk water molecules in addition to the decrease due to the water molecules hydrogen bonded to TMAO. In other words, TMAO enhances the viscosity of water, while urea barely affects it. Overall, this separation of water molecules into those that are hydrogen bonded to solute and those that are bulk can provide a useful means of understanding the short- and long-range effects of solutes on water.

  3. Zwitterionic peptide anchored to conducting polymer PEDOT for the development of antifouling and ultrasensitive electrochemical DNA sensor.

    PubMed

    Wang, Guixiang; Han, Rui; Su, Xiaoli; Li, Yinan; Xu, Guiyun; Luo, Xiliang

    2017-06-15

    Zwitterionic peptides were anchored to a conducting polymer of citrate doped poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) via the nickel cation coordination, and the obtained peptide modified PEDOT, with excellent antifouling ability and good conductivity, was further used for the immobilization of a DNA probe to construct an electrochemical biosensor for the breast cancer marker BRCA1. The DNA biosensor was highly sensitive (with detection limit of 0.03fM) and selective, and it was able to detect BRCA1 in 5% (v/v) human plasma with satisfying accuracy and low fouling. The marriage of antifouling and biocompatible peptides with conducting polymers opened a new avenue to construct electrochemical biosensors capable of assaying targets in complex biological media with high sensitivity and without biofouling. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  4. Energetics of Amino Acid Synthesis in Alkaline Hydrothermal Environments

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kitadai, Norio

    2015-12-01

    Alkaline hydrothermal systems have received considerable attention as candidates for the origin and evolution of life on the primitive Earth. Nevertheless, sufficient information has not yet been obtained for the thermodynamic properties of amino acids, which are necessary components for life, at high temperatures and alkaline pH. These properties were estimated using experimental high-temperature volume and heat capacity data reported in the literature for several amino acids, together with correlation algorithms and the revised Helgeson-Kirkham-Flowers (HKF) equations of state. This approach enabled determination of a complete set of the standard molal thermodynamic data and the revised HKF parameters for the 20 protein amino acids in their zwitterionic and ionization states. The obtained dataset was then used to evaluate the energetics of amino acid syntheses from simple inorganic precursors (CO2, H2, NH3 and H2S) in a simulated alkaline hydrothermal system on the Hadean Earth. Results show that mixing between CO2-rich seawater and the H2-rich hydrothermal fluid can produce energetically favorable conditions for amino acid syntheses, particularly in the lower-temperature region of such systems. Together with data related to the pH and temperature dependences of the energetics of amino acid polymerizations presented in earlier reports, these results suggest the following. Hadean alkaline hydrothermal settings, where steep pH and temperature gradients may have existed between cool, slightly acidic Hadean ocean water and hot, alkaline hydrothermal fluids at the vent-ocean interface, may be energetically the most suitable environment for the synthesis and polymerization of amino acids.

  5. Energetics of Amino Acid Synthesis in Alkaline Hydrothermal Environments.

    PubMed

    Kitadai, Norio

    2015-12-01

    Alkaline hydrothermal systems have received considerable attention as candidates for the origin and evolution of life on the primitive Earth. Nevertheless, sufficient information has not yet been obtained for the thermodynamic properties of amino acids, which are necessary components for life, at high temperatures and alkaline pH. These properties were estimated using experimental high-temperature volume and heat capacity data reported in the literature for several amino acids, together with correlation algorithms and the revised Helgeson-Kirkham-Flowers (HKF) equations of state. This approach enabled determination of a complete set of the standard molal thermodynamic data and the revised HKF parameters for the 20 protein amino acids in their zwitterionic and ionization states. The obtained dataset was then used to evaluate the energetics of amino acid syntheses from simple inorganic precursors (CO2, H2, NH3 and H2S) in a simulated alkaline hydrothermal system on the Hadean Earth. Results show that mixing between CO2-rich seawater and the H2-rich hydrothermal fluid can produce energetically favorable conditions for amino acid syntheses, particularly in the lower-temperature region of such systems. Together with data related to the pH and temperature dependences of the energetics of amino acid polymerizations presented in earlier reports, these results suggest the following. Hadean alkaline hydrothermal settings, where steep pH and temperature gradients may have existed between cool, slightly acidic Hadean ocean water and hot, alkaline hydrothermal fluids at the vent-ocean interface, may be energetically the most suitable environment for the synthesis and polymerization of amino acids.

  6. Development of zwitterionic sulfobetaine block copolymer conjugation strategies for reduced platelet deposition in respiratory assist devices.

    PubMed

    Malkin, Alexander D; Ye, Sang-Ho; Lee, Evan J; Yang, Xiguang; Zhu, Yang; Gamble, Lara J; Federspiel, William J; Wagner, William R

    2018-02-09

    Respiratory assist devices, that utilize ∼2 m 2 of hollow fiber membranes (HFMs) to achieve desired gas transfer rates, have been limited in their adoption due to such blood biocompatibility limitations. This study reports two techniques for the functionalization and subsequent conjugation of zwitterionic sulfobetaine (SB) block copolymers to polymethylpentene (PMP) HFM surfaces with the intention of reducing thrombus formation in respiratory assist devices. Amine or hydroxyl functionalization of PMP HFMs (PMP-A or PMP-H) was accomplished using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The generated functional groups were conjugated to low molecular weight SB block copolymers with N-hydroxysuccinimide ester or siloxane groups (SBNHS or SBNHSi) that were synthesized using reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. The modified HFMs (PMP-A-SBNHS or PMP-H-SBNHSi) showed 80-95% reduction in platelet deposition from whole ovine blood, stability under the fluid shear of anticipated operating conditions, and uninhibited gas exchange performance relative to non-modified HFMs (PMP-C). Additionally, the functionalization and SBNHSi conjugation technique was shown to reduce platelet deposition on polycarbonate and poly(vinyl chloride), two other materials commonly found in extracorporeal circuits. The observed thromboresistance and stability of the SB modified surfaces, without degradation of HFM gas transfer performance, indicate that this approach is promising for longer term pre-clinical testing in respiratory assist devices and may ultimately allow for the reduction of anticoagulation levels in patients being supported for extended periods. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  7. Sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide surface passivation effects on AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Zaidi, Z. H., E-mail: zaffar.zaidi@sheffield.ac.uk; Lee, K. B.; Qian, H.

    2014-12-28

    In this work, we have compared SiN{sub x} passivation, hydrogen peroxide, and sulfuric acid treatment on AlGaN/GaN HEMTs surface after full device fabrication on Si substrate. Both the chemical treatments resulted in the suppression of device pinch-off gate leakage current below 1 μA/mm, which is much lower than that for SiN{sub x} passivation. The greatest suppression over the range of devices is observed with the sulfuric acid treatment. The device on/off current ratio is improved (from 10{sup 4}–10{sup 5} to 10{sup 7}) and a reduction in the device sub-threshold (S.S.) slope (from ∼215 to 90 mV/decade) is achieved. The sulfuric acid ismore » believed to work by oxidizing the surface which has a strong passivating effect on the gate leakage current. The interface trap charge density (D{sub it}) is reduced (from 4.86 to 0.90 × 10{sup 12 }cm{sup −2} eV{sup −1}), calculated from the change in the device S.S. The gate surface leakage current mechanism is explained by combined Mott hopping conduction and Poole Frenkel models for both untreated and sulfuric acid treated devices. Combining the sulfuric acid treatment underneath the gate with the SiN{sub x} passivation after full device fabrication results in the reduction of D{sub it} and improves the surface related current collapse.« less

  8. Hierarchical zwitterionic modification of a SERS substrate enables real-time drug monitoring in blood plasma

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sun, Fang; Hung, Hsiang-Chieh; Sinclair, Andrew; Zhang, Peng; Bai, Tao; Galvan, Daniel David; Jain, Priyesh; Li, Bowen; Jiang, Shaoyi; Yu, Qiuming

    2016-11-01

    Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is an ultrasensitive analytical technique with molecular specificity, making it an ideal candidate for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). However, in critical diagnostic media including blood, nonspecific protein adsorption coupled with weak surface affinities and small Raman activities of many analytes hinder the TDM application of SERS. Here we report a hierarchical surface modification strategy, first by coating a gold surface with a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) designed to attract or probe for analytes and then by grafting a non-fouling zwitterionic polymer brush layer to effectively repel protein fouling. We demonstrate how this modification can enable TDM applications by quantitatively and dynamically measuring the concentrations of several analytes--including an anticancer drug (doxorubicin), several TDM-requiring antidepressant and anti-seizure drugs, fructose and blood pH--in undiluted plasma. This hierarchical surface chemistry is widely applicable to many analytes and provides a generalized platform for SERS-based biosensing in complex real-world media.

  9. Hierarchical zwitterionic modification of a SERS substrate enables real-time drug monitoring in blood plasma

    PubMed Central

    Sun, Fang; Hung, Hsiang-Chieh; Sinclair, Andrew; Zhang, Peng; Bai, Tao; Galvan, Daniel David; Jain, Priyesh; Li, Bowen; Jiang, Shaoyi; Yu, Qiuming

    2016-01-01

    Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is an ultrasensitive analytical technique with molecular specificity, making it an ideal candidate for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). However, in critical diagnostic media including blood, nonspecific protein adsorption coupled with weak surface affinities and small Raman activities of many analytes hinder the TDM application of SERS. Here we report a hierarchical surface modification strategy, first by coating a gold surface with a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) designed to attract or probe for analytes and then by grafting a non-fouling zwitterionic polymer brush layer to effectively repel protein fouling. We demonstrate how this modification can enable TDM applications by quantitatively and dynamically measuring the concentrations of several analytes—including an anticancer drug (doxorubicin), several TDM-requiring antidepressant and anti-seizure drugs, fructose and blood pH—in undiluted plasma. This hierarchical surface chemistry is widely applicable to many analytes and provides a generalized platform for SERS-based biosensing in complex real-world media. PMID:27834380

  10. Zwitterionic-surfactant-stabilized palladium nanoparticles as catalysts in the hydrogen transfer reductive amination of benzaldehydes.

    PubMed

    Drinkel, Emma E; Campedelli, Roberta R; Manfredi, Alex M; Fiedler, Haidi D; Nome, Faruk

    2014-03-21

    Palladium nanoparticles (NPs) stabilized by a zwitterionic surfactant are revealed here to be good catalysts for the reductive amination of benzaldehydes using formate salts as hydrogen donors in aqueous isopropanol. In terms of environmental impact and economy, metallic NPs offer several advantages over homogeneous and traditional heterogeneous catalysts. NPs usually display greater activity due to the increased metal surface area and sometimes exhibit enhanced selectivity. Thus, it is possible to use very low loadings of expensive metal. The methodology eliminates the use of a hydrogen gas atmosphere or toxic or expensive reagents. A range of aromatic aldehydes were converted to benzylamines when reacted with primary and secondary amines in the presence of the Pd NPs, which also displayed good activity when supported on alumina. In every case, the Pd NPs could be easily recovered and reused up to three more times, and at the end of the process, the product was metal-free.

  11. Cyclic mu-opioid receptor ligands containing multiple N-methylated amino acid residues.

    PubMed

    Adamska-Bartłomiejczyk, Anna; Janecka, Anna; Szabó, Márton Richárd; Cerlesi, Maria Camilla; Calo, Girolamo; Kluczyk, Alicja; Tömböly, Csaba; Borics, Attila

    2017-04-15

    In this study we report the in vitro activities of four cyclic opioid peptides with various sequence length/macrocycle size and N-methylamino acid residue content. N-Methylated amino acids were incorporated and cyclization was employed to enhance conformational rigidity to various extent. The effect of such modifications on ligand structure and binding properties were studied. The pentapeptide containing one endocyclic and one exocyclic N-methylated amino acid displayed the highest affinity to the mu-opioid receptor. This peptide was also shown to be a full agonist, while the other analogs failed to activate the mu opioid receptor. Results of molecular docking studies provided rationale for the explanation of binding properties on a structural basis. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. Mechanisms of n-3 fatty acid-mediated development and maintenance of learning memory performance.

    PubMed

    Su, Hui-Min

    2010-05-01

    Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) is specifically enriched in the brain and mainly anchored in the neuronal membrane, where it is involved in the maintenance of normal neurological function. Most DHA accumulation in the brain takes place during brain development in the perinatal period. However, hippocampal DHA levels decrease with age and in the brain disorder Alzheimer's disease (AD), and this decrease is associated with reduced hippocampal-dependent spatial learning memory ability. A potential mechanism is proposed by which the n-3 fatty acids DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n-3) aid the development and maintenance of spatial learning memory performance. The developing brain or hippocampal neurons can synthesize and take up DHA and incorporate it into membrane phospholipids, especially phosphatidylethanolamine, resulting in enhanced neurite outgrowth, synaptogenesis and neurogenesis. Exposure to n-3 fatty acids enhances synaptic plasticity by increasing long-term potentiation and synaptic protein expression to increase the dendritic spine density, number of c-Fos-positive neurons and neurogenesis in the hippocampus for learning memory processing. In aged rats, n-3 fatty acid supplementation reverses age-related changes and maintains learning memory performance. n-3 fatty acids have anti-oxidative stress, anti-inflammation, and anti-apoptosis effects, leading to neuron protection in the aged, damaged, and AD brain. Retinoid signaling may be involved in the effects of DHA on learning memory performance. Estrogen has similar effects to n-3 fatty acids on hippocampal function. It would be interesting to know if there is any interaction between DHA and estrogen so as to provide a better strategy for the development and maintenance of learning memory. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  13. Zwitterionic Hydrogel-Biopolymer Assembly towards Biomimetic Superlubricants

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Seekell, Raymond; Zhu, Elaine

    2014-03-01

    One superlubricant in nature is the synovial fluid (SF), comprising of a high molecular weight polysaccharide, hyaluronic acid (HA), and a globule protein, lubricin. In this bio-inspired materials research, we have explored hydrogel particles to mimic lubricin as a ``ball-bearing'' and control their interaction with the viscoelastic HA matrix. Biocompatible poly(N-[2-(Methacyloyloxy)ethyl]dimethyl-(3-sulfopropyl) ammonium hydroxide) (PMSA) hydrogel particles are synthesized to examine the electrostatic induced assembly of PMSA-HA supramolecular complexes in aqueous solutions. Fluorescence microscopy and rheology experiments have characterized the tunable network structure and viscoelastic properties of PMSA-HA aggregates by HA concentration and ionic conditions in aqueous solution. When being grafted to a solid surface, the PMSA-HA composite thin film exhibits superior low biofouling and friction performance, suggesting great promises as artificial superlubricants.

  14. Microbial Incorporation of Fatty Acids Derived From n-Alkanes Into Glycerides and Waxes

    PubMed Central

    Davis, J. B.

    1964-01-01

    When n-alkanes with 13 to 20 carbon atoms were fed to a Nocardia closely related to N. salmonicolor, the produced cellular triglycerides and aliphatic waxes invariably contained fatty acids with an even or an odd number of carbon atoms subject to this feature of the n-alkane substrate. Beta-oxidation and C2 addition are both operative, as evidenced by the spectra of fatty acids incorporated into the cellular lipid components. There is no distinction in the rate of microbial incorporation of the odd-or even-numbered carbon chains. The fatty acids are apparently directly derived from the long chain n-alkanes, rather than synthesized via the classic C2-condensation route. The alcohol component of waxes produced by the Nocardia is invariably of the same chain length as the n-alkane substrate. PMID:14170957

  15. Chronic sucrose intake decreases concentrations of n6 fatty acids, but not docosahexaenoic acid in the rat brain phospholipids.

    PubMed

    Mašek, Tomislav; Starčević, Kristina

    2017-07-13

    We investigated the influence of high sucrose intake, administered in drinking water, on the lipid profile of the brain and on the expression of SREBP1c and Δ-desaturase genes. Adult male rats received 30% sucrose solution for 20 weeks (Sucrose group), or plain water (Control group). After the 20th week of sucrose treatment, the Sucrose group showed permanent hyperglycemia. Sucrose treatment also increased the amount of total lipids and fatty acids in the brain. The brain fatty acid profile of total lipids as well as phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine and cardiolipin of the Sucrose group was extensively changed. The most interesting change was a significant decrease in n6 fatty acids, including the important arachidonic acid, whereas the content of oleic and docosahexaenoic acid remained unchanged. RT-qPCR revealed an increase in Δ-5-desaturase and SREBP1c gene expression. In conclusion, high sucrose intake via drinking water extensively changes rat brain fatty acid profile by decreasing n6 fatty acids, including arachidonic acid. In contrast, the content of docosahexaenoic acid remains constant in the brain total lipids as well as in phospholipids. Changes in the brain fatty acid profile reflect changes in the lipid metabolism of the rat lipogenic tissues and concentrations in the circulation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. Ion transport and selectivity in biomimetic nanopores with pH-tunable zwitterionic polyelectrolyte brushes.

    PubMed

    Zeng, Zhenping; Yeh, Li-Hsien; Zhang, Mingkan; Qian, Shizhi

    2015-10-28

    Inspired by nature, functionalized nanopores with biomimetic structures have attracted growing interests in using them as novel platforms for applications of regulating ion and nanoparticle transport. To improve these emerging applications, we study theoretically for the first time the ion transport and selectivity in short nanopores functionalized with pH tunable, zwitterionic polyelectrolyte (PE) brushes. In addition to background salt ions, the study takes into account the presence of H(+) and OH(-) ions along with the chemistry reactions between functional groups on PE chains and protons. Due to ion concentration polarization, the charge density of PE layers is not homogeneously distributed and depends significantly on the background salt concentration, pH, grafting density of PE chains, and applied voltage bias, thereby resulting in many interesting and unexpected ion transport phenomena in the nanopore. For example, the ion selectivity of the biomimetic nanopore can be regulated from anion-selective (cation-selective) to cation-selective (anion-selective) by diminishing (raising) the solution pH when a sufficiently small grafting density of PE chains, large voltage bias, and low background salt concentration are applied.

  17. 1-Azaniumylcyclobutane-1-carboxylate monohydrate

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Butcher, Ray J.; Brewer, Greg; Burton, Aaron S.; Dworkin, Jason

    2014-01-01

    In the title compound, C5H9NO2H2O, the amino acid is in the usual zwitterionic form involving the carboxylate group. The cyclobutane backbone of the amino acid is disordered over two conformations, with occupancies of 0.882 (7) and0.118 (7). In the crystal, NH O and OH O hydrogen bonds link the zwitterions [with the water molecule involved as both acceptor (with the NH3+) and donor (through a single carboxylate O from two different aminocyclobutane carboxylatemoities)], resulting in a two-dimensional layered structure lying parallel to (100).

  18. Effects of dicyandiamide and dolomite application on N2O emission from an acidic soil.

    PubMed

    Shaaban, Muhammad; Wu, Yupeng; Peng, Qi-an; Lin, Shan; Mo, Yongliang; Wu, Lei; Hu, Ronggui; Zhou, Wei

    2016-04-01

    Soil acidification is a major problem for sustainable agriculture since it limits productivity of several crops. Liming is usually adopted to ameliorate soil acidity that can trigger soil processes such as nitrification, denitrification, and loss of nitrogen (N) as nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. The loss of N following liming of acidic soils can be controlled by nitrification inhibitors (such as dicyandiamide). However, effects of nitrification inhibitors following liming of acidic soils are not well understood so far. Here, we conducted a laboratory study using an acidic soil to examine the effects of dolomite and dicyandiamide (DCD) application on N2O emissions. Three levels of DCD (0, 10, and 20 mg kg(-1); DCD0, DCD10, and DCD20, respectively) were applied to the acidic soil under two levels of dolomite (0 and 1 g kg(-1)) which were further treated with two levels of N fertilizer (0 and 200 mg N kg(-1)). Results showed that N2O emissions were highest at low soil pH levels in fertilizer-treated soil without application of DCD and dolomite. Application of DCD and dolomite significantly (P ≤ 0.001) reduced N2O emissions through decreasing rates of NH4 (+)-N oxidation and increasing soil pH, respectively. Total N2O emissions were reduced by 44 and 13% in DCD20 and dolomite alone treatments, respectively, while DCD20 + dolomite reduced N2O emissions by 54% when compared with DCD0 treatment. The present study suggests that application of DCD and dolomite to acidic soils can mitigate N2O emissions.

  19. Derivatization of amino acids with N,N-dimethyl-2,4-dinitro-5-fluorobenzylamine for liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Liu, Zhongfa; Minkler, Paul E; Lin, De; Sayre, Lawrence M

    2004-01-01

    Derivatization, separation and identification of amino acids with a novel compound, N,N-dimethyl-2,4-dinitro-5-fluorobenzylamine (DMDNFB), using high-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI-MS) was demonstrated. Compared to derivatization with 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB), DMDNFB-derivatized amino acids and dipeptides exhibit much larger ion current signals in the commonly used ESI positive mode, which was attributed to the introduction of the N,N-dimethylaminomethyl protonatable site. Copyright 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  20. Highly efficient peptide formation from N-acetylaminoacyl-AMP anhydride and free amino acid

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mullins, D. W., Jr.; Lacey, J. C., Jr.

    1983-01-01

    The kinetics of formation of the N-blocked dipeptide, N-acetylglycylglycine, from N-acetylglycyl adenylate anhydride and glycine in aqueous solution at 25 C, and at various PH's are reported. The reaction is of interest in that over a physiologically relevant pH range (6-8), peptide synthesis proceeds more rapidly than hydrolysis, even at those pH's at which this compound becomes increasingly susceptible to base-catalyzed hydrolysis. Under similar conditions, the corresponding unblocked aminoacyl adenylate anhydrides are considerably more unstable, and undergo appreciable hydrlysis in the presence of free amino acid. Because N-blocked aminoacyl adenylate anhydrides serve as model compounds of peptidyl adenylate anhydrides, these results suggest that primitive amino acid polymerization systems may have operated by cyclic reactivation of the peptidyl carboxyl group, rather than that of the incoming amino acid.

  1. Some structural features of the teichuronic acid of Bacillus licheniformis N.C.T.C. 6346 cell walls

    PubMed Central

    Hughes, R. C.; Thurman, P. F.

    1970-01-01

    A teichuronic acid, containing glucuronic acid and N-acetylgalactosamine, was purified from acid extracts of Bacillus licheniformis 6346 cell walls as described by Janczura, Perkins & Rogers (1961). After reduction of the carboxyl function of glucuronic acid residues in the polysaccharide the reduced polymer contains equimolar amounts of N-acetylgalactosamine and glucose. Methylation of the reduced polysaccharide by the Hakamori (1964) technique showed the glucose residues to be substituted on C-4. A disaccharide, 3-O-glucuronosylgalactosamine, was isolated from partial acid hydrolysates of teichuronic acid. After N-acetylation the disaccharide produces chromogen readily on heating at pH7, in agreement with C-3 substitution of the reducing N-acetylamino sugar. Teichuronic acid also produces chromogen under the same conditions, with concurrent elimination of a modified polysaccharide from C-3 of reducing terminal N-acetylgalactosamine residues of the teichuronic acid chains. The number-average chain lengths of several preparations of teichuronic acid were estimated from the amounts of chromogen produced in comparison with the N-acetylated disaccharide. The values obtained are in good agreement with the weight-average molecular weight determined by ultracentrifugal analysis. The reducing terminals of teichuronic acid are shown to be exclusively N-acetylgalactosamine by reduction with sodium boro[3H]hydride. The number-average chain lengths of the teichuronic acid preparations were estimated by the extent of in corporation of tritium and are in agreement with values obtained by the other methods. PMID:5419741

  2. Gas-phase Conformational Analysis of (R,R)-Tartaric Acid, its Diamide, N,N,N',N'- Tetramethyldiamide and Model Compounds

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hoffmann, Marcin; Szarecka, Agnieszka; Rychlewski, Jacek

    A review over most recent ab initio studies carried out at both RHF and MP2 levels on (R,R)-tartaric acid (TA), its diamide (DA), tetramethyldiamide (TMDA) and on three prototypic model systems (each of them constitutes a half of the respective parental molecule), i.e. 2-hydroxyacetic acid (HA), 2-hydroxyacetamide (HD) and 2-hydroxy-N,N-dimethylacetamide (HMD) is presented. (R,R)-tartaric acid and the derivatives have been completely optimized at RHF/6-31G* level and subsequently single-point energies of all conformers have been calculated with the use of second order perturbation theory according to the scheme: MP2/6-31G*//RHF/6-31G*. In the complete optimization of the model molecules at RHF level we have employed relatively large basis sets, augmented with polarisation and diffuse functions, namely 3-21G, 6-31G*, 6-31++G** and 6-311++G**. Electronic correlation has been included with the largest basis set used in this study, i.e. MP2/6-311++G**//RHF/6-311++G** single-point energy calculations have been performed. General confomational preferences of tartaric acid derivatives have been analysed as well as an attempt has been made to define main factors affecting the conformational behaviour of these molecules in the isolated state, in particular, the role and stability of intramolecular hydrogen bonding. In the case of the model compounds, our study principally concerned the conformational preferences and hydrogen bonding structure within the [alpha]-hydroxy-X moiety, where X=COOH, CONH2, CON(CH3)2.

  3. Synthesis of structured triacylglycerols enriched in n-3 fatty acids by immobilized microbial lipase.

    PubMed

    Araújo, Maria Elisa Melo Branco de; Campos, Paula Renata Bueno; Alberto, Thiago Grando; Contesini, Fabiano Jares; Carvalho, Patrícia de Oliveira

    The search for new biocatalysts has aroused great interest due to the variety of micro-organisms and their role as enzyme producers. Native lipases from Aspergillus niger and Rhizopus javanicus were used to enrich the n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids content in the triacylglycerols of soybean oil by acidolysis with free fatty acids from sardine oil in solvent-free media. For the immobilization process, the best lipase/support ratios were 1:3 (w/w) for Aspergillus niger lipase and 1:5 (w/w) for Rhizopus javanicus lipase using Amberlite MB-1. Both lipases maintained constant activity for 6 months at 4°C. Reaction time, sardine-free fatty acids:soybean oil mole ratio and initial water content of the lipase were investigated to determine their effects on n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids incorporation into soybean oil. Structured triacylglycerols with 11.7 and 7.2% of eicosapentaenoic acid+docosahexaenoic acid were obtained using Aspergillus niger lipase and Rhizopus javanicus lipase, decreasing the n-6/n-3 fatty acids ratio of soybean oil (11:1 to 3.5:1 and 4.7:1, respectively). The best reaction conditions were: initial water content of lipase of 0.86% (w/w), sardine-free faty acids:soybean oil mole ratio of 3:1 and reaction time of 36h, at 40°C. The significant factors for the acidolysis reaction were the sardine-free fatty acids:soybean oil mole ratio and reaction time. The characterization of structured triacylglycerols was obtained using easy ambient sonic-spray ionization mass spectrometry. The enzymatic reaction led to the formation of many structured triacylglycerols containing eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid or both polyunsaturated fatty acids. Copyright © 2016 Sociedade Brasileira de Microbiologia. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

  4. Biotransformation of nitroso aromatic compounds and 2-oxo acids to N-hydroxy-N-arylacylamides by thiamine-dependent enzymes in rat liver.

    PubMed

    Yoshioka, T; Uematsu, T

    1998-07-01

    The formation of N-hydroxy-N-arylacylamides from nitroso aromatic compounds and 2-oxo acids was investigated using rat liver subcellular fractions. Activities were found in both mitochondria and cytosol, except for activities for phenylpyruvate and glyoxylate; the former did not produce N-hydroxy-N-phenylphenylacetamide and the latter nonenzymatically produced N-hydroxy-N-phenylformamide with nitrosobenzene (NOB). The cytosolic activity of N-hydroxy-N-phenylglycolamide formation was indicated to be due to transketolase, which utilized hydroxypyruvate as a glycolic aldehyde donor to NOB. With mitochondria, 2-oxo acids (including hydroxypyruvate) served as substrates for the biotransformation of NOB to the corresponding N-hydroxy-N-phenylacylamides. The substrate preference was 2-oxobutyrate > pyruvate > 2-oxoisovalerate > 2-oxoisocaproate > 2-oxovalerate > 2-oxo-3-methylvalerate, judging from Vmax/half-saturating concentration for mitochondria values. The half-saturating concentrations for NOB were nearly constant. The mitochondrial activity was due to pyruvate dehydrogenase complex and branched-chain 2-oxo acid dehydrogenase complex (BCDHC). By using partially purified BCDHC, pyruvate and 2-oxobutyrate were found to be common substrates for both of the enzymes, and 2-oxoisovalerate was shown to be the most effective substrate for BCDHC. Analysis by the Taft equation indicated that the polar effects, rather than the steric effects, of the alkyl groups of 2-oxo acids are important for BCDHC-catalyzed formation of N-hydroxy-N-phenylacylamides. A positive Hammett constant obtained for the formation of N-hydroxy-N-arylisobutyramides indicates that an electron-withdrawing substituent makes the nitroso compounds susceptible to BCDHC-catalyzed biotransformation.

  5. New Poly(amino acid methacrylate) Brush Supports the Formation of Well-Defined Lipid Membranes

    PubMed Central

    2015-01-01

    A novel poly(amino acid methacrylate) brush comprising zwitterionic cysteine groups (PCysMA) was utilized as a support for lipid bilayers. The polymer brush provides a 12-nm-thick cushion between the underlying hard support and the aqueous phase. At neutral pH, the zeta potential of the PCysMA brush was ∼−10 mV. Cationic vesicles containing >25% DOTAP were found to form a homogeneous lipid bilayer, as determined by a combination of surface analytical techniques. The lipid mobility as measured by FRAP (fluorescence recovery after photobleaching) gave diffusion coefficients of ∼1.5 μm2 s–1, which are comparable to those observed for lipid bilayers on glass substrates. PMID:25746444

  6. Amino acid N-malonyltransferases from mung beans. Action on 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid and D-phenylalanine.

    PubMed

    Guo, L; Phillips, A T; Arteca, R N

    1993-12-05

    1-Aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) N-malonyltransferase from etiolated mung bean hypocotyls was examined for its relationship to D-phenylalanine N-malonyltransferase and other enzymes which transfer malonyl groups from malonyl-CoA to D-amino acids. Throughout a 3600-fold purification the ratio of D-phenylalanine N-malonyltransferase activity to ACC N-malonyltransferase activity was unchanged. Antibodies raised against purified ACC N-malonyltransferase 55-kDa protein were also able to precipitate all D-phenylalanine-directed activity from partially purified mung bean extracts. The irreversible inhibitors phenylglyoxal and tetranitromethane reduced malonyltransferase activity towards D-phenylalanine to the same extent as that for ACC. In addition, several other D-amino acids, particularly D-tryptophan and D-tyrosine, were able to inhibit action towards both ACC and D-phenylalanine. These lines of evidence suggest that a single enzyme is capable of promoting malonylation of both ACC and D-phenylalanine. Km values for D-phenylalanine and malonyl-CoA were found to be 48 and 43 microM, respectively; these values are 10-fold lower than the corresponding values when ACC was substrate. Coenzyme A was a noncompetitive (mixed type) product inhibitor towards malonyl-CoA at both unsaturated and saturated ACC concentrations. The enzyme was also inhibited uncompetitively at high concentrations of malonyl-CoA. We propose that the enzyme follows an Ordered Bi-Bi reaction pathway, with the amino acid substrate being bound initially.

  7. Preparation and evaluation of open-tubular capillary columns modified with metal-organic framework incorporated polymeric porous layer for liquid chromatography.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Manman; Zhang, Lingyi; Chu, Zhanying; Wang, Shulei; Chen, Kai; Zhang, Weibing; Liu, Fan

    2018-07-01

    An open tubular capillary liquid phase chromatographic column (1 m × 25 µm i.d.× 375 µm o.d.) was prepared by incorporating metal organic framework particles modified with vancomycin directly into zwitterionic polymer coating synthesized by the copolymerization of [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]dimethyl-(3-sulfopropyl) ammonium hydroxide and N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide. The incorporation of IRMOF-3 (isoreticular metal organic framework-3) particles improved selectivity of zwitterionic polymer coating with absolute column efficiency reaching 79900 plates for p-xylene. Besides strong hydrophilic interaction, the separation of neutral, basic, and acidic compounds demonstrates that π-π stacking interaction and the coordination effect of unsaturated Zn 2+ of MOF also contribute to separation of various analytes. The RSD values (run-to-run, day-to-day, column-to-column, n = 3) of retention time of neutral compounds were less than 0.71%, 0.69% and 3.08% respectively, suggesting good repeatability. In addition, the column was applied to the analysis of the trypsin digest of bovine serum albumin, revealing the potential in separating biological samples. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. N-Docosahexaenoyl Dopamine, an Endocannabinoid-like Conjugate of Dopamine and the n-3 Fatty Acid Docosahexaenoic Acid, Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Activation of Microglia and Macrophages via COX-2.

    PubMed

    Wang, Ya; Plastina, Pierluigi; Vincken, Jean-Paul; Jansen, Renate; Balvers, Michiel; Ten Klooster, Jean Paul; Gruppen, Harry; Witkamp, Renger; Meijerink, Jocelijn

    2017-03-15

    Several studies indicate that the n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) contributes to an attenuated inflammatory status in the development of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. To explain these effects, different mechanisms are being proposed, including those involving endocannabinoids and related signaling molecules. Many of these compounds belong to the fatty acid amides, conjugates of fatty acids with biogenic amines. Conjugates of DHA with ethanolamine or serotonin have previously been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and potentially neuroprotective properties. Here, we synthesized another amine conjugate of DHA, N-docosahexaenoyl dopamine (DHDA), and tested its immune-modulatory properties in both RAW 264.7 macrophages and BV-2 microglial cells. N-Docosahexaenoyl dopamine significantly suppressed the production of nitric oxide (NO), the cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6), and the chemokines macrophage-inflammatory protein-3α (CCL20) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), whereas its parent compounds, dopamine and DHA, were ineffective. Further exploration of potential effects of DHDA on key inflammatory mediators revealed that cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA level and production of prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) were concentration-dependently inhibited in macrophages. In activated BV-2 cells, PGE 2 production was also reduced, without changes in COX-2 mRNA levels. In addition, DHDA did not affect NF-kB activity in a reporter cell line. Finally, the immune-modulatory activities of DHDA were compared with those of N-arachidonoyl dopamine (NADA) and similar potencies were found in both cell types. Taken together, our data suggest that DHDA, a potentially endogenous endocannabinoid, may be an additional member of the group of immune-modulating n-3 fatty acid-derived lipid mediators.

  9. The dietary n6:n3 fatty acid ratio during pregnancy is inversely associated with child neurodevelopment in the EDEN mother-child cohort.

    PubMed

    Bernard, Jonathan Y; De Agostini, Maria; Forhan, Anne; de Lauzon-Guillain, Blandine; Charles, Marie-Aline; Heude, Barbara

    2013-09-01

    Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) of the n6 (ω6) and n3 series are essential for the development of a child's brain. Fetal LC-PUFA exposure as well as infant exposure via breast milk depend on the maternal intake of these LC-PUFAs and of their respective dietary precursors (PUFAs). We aimed to investigate the associations between maternal LC-PUFA and PUFA [(LC)PUFA] dietary intake during pregnancy and child neurodevelopment at ages 2 and 3 y. In 1335 mother-child pairs from the EDEN cohort, we evaluated associations between daily maternal (LC)PUFA intake during the last 3 months of pregnancy with the child's language at age 2 y and with different assessments of development at age 3 y. Associations were investigated separately in breastfed and never-breastfed children. We examined interactions between the ratios of n6 and n3 (LC)PUFA intakes (n6:n3 fatty acid ratio) and duration of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding mothers had a lower n6:n3 fatty acid ratio (8.4 vs. 8.8; P = 0.02). Among never-breastfed children (n = 338), we found negative associations between maternal dietary n6:n3 fatty acid ratios and neurodevelopment, as reflected by the child's language at age 2 y (β ± SE = -2.1 ± 0.7; P = 0.001) and development assessed with the Ages and Stages Questionnaire at age 3 y (-1.5 ± 0.8; P = 0.05). Among mothers with a high n6:n3 fatty acid ratio only, breastfeeding duration was positively associated with language at age 2 y (P-interaction < 0.05). This suggests that the ratio between maternal dietary n6 and n3 (LC)PUFA intake possibly influences the child's brain development during fetal life but not during or by breastfeeding. However, breastfeeding might compensate for prenatal imbalance in maternal dietary n6:n3 fatty acid ratio.

  10. The effect of pomegranate seed oil and grapeseed oil on cis-9, trans-11 CLA (rumenic acid), n-3 and n-6 fatty acids deposition in selected tissues of chickens.

    PubMed

    Białek, A; Białek, M; Lepionka, T; Kaszperuk, K; Banaszkiewicz, T; Tokarz, A

    2018-04-23

    The aim of this study was to determine whether diet modification with different doses of grapeseed oil or pomegranate seed oil will improve the nutritive value of poultry meat in terms of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids, as well as rumenic acid (cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid) content in tissues diversified in lipid composition and roles in lipid metabolism. To evaluate the influence of applied diet modification comprehensively, two chemometric methods were used. Results of cluster analysis demonstrated that pomegranate seed oil modifies fatty acids profile in the most potent way, mainly by an increase in rumenic acid content. Principal component analysis showed that regardless of type of tissue first principal component is strongly associated with type of deposited fatty acid, while second principal component enables identification of place of deposition-type of tissue. Pomegranate seed oil seems to be a valuable feed additive in chickens' feeding. © 2018 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

  11. Design of Stomach Acid-Stable and Mucin-Binding Enzyme Polymer Conjugates.

    PubMed

    Cummings, Chad S; Campbell, Alan S; Baker, Stefanie L; Carmali, Sheiliza; Murata, Hironobu; Russell, Alan J

    2017-02-13

    The reduced immunogenicity and increased stability of protein-polymer conjugates has made their use in therapeutic applications particularly attractive. However, the physicochemical interactions between polymer and protein, as well as the effect of this interaction on protein activity and stability, are still not fully understood. In this work, polymer-based protein engineering was used to examine the role of polymer physicochemical properties on the activity and stability of the chymotrypsin-polymer conjugates and their degree of binding to intestinal mucin. Four different chymotrypsin-polymer conjugates, each with the same polymer density, were synthesized using "grafting-from" atom transfer radical polymerization. The influence of polymer charge on chymotrypsin-polymer conjugate mucin binding, bioactivity, and stability in stomach acid was determined. Cationic polymers covalently attached to chymotrypsin showed high mucin binding, while zwitterionic, uncharged, and anionic polymers showed no mucin binding. Cationic polymers also increased chymotrypsin activity from pH 6-8, while zwitterionic polymers had no effect, and uncharged and anionic polymers decreased enzyme activity. Lastly, cationic polymers decreased the tendency of chymotrypsin to structurally unfold at extremely low pH, while uncharged and anionic polymers induced unfolding more quickly. We hypothesized that when polymers are covalently attached to the surface of a protein, the degree to which those polymers interact with the protein surface is the predominant determinant of whether the polymer will stabilize or inactivate the protein. Preferential interactions between the polymer and the protein lead to removal of water from the surface of the protein, and this, we believe, inactivates the enzyme.

  12. UV and fluorescence spectral changes induced by neodymium binding of N,N'-ethylenebis[2-(o-hydroxyphenolic)glycine] and N,N'-di(2-hydroxybenzyl)ethylenediamine-N,N' diacetic acid.

    PubMed

    Wang, Zhijun; Yang, Binsheng

    2006-11-01

    In 0.01 M 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid (Hepes), pH 7.4 and room temperature, the binding of neodymium to N,N'-ethylenebis[2-(o-hydroxyphenolic)glycine] (EHPG), or N,N'-di(2-hydroxybenzyl)ethylenediamine-N,N' diacetic acid (HBED) had been studied from 210 to 330 nm by means of difference UV spectra. Two peaks at 240 and 292 nm appear in difference UV spectra after neodymium binding to EHPG or HBED. The 1:1 stable complex can be confirmed from spectral titration curves. The molar extinction coefficient of Nd-EHPG and Nd-HBED complexes are Deltaepsilon(Nd-EHPG)=(12.93+/-0.21) x 10(3)cm(-1)M(-1), Deltaepsilon(Nd-HBED)=(14.45+/-0.51) x 10(5)cm(-1)M(-1) at 240 nm, respectively. Using EDTA as a competitor, the conditional equilibrium constants of the complexes are logK(Nd-EHPG)=11.89+/-0.09 and logK(Nd-HBED)=12.19+/-0.15, respectively. At the same conditions, fluorescence measurements show that neodymium binding to EHPG leads to a quenching of the fluorescence of EHPG at near 310 nm. However, there is no obvious fluorescence change of HBED at 318 nm with the binding of neodymium to HBED.

  13. Short-term n-3 fatty acid supplementation but not aspirin increases plasma proresolving mediators of inflammation.

    PubMed

    Barden, Anne; Mas, Emilie; Croft, Kevin D; Phillips, Michael; Mori, Trevor A

    2014-11-01

    Resolution of inflammation is an active process involving specialized proresolving mediators (SPM) formed from the n-3 fatty acids. This study examined the effect of n-3 fatty acid supplementation and aspirin on plasma SPMs in healthy humans. Healthy volunteers (n = 21) were supplemented with n-3 fatty acids (2.4g/day) for 7 days with random assignment to take aspirin (300 mg/day) or placebo from day 5 to day 7. Blood was collected at baseline (day 0), day 5, and day 7. Plasma 18R/S-HEPE, E-series resolvins, 17R/S-HDHA, D-series resolvins, 14R/S-HDHA, and MaR-1 were measured by LC/MS/MS. At baseline concentrations of E- and D- series resolvins and the upstream precursors 18R/S-HEPE, 17R/S-HDHA ranged from 0.1nM to 0.2nM. 14R/S-HDHA was 3-fold higher than the other SPMs at baseline but MaR-1 was below the limit of detection. Supplementation with n-3 fatty acids significantly increased RvE1, 18R/S-HEPE, 17R/S-HDHA, and 14R/S-HDHA but not other SPMs. The addition of aspirin after 5 days of n-3 fatty acids did not affect concentrations of any SPM. N-3 fatty acid supplementation for 5 days results in concentrations of SPMs that are biologically active in healthy humans. Aspirin administered after n-3 fatty acids did not offer any additional benefit in elevating the levels of SPMs. Copyright © 2014 by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

  14. -HPLC determination of acidic d-amino acids and their N-methyl derivatives in biological tissues

    PubMed Central

    Tsesarskaia, Mara; Galindo, Erika; Szókán, Gyula; Fisher, George

    2015-01-01

    d-aspartate (d-Asp) and N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) occur in the neuroendocrine systems of vertebrates and invertebrates where they play a role in hormone release and synthesis, neurotransmission, and memory and learning. N-methyl-d-glutamate (NMDG) has also been detected in marine bivalves. Several methods have been used to detect these amino acids, but they require pretreatment of tissue samples with o-phthaldialdehyde (OPA) to remove primary amino acids which interfere with the detection of NMDA and NMDG. We report here a one step derivatization procedure with the chiral reagent N-α-(5-fluoro-2,4-dinitrophenyl)-(d or l)-valine amide, FDNP-Val-NH2, a close analog of Marfey’s reagent but with better resolution and higher molar absorptivity. The diastereomers formed are separated by HPLC on an ODS-Hypersil column eluted with TFA/water – TFA/MeCN. UV absorption at 340 nm permits detection levels as low as 5–10 picomoles. D-Asp, NMDA and NMDG peaks are not obscured by other primary or secondary amino acids; hence pretreatment of tissues with OPA is not required. This method is highly reliable and fast (less than 40 minutes HPLC run). Using this method, we have detected D-Asp, NMDA and NMDG in several biological tissues (octopus brain, optical lobe, and bucchal mass; foot and mantle of the mollusk Scapharca broughtonii), confirming the results of other researchers. PMID:19277955

  15. N-nitrosations of basic amino acid residues in polypeptide.

    PubMed

    Kuo, Wu-Nan; Ivy, Dynisha; Guruvadoo, Luvina; White, Atavia; Graham, Latia

    2004-09-01

    Changes in the electrophoretic pattern were noted in the products of polypeptides of identical basic amino acids preincubated with reactive or degraded PN, suggesting the occurrence of N-nitrosation of the epsilon-amino group of lysine, the guanido group of arginine and the imidazole group of histidine. Additionally, increase in the N-nitroso immunoreactivity of preincubated histones H2A and H2B was detected by Western blot analysis.

  16. Anharmonic effects in IR, Raman, and Raman optical activity spectra of alanine and proline zwitterions.

    PubMed

    Danecek, Petr; Kapitán, Josef; Baumruk, Vladimír; Bednárová, Lucie; Kopecký, Vladimír; Bour, Petr

    2007-06-14

    The difference spectroscopy of the Raman optical activity (ROA) provides extended information about molecular structure. However, interpretation of the spectra is based on complex and often inaccurate simulations. Previously, the authors attempted to make the calculations more robust by including the solvent and exploring the role of molecular flexibility for alanine and proline zwitterions. In the current study, they analyze the IR, Raman, and ROA spectra of these molecules with the emphasis on the force field modeling. Vibrational harmonic frequencies obtained with 25 ab initio methods are compared to experimental band positions. The role of anharmonic terms in the potential and intensity tensors is also systematically explored using the vibrational self-consistent field, vibrational configuration interaction (VCI), and degeneracy-corrected perturbation calculations. The harmonic approach appeared satisfactory for most of the lower-wavelength (200-1800 cm(-1)) vibrations. Modern generalized gradient approximation and hybrid density functionals, such as the common B3LYP method, provided a very good statistical agreement with the experiment. Although the inclusion of the anharmonic corrections still did not lead to complete agreement between the simulations and the experiment, occasional enhancements were achieved across the entire region of wave numbers. Not only the transitional frequencies of the C-H stretching modes were significantly improved but also Raman and ROA spectral profiles including N-H and C-H lower-frequency bending modes were more realistic after application of the VCI correction. A limited Boltzmann averaging for the lowest-frequency modes that could not be included directly in the anharmonic calculus provided a realistic inhomogeneous band broadening. The anharmonic parts of the intensity tensors (second dipole and polarizability derivatives) were found less important for the entire spectral profiles than the force field anharmonicities (third

  17. Anharmonic effects in IR, Raman, and Raman optical activity spectra of alanine and proline zwitterions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Daněček, Petr; Kapitán, Josef; Baumruk, Vladimír; Bednárová, Lucie; Kopecký, Vladimír; Bouř, Petr

    2007-06-01

    The difference spectroscopy of the Raman optical activity (ROA) provides extended information about molecular structure. However, interpretation of the spectra is based on complex and often inaccurate simulations. Previously, the authors attempted to make the calculations more robust by including the solvent and exploring the role of molecular flexibility for alanine and proline zwitterions. In the current study, they analyze the IR, Raman, and ROA spectra of these molecules with the emphasis on the force field modeling. Vibrational harmonic frequencies obtained with 25 ab initio methods are compared to experimental band positions. The role of anharmonic terms in the potential and intensity tensors is also systematically explored using the vibrational self-consistent field, vibrational configuration interaction (VCI), and degeneracy-corrected perturbation calculations. The harmonic approach appeared satisfactory for most of the lower-wavelength (200-1800cm-1) vibrations. Modern generalized gradient approximation and hybrid density functionals, such as the common B3LYP method, provided a very good statistical agreement with the experiment. Although the inclusion of the anharmonic corrections still did not lead to complete agreement between the simulations and the experiment, occasional enhancements were achieved across the entire region of wave numbers. Not only the transitional frequencies of the C-H stretching modes were significantly improved but also Raman and ROA spectral profiles including N-H and C-H lower-frequency bending modes were more realistic after application of the VCI correction. A limited Boltzmann averaging for the lowest-frequency modes that could not be included directly in the anharmonic calculus provided a realistic inhomogeneous band broadening. The anharmonic parts of the intensity tensors (second dipole and polarizability derivatives) were found less important for the entire spectral profiles than the force field anharmonicities (third and

  18. Composition and structure of spontaneously adsorbed monolayers of n-perfluorocarboxylic acids on silver

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chau, Lai-Kwan; Porter, Marc D.

    1990-03-01

    Monolayer films of n-perfluorocarboxylic acids (CF 3(CF 2) nCOOH, where n = 0-2, 5-8) have been formed by spontaneous adsorption at silver. Infrared reflection spectroscopy, optical ellipsometry, and contact angle measurements indicate that these films exhibit low surface free energies, that the carboxylic acid group is symmetrically bound at the silver substrate as a carboxylate bridging ligand, and that the structure is composed of tilted (≈ 40° from the surface normal) perfluorocarbon chains and small structural defects.

  19. Low n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratio, with fish- or flaxseed oil, in a high fat diet improves plasma lipids and beneficially alters tissue fatty acid composition in mice.

    PubMed

    Riediger, Natalie D; Othman, Rgia; Fitz, Evelyn; Pierce, Grant N; Suh, Miyoung; Moghadasian, Mohammed H

    2008-04-01

    Health benefits from low n-6:n-3 fatty acid (FA) ratio on cardiovascular risk have been shown. However, the impact of the source of n-3 FAs has not been fully investigated. Our purpose was to investigate cardiovascular benefits of oils with a low ratio of n-6:n-3 FAs, but different sources of n-3 FAs in C57BL/6 mice. Twenty-one mice were divided into 3 groups (n=7) and fed a diet supplemented with either a fish or flaxseed oil-based 'designer oils' with an approximate n-6:n-3 FA ratio of 2/1 or with a safflower-oil-based diet with a ratio of 25/1, for 16 weeks. Plasma lipids and fatty acid profile of the liver tissue were characterized. Compared to baseline, plasma triacylglycerol levels declined (>50%) in all groups by week 4. Plasma cholesterol levels were reduced in both fish and flax groups by 27% and 36%, respectively, as compared to controls at endpoint. The levels of EPA and DHA in liver phospholipids were significantly increased in both fish and flax groups as compared to the control group, with more profound increases in the fish group. Arachidonic acid levels were similarly decreased in the liver tissues from both fish and flax groups as compared to controls. Our data suggest that health benefits may be achieved by lowering dietary n-6:n-3 FA even in a high fat diet medium.

  20. Structural and electronic properties of L-amino acids

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tulip, P. R.; Clark, S. J.

    2005-05-01

    The structural and electronic properties of four L-amino acids alanine, leucine, isoleucine, and valine have been investigated using density functional theory (DFT) and the generalized gradient approximation. Within the crystals, it is found that the constituent molecules adopt zwitterionic configurations, in agreement with experimental work. Lattice constants are found to be in good agreement with experimentally determined values, although certain discrepancies do exist due to the description of van der Waals interactions. We find that these materials possess wide DFT band gaps in the region of 5 eV, with electrons highly localized to the constituent molecules. It is found that the main mechanisms behind crystal formation are dipolar interactions and hydrogen bonding of a primarily electrostatic character, in agreement with current biochemical understanding of these systems. The electronic structure suggests that the amine and carboxy functional groups are dominant in determining band structure.

  1. Lysine-Grafted MCM-41 Silica as an Antibacterial Biomaterial.

    PubMed

    Villegas, María F; Garcia-Uriostegui, Lorena; Rodríguez, Ofelia; Izquierdo-Barba, Isabel; Salinas, Antonio J; Toriz, Guillermo; Vallet-Regí, María; Delgado, Ezequiel

    2017-09-26

    This paper proposes a facile strategy for the zwitterionization of bioceramics that is based on the direct incorporation of l-lysine amino acid via the ε-amino group onto mesoporous MCM-41 materials. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) studies of lysine-grafted MCM-41 (MCM-LYS) simultaneously showed bands at 3080 and 1540 cm -1 and bands at 1625 and 1415 cm -1 corresponding to -NH 3+ /COO - pairs, which demonstrate the incorporation of the amino acid on the material surface keeping its zwitterionic character. Both elemental and thermogravimetric analyses showed that the amount of grafted lysine was 8 wt. % based on the bioceramic total weight. Moreover, MCM-LYS exhibited a reduction of adhesion of S. aureus and E. coli bacteria in 33% and 50%, respectively at physiological pH, as compared with pristine MCM-41. Biofilm studies onto surfaces showed that lysine functionalization elicited a reduction of the area covered by S. aureus biofilm from 42% to only 5% (88%). This research shows a simple and effective approach to chemically modify bioceramics using single amino acids that provides zwitterionic functionality, which is useful to develop new biomaterials that are able to resist bacterial adhesion.

  2. Lysine-Grafted MCM-41 Silica as an Antibacterial Biomaterial

    PubMed Central

    Villegas, María F.; Garcia-Uriostegui, Lorena; Rodríguez, Ofelia; Izquierdo-Barba, Isabel; Salinas, Antonio J.; Toriz, Guillermo; Vallet-Regí, María; Delgado, Ezequiel

    2017-01-01

    This paper proposes a facile strategy for the zwitterionization of bioceramics that is based on the direct incorporation of l-lysine amino acid via the ε-amino group onto mesoporous MCM-41 materials. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) studies of lysine-grafted MCM-41 (MCM-LYS) simultaneously showed bands at 3080 and 1540 cm−1 and bands at 1625 and 1415 cm−1 corresponding to -NH3+/COO− pairs, which demonstrate the incorporation of the amino acid on the material surface keeping its zwitterionic character. Both elemental and thermogravimetric analyses showed that the amount of grafted lysine was 8 wt. % based on the bioceramic total weight. Moreover, MCM-LYS exhibited a reduction of adhesion of S. aureus and E. coli bacteria in 33% and 50%, respectively at physiological pH, as compared with pristine MCM-41. Biofilm studies onto surfaces showed that lysine functionalization elicited a reduction of the area covered by S. aureus biofilm from 42% to only 5% (88%). This research shows a simple and effective approach to chemically modify bioceramics using single amino acids that provides zwitterionic functionality, which is useful to develop new biomaterials that are able to resist bacterial adhesion. PMID:28952559

  3. Healthy n-6/n-3 fatty acid composition from five European game meat species remains after cooking.

    PubMed

    Valencak, Teresa G; Gamsjäger, Lisa; Ohrnberger, Sarah; Culbert, Nicole J; Ruf, Thomas

    2015-06-27

    Intensive farming of livestock along with recent food scandals and consumer deception have increased awareness about risks for human nutrition. In parallel, the demand for meat obtained under more natural conditions from animals that can freely forage has largely increased. Interestingly, the consumption of game meat has not become more common despite its excellent quality and content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). We addressed the question if game meat fatty acid composition is modified through kitchen preparation. By analysing muscle fatty acid (FA) composition (polar and total lipids) of five European game species in a raw and a processed state, we aimed to quantify the proportion of PUFA that are oxidised and hydrogenated during processing. All game meat species originated from local hunters and free-living individuals. To mimic a realistic situation a professional chef prepared the meat samples with gentle use of heat in a standardised way. Expectedly, the overall content of polyunsaturated fatty acids declined during the cooking process but the decrease size was <5% and the nutritiously most important n-3/n-6 ratio was not affected by processing (F1,54 = 0.46; p = 0.5). Generally, our samples contained species-specific high PUFA and n-3 FA contents but we point out that differentiating between species is necessary. Game meat thus provides a healthy meat source, as cooking does not substantially alter its favourable fatty acid composition. Further research is needed to elucidate species-specific differences and the role of habitat quality and locomotion for tissue composition.

  4. Hydrogen isotopes of n-alkanes and n-alkanoic acids as tracers of precipitation in a temperate forest and implications for paleorecords

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Freimuth, Erika J.; Diefendorf, Aaron F.; Lowell, Thomas V.

    2017-06-01

    The hydrogen isotopic composition of leaf waxes (δDwax) primarily reflects that of plant source water. Therefore, sedimentary δDwax records are increasingly used to reconstruct the δD of past precipitation (δDp) and to investigate paleohydrologic changes. Such reconstructions rely on estimates of apparent fractionation (εapp) between δDp and the resulting δDwax. However, εapp values are modified by numerous environmental and biological factors during leaf wax production. As a result, εapp can vary widely among plant species and growth forms. This complicates estimation of accurate εapp values and presents a central challenge to quantitative leaf wax paleohydrology. During the 2014 growing season, we examined εapp in the five deciduous angiosperm tree species (Prunus serotina, Acer saccharinum, Quercus rubra, Quercus alba, and Ulmus americana) that dominate the temperate forest at Brown's Lake Bog, Ohio, USA. We sampled individuals of each species at weekly to monthly intervals from March to October and report δD values of n-C29 alkanes (δDn-C29 alkane) and n-C28 alkanoic acids (δDn-C28 acid), as well as xylem (δDxw) and leaf water (δDlw). n-Alkane synthesis was most intense 2-3 weeks after leaf emergence and ceased thereafter, whereas n-alkanoic acid synthesis continued throughout the entire growing season. During bud swell and leaf emergence, δDlw was a primary control on δDn-C29 alkane and δDn-C28 acid values, which stabilized once leaves became fully expanded. Metabolic shifts between young and mature leaves may be an important secondary driver of δDwax changes during leaf development. In mature autumn leaves of all species, the mean εapp for n-C29 alkane (-107‰) was offset by approximately -19‰ from the mean εapp for n-C28 alkanoic acid (-88‰). These results indicate that in temperate settings n-alkanes and n-alkanoic acids from deciduous trees are distinct with respect to their abundance, timing of synthesis, and εapp values.

  5. Molecular structure, electronic properties, NLO, NBO analysis and spectroscopic characterization of Gabapentin with experimental (FT-IR and FT-Raman) techniques and quantum chemical calculations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sinha, Leena; Karabacak, Mehmet; Narayan, V.; Cinar, Mehmet; Prasad, Onkar

    2013-05-01

    Gabapentin (GP), structurally related to the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), mimics the activity of GABA and is also widely used in neurology for the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain. It exists in zwitterionic form in solid state. The present communication deals with the quantum chemical calculations of energies, geometrical structure and vibrational wavenumbers of GP using density functional (DFT/B3LYP) method with 6-311++G(d,p) basis set. In view of the fact that amino acids exist as zwitterions as well as in the neutral form depending on the environment (solvent, pH, etc.), molecular properties of both the zwitterionic and neutral form of GP have been analyzed. The fundamental vibrational wavenumbers as well as their intensities were calculated and compared with experimental FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra. The fundamental assignments were done on the basis of the total energy distribution (TED) of the vibrational modes, calculated with scaled quantum mechanical (SQM) method. The electric dipole moment, polarizability and the first hyperpolarizability values of the GP have been calculated at the same level of theory and basis set. The nonlinear optical (NLO) behavior of zwitterionic and neutral form has been compared. Stability of the molecule arising from hyper-conjugative interactions and charge delocalization has been analyzed using natural bond orbital analysis. Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrum of the title molecule has also been calculated using TD-DFT method. The thermodynamic properties of both the zwitterionic and neutral form of GP at different temperatures have been calculated.

  6. The Role of n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in the Prevention and Treatment of Breast Cancer

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Jiajie; Ma, David W. L.

    2014-01-01

    Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer among women worldwide. Dietary fatty acids, especially n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), are believed to play a role in reducing BC risk. Evidence has shown that fish consumption or intake of long-chain n-3 PUFA, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are beneficial for inhibiting mammary carcinogenesis. The evidence regarding α-linolenic acid (ALA), however, remains equivocal. It is essential to clarify the relation between ALA and cancer since ALA is the principal source of n-3 PUFA in the Western diet and the conversion of ALA to EPA and DHA is not efficient in humans. In addition, the specific anticancer roles of individual n-3 PUFA, alone, have not yet been identified. Therefore, the present review evaluates ALA, EPA and DHA consumed individually as well as in n-3 PUFA mixtures. Also, their role in the prevention of BC and potential anticancer mechanisms of action are examined. Overall, this review suggests that each n-3 PUFA has promising anticancer effects and warrants further research. PMID:25412153

  7. Primary fatty acid amide metabolism: conversion of fatty acids and an ethanolamine in N18TG2 and SCP cells.

    PubMed

    Farrell, Emma K; Chen, Yuden; Barazanji, Muna; Jeffries, Kristen A; Cameroamortegui, Felipe; Merkler, David J

    2012-02-01

    Primary fatty acid amides (PFAM) are important signaling molecules in the mammalian nervous system, binding to many drug receptors and demonstrating control over sleep, locomotion, angiogenesis, and many other processes. Oleamide is the best-studied of the primary fatty acid amides, whereas the other known PFAMs are significantly less studied. Herein, quantitative assays were used to examine the endogenous amounts of a panel of PFAMs, as well as the amounts produced after incubation of mouse neuroblastoma N(18)TG(2) and sheep choroid plexus (SCP) cells with the corresponding fatty acids or N-tridecanoylethanolamine. Although five endogenous primary amides were discovered in the N(18)TG(2) and SCP cells, a different pattern of relative amounts were found between the two cell lines. Higher amounts of primary amides were found in SCP cells, and the conversion of N-tridecanoylethanolamine to tridecanamide was observed in the two cell lines. The data reported here show that the N(18)TG(2) and SCP cells are excellent model systems for the study of PFAM metabolism. Furthermore, the data support a role for the N-acylethanolamines as precursors for the PFAMs and provide valuable new kinetic results useful in modeling the metabolic flux through the pathways for PFAM biosynthesis and degradation.

  8. Forms of n-3 (ALA, C18:3n-3 or DHA, C22:6n-3) Fatty Acids Affect Carcass Yield, Blood Lipids, Muscle n-3 Fatty Acids and Liver Gene Expression in Lambs.

    PubMed

    Ponnampalam, Eric N; Lewandowski, Paul A; Fahri, Fahri T; Burnett, Viv F; Dunshea, Frank R; Plozza, Tim; Jacobs, Joe L

    2015-11-01

    The effects of supplementing diets with n-3 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on plasma metabolites, carcass yield, muscle n-3 fatty acids and liver messenger RNA (mRNA) in lambs were investigated. Lambs (n = 120) were stratified to 12 groups based on body weight (35 ± 3.1 kg), and within groups randomly allocated to four dietary treatments: basal diet (BAS), BAS with 10.7 % flaxseed supplement (Flax), BAS with 1.8 % algae supplement (DHA), BAS with Flax and DHA (FlaxDHA). Lambs were fed for 56 days. Blood samples were collected on day 0 and day 56, and plasma analysed for insulin and lipids. Lambs were slaughtered, and carcass traits measured. At 30 min and 24 h, liver and muscle samples, respectively, were collected for determination of mRNA (FADS1, FADS2, CPT1A, ACOX1) and fatty acid composition. Lambs fed Flax had higher plasma triacylglycerol, body weight, body fat and carcass yield compared with the BAS group (P < 0.001). DHA supplementation increased carcass yield and muscle DHA while lowering plasma insulin compared with the BAS diet (P < 0.01). Flax treatment increased (P < 0.001) muscle ALA concentration, while DHA treatment increased (P < 0.001) muscle DHA concentration. Liver mRNA FADS2 was higher and CPT1A lower in the DHA group (P < 0.05). The FlaxDHA diet had additive effects, including higher FADS1 and ACOX1 mRNA than for the Flax or DHA diet. In summary, supplementation with ALA or DHA modulated plasma metabolites, muscle DHA, body fat and liver gene expression differently.

  9. Fatty Acid Metabolism is Associated With Disease Severity After H7N9 Infection.

    PubMed

    Sun, Xin; Song, Lijia; Feng, Shuang; Li, Li; Yu, Hongzhi; Wang, Qiaoxing; Wang, Xing; Hou, Zhili; Li, Xue; Li, Yu; Zhang, Qiuyang; Li, Kuan; Cui, Chao; Wu, Junping; Qin, Zhonghua; Wu, Qi; Chen, Huaiyong

    2018-06-22

    Human infections with the H7N9 virus could lead to lung damage and even multiple organ failure, which is closely associated with a high mortality rate. However, the metabolic basis of such systemic alterations remains unknown. This study included hospitalized patients (n = 4) with laboratory-confirmed H7N9 infection, healthy controls (n = 9), and two disease control groups comprising patients with pneumonia (n = 9) and patients with pneumonia who received steroid treatment (n = 10). One H7N9-infected patient underwent lung biopsy for histopathological analysis and expression analysis of genes associated with lung homeostasis. H7N9-induced systemic alterations were investigated using metabolomic analysis of sera collected from the four patients by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Chest digital radiography and laboratory tests were also conducted. Two of the four patients did not survive the clinical treatments with antiviral medication, steroids, and oxygen therapy. Biopsy revealed disrupted expression of genes associated with lung epithelial integrity. Histopathological analysis demonstrated severe lung inflammation after H7N9 infection. Metabolomic analysis indicated that fatty acid metabolism may be inhibited during H7N9 infection. Serum levels of palmitic acid, erucic acid, and phytal may negatively correlate with the extent of lung inflammation after H7N9 infection. The changes in fatty acid levels may not be due to steroid treatment or pneumonia. Altered structural and secretory properties of the lung epithelium may be associated with the severity of H7N9-infection-induced lung disease. Moreover, fatty acid metabolism level may predict a fatal outcome after H7N9 virus infection. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  10. Pharmaceutical salts and cocrystals involving amino acids: a brief structural overview of the state-of-art.

    PubMed

    Tilborg, Anaëlle; Norberg, Bernadette; Wouters, Johan

    2014-03-03

    Salification of new drug substances in order to improve physico-chemical or solid-state properties (e.g. dissolution rate or solubility, appropriate workup process, storage for further industrial and marketing development) is a well-accepted procedure. Amino acids, like aspartic acid, lysine or arginine take a great part in this process and are implicated in several different formulations of therapeutic agent families, including antibiotics (amoxicillin from beta lactam class or cephalexin from cephalosporin class), NSAIDs (ketoprofen, ibuprofen and naproxen from profen family, acetylsalicylic acid) or antiarrhythmic agents (e.g. ajmaline). Even if more than a half of known pharmaceutical molecules possess a salifiable moiety, what can be done for new potential drug entity that cannot be improved by transformation into a salt? In this context, after a brief review of pharmaceutical salts on the market and the implication of amino acids in these formulations, we focus on the advantage of using amino acids even when the target compound is not salifiable by exploiting their zwitterionic potentialities for cocrystal edification. We summarize here a series of new examples coming from literature to support the advantages of broadening the application of amino acids in formulation for new drug substances improvement research for non-salifiable molecules. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  11. Interaction of Salicylate and a Terpenoid Plant Extract with Model Membranes: Reconciling Experiments and Simulations

    PubMed Central

    Khandelia, Himanshu; Witzke, Sarah; Mouritsen, Ole G.

    2010-01-01

    We investigate the effects of two structurally similar small cyclic molecules: salicylic acid and perillic acid on a zwitterionic model lipid bilayer, and show that both molecules might have biological activity related to membrane thinning. Salicylic acid is a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug, some of the pharmacological properties of which arise from its interaction with the lipid bilayer component of the plasma membrane. Prior simulations show that salicylate orders zwitterionic lipid membranes. However, this is in conflict with Raman scattering and vesicle fluctuation analysis data, which suggest the opposite. We show using extensive molecular dynamics simulations, cumulatively >2.5 μs, that salicylic acid indeed disorders membranes with concomitant membrane thinning and that the conflict arose because prior simulations suffered from artifacts related to the sodium-ion induced condensation of zwitterionic lipids modeled by the Berger force field. Perillic acid is a terpenoid plant extract that has antiinfective and anticancer properties, and is extensively used in eastern medicine. We found that perillic acid causes large-scale membrane thinning and could therefore exert its antimicrobial properties via a membrane-lytic mechanism reminiscent of antimicrobial peptides. Being more amphipathic, perillic acid is more potent in disrupting lipid headgroup packing, and significantly modifies headgroup dipole orientation. Like salicylate, the membrane thinning effect of perillic acid is masked by the presence of sodium ions. As an alternative to sodium cations, we advocate the straightforward solution of using larger countercations like potassium or tetra-methyl-ammonium that will maintain electroneutrality but not interact strongly with, and thus not condense, the lipid bilayer. PMID:21156130

  12. Specialized proresolving lipid mediators in humans with the metabolic syndrome after n-3 fatty acids and aspirin.

    PubMed

    Barden, Anne E; Mas, Emilie; Croft, Kevin D; Phillips, Michael; Mori, Trevor A

    2015-12-01

    The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with a chronic low-grade inflammatory state and may be affected by the ability to resolve inflammation, which is an active process that involves specialized proresolving lipid mediators (SPMs) derived from n-3 (ω-3) fatty acids. We compared plasma concentrations of SPMs in men and women with features of the MetS and in healthy matched control subjects in response to intakes of n-3 fatty acids and aspirin. MetS volunteers (n = 22) and healthy, matched controls (n = 21) were studied in parallel for 4 wk. Both groups took n-3 fatty acids (2.4 g/d) for 4 wk with the addition of aspirin (300 mg/d) during the last 7 d. Blood was collected at baseline and at 3 and 4 wk. Plasma SPMs were measured with the use of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and included 18-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (18-HEPE), E-series resolvins, 17-hydroxydocosahexaenoic acid (17-HDHA), D-series resolvins, 14-hydroxydocosahexaenoic acid (14-HDHA), and maresin-1. Baseline SPMs did not differ between groups. There was an increase in the SPM precursors 18-HEPE, 17-HDHA, and 14-HDHA after n-3 fatty acid supplementation that was significantly attenuated in the MetS (P < 0.05). However, the E-series resolvins increased to a similar extent in the groups after n-3 fatty acid supplementation, and the D-series resolvins were not different from those at baseline. The addition of aspirin to n-3 fatty acids did not alter any SPMs in either group. Volunteers with MetS had reduced plasma concentrations of the precursors of the E- and D- series resolvins as well as of 14-HDHA in response to n-3 fatty acid supplementation. However, plasma E-series resolvins were increased to a similar extent after n-3 fatty acid supplementation in both groups, and the addition of aspirin to n-3 fatty acid supplementation did not alter any of the plasma SPMs in MetS and control subjects. Additional studies in the MetS are required to determine whether SPMs affect the ability

  13. Protein-membrane interaction and fatty acid transfer from intestinal fatty acid-binding protein to membranes. Support for a multistep process.

    PubMed

    Falomir-Lockhart, Lisandro J; Laborde, Lisandro; Kahn, Peter C; Storch, Judith; Córsico, Betina

    2006-05-19

    Fatty acid transfer from intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (IFABP) to phospholipid membranes occurs during protein-membrane collisions. Electrostatic interactions involving the alpha-helical "portal" region of the protein have been shown to be of great importance. In the present study, the role of specific lysine residues in the alpha-helical region of IFABP was directly examined. A series of point mutants in rat IFABP was engineered in which the lysine positive charges in this domain were eliminated or reversed. Using a fluorescence resonance energy transfer assay, we analyzed the rates and mechanism of fatty acid transfer from wild type and mutant proteins to acceptor membranes. Most of the alpha-helical domain mutants showed slower absolute fatty acid transfer rates to zwitterionic membranes, with substitution of one of the lysines of the alpha2 helix, Lys27, resulting in a particularly dramatic decrease in the fatty acid transfer rate. Sensitivity to negatively charged phospholipid membranes was also reduced, with charge reversal mutants in the alpha2 helix the most affected. The results support the hypothesis that the portal region undergoes a conformational change during protein-membrane interaction, which leads to release of the bound fatty acid to the membrane and that the alpha2 segment is of particular importance in the establishment of charge-charge interactions between IFABP and membranes. Cross-linking experiments with a phospholipid-photoactivable reagent underscored the importance of charge-charge interactions, showing that the physical interaction between wild-type intestinal fatty acid-binding protein and phospholipid membranes is enhanced by electrostatic interactions. Protein-membrane interactions were also found to be enhanced by the presence of ligand, suggesting different collisional complex structures for holo- and apo-IFABP.

  14. Long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in plasma in British meat-eating, vegetarian, and vegan men.

    PubMed

    Rosell, Magdalena S; Lloyd-Wright, Zouë; Appleby, Paul N; Sanders, Thomas A B; Allen, Naomi E; Key, Timothy J

    2005-08-01

    Plasma concentrations of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are lower in vegetarians and in vegans than in omnivores. No data are available on whether these concentrations differ between long- and short-term vegetarians and vegans. We compared plasma fatty acid composition in meat-eaters, vegetarians, and vegans and examined whether the proportions of eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n-3; EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (22:5n-3; DPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3; DHA) were related to the subjects' duration of adherence to their diets or to the proportions of plasma linoleic acid (18:2n-6; LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (18:3n-3; ALA). The present cross-sectional study included 196 meat-eating, 231 vegetarian, and 232 vegan men in the United Kingdom. Information on anthropometry, diet, and smoking habits was obtained through a questionnaire. Total fatty acid composition in plasma was measured. The proportions of plasma EPA and DHA were lower in the vegetarians and in the vegans than in the meat-eaters, whereas only small differences were seen for DPA. Plasma EPA, DPA, and DHA proportions were not significantly associated with the duration of time since the subjects became vegetarian or vegan, which ranged from <1 y to >20 y. In the vegetarians and the vegans, plasma DHA was inversely correlated with plasma LA. The proportions of plasma long-chain n-3 fatty acids were not significantly affected by the duration of adherence to a vegetarian or vegan diet. This finding suggests that when animal foods are wholly excluded from the diet, the endogenous production of EPA and DHA results in low but stable plasma concentrations of these fatty acids.

  15. Effect of Phosphatidic Acid on Biomembrane: Experimental and Molecular Dynamics Simulations Study.

    PubMed

    Kwolek, Urszula; Kulig, Waldemar; Wydro, Paweł; Nowakowska, Maria; Róg, Tomasz; Kepczynski, Mariusz

    2015-08-06

    We consider the impact of phosphatidic acid (namely, 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphate, DOPA) on the properties of a zwitterionic (1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, DPPC) bilayer used as a model system for protein-free cell membranes. For this purpose, experimental measurements were performed using differential scanning calorimetry and the Langmuir monolayer technique at physiological pH. Moreover, atomistic-scale molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed to gain information on the mixed bilayer's molecular organization. The results of the monolayer studies clearly showed that the DPPC/DOPA mixtures are nonideal and the interactions between lipid species change from attractive, at low contents of DOPA, to repulsive, at higher contents of that component. In accordance with these results, the MD simulations demonstrated that both monoanionic and dianionic forms of DOPA have an ordering and condensing effect on the mixed bilayer at low concentrations. For the DOPA monoanions, this is the result of both (i) strong electrostatic interactions between the negatively charged oxygen of DOPA and the positively charged choline groups of DPPC and (ii) conformational changes of the lipid acyl chains, leading to their tight packing according to the so-called "umbrella model", in which large headgroups of DPPC shield the hydrophobic part of DOPA (the conical shape lipid) from contact with water. In the case of the DOPA dianions, cation-mediated clustering was observed. Our results provide a detailed molecular-level description of the lipid organization inside the mixed zwitterionic/PA membranes, which is fully supported by the experimental data.

  16. Twice-weekly consumption of farmed Atlantic salmon increases plasma content of phospholipid n-3 fatty acids

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Elevated intake of the n-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is related to risk reduction of cardiovascular and other diseases. Increased consumption of seafood such as farmed Atlantic salmon is an effective way to consume n-3 but there is a paucity of data as ...

  17. Effects of dietary n-3 fatty acids on the phospholipid molecular species of monkey brain.

    PubMed

    Lin, D S; Connor, W E; Anderson, G J; Neuringer, M

    1990-10-01

    We examined the changes in the molecular species of brain ethanolamine glycerophospholipids of monkeys fed diets containing widely ranging amounts of n-3 fatty acids. Two groups of rhesus monkeys were fed pre- and postnatally either a control diet (soy oil; containing 8% of fatty acids as 18:3n-3) or a deficient diet (safflower oil; containing less than 0.3% 18:3n-3). The brains of these animals were analyzed at 22 months of age. A third group of monkeys was fed the safflower oil diet to 22 months of age and then switched to a fish oil diet (28% long-chain n-3 fatty acids) for 1-2 years before autopsy. The molecular species of the diacyl, alkylacyl, and alkenylacyl ethanolamine glycerophospholipids from frontal cortex were separated by HPLC. A total of 24 molecular species were identified. Fatty acids in the sn-2 position differed markedly among the diet groups, but the sn-1 position always contained only 16:0, 18:0, or 18:1. In the diacyl subclass of the control brain, the n-3 molecular species represented 41% of total and the n-6 species 45%, whereas in the deficient brain the n-3 molecular species decreased to 9% and n-6 molecular species increased to 77%. The fatty acid 22:5n-6 did not replace 22:6n-3 in a symmetrical fashion in the molecular species of the deficient brain. In the brains of the fish oil-fed monkeys, the n-3 molecular species amounted to 61% and n-6 molecular species were reduced to 25%. The species 18:1-22:6, 16:0-22:6, and 18:0-22:6 generally changed proportionally in response to diet.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

  18. Hydrogen bonded binary molecular adducts derived from exobidentate N-donor ligand with dicarboxylic acids: Acid⋯imidazole hydrogen-bonding interactions in neutral and ionic heterosynthons

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kathalikkattil, Amal Cherian; Damodaran, Subin; Bisht, Kamal Kumar; Suresh, Eringathodi

    2011-01-01

    Four new binary molecular compounds between a flexible exobidentate N-heterocycle and a series of dicarboxylic acids have been synthesized. The N-donor 1,4-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene (bix) was reacted with flexible and rigid dicarboxylic acids viz., cyclohexane-1,4-dicarboxylic acid (H 2chdc), naphthalene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid (H 2npdc) and 1H-pyrazole-3,5-dicarboxylic acid (H 2pzdc), generating four binary molecular complexes. X-ray crystallographic investigation of the molecular adducts revealed the primary intermolecular interactions carboxylic acid⋯amine (via O-H⋯N) as well as carboxylate⋯protonated amine (via N-H +⋯O -) within the binary compounds, generating layered and two-dimensional sheet type H-bonded networks involving secondary weak interactions (C-H⋯O) including the solvent of crystallization. Depending on the differences in p Ka values of the selected base/acid (Δp Ka), diverse H-bonded supramolecular assemblies could be premeditated. This study demonstrates the H-bonding interactions between imidazole/imidazolium cation and carboxylic acid/carboxylate anion in providing sufficient driving force for the directed assembly of binary molecular complexes. In the two-component solid form of hetero synthons involving bix and dicarboxylic acid, only H 2chdc exist as cocrystal with bix, while all the other three compounds crystallized exclusively as salt, in agreement with the Δp Ka values predicted for the formation of salts/cocrystals from the base and acid used in the synthesis of supramolecular solids.

  19. Chemopreventive effects of rofecoxib and folic acid on gastric carcinogenesis induced by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine in rats.

    PubMed

    Fei, Su Juan; Xiao, Shu Dong; Peng, Yan Shen; Chen, Xiao Yu; Shi, Yao

    2006-01-01

    Epidemiological and experimental studies indicate that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are chemopreventive agents of gastrointestinal cancers, but few studies on gastric cancer have been carried out. A decrease in folic acid supplement and subsequent DNA hypomethylation are related to gastrointestinal cancers, and it has been shown that high-dose folic acid may interfere with gastric carcinogenesis in dogs. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of rofecoxib, a selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor, and folic acid on the chemoprevention of gastric cancer induced by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) in Wistar rats, and to evaluate the cell proliferation of gastric mucosa in different experimental groups. Eighty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups (16 rats in each group). In the control group, the rats were given pure water and basal diet. In the MNNG group, the rats received MNNG in drinking water (100 mg/L) and basal diet. In the MNNG + low-dose rofecoxib group, the rats were given MNNG and rofecoxib 5 mg/kg per day with basal diet. In the MNNG + high-dose rofecoxib group, the rats were given MNNG and rofecoxib 15 mg/kg per day with basal diet. In the MNNG + folic acid group, the rats were given MNNG and folic acid 5 mg/kg per day with basal diet. The experiment was terminated at 50 weeks, and all rats were killed. Blood samples of 3 mL were obtained for measurement of serum folic acid concentrations in the control group, the MNNG group and the MNNG + folic acid group by using chemiluminescent method. The stomach was removed from all rats for histopathological examination and immunohistochemical study. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression in gastric epithelial cells was also determined. In the MNNG group, five of 11 rats (45.5%) developed gastric cancer, while in all other four groups no gastric cancer was found (P < 0.05). The positivity rate of PCNA expression in the cancerous

  20. Plasma fatty acid changes following consumption of dietary oils containing n-3, n-6, and n-9 fatty acids at different proportions: preliminary findings of the Canola Oil Multicenter Intervention Trial (COMIT).

    PubMed

    Senanayake, Vijitha K; Pu, Shuaihua; Jenkins, David A; Lamarche, Benoît; Kris-Etherton, Penny M; West, Sheila G; Fleming, Jennifer A; Liu, Xiaoran; McCrea, Cindy E; Jones, Peter J

    2014-04-23

    The Canola Oil Multicenter Intervention Trial (COMIT) was a randomized controlled crossover study designed to evaluate the effects of five diets that provided different oils and/or oil blends on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in individuals with abdominal obesity. The present objective is to report preliminary findings on plasma fatty acid profiles in volunteers with abdominal obesity, following the consumption of diets enriched with n-3, n-6 and n-9 fatty acids. COMIT was conducted at three clinical sites, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Québec City, Québec, Canada and University Park, Pennsylvania, United States. Inclusion criteria were at least one of the followings: waist circumference (≥90 cm for males and ≥84 cm for females), and at least one other criterion: triglycerides ≥1.7 mmol/L, high density lipoprotein cholesterol <1 mmol/L (males) or <1.3 mmol/L (females), blood pressure ≥130 mmHg (systolic) and/or ≥85 mmHg (diastolic), and glucose ≥5.5 mmol/L. Weight-maintaining diets that included shakes with one of the dietary oil blends were provided during each of the five 30-day dietary phases. Dietary phases were separated by four-week washout periods. Treatment oils were canola oil, high oleic canola oil, high oleic canola oil enriched with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), flax oil and safflower oil blend, and corn oil and safflower oil blend. A per protocol approach with a mixed model analysis was decided to be appropriate for data analysis. One hundred and seventy volunteers were randomized and 130 completed the study with a dropout rate of 23.5%. The mean plasma total DHA concentrations, which were analyzed among all participants as a measure of adherence, increased by more than 100% in the DHA-enriched phase, compared to other phases, demonstrating excellent dietary adherence. Recruitment and retention strategies were effective in achieving a sufficient number of participants who completed the study protocol to enable sufficient

  1. Masking of Lewis acidity trends in the solid-state structures of trichlorido- and tribromido(2,2':6',2''-terpyridine-κ(3)N,N',N'')gallium(III).

    PubMed

    Kazakov, Igor V; Bodensteiner, Michael; Timoshkin, Alexey Y

    2014-03-01

    The molecular structures of trichlorido(2,2':6',2''-terpyridine-κ(3)N,N',N'')gallium(III), [GaCl3(C15H11N3)], and tribromido(2,2':6',2''-terpyridine-κ(3)N,N',N'')gallium(III), [GaBr3(C15H11N3)], are isostructural, with the Ga(III) atom displaying an octahedral geometry. It is shown that the Ga-N distances in the two complexes are the same within experimental error, in contrast to expected bond lengthening in the bromide complex due to the lower Lewis acidity of GaBr3. Thus, masking of the Lewis acidity trends in the solid state is observed not only for complexes of group 13 metal halides with monodentate ligands but for complexes with the polydentate 2,2':6',2''-terpyridine donor as well.

  2. Degradation of bromamine acid by nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) supported on sepiolite.

    PubMed

    Fei, Xuening; Cao, Lingyun; Zhou, Lifeng; Gu, Yingchun; Wang, Xiaoyang

    2012-01-01

    Sepiolite, a natural nano-material, was chosen as a carrier to prepare supported nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI). The effects of preparation conditions, including mass ratio of nZVI and activated sepiolite and preparation pH value, on properties of the supported nZVI were investigated. The results showed that the optimal mass ratio of nZVI and sepiolite was 1.12:1 and the optimal pH value was 7. The supported nZVI was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), and furthermore an analogy model of the supported nZVI was set up. Compared with the nZVI itself, the supported nZVI was more stable in air and possessed better water dispersibility, which were beneficial for the degradation of bromamine acid aqueous solution. The degradation characteristics, such as effects of supported nZVI dosage, initial concentration and initial pH value of the solution on the decolorization efficiency were also investigated. The results showed that in an acidic environment the supported nZVI with a dosage of 2 g/L showed high activity in the degradation of bromamine acid with an initial concentration of 1,000 mg/L, and the degree of decolorization could reach up to 98%.

  3. Combination of tauroursodeoxycholic acid and N-acetylcysteine exceeds standard treatment for acetaminophen intoxication.

    PubMed

    Paridaens, Annelies; Raevens, Sarah; Colle, Isabelle; Bogaerts, Eliene; Vandewynckel, Yves-Paul; Verhelst, Xavier; Hoorens, Anne; van Grunsven, Leo A; Van Vlierberghe, Hans; Geerts, Anja; Devisscher, Lindsey

    2017-05-01

    Acetaminophen overdose in mice is characterized by hepatocyte endoplasmic reticulum stress, which activates the unfolded protein response, and centrilobular hepatocyte death. We aimed at investigating the therapeutic potential of tauroursodeoxycholic acid, a hydrophilic bile acid known to have anti-apoptotic and endoplasmic reticulum stress-reducing capacities, in experimental acute liver injury induced by acetaminophen overdose. Mice were injected with 300 mg/kg acetaminophen, 2 hours prior to receiving tauroursodeoxycholic acid, N-acetylcysteine or a combination therapy, and were euthanized 24 hours later. Liver damage was assessed by serum transaminases, liver histology, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling staining, expression profiling of inflammatory, oxidative stress, unfolded protein response, apoptotic and pyroptotic markers. Acetaminophen overdose resulted in a significant increase in serum transaminases, hepatocyte cell death, unfolded protein response activation, oxidative stress, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, caspase 1 and pro-inflammatory cytokine expressions. Standard of care, N-acetylcysteine and, to a lesser extent, tauroursodeoxycholic treatment were associated with significantly lower transaminase levels, hepatocyte death, unfolded protein response activation, oxidative stress markers, caspase 1 expression and NLRP3 levels. Importantly, the combination of N-acetylcysteine and tauroursodeoxycholic acid improved serum transaminase levels, reduced histopathological liver damage, UPR-activated CHOP, oxidative stress, caspase 1 expression, NLRP3 levels, IL-1β levels and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and this to a greater extend than N-acetylcysteine alone. These findings indicate that a combination strategy of N-acetylcysteine and tauroursodeoxycholic acid surpasses the standard of care in acetaminophen-induced liver injury in mice and might represent an attractive therapeutic opportunity for acetaminophen

  4. An improved procedure, involving mass spectrometry, for N-terminal amino acid sequence determination of proteins which are N alpha-blocked.

    PubMed Central

    Rose, K; Kocher, H P; Blumberg, B M; Kolakofsky, D

    1984-01-01

    A modification to a previously described procedure [Gray & del Valle (1970) Biochemistry 9, 2134-2137; Rose, Simona & Offord (1983) Biochem. J. 215, 261-272] for mass-spectral identification of the N-terminal regions of proteins is shown to be useful in cases where the N-terminus is blocked. Three proteins were studied: vesicular-stomatitis-virus N protein, Sendai-virus NP protein, and a rabbit immunoglobulin lambda-light chain. These proteins, found to be blocked at the N-terminus with either the acetyl group or a pyroglutamic acid residue, had all failed to yield to attempted Edman degradation, in one case even after attempted enzymic removal of the pyroglutamic acid residue. The N-terminal regions of all three proteins were sequenced by using the new procedure. PMID:6421284

  5. Interplay Between n-3 and n-6 Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and the Endocannabinoid System in Brain Protection and Repair.

    PubMed

    Dyall, Simon C

    2017-11-01

    The brain is enriched in arachidonic acid (ARA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) of the n-6 and n-3 series, respectively. Both are essential for optimal brain development and function. Dietary enrichment with DHA and other long-chain n-3 PUFA, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), has shown beneficial effects on learning and memory, neuroinflammatory processes, and synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis. ARA, DHA and EPA are precursors to a diverse repertoire of bioactive lipid mediators, including endocannabinoids. The endocannabinoid system comprises cannabinoid receptors, their endogenous ligands, the endocannabinoids, and their biosynthetic and degradation enzymes. Anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) are the most widely studied endocannabinoids and are both derived from phospholipid-bound ARA. The endocannabinoid system also has well-established roles in neuroinflammation, synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis, suggesting an overlap in the neuroprotective effects observed with these different classes of lipids. Indeed, growing evidence suggests a complex interplay between n-3 and n-6 LCPUFA and the endocannabinoid system. For example, long-term DHA and EPA supplementation reduces AEA and 2-AG levels, with reciprocal increases in levels of the analogous endocannabinoid-like DHA and EPA-derived molecules. This review summarises current evidence of this interplay and discusses the therapeutic potential for brain protection and repair.

  6. Low incidence of N-glycolylneuraminic acid in birds and reptiles and its absence in the platypus.

    PubMed

    Schauer, Roland; Srinivasan, G Vinayaga; Coddeville, Bernadette; Zanetta, Jean-Pierre; Guérardel, Yann

    2009-08-17

    The sialic acids of the platypus, birds, and reptiles were investigated with regard to the occurrence of N-glycolylneuraminic (Neu5Gc) acid. They were released from tissues, eggs, or salivary mucin samples by acid hydrolysis, and purified and analyzed by thin-layer chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, and mass spectrometry. In muscle and liver of the platypus only N-acetylneuraminic (Neu5Ac) acid was found. The nine bird species studied also did not express N-glycolylneuraminic acid with the exception of an egg, but not tissues, from the budgerigar and traces in poultry. Among nine reptiles, including one turtle, N-glycolylneuraminic acid was only found in the egg and an adult basilisk, but not in a freshly hatched animal. BLAST analysis of the genomes of the platypus, the chicken, and zebra finch against the CMP-N-acetylneuraminic acid hydroxylase did not reveal the existence of a similar protein structure. Apparently monotremes (platypus) and sauropsids (birds and reptiles) cannot synthesize Neu5Gc. The few animals where Neu5Gc was found, especially in eggs, may have acquired this from the diet or by an alternative pathway. Since Neu5Gc is antigenic to man, the observation that this monosaccharide does not or at least only rarely occur in birds and reptiles, may be of nutritional and clinical significance.

  7. Kinetics and mechanism of S-nitrosothiol acid-catalyzed hydrolysis: sulfur activation promotes facile NO+ release.

    PubMed

    Moran, Ernesto E; Timerghazin, Qadir K; Kwong, Elizabeth; English, Ann M

    2011-03-31

    The denitrosation of three primary S-nitrosothiols (RSNO; S-nitrosocysteine, S-nitroso-N-acetylcysteine, and S-nitrosoglutathione) and two tertiary RSNOs (S-nitrosopenicillamine and S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine) was investigated in 3.75 M H(2)SO(4) to probe the mechanism of acid-catalyzed RSNO hydrolysis and its dependence on RSNO structure. This reversible reaction was forced to proceed in the denitrosation direction by trapping the nitrosating agent with HN(3). The primary RSNOs exhibited hydrolysis k(obs) values of ∼2 × 10(-4) s(-1), and the tertiary RSNO k(obs) values were an order of magnitude higher. Product analysis by HPLC revealed that the parent thiols (RSHs) were formed in 90-100% yield on 79-99% RSNO denitrosation. Possible hydrolysis mechanisms were studied computationally at the CBS-QB3 level using S-nitrosomethanethiol (MeSNO) as a model RSNO. Consideration of RSNOs as a combination of conventional R-S-N═O, zwitterionic R-S(+)═N-O(-), and RS(-)/NO(+) ion-pair resonance structures was key in understanding the mechanistic details of acid-catalyzed hydrolysis. Protonation of the S-nitroso oxygen or nitrogen activates the sulfur and nucleophilic attack by H(2)O at this atom leads to the formation of the sulfoxide-protonated N-hydroxysulfinamide, MeS(+)(OH)NHOH, with barriers of 19 and 29 kcal/mol, respectively. Proton loss and reprotonation at the nitrogen lead to secondary hydrolysis that produces the sulfinic acid MeS(═O)OH and NH(2)OH. Notably, no low-energy RSNO hydrolysis pathway for HNO release was found in the computational analysis. Protonation of the S-nitroso sulfur gives rise to NO(+) release with a low activation barrier (ΔH(double dagger)(calc) ≈ 6 kcal/mol) and the formation of MeSH in agreement with experiment. The experimental k(obs) can be expressed as K(a)k(1), where K(a) is the acid dissociation constant for protonation of the S-nitroso sulfur and k(1) the pseudo-first-order hydrolysis rate constant. Given the low

  8. [Dynamics of amino acid and protein metabolism of laying hens after administration of 15N-labeled wheat protein. 5. Incorporation of 15N into the blood fraction and its amino acids].

    PubMed

    Gruhn, K; Zander, R; Kirchner, E

    1987-09-01

    12 colostomized laying hens which received 15N labelled wheat over 4 days were butchered 12 h, 36 h, 60 h and 108 h (3 animals each) after the last 15N application. The intake of 15N excess (15N') from the wheat amounted to 540 mg 15N' during the application period. The 15N' in the blood plasma decreased after the last 15N' application from 0.76 atom-% to 0.55 atom-% after 108 h, the labelling of the corpuscular components at the same measuring points increased from 0.28 to 0.50 atom-% 15N'. 96.6% of the plasma 15N' and 93.8% of that in the corpuscles is precipitable in trichloric acetic acid. The atom-% 15N' of histidine in the total blood remained unchanged in dependence on the butchering time. The 15N amount in lysine and arginine and that in the non-basic amino acids decreased inconsiderably in the period between 12 h and 108 h after the last 15N' wheat feeding.

  9. Inactivation of H1N1 viruses exposed to acidic ozone water

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Uhm, Han S.; Lee, Kwang H.; Seong, Baik L.

    2009-10-01

    The inactivation of H1N1 viruses upon exposure to acidic ozone water was investigated using chicken allantoic fluids of different dilutions, pH values, and initial ozone concentrations. The inactivation effect of the acidic ozone water was found to be stronger than the inactivation effect of the ozone water combined with the degree of acidity, indicating a synergic effect of acidity on ozone decay in water. It is also shown that acidic ozone water with a pH value of 4 or less is very effective means of virus inactivation if provided in conjunction with an ozone concentration of 20 mg/l or higher.

  10. Control of C/N ratio for butyric acid production from textile wastewater sludge by anaerobic digestion.

    PubMed

    Fu, Bo; Zhang, Jingjing; Fan, Jinfeng; Wang, Jin; Liu, He

    2012-01-01

    Increasing textile wastewaters and their biotreatment byproduct-waste activated sludge are serious pollution problems. Butyric acid production from textile wastewater sludge by anaerobic digestion at different C/N ratios was investigated. Adding starch to textile wastewater sludge with a C/N ratio of 30 increased the butyric acid concentration and percentage accounting for total volatile fatty acids (TVFAs) to 21.42 g/L and 81.5%, respectively, as compared with 21.42 g/L and 10.6% of textile wastewater sludge alone. The maximum butyric acid yield (0.45 g/g VS), conversion rate (0.74 g/g VS(digest)) and production rate (2.25 g/L d) was achieved at a C/N ratio of 30. The biological toxicity of textile wastewater sludge also significantly decreased after the anaerobic digestion. The study indicated that the anaerobic co-digestion of textile wastewater sludge and carbohydrate-rich waste with appropriate C/N ratio is possible for butyric acid production.

  11. Alternative Sources of n-3 Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Marine Microalgae

    PubMed Central

    Martins, Dulce Alves; Custódio, Luísa; Barreira, Luísa; Pereira, Hugo; Ben-Hamadou, Radhouan; Varela, João; Abu-Salah, Khalid M.

    2013-01-01

    The main source of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) in human nutrition is currently seafood, especially oily fish. Nonetheless, due to cultural or individual preferences, convenience, geographic location, or awareness of risks associated to fatty fish consumption, the intake of fatty fish is far from supplying the recommended dietary levels. The end result observed in most western countries is not only a low supply of n-3 LC-PUFA, but also an unbalance towards the intake of n-6 fatty acids, resulting mostly from the consumption of vegetable oils. Awareness of the benefits of LC-PUFA in human health has led to the use of fish oils as food supplements. However, there is a need to explore alternatives sources of LC-PUFA, especially those of microbial origin. Microalgae species with potential to accumulate lipids in high amounts and to present elevated levels of n-3 LC-PUFA are known in marine phytoplankton. This review focuses on sources of n-3 LC-PUFA, namely eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids, in marine microalgae, as alternatives to fish oils. Based on current literature, examples of marketed products and potentially new species for commercial exploitation are presented. PMID:23807546

  12. Low breast milk levels of long-chain n-3 fatty acids in allergic women, despite frequent fish intake.

    PubMed

    Johansson, S; Wold, A E; Sandberg, A-S

    2011-04-01

    Long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have immune regulating and anti-inflammatory effects. However, their role in allergic disease is unclear. Allergic diseases are immunologically heterogeneous, and we hypothesized that n-3 fatty acid composition in serum and breast milk may vary according to clinical manifestations. Further, animal studies have shown reduction of serum-PUFA levels during allergic inflammation. To investigate fatty acid composition in breast milk and serum from women with different atopic disease manifestations. Secondly, to determine whether low PUFA levels reflected insufficient intakes. Fatty acids were analysed in breast milk and serum of women with atopic eczema and respiratory allergy (n=16), only respiratory allergy (n=7), as well as healthy women (n=22). Dietary intake of foods expected to affect long-chain n-3 PUFA levels were estimated by food-frequency questionnaire. The fatty acid pattern was related to diagnostic group and intake of relevant food items using a multivariate pattern recognition method (partial least squares projections to latent structures and discriminant analysis). Results Women with a combination of eczema and respiratory allergy had lower breast milk levels of several PUFAs (arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA, docosahexaenoic acid, DHA, and docosapentaenoic acid, DPA), and a lower ratio of long-chain n-3 PUFAs/n-6 PUFAs. Their PUFA levels differed not only from that of healthy women, but also from that of women with only respiratory allergy. The latter had a fatty acid pattern similar to that of healthy women. Despite low EPA, DHA and DPA levels women with eczema and respiratory allergy consumed no less fish than did healthy women. Our data suggest that reduced levels of long-chain n-3 fatty acids in serum and breast milk characterize women with extensive allergic disease including eczema, and are not related to low fish intake. Consumption of PUFAs during the allergic process may explain

  13. A novel sodium N-fatty acyl amino acid surfactant using silkworm pupae as stock material

    PubMed Central

    Wu, Min-Hui; Wan, Liang-Ze; Zhang, Yu-Qing

    2014-01-01

    A novel sodium N-fatty acyl amino acid (SFAAA) surfactant was synthesized using pupa oil and pupa protein hydrolysates (PPH) from a waste product of the silk industry. The aliphatic acids from pupa oil were modified into N-fatty acyl chlorides by thionyl chloride (SOCl2). SFAAA was synthesized using acyl chlorides and PPH. GC-MS analysis showed fatty acids from pupa oil consist mainly of unsaturated linolenic and linoleic acids and saturated palmitic and stearic acids. SFAAA had a low critical micelle concentration, great efficiency in lowering surface tension and strong adsorption at an air/water interface. SFAAA had a high emulsifying power, as well as a high foaming power. The emulsifying power of PPH and SFAAA in an oil/water emulsion was better with ethyl acetate as the oil phase compared to n-hexane. The environment-friendly surfactant made entirely from silkworm pupae could promote sustainable development of the silk industry. PMID:24651079

  14. [Dynamics of amino acid and protein metabolism in laying hens after the administration of 15N-labeled wheat protein. 11. Incorporation of 15N in the tissues and the amino acids of the muscles].

    PubMed

    Gruhn, K; Zander, R

    1989-03-01

    Over a period of 4 days 12 colostomized laying hens daily received 36 g 15N labelled wheat with 15N excess (15N') of 14.37 atom-% together with a conventional feed mixture for laying hens. The labelling of the lysine N in the wheat was 13.58 atom-%, that of histidine N 14.38 and that of arginine 15N' 13.63 atom-% 15N'. Three hens each were butchered 12, 36, 60 and 108 h after the last 15N' feeding. The first three hens did not receive any feed before being butchered. The following three hens each received the unlabelled feed ration for another 1, 2 or 4 days resp. after the main period until they were butchered. The total of skeleton muscles, the heart and the stomach muscle (without inner skin) of each hen were combined into one sample, cut thinly, drenched with fluid nitrogen and pulverized. N, 15N' and the basic and non-basic amino acids as well as their 15N' were determined in the individual samples. In contrast to the organs, the proteins in the muscle tissue have a long half life so that a slight decrease of atom-% 15N' in the muscles could only be detected after 108 h. The 14N and 15N' quota of the non-basic amino acids in the total nitrogen of the muscles is 50%. The 14N quota of the basic amino acids is 30% and the 15N' quota only 22.5% in the total muscle N. The heavy nitrogen of the free lysine in the TCA soluble N fraction is hardly detectable 36 h and 60 h after the last 15N' supply and not at all after 108 h. In contrast to this, the other two free basic amino acids remain significantly higher labelled in dependence on the last butchering time.

  15. Effect of natural antioxidants in Spanish salchichón elaborated with encapsulated n-3 long chain fatty acids in konjac glucomannan matrix.

    PubMed

    Munekata, P E S; Domínguez, R; Franco, D; Bermúdez, R; Trindade, M A; Lorenzo, Jose M

    2017-02-01

    The effect of natural antioxidants on physicochemical properties, lipid and protein oxidation, volatile compounds and free fatty acids (FFA) were determined in Spanish salchichón enriched with n-3 fatty acids encapsulated and stabilized in konjac matrix. Phenolic compounds of beer residue extract (BRE), chestnut leaves extract (CLE) and peanut skin extract (PSE) were also identified and quantified. Five batches of salchichón were prepared: control (CON, without antioxidants), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), BRE, CLE and PSE. The main phenolic compounds were catechin and benzoic acid for BRE, gallic acid and catechin for CLE and catechin and protocatechuic acid for PSE. Statistical analysis did not show significant differences on chemical composition among treatments. Reductions in luminosity (P<0.05) and pH (P<0.001) were observed with the CLE batch, whereas the other colour parameters were not affected by the addition of natural antioxidants. Finally, the inclusion of antioxidants (P<0.001) decreased the hexanal content, whereas the FFA content increased by the addition of natural extracts. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. Acid-Group-Content-Dependent Proton Conductivity Mechanisms at the Interlayer of Poly(N-dodecylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid) Copolymer Multilayer Nanosheet Films.

    PubMed

    Sato, Takuma; Tsukamoto, Mayu; Yamamoto, Shunsuke; Mitsuishi, Masaya; Miyashita, Tokuji; Nagano, Shusaku; Matsui, Jun

    2017-11-14

    The effect of the content of acid groups on the proton conductivity at the interlayer of polymer-nanosheet assemblies was investigated. For that purpose, amphiphilic poly(N-dodecylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid) copolymers [p(DDA/AA)] with varying contents of AA were synthesized by free radical polymerization. Surface pressure (π)-area (A) isotherms of these copolymers indicated that stable polymer monolayers are formed at the air/water interface for AA mole fraction (n) ≤ 0.49. In all cases, a uniform dispersion of the AA groups in the polymer monolayer was observed. Subsequently, polymer monolayers were transferred onto solid substrates using the Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses of the multilayer films showed strong Bragg diffraction peaks, suggesting a highly uniform lamellar structure for the multilayer films. The proton conductivity of the multilayer films parallel to the direction of the layer planes were measured by impedance spectroscopy, which revealed that the conductivity increased with increasing values of n. Activation energies for proton conduction of ∼0.3 and 0.42 eV were observed for n ≥ 0.32 and n = 0.07, respectively. Interestingly, the proton conductivity of a multilayer film with n = 0.19 did not follow the Arrhenius equation. These results were interpreted in terms of the average distance between the AA groups (l AA ), and it was concluded that, for n ≥ 0.32, an advanced 2D hydrogen bonding network was formed, while for n = 0.07, l AA is too long to form such hydrogen bonding networks. The l AA for n = 0.19 is intermediate to these extremes, resulting in the formation of hydrogen bonding networks at low temperatures, and disruption of these networks at high temperatures due to thermally induced motion. These results indicate that a high proton conductivity with low activation energy can be achieved, even under weakly acidic conditions, by arranging the acid groups at an optimal distance.

  17. Integrated antibacterial and antifouling surfaces via cross-linking chitosan-g-eugenol/zwitterionic copolymer on electrospun membranes.

    PubMed

    Li, Zhenguang; Hu, Wenhong; Zhao, Yunhui; Ren, Lixia; Yuan, Xiaoyan

    2018-04-27

    Integrated antibacterial and antifouling surfaces in favor of avoiding implant-related infections are necessarily required for biomaterials when they contact with the body fluid. In this work, an antibacterial and antifouling membrane was developed via cross-linking chitosan-g-eugenol and the zwitterionic copolymer poly(sulfobetaine methylacrylate-co-2-aminoethyl methacrylate) on the electrospun polycarbonate urethane substrate using genipin as a cross-linker. Antibacterial assays demonstrated that the prepared membranes had efficient antibacterial activity with 92.8 ± 2.5% and 95.2 ± 1.3% growth inhibition rates against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. The investigations on antifouling activity and hemocompatibility of the membranes showed significant resistances to bacterial attachment, non-specific protein adsorption and platelet adhesion, and presented lower hemolytic activity and good anticoagulant activity as well. Moreover, cell culture assays indicated that the prepared membranes exerted no obvious cytotoxicity with more than 80% of relative L929 fibroblast viability. Therefore, the membranes with integrated antibacterial and antifouling properties could be potentially applied in promising indwelling devices. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  18. Natural zwitterionic l-Carnitine as efficient cryoprotectant for solvent-free cell cryopreservation.

    PubMed

    Zhai, Hongwen; Yang, Jing; Zhang, Jiamin; Pan, Chao; Cai, Nana; Zhu, Yingnan; Zhang, Lei

    2017-07-15

    Organic solvents, such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and glycerol, have been commonly used as cryoprotectants (CPAs) in cell cryopreservation. However, their cytotoxicity and need of complex freezing protocols have impeded their applications especially in clinical cell therapy and regenerative medicine. Trehalose has been explored as a natural CPA to cryopreserve cells, but its poor cell permeability frequently results in low cryopreservation efficacy. In this work, we presented that a natural zwitterionic molecule-l-carnitine-could serve as a promising CPA for solvent-free cryopreservation. We demonstrated that l-carnitine possessed strong ability to depress water freezing point, and with ultrarapid freezing protocol, we studied the post-thaw survival efficiency of four cell lines (GLC-82 cells, MCF-7 cells, NIH-3T3 cells and Sheep Red Blood Cells) using l-carnitine without addition of any organic solvents. At the optimum l-carnitine concentration, all four cell lines could achieve above 80% survival efficiency, compared with the significantly lower efficiency using organic CPAs and trehalose. After cryopreservation, the recovered cell behaviors including cell attachment and proliferation were found to be similar to the normal cells, indicating that the cell functionalities were not affected. Moreover, l-carnitine showed no observable cytotoxicity, which was superior to the organic CPAs. This work offered an attractive alternative to traditional CPAs and held great promise to revolutionize current cryopreservation technologies, to benefit the patients in various cell-based clinical applications. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. Plasma fatty acid changes following consumption of dietary oils containing n-3, n-6, and n-9 fatty acids at different proportions: preliminary findings of the Canola Oil Multicenter Intervention Trial (COMIT)

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Background The Canola Oil Multicenter Intervention Trial (COMIT) was a randomized controlled crossover study designed to evaluate the effects of five diets that provided different oils and/or oil blends on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in individuals with abdominal obesity. The present objective is to report preliminary findings on plasma fatty acid profiles in volunteers with abdominal obesity, following the consumption of diets enriched with n-3, n-6 and n-9 fatty acids. Methods COMIT was conducted at three clinical sites, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Québec City, Québec, Canada and University Park, Pennsylvania, United States. Inclusion criteria were at least one of the followings: waist circumference (≥90 cm for males and ≥84 cm for females), and at least one other criterion: triglycerides ≥1.7 mmol/L, high density lipoprotein cholesterol <1 mmol/L (males) or <1.3 mmol/L (females), blood pressure ≥130 mmHg (systolic) and/or ≥85 mmHg (diastolic), and glucose ≥5.5 mmol/L. Weight-maintaining diets that included shakes with one of the dietary oil blends were provided during each of the five 30-day dietary phases. Dietary phases were separated by four-week washout periods. Treatment oils were canola oil, high oleic canola oil, high oleic canola oil enriched with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), flax oil and safflower oil blend, and corn oil and safflower oil blend. A per protocol approach with a mixed model analysis was decided to be appropriate for data analysis. Results One hundred and seventy volunteers were randomized and 130 completed the study with a dropout rate of 23.5%. The mean plasma total DHA concentrations, which were analyzed among all participants as a measure of adherence, increased by more than 100% in the DHA-enriched phase, compared to other phases, demonstrating excellent dietary adherence. Conclusions Recruitment and retention strategies were effective in achieving a sufficient number of participants who completed the study

  20. Fatty acids of pulmonary surfactant phosphatidylcholine from fetal rabbit lung tissue in culture. Biosynthesis of n-10 monoenoic fatty acids.

    PubMed

    Longmuir, K J; Resele-Tiden, C; Rossi, M E

    1988-08-01

    of the unusual n-10 fatty acids was observed from the start of culture throughout the entire 7-day culture period, and was observed in incubations of tissue slices of day 23 fetal rabbit lung. This is the first report of the biosynthesis of n-10 fatty acids (16:1 cis-6 and 18:1 cis-8) in a mammalian tissue other than skin, where these fatty acids are found in the secretory product (sebum) of sebaceous glands.

  1. Radiosynthesis of N-¹¹C-Methyl-Taurine-Conjugated Bile Acids and Biodistribution Studies in Pigs by PET/CT.

    PubMed

    Schacht, Anna Christina; Sørensen, Michael; Munk, Ole Lajord; Frisch, Kim

    2016-04-01

    During cholestasis, accumulation of conjugated bile acids may occur in the liver and lead to hepatocellular damage. Inspired by our recent development of N-(11)C-methyl-glycocholic acid-that is, (11)C-cholylsarcosine-a tracer for PET of the endogenous glycine conjugate of cholic acid, we report here a radiosynthesis of N-(11)C-methyl-taurine-conjugated bile acids and biodistribution studies in pigs by PET/CT. A radiosynthesis of N-(11)C-methyl-taurine-conjugated bile acids was developed and used to prepare N-(11)C-methyl-taurine conjugates derived from cholic, chenodeoxycholic, deoxycholic, ursodeoxycholic, and lithocholic acid. The lipophilicity of these new tracers was determined by reversed-phase thin-layer chromatography. The effect of lipophilicity and structure on the biodistribution was investigated in pigs by PET/CT using the tracers derived from cholic acid (3α-OH, 7α-OH, 12α-OH), ursodeoxycholic acid (3α-OH, 7β-OH), and lithocholic acid (3α-OH). The radiosyntheses of the N-(11)C-methyl-taurine-conjugated bile acids proceeded with radiochemical yields of 61% (decay-corrected) or greater and radiochemical purities greater than 99%. PET/CT in pigs revealed that the tracers were rapidly taken up by the liver and secreted into bile. There was no detectable radioactivity in urine. Significant reflux of N-(11)C-methyl-taurolithocholic acid into the stomach was observed. We have successfully developed a radiosynthesis of N-(11)C-methyl-taurine-conjugated bile acids. These tracers behave in a manner similar to endogenous taurine-conjugated bile acids in vivo and are thus promising for functional PET of patients with cholestatic diseases. © 2016 by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Inc.

  2. Effect of n-3 fatty acids on free tryptophan and exercise fatigue.

    PubMed

    Huffman, Derek M; Altena, Thomas S; Mawhinney, Thomas P; Thomas, Tom R

    2004-08-01

    Free tryptophan (Trp), which is augmented by liberated free fatty acids (FFA) from adipose tissue, can induce mental fatigue via serotonin during exercise. Since an attenuation in FFA has been observed with omega-3 fatty acid (n-3fa) use, our purpose was to examine the effect of n-3fa supplementation on free Trp availability and exercise fatigue. Ten recreationally trained men ( n=5) and women ( n=5), with maximal oxygen consumption (VO(2max))of 51.6 (3.0) and 44.3 (1.4) ml kg(-1) min(-1), respectively, were studied on two occasions following an overnight fast, before and after n-3fa supplementation (4 g day(-1) for 4 weeks). The exercise trials consisted of a 75-min treadmill run at 60% VO(2max) followed immediately by a high-intensity incremental bout to fatigue. Measurements included exercise monitors, plasma volume (PV), triglycerides (TG), FFA, glycerol, lactate, and glucose. Free Trp and branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) were measured and correlated with time to fatigue; all blood variables were corrected for PV. Free Trp, lactate, glucose, FFA, and glycerol were not significantly different between trials, but TG ( P<0.001) and the free Trp/BCAA ratio were significantly lower after n-3fa use [1.76 (0.18)x10(-2) microg ml(-1)] versus before supplementation [2.17 (0.22), P=0.033]. There was a non-significant increase in time to fatigue after supplementation [10.2 (0.3) min] versus before n-3fa use [9.7 (0.2), P=0.068], and a tendency for higher BCAA levels after supplementation, P=0.068. However, neither free Trp nor the free Trp/BCAA ratio significantly predicted time to fatigue. In conclusion, n-3fa supplementation did not diminish free Trp concentrations or significantly improve endurance performance during a maximal bout of exercise.

  3. Humic acid batteries derived from vermicomposts at different C/N ratios

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shamsuddin, R. M.; Borhan, A.; Lim, W. K.

    2017-06-01

    Humic acid is a known fertilizer derived from decomposed organic matters. Organic wastes are normally landfilled for disposal which had contributed negatively to the environment. From waste-to-wealth perspective, such wastes are potential precursors for compost fertilizers. When worms are added into a composting process, the process is termed as vermicomposting. In this work, humic acid from vermicompost derived from campus green wastes was developed into a battery. This adds value proposition to compost instead of being traditionally used solely as soil improver. This research work aimed to study the correlation between electrical potential generated by humic acid at different Carbon to Nitrogen (C/N) ratios of vermicompost at 20, 25, 30 and 35. The temperature and pH profiles of composting revealed that the compost was ready after 55 days. The humic acid was extracted from compost via alkaline extraction followed by precipitation in a strong acid. The extracted humic acid together with other additives were packed into a compartment and termed as vermibattery. Another set of battery running only on the additives was also prepared as a control. The net voltage produced by a single vermibattery cell with Zn and PbO electrodes was in the range of 0.31 to 0.44 V with compost at C/N ratio of 30 gave the highest voltage. The battery can be connected in series to increase the voltage generation. Quality assessment on the compost revealed that the final carbon content is between 16 to 23 wt%, nitrogen content of 0.4 to 0.5 wt%, humic acid yield of 0.7 to 1.5 wt% and final compost mass reduction of 10 to 35 wt%. Composting campus green wastes carries multi-fold benefits of reducing labour requirement, generating fertilizer for campus greenery and green battery construction.

  4. Creation of antifouling microarrays by photopolymerization of zwitterionic compounds for protein assay and cell patterning.

    PubMed

    Sun, Xiuhua; Wang, Huaixin; Wang, Yuanyuan; Gui, Taijiang; Wang, Ke; Gao, Changlu

    2018-04-15

    Nonspecific binding or adsorption of biomolecules presents as a major obstacle to higher sensitivity, specificity and reproducibility in microarray technology. We report herein a method to fabricate antifouling microarray via photopolymerization of biomimetic betaine compounds. In brief, carboxybetaine methacrylate was polymerized as arrays for protein sensing, while sulfobetaine methacrylate was polymerized as background. With the abundant carboxyl groups on array surfaces and zwitterionic polymers on the entire surfaces, this microarray allows biomolecular immobilization and recognition with low nonspecific interactions due to its antifouling property. Therefore, low concentration of target molecules can be captured and detected by this microarray. It was proved that a concentration of 10ngmL -1 bovine serum albumin in the sample matrix of bovine serum can be detected by the microarray derivatized with anti-bovine serum albumin. Moreover, with proper hydrophilic-hydrophobic designs, this approach can be applied to fabricate surface-tension droplet arrays, which allows surface-directed cell adhesion and growth. These light controllable approaches constitute a clear improvement in the design of antifouling interfaces, which may lead to greater flexibility in the development of interfacial architectures and wider application in blood contact microdevices. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  5. Bio-inert interfaces via biomimetic anchoring of a zwitterionic copolymer on versatile substrates.

    PubMed

    Dizon, Gian Vincent; Chou, Ying-Nien; Yeh, Lu-Chen; Venault, Antoine; Huang, James; Chang, Yung

    2018-05-22

    Bio-inert biomaterial design is vital for fields like biosensors, medical implants, and drug delivery systems. Bio-inert materials are generally hydrophilic and electrical neutral. One limitation faced in the design of bio-inert materials is that most of the modifiers used are specific to their substrate. In this work, we synthesized a novel zwitterionic copolymer containing a catechol group, a non-substrate dependent biomimetic anchoring segment, that can form a stable coating on various materials. No previous study was conducted using a grafting-to approach and determined the critical amount of catechol groups needed to effectively modify a material. The synthesized copolymers of sulfobetaine acrylamide (SBAA) and dopamine methacrylamide (DMA) in this work contains varying numbers of catechol groups, in which the critical number of catechol groups that had effectively modified substrates to have the bio-inert property was determined. The bio-inert property and capability to do coating on versatile substrates were evaluated in contact with human blood by coating different material groups such as ceramic, metallic, and polymeric groups. The novel structure and the simple grafting-to approach provides bio-inert property on various materials, giving them non-specific adsorption and attachment of biomolecules such as plasma proteins, erythrocytes, thrombocytes, bacteria, and tissue cells (85-95% reduction). Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. Lipoproteins of slow-growing Mycobacteria carry three fatty acids and are N-acylated by Apolipoprotein N-Acyltransferase BCG_2070c

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background Lipoproteins are virulence factors of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Bacterial lipoproteins are modified by the consecutive action of preprolipoprotein diacylglyceryl transferase (Lgt), prolipoprotein signal peptidase (LspA) and apolipoprotein N- acyltransferase (Lnt) leading to the formation of mature triacylated lipoproteins. Lnt homologues are found in Gram-negative and high GC-rich Gram-positive, but not in low GC-rich Gram-positive bacteria, although N-acylation is observed. In fast-growing Mycobacterium smegmatis, the molecular structure of the lipid modification of lipoproteins was resolved recently as a diacylglyceryl residue carrying ester-bound palmitic acid and ester-bound tuberculostearic acid and an additional amide-bound palmitic acid. Results We exploit the vaccine strain Mycobacterium bovis BCG as model organism to investigate lipoprotein modifications in slow-growing mycobacteria. Using Escherichia coli Lnt as a query in BLASTp search, we identified BCG_2070c and BCG_2279c as putative lnt genes in M. bovis BCG. Lipoproteins LprF, LpqH, LpqL and LppX were expressed in M. bovis BCG and BCG_2070c lnt knock-out mutant and lipid modifications were analyzed at molecular level by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight/time-of-flight analysis. Lipoprotein N-acylation was observed in wildtype but not in BCG_2070c mutants. Lipoprotein N- acylation with palmitoyl and tuberculostearyl residues was observed. Conclusions Lipoproteins are triacylated in slow-growing mycobacteria. BCG_2070c encodes a functional Lnt in M. bovis BCG. We identified mycobacteria-specific tuberculostearic acid as further substrate for N-acylation in slow-growing mycobacteria. PMID:24093492

  7. Lipoproteins of slow-growing Mycobacteria carry three fatty acids and are N-acylated by apolipoprotein N-acyltransferase BCG_2070c.

    PubMed

    Brülle, Juliane K; Tschumi, Andreas; Sander, Peter

    2013-10-05

    Lipoproteins are virulence factors of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Bacterial lipoproteins are modified by the consecutive action of preprolipoprotein diacylglyceryl transferase (Lgt), prolipoprotein signal peptidase (LspA) and apolipoprotein N- acyltransferase (Lnt) leading to the formation of mature triacylated lipoproteins. Lnt homologues are found in Gram-negative and high GC-rich Gram-positive, but not in low GC-rich Gram-positive bacteria, although N-acylation is observed. In fast-growing Mycobacterium smegmatis, the molecular structure of the lipid modification of lipoproteins was resolved recently as a diacylglyceryl residue carrying ester-bound palmitic acid and ester-bound tuberculostearic acid and an additional amide-bound palmitic acid. We exploit the vaccine strain Mycobacterium bovis BCG as model organism to investigate lipoprotein modifications in slow-growing mycobacteria. Using Escherichia coli Lnt as a query in BLASTp search, we identified BCG_2070c and BCG_2279c as putative lnt genes in M. bovis BCG. Lipoproteins LprF, LpqH, LpqL and LppX were expressed in M. bovis BCG and BCG_2070c lnt knock-out mutant and lipid modifications were analyzed at molecular level by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight/time-of-flight analysis. Lipoprotein N-acylation was observed in wildtype but not in BCG_2070c mutants. Lipoprotein N- acylation with palmitoyl and tuberculostearyl residues was observed. Lipoproteins are triacylated in slow-growing mycobacteria. BCG_2070c encodes a functional Lnt in M. bovis BCG. We identified mycobacteria-specific tuberculostearic acid as further substrate for N-acylation in slow-growing mycobacteria.

  8. Exploration of zwitterionic cellulose acetate antifouling ultrafiltration membrane for bovine serum albumin (BSA) separation.

    PubMed

    Liu, Yang; Huang, Haitao; Huo, Pengfei; Gu, Jiyou

    2017-06-01

    This study focused on the preparation of a new kind of membrane material, zwitterionic cellulose acetate (ZCA), via a three-step procedure consist of oxidization, Schiff base and quaternary amination reaction, and the fabrication of antifouling ZCA ultrafiltration membrane by the non-solvent-induced phase separation method (NIPS). The morphologies, surface chemical structures and compositions of the obtained CA and ZCA membranes were thoroughly characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively. Meanwhile, the thermal stability, porosity and average pore size of two investigated membranes were also studied. As a result, the ZCA membrane displayed significantly improved hydrophilicity and water permeability compared with those of the reference CA membrane, despite a slight decrease in the protein rejection ratio. According to the cycle ultrafiltration performance of bovine serum albumin (BSA) solution and protein adsorption experiment, ZCA membrane exhibited better flux recovery property and fouling resistant ability, especially irreversible fouling resistant ability, suggesting superior antifouling performance. This new approach gives polymer-based membrane a long time life and excellent ultrafiltration performance, and seems promising for potential applications in the protein separation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  9. Simple Protein Modification Using Zwitterionic Polymer to Mitigate the Bioactivity Loss of Conjugated Insulin.

    PubMed

    Xie, Jinbing; Lu, Yang; Wang, Wei; Zhu, Hui; Wang, Zhigang; Cao, Zhiqiang

    2017-06-01

    Polymer-protein conjugation has been extensively explored toward a better protein drug with improved pharmacokinetics. However, a major problem with polymer-protein conjugation is that the polymers drastically reduce the bioactivity of the modified protein. There is no perfect solution to prevent the bioactivity loss, no matter the polymer is conjugated in a non-site specific way, or a more complex site-specific procedure. Here the authors report for the first time that when zwitterionic carboxybetaine polymer (PCB) is conjugated to insulin through simple conventional coupling chemistry. The resulting PCB-insulin does not show a significant reduction of in vitro bioactivity. The obtained PCB-insulin shows two significant advantages as a novel pharmaceutical agent. First, its therapeutic performance is remarkable. For PCB-insulin, there is a 24% increase of in vivo pharmacological activity of lowering blood glucose compared with native insulin. Such uncommonly seen increase has rarely been reported and is expected to be due to both the improved pharmacokinetics and retained bioactivity of PCB-insulin. Second, the production is simple from manufacturing standpoints. Conjugation procedure involves only one-step coupling reaction without complex site-specific linkage technique. The synthesized PCB-insulin conjugates do not require chromatographic separation to purify and obtain particular isoforms. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  10. Effect of level of soluble fiber and n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio on performance of rabbit does and their litters.

    PubMed

    Delgado, Rebeca; Abad-Guamán, Rodrigo; Nicodemus, Nuria; Villamide, María Jesús; Ruiz-López, Noemí; Carabaño, Rosa; Menoyo, David; García, Javier

    2018-04-03

    The aim of this work was to study whether the dietary supplementation with soluble fiber (SF) and the reduction of the n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio or the combination of both influences the survival, body and milk composition, and reproductive performance of rabbit does during the first four parturitions. Four diets in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement were used with two levels of SF (7.8 vs. 13.0, on dry matter [DM] basis; high soluble fiber [HSF] and low soluble fiber [LSF]) and two different n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratios (13.4/1 vs. 3.5/1). Nulliparous does (24/diet) were inseminated 11 d after parturition. Body chemical composition and energy content of rabbit does and their performance, litter growth, and milk production were measured between birth and weaning (25 d) along four parturitions, and milk composition and fecal digestibility were also recorded. The proportion of total removed does decreased in HSF respect to LSF groups (22.9 vs. 50.0%; P = 0.005), and it tended to decrease in LSF groups when the n-6/n-3 ratio increased and in HSF groups when the n-6/n-3 ratio decreased (P = 0.059). The increase of the level of SF reduced the digestible crude protein (CP)/digestible energy ratio (by 4%; P < 0.001) and improved the digestibility of all fibrous fractions (P < 0.001). The reduction of the n-6/n-3 ratio reduced the total dietary fiber digestibility in rabbit does fed LSF diets, but it had no effect in those fed HSF diets (P = 0.043). Treatments had no effect on average daily feed intake among parturitions (P = 0.16), but the digestible CP intake among parturitions was lower in HSF than in LSF groups (P = 0.003). Treatments had no effect on the total number of kits born, litter or average kit weight at birth, or litter size at weaning, fertility, feed efficiency, total milk production, and body chemical composition and energy content of rabbit does (P ≥ 0.29). The average weight of kits at weaning of LSF_Hn-6/n-3 and HSF_Ln-6/n-3 groups decreased by 6% compared

  11. Primary fatty acid amide metabolism: conversion of fatty acids and an ethanolamine in N18TG2 and SCP cells1[S

    PubMed Central

    Farrell, Emma K.; Chen, Yuden; Barazanji, Muna; Jeffries, Kristen A.; Cameroamortegui, Felipe; Merkler, David J.

    2012-01-01

    Primary fatty acid amides (PFAM) are important signaling molecules in the mammalian nervous system, binding to many drug receptors and demonstrating control over sleep, locomotion, angiogenesis, and many other processes. Oleamide is the best-studied of the primary fatty acid amides, whereas the other known PFAMs are significantly less studied. Herein, quantitative assays were used to examine the endogenous amounts of a panel of PFAMs, as well as the amounts produced after incubation of mouse neuroblastoma N18TG2 and sheep choroid plexus (SCP) cells with the corresponding fatty acids or N-tridecanoylethanolamine. Although five endogenous primary amides were discovered in the N18TG2 and SCP cells, a different pattern of relative amounts were found between the two cell lines. Higher amounts of primary amides were found in SCP cells, and the conversion of N-tridecanoylethanolamine to tridecanamide was observed in the two cell lines. The data reported here show that the N18TG2 and SCP cells are excellent model systems for the study of PFAM metabolism. Furthermore, the data support a role for the N-acylethanolamines as precursors for the PFAMs and provide valuable new kinetic results useful in modeling the metabolic flux through the pathways for PFAM biosynthesis and degradation. PMID:22095832

  12. Incorporation of dietary n-3 fatty acids into selective phosphatidylcholine lipids in human plasma after salmon intake

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Elevated intake of n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA) is associated with reduced risk for cardiovascular disease. Intake of n-3 LCPUFA is often quantified by analysis of plasma phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA); however, the typical analysis by gas chromatography does not allow fo...

  13. Dietary flavonoids increase plasma very long-chain (n-3) fatty acids in rats.

    PubMed

    Toufektsian, Marie-Claire; Salen, Patricia; Laporte, François; Tonelli, Chiara; de Lorgeril, Michel

    2011-01-01

    Flavonoids probably contribute to the health benefits associated with the consumption of fruit and vegetables. However, the mechanisms by which they exert their effects are not fully elucidated. PUFA of the (n-3) series also have health benefits. Epidemiological and clinical studies have suggested that wine flavonoids may interact with the metabolism of (n-3) PUFA and increase their blood and cell levels. The present studies in rats were designed to assess whether flavonoids actually increase plasma levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the main very long-chain (n-3) PUFA. Rats were fed a corn-derived anthocyanin (ACN)-rich (ACN-rich) or ACN-free diet with constant intakes of plant and marine (n-3) PUFA for 8 wk (Expt. 1). Plasma fatty acids were measured by GC. The ACN-rich diet contained ~0.24 ± 0.01 mg of ACN/g pellets. There were no significant differences between groups in the main saturated, monounsaturated, and (n-6) fatty acids. In contrast, plasma EPA and DHA were greater in the ACN-rich diet group than in the ACN-free diet group (P < 0.05). We obtained similar results in 2 subsequent experiments in which rats were administered palm oil (80 μL/d) and consumed the ACN-rich or ACN-free diet (Expt. 2) or were supplemented with fish oil (60 mg/d, providing 35 mg DHA and 12 mg EPA) and consumed the ACN-rich or ACN-free diet (Expt. 3). In both experiments, plasma EPA and DHA were significantly greater in the ACN-rich diet group. These studies demonstrate that the consumption of flavonoids increases plasma very long-chain (n-3) PUFA levels. These data confirm previous clinical and epidemiological studies and provide new insights into the health benefits of flavonoids.

  14. Lattice dynamical and dielectric properties of L-amino acids

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tulip, P. R.; Clark, S. J.

    2006-08-01

    We present the results of ab initio calculations of the lattice dynamical and dielectric properties of the L-amino acids L-alanine, L-leucine, and L-isoleucine. Normal-mode frequencies and dielectric permittivity tensors are obtained using density-functional perturbation theory implemented within the plane-wave pseudopotential approximation. IR spectra are calculated and are used to analyze the effects of intermolecular interactions and zwitterionization upon the lattice dynamics. It is found that vibronic modes associated with the carboxy and amino functional groups undergo modification from their free-molecule values due to the presence of hydrogen bonds. The role of macroscopic electric fields set up by zone-center normal modes in the lattice dynamics is investigated by analysis of the Born effective charge. Calculated permittivity tensors are found to be greater than would be obtained by a naive use of the isolated molecular values, indicating the role of intermolecular interactions in increasing molecular polarizability.

  15. Effects of dietary n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFAs) on growth, fatty acid profiles, antioxidant capacity and immunity of sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus (Selenka).

    PubMed

    Yu, Haibo; Gao, Qinfeng; Dong, Shuanglin; Zhou, Jishu; Ye, Zhi; Lan, Ying

    2016-07-01

    The present study was conducted to understand the effects of dietary n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFAs) on growth, fatty acid profiles, antioxidant capacity and the immunity of sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus (Selenka). Five experimental diets were prepared, containing graded levels of n-3 HUFAs (0.46%, 0.85%, 1.25%, 1.61% and 1.95%, respectively), and the 0.46% group was used as control group. The specific growth rates, fatty acid profiles, activities and gene expression of antioxidative enzymes and lysozyme of the sea cucumbers that were fed with the 5 experimental diets were determined. The results showed that the specific growth rate of sea cucumbers in all the treatment groups significantly increased compared to the control group (P < 0.05), indicating the positive effects of n-3 HUFAs on the growth of sea cucumbers. The contents of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3) in the body wall of the sea cucumbers gradually increased with the increasing levels of n-3 HUFAs in the diets. The suitable supplement of n-3 HUFAs in diets improved the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) of sea cucumbers by up-regulating the expression of SOD and CAT mRNA in sea cucumbers. However, excess n-3 HUFAs in diets caused lipid peroxidation, inhibited the expression of lysozyme (LSZ) mRNA and decreased the activities of LSZ in sea cucumbers. In summary, the suitable supplement levels of n-3 HUFAs in diets of sea cucumbers A. japonicus were estimated between 0.85% and 1.25% considering the growth performance, cost and the indicators of antioxidant capacity and immunity. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. Clinical Benefits of n-3 PUFA and ɤ-Linolenic Acid in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

    PubMed

    Veselinovic, Mirjana; Vasiljevic, Dragan; Vucic, Vesna; Arsic, Aleksandra; Petrovic, Snjezana; Tomic-Lucic, Aleksandra; Savic, Maja; Zivanovic, Sandra; Stojic, Vladislava; Jakovljevic, Vladimir

    2017-03-25

    (1) Background: Marine n -3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and ɤ-linolenic acid (GLA) are well-known anti-inflammatory agents that may help in the treatment of inflammatory disorders. Their effects were examined in patients with rheumatoid arthritis; (2) Methods: Sixty patients with active rheumatoid arthritis were involved in a prospective, randomized trial of a 12 week supplementation with fish oil (group I), fish oil with primrose evening oil (group II), or with no supplementation (group III). Clinical and laboratory evaluations were done at the beginning and at the end of the study; (3) Results: The Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS 28 score), number of tender joints and visual analogue scale (VAS) score decreased notably after supplementation in groups I and II ( p < 0.001). In plasma phospholipids the n -6/ n -3 fatty acids ratio declined from 15.47 ± 5.51 to 10.62 ± 5.07 ( p = 0.005), and from 18.15 ± 5.04 to 13.50 ± 4.81 ( p = 0.005) in groups I and II respectively. The combination of n -3 PUFA and GLA (group II) increased ɤ-linolenic acid (0.00 ± 0.00 to 0.13 ± 0.11, p < 0.001), which was undetectable in all groups before the treatments; (4) Conclusion: Daily supplementation with n -3 fatty acids alone or in combination with GLA exerted significant clinical benefits and certain changes in disease activity.

  17. Glycan profiling of monoclonal antibodies using zwitterionic-type hydrophilic interaction chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry detection.

    PubMed

    Mauko, Lea; Nordborg, Anna; Hutchinson, Joseph P; Lacher, Nathan A; Hilder, Emily F; Haddad, Paul R

    2011-01-15

    We present a new method for the analysis of glycans enzymatically released from monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) employing a zwitterionic-type hydrophilic interaction chromatography (ZIC-HILIC) column coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Both native and reduced glycans were analyzed, and the developed procedure was compared with a standard HILIC procedure used in the pharmaceutical industry whereby fluorescent-labeled glycans are analyzed using a TSK Amide-80 column coupled with fluorescence detection. The separation of isobaric alditol oligosaccharides present in monoclonal antibodies and ribonuclease B is demonstrated, and ZIC-HILIC is shown to have good capability for structural recognition. Glycan profiles obtained with the ZIC-HILIC column and ESI-MS provided detailed information on MAb glycosylation, including identification of some less abundant glycan species, and are consistent with the profiles generated with the standard procedure. This new ZIC-HILIC method offers a simpler and faster approach for glycosylation analysis of therapeutic antibodies. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  18. Protective effects of folic acid on DNA damage and DNA methylation levels induced by N-methyl- N'-nitro- N-nitrosoguanidine in Kazakh esophageal epithelial cells.

    PubMed

    Chen, Y; Feng, H; Chen, D; Abuduwaili, K; Li, X; Zhang, H

    2018-01-01

    The protective effects of folic acid on DNA damage and DNA methylation induced by N-methyl- N'-nitro- N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) in Kazakh esophageal epithelial cells were investigated using a 3 × 3 factorial design trial. The cells were cultured in vitro and exposed to media containing different concentrations of folic acid and MNNG, after which growth indices were detected. DNA damage levels were measured using comet assays, and genome-wide DNA methylation levels (MLs) were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. The DNA methylation of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and folate receptor- α (FR α) genes was detected by bisulfite sequencing polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The results showed significant increases in tail DNA concentration, tail length, and Olive tail moment ( p < 0.01); a significant reduction of genome-wide DNA MLs ( p < 0.01); and an increase in the methylation frequencies of MTHFR and FR α genes. In particular, significant differences were observed in the promoter regions of both genes ( p < 0.01). Our study indicated that a reduction in folic acid concentration promotes DNA damage and DNA methylation in Kazakh esophageal epithelial cells upon MNNG exposure. Thus, sufficient folic acid levels could play a protective role against the damage induced by this compound.

  19. N-3 fatty acids and membrane microdomains: from model membranes to lymphocyte function.

    PubMed

    Shaikh, Saame Raza; Teague, Heather

    2012-12-01

    This article summarizes the author's research on fish oil derived n-3 fatty acids, plasma membrane organization and B cell function. We first cover basic model membrane studies that investigated how docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) targeted the organization of sphingolipid-cholesterol enriched lipid microdomains. A key finding here was that DHA had a relatively poor affinity for cholesterol. This work led to a model that predicted DHA acyl chains in cells would manipulate lipid-protein microdomain organization and thereby function. We then review how the predictions of the model were tested with B cells in vitro followed by experiments using mice fed fish oil. These studies reveal a highly complex picture on how n-3 fatty acids target lipid-protein organization and B cell function. Key findings are as follows: (1) n-3 fatty acids target not just the plasma membrane but also endomembrane organization; (2) DHA, but not eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), disrupts microdomain spatial distribution (i.e. clustering), (3) DHA alters protein lateral organization and (4) changes in membrane organization are accompanied by functional effects on both innate and adaptive B cell function. Altogether, the research over the past 10 years has led to an evolution of the original model on how DHA reorganizes membrane microdomains. The work raises the intriguing possibility of testing the model at the human level to target health and disease. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  20. n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Reduce Neonatal Hypoxic/Ischemic Brain Injury by Promoting Phosphatidylserine Formation and Akt Signaling.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Wenting; Liu, Jia; Hu, Xiaoming; Li, Peiying; Leak, Rehana K; Gao, Yanqin; Chen, Jun

    2015-10-01

    Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) attenuate neonatal hypoxic/ischemic (H/I) brain damage, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. This study tested the hypothesis that n-3 PUFAs enhance Akt-dependent prosurvival signaling by promoting the biosynthesis of phosphatidylserine in neuronal cell membranes. Dietary n-3 PUFA supplementation was initiated on the second day of pregnancy in dams. H/I was induced in 7-day-old rat pups by ipsilateral common carotid artery occlusion followed by hypoxia (8% oxygen for 2.5 hours). Neurological outcomes, brain tissue loss, cell death, and the activation of signaling events were assessed after H/I. The effects of n-3 PUFAs (docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid) on oxygen-glucose deprivation-induced cell death and the underlying mechanism of protection were also examined in primary cortical neuron cultures. n-3 PUFAs reduced brain tissue loss at 7 days after H/I and improved neurological outcomes, whereas inhibition of PI3K/Akt signaling by LY294002 partially abrogated this neuroprotective effect. Docosahexaenoic acid/eicosapentaenoic acid also prevented ischemic neuronal death through the Akt prosurvival pathway in vitro. Furthermore, docosahexaenoic acid/eicosapentaenoic acid increased the production of phosphatidylserine, the major membrane-bound phospholipids, after ischemia both in vitro and in vivo. A reduction in membrane phosphatidylserine by shRNA-mediated knockdown of phosphatidylserine synthetase-1 attenuated Akt activation and neuronal survival after docosahexaenoic acid/eicosapentaenoic acid treatment in the oxygen-glucose deprivation model. n-3 PUFAs robustly protect against H/I-induced brain damage in neonates by activating Akt prosurvival pathway in compromised neurons. In addition, n-3 PUFAs promote the formation of membrane phosphatidylserine, thereby promoting Akt activity and improving cellular survival. © 2015 American Heart Association, Inc.

  1. Straightforward synthesis of non-natural L-chalcogen and L-diselenide N-Boc-protected-γ-amino acid derivatives.

    PubMed

    Kawasoko, Cristiane Y; Foletto, Patricia; Rodrigues, Oscar E D; Dornelles, Luciano; Schwab, Ricardo S; Braga, Antonio L

    2013-08-21

    The synthesis of new chiral seleno-, telluro-, and thio-N-Boc-γ-amino acids is described herein. These new compounds were prepared through a simple and short synthetic route, from the inexpensive and commercially-available amino acid L-glutamic acid. The products, with a highly modular character, were obtained in good to excellent yields, via hydrolysis of chalcogen pyroglutamic derivatives with overall retention of the L-glutamic acid stereochemistry. Also, an L-diselenide-N-Boc-γ-amino acid was prepared in good yield. This new synthetic route represents an efficient method for preparing new L-chalcogen- and L-diselenide-γ-amino acids with biological potential.

  2. Intake of Fish and Omega-3 (n-3) Fatty Acids: Effect on Humans During Actual and Simulated Weightlessness

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Smith, S. M.; Pierson, D. L.; Mehta, S. K.; Zwart, S. R.

    2011-01-01

    Space flight has many negative effects on human physiology, including bone and muscle loss. Bone and muscle are two systems that are positively affected by dietary intake of fish and n-3 fatty acids. The mechanism is likely to be related to inhibition by n-3 fatty acids of inflammatory cytokines (such as TNF) and thus inhibition of downstream NF-kB activation. We have documented this effect in a 3-dimensional cell culture model, where NF-kB activation in osteoclasts was inhibited by eicosapentaenoic acid, an n-3 fatty acid. We have also indentified that NF-kB activation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of Space Shuttle crews. We found that after Shuttle flights of 2 wk, expression of the protein p65 (evidence of NF-kB activation) was increased at landing (P less than 0.001). When evaluating the effects of n-3 fatty acid intake on bone breakdown after 60 d of bed rest (a weightlessness analog). We found that after 60 d of bed rest, greater intake of n-3 fatty acids was associated with less N-telopeptide excretion (Pearson r = -0.62, P less than 0.05). We also evaluated the relationship of fish intake and bone loss in astronauts after 4 to 6 mo missions on the International Space Station. Higher consumption of fish during flight was associated with higher bone mineral density (Pearson r = 0.46, P less than 0.05). Together, these findings provide evidence of the cellular mechanism by which n-3 fatty acids can inhibit bone loss, and preliminary human evidence of the potential for n-3 fatty acids to counteract bone loss associated with space flight. This study was supported by the NASA Human Research Program.

  3. Hydrophilic Solvation Dominates the Terahertz Fingerprint of Amino Acids in Water.

    PubMed

    Esser, Alexander; Forbert, Harald; Sebastiani, Federico; Schwaab, Gerhard; Havenith, Martina; Marx, Dominik

    2018-02-01

    Spectroscopy in the terahertz frequency regime is a sensitive tool to probe solvation-induced effects in aqueous solutions. Yet, a systematic understanding of spectral lineshapes as a result of distinct solvation contributions remains terra incognita. We demonstrate that modularization of amino acids in terms of functional groups allows us to compute their distinct contributions to the total terahertz response. Introducing the molecular cross-correlation analysis method provides unique access to these site-specific contributions. Equivalent groups in different amino acids lead to look-alike spectral contributions, whereas side chains cause characteristic but additive complexities. Specifically, hydrophilic solvation of the zwitterionic groups in valine and glycine leads to similar terahertz responses which are fully decoupled from the side chain. The terahertz response due to H-bonding within the large hydrophobic solvation shell of valine turns out to be nearly indistinguishable from that in bulk water in direct comparison to the changes imposed by the charged functional groups that form strong H-bonds with their hydration shells. Thus, the hydrophilic groups and their solvation shells dominate the terahertz absorption difference, while on the same intensity scale, the influence of hydrophobic water can be neglected.

  4. Chiral discrimination of α-hydroxy acids and N-Ts-α-amino acids induced by tetraaza macrocyclic chiral solvating agents by using 1H NMR spectroscopy.

    PubMed

    Lv, Caixia; Feng, Lei; Zhao, Hongmei; Wang, Guo; Stavropoulos, Pericles; Ai, Lin

    2017-02-21

    In the field of chiral recognition, reported chiral discrimination by 1 H NMR spectroscopy has mainly focused on various chiral analytes with a single chiral center, regarded as standard chiral substrates to evaluate the chiral discriminating abilities of a chiral auxiliary. Among them, chiral α-hydroxy acids, α-amino acids and their derivatives are chiral organic molecules involved in a wide variety of biological processes, and also play an important role in the area of preparation of pharmaceuticals, as they are part of the synthetic process in the production of chiral drug intermediates and protein-based drugs. In this paper, several α-hydroxy acids and N-Ts-α-amino acids were used to evaluate the chiral discriminating abilities of tetraaza macrocyclic chiral solvating agents (TAMCSAs) 1a-1d by 1 H NMR spectroscopy. The results indicate that α-hydroxy acids and N-Ts-α-amino acids were successfully discriminated in the presence of TAMCSAs 1a-1d by 1 H NMR spectroscopy in most cases. The enantiomers of the α-hydroxy acids and N-Ts-α-amino acids were assigned based on the change of integration of the 1 H NMR signals of the corresponding protons. The enantiomeric excesses (ee) of N-Ts-α-amino acids 11 with different optical compositions were calculated based on the integration of the 1 H NMR signals of the CH 3 protons (Ts group) of the enantiomers of (R)- and (S)-11 in the presence of TAMCSA 1b. At the same time, the possible chiral discriminating behaviors have been discussed by means of the Job plots of (±)-2 with TAMCSAs 1b and proposed theoretical models of the enantiomers of 2 and 6 with TAMCSA 1a, respectively.

  5. Natural monocrystalline pyrite as a sensor in non-aqueous solution Part I: Potentiometric titration of weak acids in, N,N-dimethylformamide, methylpyrrolidone and pyridine.

    PubMed

    Mihajlović, Lj V; Mihajlović, R P; Antonijević, M M; Vukanović, B V

    2004-11-15

    The possibility of applying natural monocrystaline pyrite as a sensor for the potentiometric titration of weak acids in N,N-dimethylformamide, methylpyrrolidone and pyridine was investigated. The potential of this electrode in N,N-dimethylformamide, methylpyrrolidone and pyridine exhibits a sub-Nernst dependence. In N,N-dimethylformamide the slope (mV/pH) is 39.0 and in methylpyrrolidone it is 45.0. The potential jumps at the titration end-point obtained in the titration of weak acids are higher than those obtained by the application of a glass electrode as the indicator electrode The potential in the course of the titration and at the titration end-point (TEP) are rapidly established. Sodium methylate, potassium hydroxide and tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (TBAH) proved to be very suitable titrating agents for these titrations. The results obtained in the determination of the investigated weak acids deviate by 0.1-0.35% with respect to those obtained by using a glass electrode as the indicator electrode.

  6. Sonocatalytic degradation of humic acid by N-doped TiO2 nano-particle in aqueous solution.

    PubMed

    Kamani, Hossein; Nasseri, Simin; Khoobi, Mehdi; Nabizadeh Nodehi, Ramin; Mahvi, Amir Hossein

    2016-01-01

    Un-doped and N-doped TiO2 nano-particles with different nitrogen contents were successfully synthesized by a simple sol-gel method, and were characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, Energy dispersive X-ray analysis and UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectra techniques. Then enhancement of sonocatalytic degradation of humic acid by un-doped and N-doped TiO2 nano-particles in aqueous environment was investigated. The effects of various parameters such as initial concentration of humic acid, N-doping, and the degradation kinetics were investigated. The results of characterization techniques affirmed that the synthesis of un-doped and N-doped TiO2 nano-particles was successful. Degradation of humic acid by using different nano-particles obeyed the first-order kinetic. Among various nano-particles, N-doped TiO2 with molar doping ratio of 6 % and band gap of 2.92 eV, exhibited the highest sonocatalytic degradation with an apparent-first-order rate constant of 1.56 × 10(-2) min(-1). The high degradation rate was associated with the lower band gap energy and well-formed anatase phase. The addition of nano-catalysts could enhance the degradation efficiency of humic acid as well as N-doped TiO2 with a molar ratio of 6 %N/Ti was found the best nano-catalyst among the investigated catalysts. The sonocatalytic degradation with nitrogen doped semiconductors could be a suitable oxidation process for removal of refractory pollutants such as humic acid from aqueous solution.

  7. 3-(4-Carb­oxy-5-carboxyl­ato-1H-imidazol-2-yl)pyridin-1-ium monohydrate

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Guang-Jun; Zhao, Guang-Wang; Li, Li; Gao, Hong-Tao

    2011-01-01

    In the zwitterionic mol­ecule of the title compound, C10H7N3O4·H2O, one carboxyl group is deprotonated and the pyridine N atom is protonated. The pyridinium and imidazole rings form a dihedral angle of 5.23 (1)°. An intramolecular O—H⋯O hydrogen bond occurs. In the crystal, inter­molecular N—H⋯O, O—H⋯N and O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds link the zwitterions and water mol­ecules into sheets parallel to (102). PMID:21523144

  8. Ketene reactions with tertiary amines.

    PubMed

    Allen, Annette D; Andraos, John; Tidwell, Thomas T; Vukovic, Sinisa

    2014-01-17

    Tertiary amines react rapidly and reversibly with arylketenes in acetonitrile forming observable zwitterions, and these undergo amine catalyzed dealkylation forming N,N-disubstituted amides. Reactions of N-methyldialkylamines show a strong preference for methyl group loss by displacement, as predicted by computational studies. Loss of ethyl groups in reactions with triethylamine also occur by displacement, but preferential loss of isopropyl groups in the phenylketene reaction with diisopropylethylamine evidently involves elimination. Quinuclidine rapidly forms long-lived zwitterions with arylketenes, providing a model for catalysis by cinchona and related alkaloids in stereoselective additions to ketenes.

  9. Inhibitory activity and mechanism of inhibition of the N-[[(4-benzoylamino)phenyl]sulfonyl]amino acid aldose reductase inhibitors.

    PubMed

    DeRuiter, J; Mayfield, C A

    1990-11-15

    A series of substituted N-[[(4-benzoylamino)phenyl]sulfonyl]amino acids (BAPS-amino acids) were synthesized by established methods, and the stereochemistry of the products was confirmed by HPLC analysis after chiral derivatization. When tested against aldose reductase (alditol:NADP+ oxidoreductase; EC 1.1.1.21; ALR2) isolated from rat lens, all of the BAPS-amino acids were determined to be significantly more inhibitory than the corresponding N-(phenylsulfonyl)amino acids. Structure-inhibition and enzyme kinetic analyses suggest that the BAPS-amino acids inhibit ALR2 by a mechanism similar to the N-(phenylsulfonyl)amino acids. However, multiple inhibition analyses indicate that the increased inhibitory activity of the BAPS-amino acids is a result of interaction with multiple sites present on ALR2. Enzyme specificity studies with several of the BAPS-amino acids demonstrated that these compounds do not produce significant inhibition of other nucleotide-requiring enzymes including aldehyde reductase (alcohol: NADP+ oxidoreductase; EC 1.1.1.2; ALR1).

  10. Mass spectrometry of analytical derivatives. 1. Cyanide cations in the spectra of N-alkyl-N-perfluoroacyl-α-amino acids and their methyl esters

    PubMed Central

    Todua, Nino G.; Tretyakov, Kirill V.; Mikaia, Anzor I.

    2016-01-01

    The central mission for the development of the National Institute of Standards and Technology/National Institutes of Health/Environmental Protection Agency Mass Spectral Library is the acquisition of reference gas chromatography–mass spectrometry data for important compounds and their chemical modification products. The addition of reliable reference data of various derivatives of amino acids to The Library, and the study of their behavior under electron ionization conditions may be useful for their identification, structure elucidation, and a better understanding of the data obtained when the same derivatives are subjected to other ionization methods. N-Alkyl-N-perfluoroacyl derivatives of amino acids readily produce previously unreported alkylnitrilium cations of composition [HC≡N-alkyl]+. Homologous [HC≡N-aryl]+ cations are typical for corresponding N-aryl analogs. The formation of other ions characteristic for these derivatives involves oxygen rearrangement giving rise to ions [CnF2n+1–C≡N+–CnH2n+1] and [CnF2n+1–C≡N+-aryl]. The introduction of an N-benzyl substituent in a molecule favors a process producing benzylidene iminium cations. l-Threonine and l-cysteine derivatives exhibit more fragmentation pathways not typical for other α-amino acids; additionally, the Nω-amino group in l-lysine directs the dissociation process and provides structural information on the substitution at the amino functions in the molecule. PMID:26307698

  11. Amphiphilic and Hydrophilic Block Copolymers from Aliphatic N-Substituted 8-Membered Cyclic Carbonates: A Versatile Macromolecular Platform for Biomedical Applications.

    PubMed

    Venkataraman, Shrinivas; Tan, Jeremy P K; Ng, Victor W L; Tan, Eddy W P; Hedrick, James L; Yang, Yi Yan

    2017-01-09

    Introduction of hydrophilic components, particularly amines and zwitterions, onto a degradable polymer platform, while maintaining precise control over the polymer composition, has been a challenge. Recognizing the importance of these hydrophilic residues in multiple aspects of the nanobiomedicine field, herein, a straightforward synthetic route to access well-defined amphiphilic and hydrophilic degradable block copolymers from diethanolamine-derived functional eight-membered N-substituted aliphatic cyclic carbonates is reported. By this route, tertiary amine, secondary amine, and zwitterion residues can be incorporated across the polymer backbone. Demonstration of pH-responsiveness of these hydrophilic residues and their utility in the development of drug-delivery vehicles, catered for the specific requirements of respective model drugs (doxorubicin and diclofenac sodium salt) are shown. As hydrophilic components in degradable polymers play crucial roles in the biological interactions, these materials offers opportunities to expand the scope and applicability of aliphatic cyclic carbonates. Our approach to these functional polycarbonates will expand the range of biocompatible and biodegradable synthetic materials available for nanobiomedicine, including drug and gene delivery, antimicrobials, and hydrophilic polymers as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) alternatives.

  12. Interaction of Zwitterionic Penicillins with the OmpF Channel Facilitates Their Translocation

    PubMed Central

    Danelon, Christophe; Nestorovich, Ekaterina M.; Winterhalter, Mathias; Ceccarelli, Matteo; Bezrukov, Sergey M.

    2006-01-01

    To study translocation of β-lactam antibiotics of different size and charge across the outer bacterial membrane, we combine an analysis of ion currents through single trimeric outer membrane protein F (OmpF) porins in planar lipid bilayers with molecular dynamics simulations. Because the size of penicillin molecules is close to the size of the narrowest part of the OmpF pore, penicillins occlude the pore during their translocation. Favorably interacting penicillins cause time-resolvable transient blockages of the small-ion current through the channel and thereby provide information about their dynamics within the pore. Analyzing these random fluctuations, we find that ampicillin and amoxicillin have a relatively high affinity for OmpF. In contrast, no or only a weak interaction is detected for carbenicillin, azlocillin, and piperacillin. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest a possible pathway of these drugs through the OmpF channel and rationalize our experimental findings. For zwitterionic ampicillin and amoxicillin, we identify a region of binding sites near the narrowest part of the channel pore. Interactions with these sites partially compensate for the entropic cost of drug confinement by the channel. Whereas azlocillin and piperacillin are clearly too big to pass through the channel constriction, dianionic carbenicillin does not find an efficient binding region in the constriction zone. Carbenicillin's favorable interactions are limited to the extracellular vestibule. These observations confirm our earlier suggestion that a set of high-affinity sites at the narrowest part of the OmpF channel improves a drug's ability to cross the membrane via the pore. PMID:16339889

  13. Metabolic solutions to the biosynthesis of some diaminomonocarboxylic acids in nature: Formation in cyanobacteria of the neurotoxins 3-N-methyl-2,3-diaminopropanoic acid (BMAA) and 2,4-diaminobutanoic acid (2,4-DAB).

    PubMed

    Nunn, Peter B; Codd, Geoffrey A

    2017-12-01

    The non-encoded diaminomonocarboxylic acids, 3-N-methyl-2,3-diaminopropanoic acid (syn: α-amino-β-methylaminopropionic acid, MeDAP; β-N-methylaminoalanine, BMAA) and 2,4-diaminobutanoic acid (2,4-DAB), are distributed widely in cyanobacterial species in free and bound forms. Both amino acids are neurotoxic in whole animal and cell-based bioassays. The biosynthetic pathway to 2,4-DAB is well documented in bacteria and in one higher plant species, but has not been confirmed in cyanobacteria. The biosynthetic pathway to BMAA is unknown. This review considers possible metabolic routes, by analogy with reactions used in other species, by which these amino acids might be biosynthesised by cyanobacteria, which are a widespread potential environmental source of these neurotoxins. Where possible, the gene expression that might be implicated in these biosyntheses is discussed. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Efficient Enzymatic Preparation of (13) N-Labelled Amino Acids: Towards Multipurpose Synthetic Systems.

    PubMed

    da Silva, Eunice S; Gómez-Vallejo, Vanessa; Baz, Zuriñe; Llop, Jordi; López-Gallego, Fernando

    2016-09-12

    Nitrogen-13 can be efficiently produced in biomedical cyclotrons in different chemical forms, and its stable isotopes are present in the majority of biologically active molecules. Hence, it may constitute a convenient alternative to Fluorine-18 and Carbon-11 for the preparation of positron-emitter-labelled radiotracers; however, its short half-life demands for the development of simple, fast, and efficient synthetic processes. Herein, we report the one-pot, enzymatic and non-carrier-added synthesis of the (13) N-labelled amino acids l-[(13) N]alanine, [(13) N]glycine, and l-[(13) N]serine by using l-alanine dehydrogenase from Bacillus subtilis, an enzyme that catalyses the reductive amination of α-keto acids by using nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) as the redox cofactor and ammonia as the amine source. The integration of both l-alanine dehydrogenase and formate dehydrogenase from Candida boidinii in the same reaction vessel to facilitate the in situ regeneration of NADH during the radiochemical synthesis of the amino acids allowed a 50-fold decrease in the concentration of the cofactor without compromising reaction yields. After optimization of the experimental conditions, radiochemical yields were sufficient to carry out in vivo imaging studies in small rodents. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  15. Systematic Review on N-3 and N-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Intake in European Countries in Light of the Current Recommendations - Focus on Specific Population Groups.

    PubMed

    Sioen, Isabelle; van Lieshout, Lilou; Eilander, Ans; Fleith, Mathilde; Lohner, Szimonetta; Szommer, Alíz; Petisca, Catarina; Eussen, Simone; Forsyth, Stewart; Calder, Philip C; Campoy, Cristina; Mensink, Ronald P

    2017-01-01

    Earlier reviews indicated that in many countries adults, children and adolescents consume on an average less polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) than recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organisation/World Health Organisation. The intake of total and individual n-3 and n-6 PUFAs in European infants, children, adolescents, elderly and pregnant/lactating women was evaluated systematically. The evaluations were done against recommendations of the European Food Safety Authority. Key Messages: Fifty-three studies from 17 different European countries reported an intake of total n-3 and n-6 PUFAs and/or individual n-3 or n-6 PUFAs in at least one of the specific population groups: 10 in pregnant women, 4 in lactating women, 3 in infants 6-12 months, 6 in children 1-3 years, 11 in children 4-9 years, 8 in adolescents 10-18 years and 11 in elderly >65 years. Mean linoleic acid intake was within the recommendation (4 energy percentage [E%]) in 52% of the countries, with inadequate intakes more likely in lactating women, adolescents and elderly. Mean α-linolenic acid intake was within the recommendation (0.5 E%) in 77% of the countries. In 26% of the countries, mean eicosapentaenoic acid and/or docosahexaenoic acid intake was as recommended. These results indicate that intake of n-3 and n-6 PUFAs may be suboptimal in specific population groups in Europe. © 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  16. Time trend investigation of PCBs, PBDEs, and organochlorine pesticides in selected n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid rich dietary fish oil and vegetable oil supplements; nutritional relevance for human essential n-3 fatty acid requirements.

    PubMed

    Jacobs, Miriam N; Covaci, Adrian; Gheorghe, Adriana; Schepens, Paul

    2004-03-24

    In addition to being used in the food and animal feed industry, fish oils have also been used traditionally as dietary supplements. Due to the presence of long-chain n-3 fatty acids, fish oils have therapeutic benefits in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular, immunological, and arthritic diseases, as well as childhood deficiency diseases such as rickets, because of a high content of vitamin D. However, fish oils are also susceptible to contamination with lipophilic organic chemicals that are now ubiquitous contaminants of marine ecosystems. Many vegetable oils are sources of the shorter chain precursor forms of n-3 fatty acids, and in recent years the specialist dietary supplement market has expanded to include these oils in a variety of different formulations. This paper reports analytical results of selected contaminants, including polychlorinated biphenyls, organochlorine pesticides, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers, for a range of commercially available n-3 fatty acid rich fish and vegetable oil dietary supplements. Using principal component analysis, the values are compared with historic samples to elucidate time trends in contamination profiles. Levels of contaminants are discussed in relation to the nutritional benefits to the consumer of long- and short-chain forms of n-3 fatty acids.

  17. Chemopreventive effect of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and folic acid on the N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG)-induced gastrointestinal cancer in rat model.

    PubMed

    Xu, Qi; Yang, Chuan Hua; Liu, Qiang; Jin, Xi Feng; Xu, Xi Tao; Tong, Jin Lu; Xiao, Shu Dong; Ran, Zhi Hua

    2011-06-01

    To investigate the chemopreventive effect and mechanisms of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and folic acid on N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG)-induced gastrointestinal cancer in rats, and to investigate and compare the combinatorial effects of EGCG and folic acid on the chemoprevention of gastrointestinal carcinogenesis. A total of 159 healthy male Wistar rats were randomly divided into seven groups to have the MNNG in drink (group M), MNNG in drink and EGCG in the feed (group ME), MNNG in drink and folic acid in the feed (group MF), MNNG in drink and EGCG+folic acid in the feed (group MEF), EGCG in the feed (group E), folic acid in the feed (group F) or normal feed (group C), respectively. At 44 weeks, all the rats were killed and assessed for the presence of gastrointestinal tumor. The occurrence of cancer was evaluated by histology. Ki-67 in cancerous tissues and in situ apoptosis were determined by immunohistochemical staining or terminal deoxyribonucleotide transferase-mediated nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay, respectively. The experiment was completed in 157 rats (98.74%). As compared with group M, the tumor incidence of group MEF decreased significantly (P=0.011). Ki-67 expression in cancerous tissues of group ME and MEF also decreased significantly (P=0.038, P=0.009), while apoptosis of group ME, MF and MEF increased significantly (P=0.000, P=0.003, P=0.000). EGCG combined with folic acid has an obvious chemopreventive effect on gastrointestinal carcinogenesis induced by MNNG in rats. © 2011 The Authors. Journal of Digestive Diseases © 2011 Chinese Medical Association Shanghai Branch, Chinese Society of Gastroenterology, Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine and Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

  18. Dose-dependent consumption of farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) increases plasma phospholipid n-3 fatty acids differentially

    PubMed Central

    Raatz, Susan K.; Rosenberger, Thad A.; Johnson, LuAnn K.; Wolters, William W.; Burr, Gary S; Picklo, Matthew J.

    2013-01-01

    Enhanced omega-3 fatty acid (n-3) intake benefits cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk reduction. Increasing consumption at a population level may be better addressed by diet than through supplementation. However, limited data are available on the effect of the dose response to fish intake on plasma levels of n-3 fatty acids. To compare the effects of different doses of farmed Atlantic salmon on plasma phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) proportions and CVD risk biomarkers (glucose, insulin, HOMAIR, hsCRP, and IL-6) in healthy subjects we performed a randomized 3-period cross-over designed trial (4 wk treatment, 4-8 wk washout) to compare the effects of twice/wk consumption of farmed Atlantic salmon at doses of 90, 180, and 270 g in 19 apparently healthy men and women with a mean age of aged 40-65 years and a BMI between 25-34.9 kg/m2. All study visits were conducted at the USDA, ARS Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center. EPA and total n-3 were increased (p<0.05) by all treatments in a dose response manner, with total n-3 of 8.03 ± 0.26 and 9.21 ± 0.26 % for 180 and 270 g doses, respectively. Linoleic acid did not change in response to treatment while arachidonic acid (P<0.05) and total omega-6 fatty acids (n-6) decreased dose dependently (<0.0001). The addition of farmed Atlantic salmon to the diet twice/wk for 4 wk at portions of 180g and 270g modifies PLFA proportions of n-3 and n-6 in a level associated with decreased risk for CVD. PMID:23351633

  19. Docosahexaenoic acid at the sn-2 position of structured triacylglycerols improved n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid assimilation in tissues of hamsters.

    PubMed

    Bandarra, Narcisa M; Lopes, Paula A; Martins, Susana V; Ferreira, Júlia; Alfaia, Cristina M; Rolo, Eva A; Correia, Jorge J; Pinto, Rui M A; Ramos-Bueno, Rebeca P; Batista, Irineu; Prates, José A M; Guil-Guerrero, José L

    2016-05-01

    In this study, we hypothesized that the incorporation of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in tissues will be higher when it is ingested as triacylglycerols (TAG) structured at the sn-2 position, which enhances efficacy and health benefits of dietary DHA n-3 supplementation. Ten-week-old Golden Syrian male hamsters were randomly allocated into 4 dietary groups with 10 animals in each: linseed oil (LSO; control group), fish oil (FO), fish oil ethyl esters (FO-EE), and structured DHA at the sn-2 position of TAG (DHA-SL). After 12 weeks, there were no variations in the hamsters' body composition parameters across dietary groups. The DHA-SL diet had the lowest values of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total lipids, and aspartate aminotransferase activity, whereas the inverse was observed for the FO diet. Glucose was increased in the LSO diet without affecting insulin and insulin resistance markers. Whereas n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid was increased in the brain of hamsters fed the DHA-SL diet, higher levels of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid were observed in the liver and erythrocytes of the LSO. The highest omega-3 index was obtained with the DHA-SL diet. The principal component analyses discriminated DHA from other metabolites and set apart 4 clusters matching the 4 diets. Similarly, liver, erythrocytes, and brain were separated from each other, pointing toward an individual signature on fatty acid deposition. The structured sn-2 position DHA-containing TAG ameliorated blood lipids and fatty acid incorporation, in particular eicosapentaenoic acid and DHA in liver, erythrocytes, and brain, relative to commercially FOs, thus improving the health benefits of DHA due to its higher bioavailability. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  20. Effect of the ratio of dietary n-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid on broiler breeder performance, egg quality, and yolk fatty acid composition at different breeder ages.

    PubMed

    Koppenol, A; Delezie, E; Aerts, J; Willems, E; Wang, Y; Franssens, L; Everaert, N; Buyse, J

    2014-03-01

    When added to the feed of broiler breeder hens, dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (FA) can be incorporated into the yolk and therefore become available to the progeny during their early development. The mechanism involved in lipid metabolism and deposition in the egg may be influenced by breeder age. Before the effect of an elevated concentration of certain polyunsaturated FA on the embryo can be investigated, the effect at breeder level and egg quality must be further assessed. The aim of the present experiment was to evaluate the effects of dietary n-6/n-3 ratios and dietary eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5 n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6 n-3) ratios, provided to broiler breeder hens, in terms of their zoo technical performance, egg quality, and yolk FA composition. Starting at 6 wk of age, 640 Ross-308 broiler breeder hens were fed 1 of 4 different diets. The control diet was a basal diet, rich in n-6 FA. The 3 other diets were enriched in n-3 FA, formulated to obtain a different EPA/DHA ratio of 1/1 (EPA = DHA), 1/2 (DHA), or 2/1 (EPA). In fact, after analysis the EPA/DHA ratio was 0.8, 0.4, or 2.1, respectively. Dietary EPA and DHA addition did not affect the performance of the breeder hens, except for egg weight. Egg weight was lower (P < 0.001) for all n-3 treatments. Dietary EPA improved number of eggs laid in the first 2 wk of the production cycle (P = 0.029). The absolute and relative yolk weight of eggs laid by EPA = DHA fed hens was lowest (P = 0.004 and P = 0.025, respectively). The EPA and DHA concentrations in the yolk were highly dependent on dietary EPA and DHA concentrations with a regression coefficient equal to 0.89. It can be concluded that dietary EPA and DHA can be incorporated in the breeder egg yolk to become available for the developing embryo, without compromising the performance and egg quality of the flock.

  1. Novel double prodrugs of the iron chelator N,N'-bis(2-hydroxybenzyl)ethylenediamine-N,N'-diacetic acid (HBED): Synthesis, characterization, and investigation of activation by chemical hydrolysis and oxidation.

    PubMed

    Thiele, Nikki A; Abboud, Khalil A; Sloan, Kenneth B

    2016-08-08

    The development of iron chelators suitable for the chronic treatment of diseases where iron accumulation and subsequent oxidative stress are implicated in disease pathogenesis is an active area of research. The clinical use of the strong chelator N,N'-bis(2-hydroxybenzyl)ethylenediamine-N,N'-diacetic acid (HBED) and its alkyl ester prodrugs has been hindered by poor oral bioavailability and lack of conversion to the parent chelator, respectively. Here, we present novel double prodrugs of HBED that have the carboxylate and phenolate donors of HBED masked with carboxylate esters and boronic acids/esters, respectively. These double prodrugs were successfully synthesized as free bases (7a-f) or as dimesylate salts (8a-c,e), and were characterized by (1)H, (13)C, and (11)B NMR; MP; MS; and elemental analysis. The crystal structure of 8a was solved. Three of the double prodrugs (8a-c) were selected for further investigation into their abilities to convert to HBED by stepwise hydrolysis and H2O2 oxidation. The serial hydrolysis of the pinacol and methyl esters of N,N'-bis(2-boronic acid pinacol ester benzyl)ethylenediamine-N,N'-diacetic acid methyl ester dimesylate (8a) was verified by LC-MS. The macro half-lives for the hydrolyses of 8a-c, measured by UV, ranged from 3.8 to 26.3 h at 37 °C in pH 7.5 phosphate buffer containing 50% MeOH. 9, the product of hydrolysis of 8a-c and the intermediate in the conversion pathway, showed little-to-no affinity for iron or copper in UV competition experiments. 9 underwent a serial oxidative deboronation by H2O2 in N-methylmorpholine buffer to generate HBED (k = 10.3 M(-1) min(-1)). The requirement of this second step, oxidation, before conversion to the active chelator is complete may confer site specificity when only localized iron chelation is needed. Overall, these results provide proof of principle for the activation of the double prodrugs by chemical hydrolysis and H2O2 oxidation, and merit further investigation into the

  2. Virulence-Affecting Amino Acid Changes in the PA Protein of H7N9 Influenza A Viruses

    PubMed Central

    Yamayoshi, Seiya; Yamada, Shinya; Fukuyama, Satoshi; Murakami, Shin; Zhao, Dongming; Uraki, Ryuta; Watanabe, Tokiko; Tomita, Yuriko; Macken, Catherine; Neumann, Gabriele

    2014-01-01

    ABSTRACT Novel avian-origin influenza A(H7N9) viruses were first reported to infect humans in March 2013. To date, 143 human cases, including 45 deaths, have been recorded. By using sequence comparisons and phylogenetic and ancestral inference analyses, we identified several distinct amino acids in the A(H7N9) polymerase PA protein, some of which may be mammalian adapting. Mutant viruses possessing some of these amino acid changes, singly or in combination, were assessed for their polymerase activities and growth kinetics in mammalian and avian cells and for their virulence in mice. We identified several mutants that were slightly more virulent in mice than the wild-type A(H7N9) virus, A/Anhui/1/2013. These mutants also exhibited increased polymerase activity in human cells but not in avian cells. Our findings indicate that the PA protein of A(H7N9) viruses has several amino acid substitutions that are attenuating in mammals. IMPORTANCE Novel avian-origin influenza A(H7N9) viruses emerged in the spring of 2013. By using computational analyses of A(H7N9) viral sequences, we identified several amino acid changes in the polymerase PA protein, which we then assessed for their effects on viral replication in cultured cells and mice. We found that the PA proteins of A(H7N9) viruses possess several amino acid substitutions that cause attenuation in mammals. PMID:24371069

  3. The Prion Protein N1 and N2 Cleavage Fragments Bind to Phosphatidylserine and Phosphatidic Acid; Relevance to Stress-Protection Responses.

    PubMed

    Haigh, Cathryn L; Tumpach, Carolin; Drew, Simon C; Collins, Steven J

    2015-01-01

    Internal cleavage of the cellular prion protein generates two well characterised N-terminal fragments, N1 and N2. These fragments have been shown to bind to anionic phospholipids at low pH. We sought to investigate binding with other lipid moieties and queried how such interactions could be relevant to the cellular functions of these fragments. Both N1 and N2 bound phosphatidylserine (PS), as previously reported, and a further interaction with phosphatidic acid (PA) was also identified. The specificity of this interaction required the N-terminus, especially the proline motif within the basic amino acids at the N-terminus, together with the copper-binding region (unrelated to copper saturation). Previously, the fragments have been shown to be protective against cellular stresses. In the current study, serum deprivation was used to induce changes in the cellular lipid environment, including externalisation of plasma membrane PS and increased cellular levels of PA. When copper-saturated, N2 could reverse these changes, but N1 could not, suggesting that direct binding of N2 to cellular lipids may be part of the mechanism by which this peptide signals its protective response.

  4. The Prion Protein N1 and N2 Cleavage Fragments Bind to Phosphatidylserine and Phosphatidic Acid; Relevance to Stress-Protection Responses

    PubMed Central

    Haigh, Cathryn L.; Tumpach, Carolin; Drew, Simon C.; Collins, Steven J.

    2015-01-01

    Internal cleavage of the cellular prion protein generates two well characterised N-terminal fragments, N1 and N2. These fragments have been shown to bind to anionic phospholipids at low pH. We sought to investigate binding with other lipid moieties and queried how such interactions could be relevant to the cellular functions of these fragments. Both N1 and N2 bound phosphatidylserine (PS), as previously reported, and a further interaction with phosphatidic acid (PA) was also identified. The specificity of this interaction required the N-terminus, especially the proline motif within the basic amino acids at the N-terminus, together with the copper-binding region (unrelated to copper saturation). Previously, the fragments have been shown to be protective against cellular stresses. In the current study, serum deprivation was used to induce changes in the cellular lipid environment, including externalisation of plasma membrane PS and increased cellular levels of PA. When copper-saturated, N2 could reverse these changes, but N1 could not, suggesting that direct binding of N2 to cellular lipids may be part of the mechanism by which this peptide signals its protective response. PMID:26252007

  5. Effect of temperature on the protonation of N-(2-hydroxyethyl)ethylenediamine-N,N',N'-triacetic acid in aqueous solutions: Potentiometric and calorimetric studies

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Li, Xingliang; Zhang, Zhicheng; Endrizzi, Francesco

    2015-06-01

    The TALSPEAK process (Trivalent Actinide Lanthanide Separations by Phosphorus-reagent Extraction from Aqueous Komplexes) has been demonstrated in several pilot-scale operations to be effective at separating trivalent actinides (An 3+) from trivalent lanthanides (Ln 3+). However, fundamental studies have revealed undesired aspects of TALSPEAK, such as the significant partitioning of Na +, lactic acid, and water into the organic phase, thermodynamically unpredictable pH dependence, and the slow extraction kinetics. In the modified TALSPEAK process, the combination of the aqueous holdback complexant HEDTA (N-(2-hydroxyethyl)ethylenediamine-N,N',N'-triacetic acid) with the extractant HEH[EHP] (2-ethyl(hexyl) phosphonic acid mono-2-ethylhexyl ester) in the organic phase has been found tomore » exhibit a nearly flat pH dependence between 2.5 and 4.5 and more rapid phase transfer kinetics for the heavier lanthanides. To help understand the speciation of Ln 3+ and An 3+ in the modified TALSPEAK, systematic studies are underway on the thermodynamics of major reactions in the HEDTA system under conditions relevant to the process (e.g., higher temperatures). Thermodynamics of the protonation and complexation of HEDTA with Ln 3+ were studied at variable temperatures. Equilibrium constants and enthalpies were determined by a combination of techniques including potentiometry and calorimetry. This paper presents the protonation constants of HEDTA at T = (25 to 70) °C. The potentiometric titrations have demonstrated that, stepwise, the first two protonation constants decrease and the third one slightly increases with the increase of temperature. This trend is in good agreement with the enthalpy of protonation directly determined by calorimetry. The results of NMR analysis further confirm that the first two protonation reactions occur on the diamine nitrogen atoms, while the third protonation reaction occurs on the oxygen of a carboxylate group. These data, in conjunction with

  6. N-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids shift estrogen signaling to inhibit human breast cancer cell growth.

    PubMed

    Cao, Wenqing; Ma, ZhiFan; Rasenick, Mark M; Yeh, ShuYan; Yu, JiangZhou

    2012-01-01

    Although evidence has shown the regulating effect of n-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) on cell signaling transduction, it remains unknown whether n-3 PUFA treatment modulates estrogen signaling. The current study showed that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5) shifted the pro-survival and proliferative effect of estrogen to a pro-apoptotic effect in human breast cancer (BCa) MCF-7 and T47D cells. 17 β-estradiol (E2) enhanced the inhibitory effect of n-3 PUFAs on BCa cell growth. The IC50 of DHA or EPA in MCF-7 cells decreased when combined with E2 (10 nM) treatment (from 173 µM for DHA only to 113 µM for DHA+E2, and from 187 µm for EPA only to 130 µm for EPA+E2). E2 also augmented apoptosis in n-3 PUFA-treated BCa cells. In contrast, in cells treated with stearic acid (SA, C18:0) as well as cells not treated with fatty acid, E2 promoted breast cancer cell growth. Classical (nuclear) estrogen receptors may not be involved in the pro-apoptotic effects of E2 on the n-3 PUFA-treated BCa cells because ERα agonist failed to elicit, and ERα knockdown failed to block E2 pro-apoptotic effects. Subsequent studies reveal that G protein coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER1) may mediate the pro-apoptotic effect of estrogen. N-3 PUFA treatment initiated the pro-apoptotic signaling of estrogen by increasing GPER1-cAMP-PKA signaling response, and blunting EGFR, Erk 1/2, and AKT activity. These findings may not only provide the evidence to link n-3 PUFAs biologic effects and the pro-apoptotic signaling of estrogen in breast cancer cells, but also shed new insight into the potential application of n-3 PUFAs in BCa treatment.

  7. Chromatographic determination of Fe chelated by ethylenediamine-N-(o-hydroxyphenylacetic)-N'-(p-hydroxyphenylacetic) acid in commercial EDDHA/Fe3+ fertilizers.

    PubMed

    García-Marco, Sonia; Torreblanca, Ana; Lucena, Juan J

    2006-02-22

    EDDHA/Fe3+ chelates are the most common fertilizers used to solve Fe chlorosis in established crops. Commercial products contain two regioisomers, ethylenediamine-N,N'-bis(o-hydroxyphenylacetic) acid (o,o-EDDHA)/Fe3+ and ethylenediamine-N-(o-hydroxyphenylacetic)-N'-(p-hydroxyphenylacetic) acid (o,p-EDDHA)/Fe3+. Although several chromatographic methods exist for the determination of Fe3+ chelated by the o,o-EDDHA isomer, no method has been described for the quantification of Fe3+ chelated by o,p-EDDHA. In this work, factors that affect the behavior of o,p-EDDHA/Fe3+ in ion pair chromatography are reviewed: pH, ion pair reagent, and organic modifier. The best chromatographic performance was obtained with an aqueous mobile phase at pH 6.0 containing 35% acetonitrile and 5 mM tetrabutylammonium hydroxide under isocratic elution conditions. This method was applied to the quantification of commercial samples.

  8. Plasma n-6 Fatty Acid Levels Are Associated With CD4 Cell Counts, Hospitalization, and Mortality in HIV-Infected Patients.

    PubMed

    Kabagambe, Edmond K; Ezeamama, Amara E; Guwatudde, David; Campos, Hannia; Fawzi, Wafaie

    2016-12-15

    Fatty acids, including n-6 series, modulate immune function, but their effect on CD4 cell counts, death, or hospitalization in HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy is unknown. In a randomized trial for effects of multivitamins in HIV-infected patients in Uganda, we used gas chromatography to measure plasma n-6 fatty acids at baseline; determined CD4 counts at baseline, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months; and recorded hospitalization or death events. The associations of fatty acids with CD4 counts and events were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance and Cox regression, respectively. Among 297 patients with fatty acids measurements, 16 patients died and 69 were hospitalized within 18 months. Except for linoleic acid, n-6 fatty acids levels were positively associated with CD4 counts at baseline but not during follow-up. In models that included all 5 major n-6 fatty acids, age; sex; body mass index; anemia status; use of antiretroviral therapy, multivitamin supplements, and alcohol; and the risk of death or hospitalization decreased significantly with an increase in linoleic acid and gamma-linolenic acid levels, whereas associations for dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, and aolrenic acid were null. The hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) per 1 SD increase in linoleic acid and gamma-linolenic acid were 0.73 (0.56-0.94) and 0.51 (0.36-0.72), respectively. Gamma-linolenic acid remained significant (hazard ratio = 0.51; 95% confidence interval: 0.35 to 0.68) after further adjustment for other plasma fatty acids. Lower levels of gamma-linolenic acid are associated with lower CD4 counts and an increased risk of death or hospitalization. These results suggest a potential for using n-6 fatty acids to improve outcomes from antiretroviral therapy.

  9. Heat capacities and thermal diffusivities of n-alkane acid ethyl esters—biodiesel fuel components

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bogatishcheva, N. S.; Faizullin, M. Z.; Nikitin, E. D.

    2017-09-01

    The heat capacities and thermal diffusivities of ethyl esters of liquid n-alkane acids C n H2 n-1O2C2H5 with the number of carbon atoms in the parent acid n = 10, 11, 12, 14, and 16 are measured. The heat capacities are measured using a DSC 204 F1 Phoenix heat flux differential scanning calorimeter (Netzsch, Germany) in the temperature range of 305-375 K. Thermal diffusivities are measured by means of laser flash method on an LFA-457 instrument (Netzsch, Germany) at temperatures of 305-400 K. An equation is derived for the dependence of the molar heat capacities of the investigated esters on temperature. It is shown that the dependence of molar heat capacity C p,m (298.15 K) on n ( n = 1-6) is close to linear. The dependence of thermal diffusivity on temperature in the investigated temperature range is described by a first-degree polynomial, but thermal diffusivity a (298.15 K) as a function of n has a minimum at n = 5.

  10. Quantification of N-acetyl- and N-glycolylneuraminic acids by a stable isotope dilution assay using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Allevi, Pietro; Femia, Eti Alessandra; Costa, Maria Letizia; Cazzola, Roberta; Anastasia, Mario

    2008-11-28

    The present report describes a method for the quantification of N-acetyl- and N-glycolylneuraminic acids without any derivatization, using their (13)C(3)-isotopologues as internal standards and a C(18) reversed-phase column modified by decylboronic acid which allows for the first time a complete chromatographic separation between the two analytes. The method is based on high-performance liquid chromatographic coupled with electrospray ion-trap mass spectrometry. The limit of quantification of the method is 0.1mg/L (2.0ng on column) for both analytes. The calibration curves are linear for both sialic acids over the range of 0.1-80mg/L (2.0-1600ng on column) with a correlation coefficient greater than 0.997. The proposed method was applied to the quantitative determination of sialic acids released from fetuin as a model of glycoproteins.

  11. Camelina meal increases egg n-3 fatty acid content without altering egg quality or production in laying hens

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Camelina sativa is an oilseed plant rich in n-3 and n-6-fatty acids and extruding defatted seed meal results in high protein meal (~40%) containing residual n-3 fatty acids. We examined the effects of feeding extruded defatted camelina seed meal to commercial laying hens on egg production, quality, ...

  12. Food frequency questionnaire as an indicator of the serum composition of essential n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in early pregnancy, according to body mass index.

    PubMed

    Lepsch, J; Vaz, J S; Moreira, J D; Pinto, T J P; Soares-Mota, M; Kac, G

    2015-02-01

    We investigated whether food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) may be indicative of the serum composition of essential n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in early pregnancy and if correlations are affected by body mass index (BMI). The present study comprised a prospective cohort conducted in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The sample was composed of 248 women, aged 20-40 years, between 6 and the 13 weeks of gestation. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated FFQ. Fatty acid serum compositions were determined in fasting serum samples, employing a high-throughput robotic direct methylation coupled with fast gas-liquid chromatography. Spearman's correlation (r(s)) was used to assess the relationship between fatty acid intake and corresponding serum composition. Women were classified according to BMI (kg m(-2) ) as underweight/normal weight (BMI < 25 kg m(-2) ; n = 139) or excessive weight (BMI ≥ 25 kg m(-2) ; n = 109). In the total sample, dietary report was significantly correlated with the serum composition of total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA; r(s) = 0.232, P < 0.001), linoleic acid (LA; 18:2n-6; r(s) = 0.271, P < 0.001), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3; r(s) = 0.263, P < 0.001) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3; r(s) = 0.209, P = 0.001). When analyses were stratified by BMI, significant correlations between FFQ and serum composition among underweight/normal weight women were observed for total PUFA (r(s) = 0.323, P < 0.001), LA (r(s) = 0.322, P < 0.001), EPA (r(s) = 0.352, P < 0.001) and DHA (r(s) = 0.176, P = 0.039). Among women of excessive weight, significant correlations were observed only for alpha linolenic acid (ALA; 18:3n-3; r(s) = 0.199, P = 0.040) and DHA (r(s) = 0.236, P = 0.014). FFQ in early pregnancy may be used as a possible indicator of serum concentrations of fatty acids. Higher correlations were observed among underweight/normal weight women. © 2014 The British Dietetic Association Ltd.

  13. Influence of dietary long-chain n-3 fatty acids from menhaden fish oil on plasma concentrations of alpha-tocopherol in geriatric beagles.

    PubMed

    Hall, Jean A; Tooley, Katie A; Gradin, Joseph L; Jewell, Dennis E; Wander, Rosemary C

    2002-01-01

    To determine effects of dietary n-3 fatty acids from Menhaden fish oil on plasma alpha-tocopherol concentrations in Beagles. 32 female Beagles. For 82 days, dogs were fed diets that contained 1 of 2 ratios of n-6:n-3 fatty acids (40:1 [low n-3] and 1.4:1 [high n-3]) and 1 of 3 concentrations of all-rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate (low, 17 mg/kg of diet; medium, 101 mg/kg; and high, 447 mg/kg) in a 2 X 3 factorial study. Diets high in n-3 fatty acids significantly increased total content of n-3 fatty acids in plasma (17.0 g/100 g of fatty acids), compared with low n-3 diets (2.02 g/100 g of fatty acids). Mean +/- SEM plasma concentration of cholesterol was significantly lower in dogs consuming high n-3 diets (4.59 +/- 0.48 mmol/L), compared with dogs consuming low n-3 diets (5.71 +/- 0.48 mmol/L). A significant interaction existed between the ratio for n-6 and n-3 fatty acids and amount of alpha-tocopheryl acetate in the diet (plasma alpha-tocopherol concentration expressed on a molar basis), because the plasma concentration of alpha-toco-pherol was higher in dogs consuming low n-3 diets, compared with those consuming high n-3 diets, at the 2 higher amounts of dietary alpha-tocopheryl acetate. Plasma alpha-tocopherol concentration expressed relative to total lipid content did not reveal effects of dietary n-3 fatty acids on concentration of alpha-tocopherol. Plasma alpha-tocopherol concentration is not dependent on dietary ratio of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids when alpha-tocopherol concentration is expressed relative to the total lipid content of plasma.

  14. Universal Surface-initiated Polymerization of Antifouling Zwitterionic Brushes Using A Mussel-Mimetic Peptide Initiator

    PubMed Central

    Kuang, Jinghao; Messersmith, Phillip B.

    2012-01-01

    We report a universal method for the surface-initated polymerization (SIP) of a antifouling polymer brush on various classes of surfaces, including noble metals, metal oxides and inert polymers. Inspired by the versatility of mussel adhesive proteins, we synthesized a novel bifunctional tripeptide bromide (BrYKY) which combines an atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) initiating alkyl bromide with l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) and lysine. Simple dip-coating of substrates with variable wetting properties and compositions, including Teflon®, in a BrYKY solution at pH 8.5 led to formation of a thin film of cross-linked BrYKY. Subsequently, we showed that the BrYKY layer initiated the ATRP of a zwitterionic monomer, sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA) on all substrates, resulting in high density antifouling pSBMA brushes. Both BrYKY deposition and pSBMA grafting were unambiguously confirmed by ellipsometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and goniometry. All substrates that were coated with BrYKY/pSBMA dramatically reduced bacterial adhesion for 24 h and also resisted mammalian cell adhesion for at least 4 months, demonstrating the long-term stability of the BrYKY anchoring and antifouling properties of pSBMA. The use of BrYKY as a primer and polymerization initiator has the potential to be widely employed in surface grafted polymer brush modifications for biomedical and other applications. PMID:22506651

  15. Forced Spreading of Aqueous Solutions on Zwitterionic Sulfobetaine Surfaces for Rapid Evaporation and Solute Separation.

    PubMed

    Wu, Cyuan-Jhang; Singh, Vickramjeet; Sheng, Yu-Jane; Tsao, Heng-Kwong

    2017-08-01

    Solute separation of aqueous mixtures is mainly dominated by water vaporization. The evaporation rate of an aqueous drop grows with increasing the liquid-gas interfacial area. The spontaneous spreading behavior of a water droplet on a total wetting surface provides huge liquid-gas interfacial area per unit volume; however, it is halted by the self-pinning phenomenon upon addition of nonvolatile solutes. In this work, it is shown that the solute-induced self-pinning can be overcome by gravity, leading to anisotropic spreading much faster than isotropic spreading. The evaporation rate of anisotropic spreading on a zwitterionic sulfobetaine surface is 25 times larger as that on a poly(methyl methacrylate) surface. Dramatic enhancement of evaporation is demonstrated by simultaneous formation of fog atop liquid film. During anisotropic spreading, the solutes are quickly precipitated out within 30 s, showing the rapid solute-water separation. After repeated spreading process for the dye-containing solution, the mean concentration of the collection is doubled, revealing the concentration efficiency as high as 100%. Gravity-enhanced spreading on total wetting surfaces at room temperature is easy to scale-up with less energy consumption, and thus it has great potentials for the applications of solute separation and concentration.

  16. EPA, DHA, and Lipoic Acid Differentially Modulate the n-3 Fatty Acid Biosynthetic Pathway in Atlantic Salmon Hepatocytes.

    PubMed

    Bou, Marta; Østbye, Tone-Kari; Berge, Gerd M; Ruyter, Bente

    2017-03-01

    The aim of the present study was to investigate how EPA, DHA, and lipoic acid (LA) influence the different metabolic steps in the n-3 fatty acid (FA) biosynthetic pathway in hepatocytes from Atlantic salmon fed four dietary levels (0, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0%) of EPA, DHA or a 1:1 mixture of these FA. The hepatocytes were incubated with [1- 14 C] 18:3n-3 in the presence or absence of LA (0.2 mM). Increased endogenous levels of EPA and/or DHA and LA exposure both led to similar responses in cells with reduced desaturation and elongation of [1- 14 C] 18:3n-3 to 18:4n-3, 20:4n-3, and EPA, in agreement with reduced expression of the Δ6 desaturase gene involved in the first step of conversion. DHA production, on the other hand, was maintained even in groups with high endogenous levels of DHA, possibly due to a more complex regulation of this last step in the n-3 metabolic pathway. Inhibition of the Δ6 desaturase pathway led to increased direct elongation to 20:3n-3 by both DHA and LA. Possibly the route by 20:3n-3 and then Δ8 desaturation to 20:4n-3, bypassing the first Δ6 desaturase step, can partly explain the maintained or even increased levels of DHA production. LA increased DHA production in the phospholipid fraction of hepatocytes isolated from fish fed 0 and 0.5% EPA and/or DHA, indicating that LA has the potential to further increase the production of this health-beneficial FA in fish fed diets with low levels of EPA and/or DHA.

  17. Cinnamic acid hydrogen bonds to isoniazid and N'-(propan-2-ylidene)isonicotinohydrazide, an in situ reaction product of isoniazid and acetone.

    PubMed

    Sarcevica, Inese; Orola, Liana; Veidis, Mikelis V; Belyakov, Sergey

    2014-04-01

    A new polymorph of the cinnamic acid-isoniazid cocrystal has been prepared by slow evaporation, namely cinnamic acid-pyridine-4-carbohydrazide (1/1), C9H8O2·C6H7N3O. The crystal structure is characterized by a hydrogen-bonded tetrameric arrangement of two molecules of isoniazid and two of cinnamic acid. Possible modification of the hydrogen bonding was investigated by changing the hydrazide group of isoniazid via an in situ reaction with acetone and cocrystallization with cinnamic acid. In the structure of cinnamic acid-N'-(propan-2-ylidene)isonicotinohydrazide (1/1), C9H8O2·C9H11N3O, carboxylic acid-pyridine O-H···N and hydrazide-hydrazide N-H···O hydrogen bonds are formed.

  18. Anaerobic biotransformation of roxarsone and related N-substituted phenylarsonic acids

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Cortinas, I.; Field, J.A.; Kopplin, M.; Garbarino, J.R.; Gandolfi, A.J.; Sierra-Alvarez, R.

    2006-01-01

    Large quantities of arsenic are introduced into the environment through land application of poultry litter containing the organoarsenical feed additive roxarsone (3-nitro-4-hydroxyphenylarsonic acid). The objective of this study was to evaluate the bioconversion of roxarsone and related N-substituted phenylarsonic acid derivatives under anaerobic conditions. The results demonstrate that roxarsone is rapidly transformed in the absence of oxygen to the corresponding aromatic amine, 4-hydroxy-3-aminophenylarsonic acid (HAPA). The formation of HAPA is attributable to the facile reduction of the nitro group. Electron-donating substrates, such as hydrogen gas, glucose, and lactate, stimulated the rate of nitro group reduction, indicating a microbial role. During long-term incubations, HAPA and the closely related 4-aminophenylarsonic acid (4-APA) were slowly biologically eliminated by up to 99% under methanogenic and sulfate-reducing conditions, whereas little or no removal occurred in heat-killed inoculum controls. Arsenite and, to a lesser extent, arsenate were observed as products of the degradation. Freely soluble forms of the inorganic arsenical species accounted for 19-28% of the amino-substituted phenylarsonic acids removed. This constitutes the first report of a biologically catalyzed rupture of the phenylarsonic group under anaerobic conditions. ?? 2006 American Chemical Society.

  19. Anti-pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus potential of catechin and gallic acid.

    PubMed

    You, Huey-Ling; Huang, Chao-Chun; Chen, Chung-Jen; Chang, Cheng-Chin; Liao, Pei-Lin; Huang, Sheng-Teng

    2018-05-01

    The pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus has spread worldwide and infected a large proportion of the human population. Discovery of new and effective drugs for the treatment of influenza is a crucial issue for the global medical community. According to our previous study, TSL-1, a fraction of the aqueous extract from the tender leaf of Toonasinensis, has demonstrated antiviral activities against pandemic influenza A (H1N1) through the down-regulation of adhesion molecules and chemokine to prevent viral attachment. The aim of the present study was to identify the active compounds in TSL-1 which exert anti-influenza A (H1N1) virus effects. XTT assay was used to detect the cell viability. Meanwhile, the inhibitory effect on the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus was analyzed by observing plaque formation, qRT-PCR, neuraminidase activity, and immunofluorescence staining of influenza A-specific glycoprotein. Both catechin and gallic acid were found to be potent inhibitors in terms of influenza virus mRNA replication and MDCK plaque formation. Additionally, both compounds inhibited neuraminidase activities and viral glycoprotein. The 50% effective inhibition concentration (EC 50 ) of catechin and gallic acid for the influenza A (H1N1) virus were 18.4 μg/mL and 2.6 μg/mL, respectively; whereas the 50% cytotoxic concentrations (CC 50 ) of catechin and gallic acid were >100 μg/mL and 22.1 μg/mL, respectively. Thus, the selectivity indexes (SI) of catechin and gallic acid were >5.6 and 22.1, respectively. The present study demonstrates that catechin might be a safe reagent for long-term use to prevent influenza A (H1N1) virus infection; whereas gallic acid might be a sensitive reagent to inhibit influenza virus infection. We conclude that these two phyto-chemicals in TSL-1 are responsible for exerting anti-pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus effects. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Taiwan LLC.

  20. A PHYSIOLOGICALLY-BASED PHARMACOKINETIC MODEL FOR INTRAVENOUS AND INHALATION-ROUTE PHARMACOKINETICS OF BUTYL ACETATE AND METABOLITES N-BUTANOL AND N-BUTYRIC ACID

    EPA Science Inventory

    Risk assessment for n-butyl acetate and metabolites n-butanol and n-butyric acid (the butyl series) can be accomplished with limited toxicity data and pharmacokinetic data for each compound through application of the "family approach" (Barton et al., 2000). The necessary quantita...