“Non-muffin tin” corrections of the SCF Xα-SW Method. I

The recently developed crystalline cluster method within the framework of the Johnson multiple scattering technique was successfully used in calculations of ionic cubic crystals and the defects with a cubic symmetry. In this paper a simple way of extension of the method to noncubic systems by a partial elimination of “muffin-tin” approximation (MTA ) is proposed. The procedure suggested does reduce the intermediate integrals to the one-dimensional ones, and they are calculated analytically. It is supposed that an approach of taking into account the nonspherical shape of the potential inside the “muffin-tin” (MT ) spheres will be effective in crystals with an ionic type of chemical bond.     

Novel Bottom‐Up SERS Substrates for Quantitative and Parallelized Analytics

Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is an emerging technology in the field of analytics. Due to the high sensitivity in connection with specific Raman molecular fingerprint information SERS can be used in a variety of analytical, bioanalytical, and biosensing applications. However, for the SERS effect substrates with metal nanostructures are needed. The broad application of this technology is greatly hampered by the lack of reliable and reproducible substrates. Usually the activity of a given substrate has to be determined by time‐consuming experiments such as calibration or ultramicroscopic studies. To use SERS as a standard analytical tool, cheap and reproducible substrates are required, preferably with a characterization technique that does not interfere with the subsequent measurements. Herein we introduce an innovative approach to produce low‐cost and large‐scale reproducible substrates for SERS applications, which allows easy and economical production of micropatterned SERS active surfaces on a large scale. This approach is based on an enzyme‐induced growth of silver nanostructures. The special structural feature of the enzymatically deposited silver nanoparticles prevents the breakdown of SERS activity even at high particle densities (particle density >60 %) that lead to a conductive layer. In contrast to other approaches, this substrate exhibits a relationship between electrical conductivity and the resulting SERS activity of a given spot. This enables the prediction of the SERS activity of the nanostructure ensemble and therewith the controllable and reproducible production of SERS substrates of enzymatic silver nanoparticles on a large scale, utilizing a simple measurement of the electrical conductivity. Furthermore, through a correlation between the conductivity and the SERS activity of the substrates it is possible to quantify SERS measurements with these substrates.     

“Clickable” and Antifouling Block Copolymer Brushes as a Versatile Platform for Peptide‐Specific Cell Attachment

To tailor cell–surface interactions, precise and controlled attachment of cell‐adhesive motifs is required, while any background non‐specific cell and protein adhesion has to be blocked effectively. Herein, a versatile and highly reproducible antifouling surface modification based on “clickable” groups and hierarchically structured diblock copolymer brushes for the controlled attachment of cells is reported. The polymer brush architecture combines an antifouling bottom block of poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) poly(HEMA) and an ultrathin azide‐bearing top block, which can participate in well‐established “click” reactions including the highly selective copper‐catalyzed alkyne‐azide cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction under mild conditions. This straightforward approach allows the rapid conjugation of a cell‐adhesive, alkyne‐bearing cyclic RGD peptide motif, enabling subsequent specific attachment of NIH 3T3 fibroblasts, their extensive proliferation and confluent cell sheet formation after 48 h of incubation. The generally applicable strategy presented in this report can be employed for surface functionalization with diverse alkyne‐bearing biological moieties via CuAAC or copper‐free alkyne‐azide cycloaddition protocols, making it a versatile functionalization approach and a promising tool for tissue engineering, biomaterial implant design, and other applications that require surfaces supporting highly specific cell attachment.     

Estimation of thermal stability of phenol stabilizers by means of thermogravimetric analysis

A new method was developed for evaluation of the results of thermal analysis of phenol stabilizers used for the thermal stabilization of light-coloured polymers. The integral observed decomposition temperature obtained by using Doyle's method from the thermogravimetric curves was used as a basis of approach. For this purpose, the computational program TERMOGRAF for PC/AT is suggested. It is considered that the integral observed decomposition temperature is a more reliable and reproducible characteristic of thermal stability than the approach based on the temperature of beginning of decomposition.     

Phase‐separated microstructures in “all‐acrylic” thermoplastic elastomers

Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) is used to study the phase separation process occurring in block copolymers in the solid state. Measuring simultaneously the amplitude and the phase of the oscillating cantilever in tapping‐mode operation provides the surface topography along with the cartography of microdomains with different mechanical properties. This in turn allows to characterize the organization of the various components at the surface in terms of well‐defined morphologies (e.g., spheres, cylinders, or lamellae). Here this approach is applied to a series of symmetric triblock copolymers made of a central elastomeric segment (polyalkylacrylate) surrounded by two thermoplastic sequences (polymethylmethacrylate). The occurrence of microphase separation in these materials and the resulting microscopic morphology are essential factors for determining their potential applications as a new class of thermoplastic elastomers. This paper describes how the surface morphology can be controlled by the molecular structure of the copolymers (volume ratio between the sequences, molecular weight, length of the alkyl side group) and by the experimental conditions used for the preparation of the films. The molecular structure of the chains is fully determined by the synthesis of the copolymers via living anionic polymerization while the parameters that can be modified when preparing the samples are the nature of the solvent and the thermal annealing of the films. Finally, we report on a systematic comparison between images and approach‐retract curve data. We show that this experimental comparison allows the origin of the contrast that produces the image to be straightforwardly evaluated. The method provides an unambiguous quantitative measurement of the contribution of the local mechanical response to the image. We show that most of the contrast in the height and phase images is due to variations in local mechanical properties and not in topography.     

Synthesis of β‐Cyclodextrin Containing Copolymer via “Click” Chemistry and Its Self‐Assembly in the Presence of Guest Compounds

We report the synthesis of a hydrophilic copolymer with one polyethylene glycol (PEG) block and one β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) containing block by a “click” reaction between azido‐substituted β‐CD and propargyl flanking copolymer. ¹H NMR study suggested a highly efficient conjugation of β‐CD units by this approach. The obtained copolymer was used as a host macromolecule to construct assemblies in the presence of hydrophobic guests. For assemblies containing a hydrophobic polymer, their size can be simply adjusted by simply changing the content of hydrophobic component. By serving as a guest molecule, hydrophobic drugs can also be loaded accompanying the formation of nanoparticles, and the drug payload is releasable. Therefore, the copolymer synthesized herein can be employed as a carrier for drug delivery.     

Quantitative measurements via co-elution and dual-isotope detection by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Dual-isotope measurements by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) which mimic isotope dilution may suffer from irreproducibilities or unduly large uncertainties because of variations in ionization efficacies for the respective forms in the MS source. Such variations are sometimes avoided via extensive pretreatments and high-resolution GC separations. However, in some circumstances, an alternative approach is feasible which instead exploits the advantages of decreasing GC resolution. By forcing both forms of each analyte to co-elute, their ionization efficacies in the MS source will be virtually identical, thereby allowing for highly reproducible relative response ratios to be attained despite dramatically lowered GC resolution. The co-elution results described here are nearly as precise as results from moderate-resolution separations in the absence of interferents. Thus, dual-isotope GC-MS measurements with co-elution of the target analytes and their respective isotopically labeled internal standards offer a powerful alternative to the conventional approach of requiring expensive and labor-intensive additional pretreatments and separations; however, the effects of interferences may be exacerbated by the forced co-elution and must also be considered.     

The Role of Aqueous Aerosols in the “Glyoxylate Scenario”: An Experimental Approach

The origin of life is one of the fundamental questions in science. Eschenmoser proposed the “glyoxylate scenario”, in which plausible abiotic synthesis pathways were suggested to be compatible with the constraints of prebiotic chemistry. In this proposal, the stem compound is HCN. In this work, we explore the “glyoxylate scenario” through several syntheses of HCN polymers, paying particular attention to the role of the aqueous aerosols, together with statistical methods, as a step to elucidate the synthetic problem of the origin of life. The soluble and insoluble HCN polymers synthetized were analyzed by GC‐MS. We identified, for the first time, glyoxylic acid in these polymers, together with some constituents of the reductive tricarboxylic acid cycle, amino acids and several N‐heterocycles. The findings presented herein, as the first global approach to the “glyoxylate scenario”, give full effect to this hypothesis and prove that aqueous aerosols could play an important role in this plausible scene of the origin of life.     

Metal‐free synthesis of responsive polymers: Cloud point tuning by controlled “click” reaction

Nitroxide‐mediated radical polymerization has been used for the preparation of pentafluorostyrene (PFS) homopolymers and random copolymers of PFS and oligo(ethyleneglycol) methacrylate (OEGMA_8.5). The poly(pentafluorostyrene) homopolymers were reacted with thiophenol at different ratios at room temperature in the presence of triethylamine. The “clicked” polymers were characterized by ¹H and ¹⁹F NMR spectroscopy and size exclusion chromatography. Moreover, the copolymerization kinetics of the PFS and OEGMA_8.5 copolymers was followed, and the phase transition behavior of random copolymers with different compositions was discussed. Furthermore, copolymers of PFS and 2‐(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) were prepared at various mole ratios, and the copolymer with a 10:90 ratio, respectively, was soluble in water at room temperature. Turbidimetry measurements were performed for PFS and OEGMA_8.5 or DMAEMA copolymers to determine their cloud points. Finally, the PFS and OEGMA_8.5 copolymer with a mole ratio of 60:40 was reacted further with thiophenol to increase the hydrophobic part in the copolymer. The cloud points of the obtained copolymers could be tuned from 87 to 33 °C by using not only the controlled radical polymerization but also the “click” reaction in a controlled fashion. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 1278–1286, 2010     

Functional film of ethylene vinyl acetate and co‐polyamide compound containing “Nisin” active substance

This study deals with flexible films incorporating nisin for antibacterial active packaging purposes. A novel approach was used to gain control over nisin release profile from a thermoplastic film in order to enhance its antibacterial efficiency. This approach involves polymer blends of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer and co‐polyamide at various ratios. It was shown that the release profile of an antibacterial substance from active packaging to foodstuff is a key factor concerning the antibacterial efficiency. Samples of 400[μm] were produced by using a laboratory twin screw compounder and a laboratory hot press. Samples were characterized for their migration kinetics, molecular interactions, mechanical properties, and water swelling properties. Antibacterial activity tests show that nisin incorporated films reduced bacterial count by different extents. Listeria ATCC 33090 was used as target bacteria (data not shown). Nisin migration profile to water medium was determined by Lowry's protocol. Scanning electron microscopy images and thermal analysis indicated that no significant molecular interactions occurred. Furthermore, droplet and co‐continues like morphology were seen at different polymer blend ratios. Osmotic pressure driven release mechanism appears to be the dominant migration mechanism, and diffusion kinetics was dominant. Results show that morphology of the polymer blend matrix alters the diffusion coefficient. In addition, water swelling characterization of different samples was done in order to reveal the relations with the diffusion coefficient. It seems that there is an inverse resemblance between water swelling and the diffusion coefficient trends.     

Anodic Stripping Voltammetry: An AFM Study of Some Problems and Limitations

The use of anodic stripping voltammetry for quantitative analytical measurements using solid electrodes is addressed in the light of generic limitations arising from i) electrode heterogeneity, ii) electrode morphology, iii) inhibited electrodeposition, and iv) incomplete stripping of deposited metal in the anodic sweep. It is shown, using direct imaging of electrode surfaces via AFM and optical microscopy, that each of the preceding factors may produce significant deviations from ideal electrode behavior. The use of atomic force microscopy to fully characterize any developed ASV procedures is strongly recommended. To ensure reproducible and accurate stripping voltammetry, steps should be taken to minimize the effects discussed.     

Quantum chemical predictions concerning two unknown “mesoionic” compounds

The Pariser-Parr-Pople approximation was used to predict the properties of compounds I, 3-oxo-2H-1,2,3-triazolo[3,4-a]pyridine, and II, 3-oxoisoxazolo[2,3-a]pyridine, originated by joining a pyridine ring to two sydnone-like heterocyclic systems not yet reported in the literature. A parallel computation was carried out for two known compounds of similar structure, to give the predictions a better reliability through the comparison with observed spectral data and chemical behaviour. Compound I is expected to be stable, with an absorption spectrum similar to III, 2-oxo-1,3,4-oxadiazolo[4,5-a]pyridine, and chemical properties analogous to IV, 1-methyl-3-oxo-1,2,4-triazolo-[4,3-a]pyridine. A reaction path is suggested for obtaining from I the unknown isomeric structure V, 3-oxo-1H-1,2,3-triazolo[3,4-a]pyridine. Compound II is predicted as an unstable orange-red substance which should be handled and kept at low temperatures.     

Aluminum electrode for electrochemical studies in cryolite-alumina melts at 700–960°C

The paper presents the results of tests of different aluminum electrode designs for electrochemical studies in cryolite-alumina melts in the temperature range of 700?C960°C. Their operation as regards stability and reproducibility of the potential and the highest activity of metallic aluminum is analyzed. The new design of the aluminum electrode is suggested that is characterized by a more stable and reproducible potential, as compared to the designs earlier suggested. Herewith, the activity of metallic aluminum is higher. It is shown that the suggested electrode is suitable for operation in cryolite-alumina melts in the temperature range from 700°C. The electrode can be used for a prolonged time. Herewith, its potential remains stable and reproducible.     

Direct synthesis of terminally “clickable” linear and hyperbranched polyesters

1,3‐Dipolar cycloaddition of an organic azide and an acetylenic unit, often referred to as the “click reaction”, has become an important ligation tool both in the context of materials chemistry and biology. Thus, development of simple approaches to directly generate polymers that bear either an azide or an alkyne unit has gained considerable importance. We describe here a straightforward approach to directly prepare linear and hyperbranched polyesters that carry terminal propargyl groups. To achieve the former, we designed an AB‐type monomer that carries a hydroxyl group and a propargyl ester, which upon self‐condensation under standard transesterification conditions yielded a polyester that carries a single propargyl group at one of its chain‐ends. Similarly, an AB₂ type monomer that carries one hydroxyl group and two propargyl ester groups, when polymerized under the same conditions yielded a hyperbranched polymer with numerous “clickable” propargyl groups at its molecular periphery. These propargyl groups can be readily clicked with different organic azides, such as benzyl azide, ω‐azido heptaethyleneglycol monomethylether or 9‐azidomethyl anthracene. When an anthracene chromophore is clicked, the molecular weight of the linear polyester could be readily estimated using both UV–visible and fluorescence spectroscopic measurements. Furthermore, the reactive propargyl end group could also provide an opportunity to prepare block copolymers in the case of linear polyesters and to generate nanodimensional scaffolds to anchor a variety of functional units, in the case of the hyperbranched polymer. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 3200–3208, 2010