A monolayer study on three binary mixed systems of dipalmitoyl phosphatidyl choline with cholesterol, cholestanol and stigmasterol

The monolayer behavior of three mixed systems of dipalmitoyl phosphatidyl choline (DPPC) with sterols; cholesterol (Ch), stigmasterol (Stig), and cholestanol (Chsta) formed at the interface of air/water (phosphate buffer solution at 7.4 with addition of NaCl) was investigated in terms of surface pressure (π) and molecular occupation surface area (A) relation. A series of π–A curves at every 0.1 mol fraction of each sterol for the three combinations of mixed systems were obtained at 25.0 °C.

On the basis of the π–A curves, the additivity rule in regard to A versus sterol mole fraction (X_st) was examined at discrete surface pressures such as 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 mN m⁻¹, and then from the obtained A–X_st curves the partial molecular areas (PMA) were determined. The A–X_st relation exhibited a marked negative deviation from ideal mixing in the pressure range below 10 mN m⁻¹, i.e. in the expanded liquid film region (below the transition pressure of DPPC).

The PMA of Ch at π=5 mN m⁻¹, for example, was found to be conspicuously negative in the range of X_Ch=0–0.2 (about −0.4 nm² per molecule) and slightly positive (ca. 0.1 nm² per molecule) in the range X_Ch=0.2 to 0.4. Above X_Ch=0.5, Ch’s PMA was almost the same as the surface area of pure Ch, while DPPC’s PMA was reduced to 60% of that of the pure system.

Excess Gibbs energy (ΔG_(ex)) as a function of X_st was estimated at different pressures. Applying the regular solution theory to thermodynamic analysis of ΔG_(ex), the activity coefficients (f₁ and f₂) of DPPC and the respective sterols as well as the interaction parameter (I_p) in the mixed film phase were evaluated; the results showed a marked dependence on X_st.

Compressibility C_s and elasticity C_s⁻¹ were also examined. These physical parameters directly reflected the mechanical strength of formed monolayer film.

Phase diagrams plotting the collapse pressure (π_c) against X_st were constructed, and the π_c versus X_st curves were examined for the respective mixed systems in comparison with the simulated curves of ideal mixing based on the Joos equation.

Comparing the monolayer behavior of the three mixed systems, little remarkable difference was found in regard to various aspects. In common among the three combinations, the mole fraction dependence in monolayer properties was classified into three ranges: 0<X_st<0.2, 0.2<X_st<0.4 and 0.5<X_st<1. How the difference in the chemical structure of the sterols influenced the properties was examined in detail.     

Membrane properties of mixed ganglioside GM1/phosphatidylcholine monolayers

The interaction between ganglioside G_M1 (GM1) and --dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) in mixed monolayers was investigated using surface pressure measurements and atomic force microscopy (AFM), and the effects of GM1, surface pressure and temperature on the properties of the membranes were examined. Mixed GM1/DPPC monolayers were deposited on mica using the Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) technique for AFM. GM1 and DPPC were miscible below the 0.2 mole fraction of GM1 and there was attractive interaction between GM1 and DPPC. The AFM images for the GM1/DPPC monolayers (X_GM1 < 0.2) at 30 mN m⁻¹ and 25 °C indicated a percolation pattern which means a micro phase separation: namely, the mixed film composed of GM1 and DPPC phase-separated from the DPPC liquid-condensed film. The AFM images for the mixed monolayers at 33 mN m⁻¹ indicated a specific morphology when the surface pressure was varied from 30 to 40 mN m⁻¹. The percolation pattern in the AFM image at 25 °C came to be destroyed with increasing temperature and completely disappeared at 45 °C. The change in the morphology of mixed GM1/DPPC monolayers on varying the surface pressure and temperature is thought to be related to signal transduction and a preventive mechanism against viral infections in the human body.     

Langmuir monolayer properties of the fluorinated-hydrogenated hybrid amphiphiles with dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC)

Surface pressure–area (π–A), surface potential–area (ΔV–A), and dipole moment–area (μ–A) isotherms were obtained for the Langmuir monolayer of two fluorinated-hydrogenated hybrid amphiphiles (sodium phenyl 1-[(4-perfluorohexyl)-phenyl]-1-hexylphosphate (F6PH5PPhNa) and (sodium phenyl 1-[(4-perfluorooctyl)-phenyl]-1-hexylphosphate (F8PH5PPhNa)), DPPC and their two-component systems at the air/water interface. Monolayers spread on 0.02 M Tris buffer solution (pH 7.4) with 0.13 M NaCl at 298.2 K were investigated by the Wilhelmy method, ionizing electrode method and fluorescence microscopy. Moreover, the miscibility of two components was examined by plotting the variation of the molecular area and the surface potential as a function of the molar fraction for the fluorinated-hydrogenated hybrid amphiphiles on the basis of the additivity rule. The miscibility of the monlayers was also examined by construction of two-dimensional phase diagrams. Furthermore, assuming the regular surface mixture, the Joos equation for analysis of the collapse pressure of two-component monolayers allowed calculation of the interaction parameter (ξ) and the interaction energy (−Δ) between the fluorinated-hydrogenated hybrid amphiphiles and DPPC. The observations by a fluorescence microscopy also supported our interpretation as for the miscibility in the monolayer state. Comparing the monolayer behavior between the two binary systems, no remarkable difference was found among various aspects. Among the two combinations, the mole fraction dependence in monlayer properties was commonly classified into two ranges: 0 ≤ X ≤ 0.3 and 0.3 < X ≤ 1. Dependence of the chain length of fluorinated part was reflected for the molecular packing and surface potential.     

Interfacial characteristics of β-casein spread films at the air–water interface

Casein is well known to be a good protein emulsifier and β-casein is the major component of casein and commercial sodium caseinate. This work studies the behaviour of β-casein at the interface. The interfacial characteristics (structure and stability) of β-casein spread films have been examined at the air–water interface in a Langmuir-type film balance, as a function of temperature (5–40°C) and aqueous phase pH (pH 5 and 7). From surface pressure–area isotherms (π–A isotherms) as a function of temperature we can draw a phase diagram. β-Casein spread films present two structures and the collapse phase. That is, there is a critical surface pressure and a surface concentration at which the film properties change significantly. This transition depends on the temperature and the aqueous phase pH. The film structure was observed to be more condensed and β-casein interfacial density was higher at pH 5. β-Casein films were stable at surface pressures lower than equilibrium surface pressure. In fact, no hysteresis was observed in π–A isotherms after continuous compression-expansion cycles or over time. The relative area relaxation at constant surface pressure (10 or 20 mN m⁻¹) and the surface pressure relaxation at constant area near the monolayer collapse, can be fitted by two exponential equations. The characteristic relaxation times in β-casein films can be associated with conformation–organization changes, hydrophilic group hydration and/or surface rheology, as a function of pH.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of two novel nickel (imidazole) complexes having hydrogen-bonded networks

Two nickel (imidazole) complexes, Ni(im)₆Cl₂·4H₂O (1) and Ni(im)₆(NO₃)₂ (2) (im=imidazole) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV, TG and single crystal X-ray diffraction. 1 crystallizes in the triclinic space group P-1 with a=8.800(6) Å, b=9.081(6) Å, c=10.565(7) Å, =75.058(9)°, β=83.143(8)°, γ=61.722(8)°, V=718.3(8) Å³, Z=1 and R₁ (wR₂)=0.0469 (0.1497). 2 crystallizes in the trigonal space group R-3 with a=12.370(6) Å, b=12.370(6) Å, c=14.782(14) Å, =90.00°, β=90.00°, γ=120.00°, V=1959(2) Å³, Z=3 and R₁ (wR₂)=0.0358 (0.0955). 1 and 2 exhibit different supramolecular network due to their different counter anions and different hydrogen bonding connection. In compound 1, [Ni(im)₆]²⁺ cation and counter anions Cl⁻ alternatively array in an ABAB fashion via N–HCl hydrogen bonding. In compound 2, the plane of each NO₃²⁻ is almost parallel and each NO₃²⁻ connect three different [Ni(im)₆]²⁺ cations via N–HO hydrogen bonding.     

Determination of absorptivity and formation constant of a chalcone association complex

A UV spectrometric method was developed to determine the molar absorptivity (_C) and formation constant (K_c) of the association complex of unsubstituted chalcone in cyclohexane, in the concentration range from 4.00·10⁻⁴ to 2.00·10⁻² mol dm⁻³. The thermodynamic and spectroscopic magnitudes such as K_c and _C contribute to the understanding of the physicochemical behavior of several ,β-unsaturated carbonylic compounds, of low solubility in water, as it is the case of numerous flavonoids of chemical and biological importance. The studied association complex, formed by two chalcone molecules, is characterized by the constants _C (300.8 nm)=4.98·10⁴ dm³ mol⁻¹ cm⁻¹ and K_c=5.58·10³. The method proposed is convenient for the study of solute–solute molecular associations particularly those due to dipole–dipole interactions.     

Synthesis of a novel copper(II) complex and its crystal structure

One novel chiral copper(II) complex was successfully synthesized from the reaction of chiral 1,3-thiazolidine-2-thione ligand with CuCl₂ in dichloromethane in the presence of Et₃N and DMAP at room temperature. Its unique crystal structure was unambiguously disclosed by X-ray analysis. The crystal is tetragonal, space group I4(1), space group a=15.0875(11), b=15.0875(11), c=19.362(3) Å, =90, β=90, γ=90°, V=4407.4(8) ų, Z=8, ρ_calc=1.639 mg cm⁻³.     

Properties of two-component Langmuir monolayer of single chain perfluorinated carboxylic acids with dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC)

The surface pressure (π)– and the surface potential (ΔV)–area (A) isotherms were obtained for two-component monolayers of four different perfluorocarboxylic acids (FCns; perfluorododecanoic acid: FC12, perfluorotetradecanoic acid: FC14, perfluorohexadecanoic acid: FC16, perfluorooctadecanoic acid: FC18) with dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) on substrate solution of 0.15 M NaCl (pH 2.0) at 298.2 K as a function of compositions in the mixtures by employing the Wilhelmy method, the ionizing electrode method, the fluorescence microscopy, and the atomic force microscopy. The data for the two-component monolayers on these systems were analyzed in terms of the additivity rule. Assuming a regular surface mixture, the Joos equation which allows one to describe the collapse pressure of a two-component monolayer with miscible components was used to declare the miscibility of the monolayer state, and an interaction parameter and an interaction energy were calculated. The new finding was that FCns and DPPC are miscible or immiscible depending on chain length increment of fluorocarbon part. That is, FC12/DPPC monolayer was perfectly miscible, and FC14/DPPC, and FC16/DPPC (0 ≤ X_FC16 ≤ 0.3) monolayers were partially miscible. While FC16/DPPC (0.3 < X_FC16 < 1) and FC18/DPPC systems are immiscible in the monolayer state. Furthermore, the mean molecular area, the surface dipole moment, and the phase diagrams enabled us to estimate the molecular orientation of four different perfluorocarboxylic acids/DPPC in the two-component monolayer state. One type of phase diagrams was obtained and classified into the positive azeotropic type. The miscibility of FCns and DPPC in the monolayer was also supported by fluorescence microscopy and atomic force microscopy. FC12/DPPC, FC14/DPPC and FC16/DPPC (0 ≤ X_FC16 ≤ 0.3) two-component monolayers on 0.15 M NaCl (pH 2) showed that FC12, FC14 and FC16 (0 ≤ X_FC16 ≤ 0.3) can dissolve or partially dissolve the ordered solid DPPC domains formed upon compression. This indicates that these fluorinated amphiphiles soften or harden the lipid depending on their chain length.     

Structural and spectroscopic properties of Hexamethylenetetramine cobalt(II) complex: [Co(NCS)2(hmt)2(H2O)2][Co(NCS)2(H2O)4] (H2O)

Synthesis, structure, spectroscopy and thermal properties of complex [Co(NCS)₂(hmt)₂(H₂O)₂][Co(NCS)₂(H₂O)₄] (H₂O) (I), assembled by hexamethylenetetramine and octahedral Co(II) metal ions, are reported. Crystal data for I: F_w 387.34, a=9.020(8), b=12.887(9), c=7.95(1) Å, =96.73(4), β=115.36(5), γ=94.16(4)°, V=820(1) Å³, Z=2, space group=P−1, T=173 K, λ(Mo-K)=0.71070 Å, ρ_calc=1.718567 g cm⁻³, μ=17.44 cm⁻¹, R=0.088, R_w=0.148. An interesting two-dimensional network is assembled via hydrogen bonds through coordinated and free water molecules. The d–d transition energy levels of Co(II) ion are determined by UV–vis spectroscopy and calculated by ligand field theory. The calculated results agree well with experiment ones.     

Peptide anchored Langmuir–Blodgett films of a fullerene amphiphile

A new amphiphilic derivative of fullerene C₆₀ bearing an oligoglycyl tail (C₆₀CHCOgly₂OEt, 2) formed stable Langmuir floating films at the air–water interface. This occurred when the molecular assembly was stabilized by anchoring the amphiphilic C₆₀'s to the aqueous subphase, via hydrogen bonding interactions between a dipeptide (Gly–L–Leu) dissolved in the water subphase, and the oligoglycyl chain. The compression (π−A) isotherm of the Langmuir floating film constructed in such a way showed no hysteresis, was steep, and evidenced that the monolayer collapsed at a surface pressure π65 mN m⁻¹, thus confirming that the film was tightly packed, extremely stable, and rigid. A limiting area per molecule of 89.1 Ų was extrapolated, in agreement with the calculated cross-section area of the C₆₀ fullerene. On the contrary, when the dipeptide was absent and pure water was used as the subphase, the π−A isotherm yielded a limiting area <55 Ų which indicated the formation of multiple layers; moreover it showed significant hysteresis, the film was fragile, and it collapsed at π≈50 mN m⁻¹. Once anchored by the dipeptide, the floating monolayer of 2 could be transferred onto hydrophobic quartz, glass and silicon substrates, by successive vertical dipping cycles, each cycle made up of two down-strokes and two up-strokes, to yield the Langmuir–Blodgett film. Up to 200 down- and up-strokes could be repeated reproducibly, a noteworthy result for non-covalently assembled LB films of fullerenes. The transfer ratio was 1.0, except for the second down-stroke of each cycle that gave a transfer ratio of zero, making the sequence of successful transfers: D, U, U, (cleaning and spreading), D, U, U, (cleaning and spreading), and so on (D=down-stroke, U=up-stroke). The total number of deposited layers was therefore 150. X-ray diffraction spectra were registered and exhibited a peak, which was fitted by a Montecarlo method of simulation to obtain the distribution of the repeat unit responsible for scattering; such distribution, with thickness between 20 and 60 Å, was consistent with the size of the amphiphile and the transfer sequence. The UV–Vis spectra of the LB film exhibited the characteristic C₆₀ bands, and the absorption peaks in the 200–400 nm range were proportional to the number of layers, indicating that the deposition was reproducible and that the molecular environment of C₆₀ in each layer remained constant.     

Amphiphile bilayer films from DPPC: bilayer lipid membranes and Newton black films

Amphiphile bilayer films are obtained from 1,2 dipalmitoyl-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC): bilayer lipid membranes (BLM) and Newton black films (NBF), through thinning of the respective thin liquid films, thus allowing for a very precise determination of the moment of their formation. Stability (or rupture) and formation of BLM and NBF are considered from a unified point of view with the microscopic theory of Kashchiev–Exerowa [J. Colloid Interface Sci., 77 (1980) 501–511], based on the formation of nanoscopic holes in them. BLM and NBF are obtained and studied with the microinterferometric method of Scheludko–Exerowa in its contemporary version. The equivalent thickness of both BLM (in benzene solution between two water phases with 0.1 M NaCl) and NBF in aqueous DPPC solution (in the presence of 0.1 M NaCl) is determined as being h_w = 7.0 nm for BLM and h_w = 7.8 nm for NBF. By means of the dependences: BLM lifetime versus DPPC concentration and probability for BLM formation versus DPPC concentration, it is established that there exist metastable BLM and stable NBF. The good fit between the experimental results of τ(C) dependence and theory in the case of BLM allow to determine the three constants: pre-exponential factor A = 1.5 × 10⁻³ s, related to the process kinetics; constant B = 20.2 ± 0.2, related to the specific hole energy γ = 1.7 × 10⁻¹¹ J/m and the equilibrium concentration C_e = 6 × 10⁻⁴ ± 7.2 × 10⁻⁶ m/l. The specific hole linear energy γ = 1.7 × 10⁻¹¹ J/m determined as well as the binding energy Q between first neighbor molecules in the bilayers Q = 1.48 × 10⁻¹⁹ J (36 kT) are lower than the ones determined for DPPC foam bilayer in gel state γ = 9.1 × 10⁻¹¹ J/m and Q = 55 kT. This means that interaction is weaker in the case of BLM. The critical concentration C_c at which bilayer formation starts is: for BLM C_c = 30 μg/ml and for NBF C_c = 70 μg/ml. This concentration characterizes quantitatively the formation of the amphiphile bilayer and is a very useful parameter that can be used for various purposes.     

New p–ρ–T measurements up to 70 MPa for the system CO2 + propane between 298 and 343 K at near critical compositions

The vibrating tube densimeter method along with the Forced Path Mechanical Calibration model, is used to measure the high pressure isothermal p–ρ behavior of the CO₂+propane system along 17 isotherms between 293 and 343 K, at pressures up to 70 MPa. The compositions cover the range of mole fractions from x_CO2=0.45 to 1.0. The uncertainty in temperatures is ±0.015 K. The uncertainties in pressures are ±0.0013 MPa from 0.1 to 15.0 MPa and ±0.010 MPa from 5.0 to 70.0 MPa. The precision of the density measurements is ±0.014 kg m⁻³. The minimum global uncertainty is ±0.204 kg m⁻³, based on the calibration of the densimeter with pure water. A generalized Helmholtz energy model for mixtures is used to check the consistency of the new data with respect to previous p–ρ–T studies of this mixture. The average absolute deviation of our data with respect to the model is 0.64% which is fully consistent with the assessed accuracy.     

Structure analysis and the standard molar enthalpy of formation of a coordination polymer [Co(TO)2Cl2]n (TO = 1,2,4-triazole-5-one)

A coordination polymer was synthesized by the reaction of CoCl₂ with 1,2,4-triazole-5-one (TO) and charaterized by means of IR and TG–DTG. Single-crystal structure analysis showed that the complex crystallized in the monoclinic space group C2/c: a = 23.105(9) Å, b = 3.5683(2) Å, c = 13.589(6) Å,  = 90°, β = 124.038(4)°, γ = 90°, V = 928.4(7) Å³, Z = 4. The standard molar enthalpy of formation of the complex was determined to be (−1034.28 ± 0.95) kJ mol⁻¹.     

Ab initio structural trends and torsional sensitivity in n-hexane and comparisons with crystallographic structural results

The molecular structures of n-hexane were determined by RHF/4-21G ab initio geometry optimization at 30° grid points in its three-dimensional τ₁(C11–C8–C5–C1), τ₂(C14–C11–C8–C5), τ₃(C17–C14–C11–C8) conformational space. Of the resulting 12×12×12=1728 grid structures, 468 are symmetrically non-equivalent and were optimized constraining the torsions τ₁, τ₂, and τ₃ to the respective grid points, while all other structural parameters were relaxed without any constraints. From the results, complete parameter surfaces were constructed using natural cubic spline functions, which make it possible to calculate parameter gradients, |P|=[(∂P/∂τ_i)²+(∂P/∂τ_j)²]^1/2, where P is a C–C bond length or C–C–C angle. The parameter gradients provide an effective measure of the torsional sensitivity of the system and indicate that dynamic activities in one part of the molecule can significantly affect the density of states, and thus the contributions to vibrational entropy, in another part. This opens the possibility of dynamic entropic conformational steering in complex molecules; i.e. the generation of free energy contributions from dynamic effects of one part of a molecule on another. When the conformational trends in the calculated C–C bond lengths and C–C–C angles are compared with average parameters taken from some 900 crystallographic structures containing n-hexyl fragments or longer C–C bond sequences, some correlation between calculated and experimental trends in angles is found, in contrast to the bond lengths for which the two sets of data are in complete disagreement. The results confirm experiences often made in crystallography. That is, effects of temperature, crystal structure and packing, and molecular volume effects are manifested more clearly in bond lengths than bond angles which depend mainly on intramolecular properties. Frequency analyses of the τ₁, τ₂ and τ₃ torsional angles in the crystal structures show conformational steering in the sense that, if τ₁ is trans peri-planar (170°≤τ₁≤180°; −180°≤τ₁≤−170°), the values of τ₂ and τ₃ are clustered closely around the ideal gauche (±60°) and trans (±180°) positions. In contrast, when τ₁ is in the region (50°≤τ₁≤70°), there is a definite increase in the populations of τ₂ and τ₃ at −90 and −150°.     

Characterization and decomposition mechanism of an unusual nickel, thiocyanate and 4-methylpyridine polymeric complex

The synthesis, characterization, and thermal decomposition of the [Ni(SCN)₂(H⁺SCN)₂(4-mepy)₂] compound with an octahedral structure in polymeric chain were reported, in which SCN groups form bridges among Ni(II) ions. The compound decomposes in water resulting in a pH<4 solution. The FT-IR spectrum presented doublet bands at 2117; 2128 cm⁻¹, 788; 773 cm⁻¹ assigned to ν(C---N) and ν(C---S) stretching modes, respectively, and δ(SCN) deformation modes at 468; 476 cm⁻¹. The Raman spectrum of the compound presented the ν(C---N) stretching as a strong doublet at 2122; 2128 cm⁻¹, ν(C---S) at 783; 770 cm⁻¹, and δ(SCN) at 468; 477 cm⁻¹. No significant changes were observed in the 4-mepy ligand bands compared with the vibrational frequencies of the pure compound or the compound in aqueous solution 0.2 mol l⁻¹. The crystal UV–vis reflectance spectrum presented two bands centered in 626 and 424 nm tentatively assigned to the d→d type transitions, ³A_2g→³T_1g and ³A_2g→³T_1g, for a symmetry close to O_h. The TG curve showed a mass loss between 120 and 200 °C assigned to the loss of the two 4-mepy molecules; from 200 to 265 °C, the loss of the two H⁺SCN groups; and from 265 to 450 °C, the loss of the two SCN groups that formed the bridges among the nickel atoms. Based on these mass loss data, a mechanism of thermal decomposition for the compound was proposed.     

The molecular structure and the puckering potential function of silacyclobutane as determined by gas electron diffraction and relaxation constraints from ab initio calculations

Gas electron diffraction is applied to determine the geometric parameters of the silacyclobutane molecule using a dynamic model where the ring puckering was treated as a large amplitude motion. The structural parameters and the parameters of the potential function were refined taking into account the relaxation of the molecular geometry estimated from ab initio calculations at the MP2/6-311+G(d, p) level of theory. The potential function has been described as V() = V₀[(/_e)² − 1]² with the following parameters V₀ = 0.82 ± 0.60 kcal/mol and _e = 33.5 ± 2.7°, where is a puckering angle of the ring.

The geometric parameters at the minimum V() (r_a in Å, in degrees and uncertainties given as three times the standard deviations including a scale error) are: r(Si–H_ax) = 1.467(96), r(Si–H_eq) = 1.468(96), r(Si–C) = 1.885(2), r(C–C) = 1.571(3), r(C–H) = 1.100(3), CSiC = 77.2(9), HSiH = 108.3, SiCH_eq = 123.5(16), SiCH_ax = 111.9(16), CC₅H_eq = 118.4(24), CC₅H_ax = 112.3(24), HC₃H = 107.7, δ(HSiH) = 6.6, δ(HC₃H) = 7.0, where the tilts δ, HSiH, and HC₃H are estimated from ab initio constraints. The structural parameters are compared with those obtained for related compounds.     

Evaluation of antitubercular drug insertion into preformed dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine monolayers

Insertion profiles of antitubercular drugs isoniazid (INH), rifampicin (RFM) and ethambutol (ETH) into dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) membrane models were evaluated by Langmuir monolayer technique. Maximum drug insertion into DPPC monolayer was observed with rifampicin with a surface pressure increase (Δπ_max) in the range of 21–33 mN/m depending upon rifampicin concentration. Isoniazid had minimal insertion resulting in a lower Δπ_max of about 2–3 mN/m, suggestive of minimal interactions between INH and DPPC. Ethambutol surface pressure increment on insertion resulted in an intermediate rise in the Δπ_max (6–10 mN/m). Antitubercular drug combination in the ratio of 2 mM:0.7 mM:4.5 mM for INH:RFM:ETH, attained Δπ_max between 25 and 33 mN/m. Insertion profiles similar to rifampicin were exhibited by the antitubercular drug mixture suggestive of predominant rifampicin insertion into the DPPC monolayer. The extent of drug insertion into the DPPC monolayer is suggestive of the drug penetration potential into biological membranes in vivo. Higher RFM Δπ_max is suggestive of excellent cell membrane penetration, which explains broad reach of the drug to all the organs including the cerebrospinal fluid while lower Δπ_max of INH suggests poor membrane penetration restricting the entry of the drug in different biological membranes. DPPC membrane destabilization was observed at higher antitubercular drug concentrations indicated by the negative slopes of the surface pressure–time curves. This may correlate with the dose related toxic effects observed in tuberculosis affected patients. Drug insertion studies offer a potential tool in understanding the pharmacotoxicological behavior of the various pharmacological agents.     

Edelfosine—A new antineoplastic drug based on a phospholipid-like structure: The Langmuir monolayer study

Edelfosine (1-O-octadecyl-2-O-methyl-rac-glycero-3-phosphocholine, Et-18-OCH₃), an anticancer drug based on a phospholipid-like structure, was spread and investigated at the aqueous solution/air interface by means of surface pressure–area (π–A) and electric surface potential–area (ΔV–A) isotherms in addition to Brewster angle microscopy (BAM). The influence of such factors as subphase temperature, ionic strength, speed of compression and number of molecules spread at the surface on the characteristics of the π–A isotherms was studied. Edelfosine was found to form stable Langmuir monolayers which are nearly not influenced by the experimental conditions. The relative reflectivity measurements proved that the thickness of monolayer in the vicinity of collapse is 2.4 nm, which corresponds to length of a vertically oriented molecule. Perpendicular orientation of edelfosine molecules just before the film collapse has been confirmed with the apparent dipole moment value, which attains the maximum value in this region.     

Mimic oil recovery with a SDBS–dodecane–silica gel system

The wettability of the solid powder of silica gel was determined via a modified Washburn equation expressed as contact angles. The interfacial tension (γ) between the dodecane and the dilute sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) aqueous solution was obtained using the spinning drop (γ<10 mN m⁻¹) or drop volume methods (γ>10 mN m⁻¹). Contact angle changes for SDBS aqueous solutions on the surface of a silica gel powder were studied. The average aggregation number of SDBS micelles in aqueous solution was determined using the fluorescence quenching method. The relationship between the wettability of the powder surface, the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of SDBS and the mimic oil recovery of the resident oil on the powder surface has been explored. It has been found that good residual oil recovery was achieved by surface wettability changes at the interfacial tensions around 4–5 mN m⁻¹, which is far from the ‘ultra low’ condition (≤10⁻³ mN m⁻¹).     

Structure and conformation of 2,3,4-triphenyl-1-oxa-4-azabutadiene

2,3,4-triphenyl-1-oxa-4-azabutadine (C20H15NO) has been studied by X-ray analysis and AM1 molecular orbital methods. It crystallises in the triclinic space group P-1 with a=9.414(3), b=10.479(3), c=8.385(2) Å, =103.31(3)°, β=97.10(3)°, γ=74.09(1)°, V=772.5(4) ų, Z=2, D_c=1.227 gcm⁻³, and μ(MoK)=0.075 mm⁻¹ and F₀₀₀=300. The structure was solved by direct methods and refined to R=0.043 for 2672 reflections [I>2σ(I)]. The conformational analysis of the title compound were investigated by semi-empirical quantum mechanical AM1 calculations. The minimum conformation energies were calculated as a function of the three torsion angles θ₁(O(1)C(7)C(8)N(1)), θ₂(C(8)N(1)C(15)C(16)) and θ₃(C(14)C(9)C(8)N(1)). The results are compared with the X-ray results. C=O and C=N groups are twisted about each other by 95.5(2)°.