Characterization and enzymatic degradation of microbial copolyester P(3HB-co-3HV)s produced by metabolic reaction model-based system

The two types of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)s [P(3HB-co-3HV)s] were produced by Paracoccus denitrificans ATCC 17741 using two different feeding methods. The produced P(3HB-co-3HV)s were fractionated and the copolymer sequence distributions were analyzed by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. It was found that the P(3HB-co-3HV) samples produced by conventional feeding method were statistically random copolymers. The sequence distributions of P(3HB-co-3HV) samples produced by optimization method were different from random P(3HB-co-3HV)s. The thermal properties and melting behaviors were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). These results demonstrated that P(3HB-co-3HV) samples produced by optimization method are close in nature to P(3HB-co-3HV)s rich in long-sequence of block 3HB units, but less in 3HV random regions. The enzymatic degradation profile of P(3HB-co-3HV) films was investigated in the presence of 3-hydroxybutyrate depolymerase from Pseudomonase lemoignei. The degradation process was observed by monitoring the time-dependent change in the weight loss of copolymer films. The surface erosion of copolymer films was qualitatively monitored by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The highest degradation rate of 2.6% per day was observed for random P(3HB-co-38%3HV) produced by conventional method. In comparison, the hydrolysis degradation rates of random P(3HB-co-3HV)s were about one time faster than those of P(3HB-co-3HV)s produced by optimization method.     

Diastereoselective reduction of β-keto carbonyl compounds by cultured plant cells

The diastereoselective reduction of β-keto carbonyl compounds such as 2-benzamidomethyl-3-oxobutanoates and 2-methyl-2-(2-propenyl)cyclopentan-1,3-dione by cultured cells of higher plants was investigated. The reduction of the 2-benzamidomethyl-3-oxobutanoates by Parthenocissus tricuspidata diastereoselectively produced the (2R,3S)-2-benzamidomethyl-3-hydroxybutanoates, whereas the reduction by Gossypium hirsutum gave the (2S,3S)-2-benzamidomethyl-3-hydroxybutanoates. The (2R,3S)/(2S,3S) predominance in the reduction with Nicotiana tabacum, Glycine max, and Catharanthus roseus was reversed by the change in the structure of the alkoxyl group in the substrate. On the other hand, the reduction of 2-methyl-2-(2-propenyl)cyclopentan-1,3-dione by P. tricuspidata produced (2R,3S)-3-hydroxy-2-methyl-2-(2-propenyl)cyclopentan-1-one, whereas the reaction by N. tabacum, G. max, C. roseus, and G. hirsutum gave (2S,3S)-3-hydroxy-2-methyl-2-(2-propenyl)cyclopentan-1-one.     

Chemoenzymatic synthesis of both enantiomers of 3-hydroxy- and 3-amino-3-phenylpropanoic acid

Ethyl (S)-3-hydroxy-3-phenylpropionate (S)-2 was obtained by the asymmetric reduction of ethyl 3-phenyl-3-oxopropionate 1 with the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (ATCC 9080). The kinetic resolution of racemic ethyl 2-acetoxy-3-phenyl-propionate rac-3 with the same microorganism, gave after hydrolysis ethyl (R)- and (S)-3-hydroxy-3-phenylpropionates (R)-2 and (S)-2 which were converted by a straightforward series of reactions to the enantiomers of 3-amino-3-phenyl-propionic acids (S)-6 and (R)-6. The asymmetric reduction and hydrolytic kinetic resolution were also tested with several other whole cell systems under a variety of conditions.     

3dnl J=3e autoionizing levels of calcium: observation by laser optogalvanic spectroscopy and theoretical analysis

The even parityJ=3 autoionizing spectra of calcium were investigated below the 3d threshold by a two-step laser excitation from the 3d4s metastables through the 3d4p ³ P ₂,¹ F ₃ intermediate states. The 3d4s were populated by electronic collisions in a d.c. glow dis-charge through a Ca heat-pipe. More than a hundred resonance transitions have been measured with an accuracy of ～0.2 cm^?1 for the narrow ones using standard laser calibration techniques. Their upper levels are assigned to all expected nine autoionizing 3dns, 3dnd and 3dng Rydberg series and the 4p 5p ³ D ₃ perturber. The theoretical interpretation is achieved by a combination of the eigenchannelR-matrix and mulitchannel quantum defect (MQDT) methods. Ten closed and two openJ=3 interacting channesl are used. Theoretical energy level positions and excitation profiles are compared with the experimental data confirming the identification of the observed structures. Strong mixing between the 3d _3/2 nd _5/2 and 3d _5/2 nd _3/2 series is found, while the 3d _3/2 nd _3/2 and 3d _5/2 nd _5/2 series are almost purejj-coupled. The calculations were particularly successful in reproducing the spectrum in the region of the 4p 5p ³ D ₃ perturber, where strong chancel mixing appears leading to interference effects in the excitation cross sections.     

Improved synthesis of P(3HB-co-3HV-co-3HHx) terpolymers by mutant Cupriavidus necator using the PHA synthase gene of Chromobacterium sp. USM2 with high affinity towards 3HV

Unlike polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) copolymers, the controlled and efficient synthesis of PHA terpolymers from triglycerides and fatty acids are yet to be established. This study demonstrates the production of P(3HB-co-3HV-co-3HHx) terpolymer with a wide range of 3HV monomer compositions from mixtures of crude palm kernel oil and 3HV precursors using a mutant Cupriavidus necator PHB⁻4 transformant harboring the PHA synthase gene (phaC) of a locally isolated Chromobacterium sp. USM2. The PHA synthase of Chromobacterium has an unusually high affinity towards 3HV monomer. P(3HB-co-3HV-co-3HHx) terpolymers with 3HV monomer composition ranging from 2 to 91 mol% were produced. Generation of 3HHx monomers was affected by the concentration and feeding time of 3HV precursor. P(3HB-co-24 mol% 3HV-co-7 mol% 3HHx) exhibited mechanical properties similar to that of common low-density polyethylene. P(3HB-co-3HV-co-3HHx) terpolymers with a wide range of 3HV molar fraction had been successfully synthesized by adding lower concentrations of 3HV precursors and using a PHA synthase with high affinity towards 3HV monomer.     

Stereospecific microbial reduction of ethyl 1-benzyl-3-oxo-piperidine-4-carboxylate

Microbial reduction of ethyl 1-benzyl-3-oxo-piperidine-4-carboxylate by the majority of evaluated microorganisms gave the ethyl cis-(3R,4R)-1-benzyl-3R-hydroxy-piperidine-4R-carboxylate as the major product in high diastereo- and enantioselectivities. The 3R,4R-hydroxy ester was produced in 97.4% diastereomeric excess (de) and 99.8% enantiomeric excess (ee) by Candida parapsilosis SC16347, while 99.5% de and 98.2% ee were obtained from reduction by Pichia methanolica SC16415. A few of the evaluated microorganisms gave 10–40% of the ethyl trans-(3R,4S)-1-benzyl-3R-hydroxy-piperidine-4S-carboxylate as the minor product.     

Biosynthesis and characterization of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) copolymer from wild-type Comamonas sp. EB172

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB)] homopolymer and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) [P(3HB-co-3HV)] copolymer was produced by Comamonas sp. EB172 using single and mixture of carbon sources. Poly(3-hydroxyvalerate) P(3HV) incorporation in the copolymer was obtained when propionic and valeric acid was used as precursors. Incorporation of 3HV fractions in the copolymer varied from 45 to 86 mol% when initial pH of the medium was regulated. In fed-batch cultivation, organic acids derived from anaerobically treated palm oil mill effluent (POME) were shown to be suitable carbon sources for polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) production by Comamonas sp. EB172. Number average molecular weight (M_n) produced by the strain was in the range of 153-412 kDa with polydispersity index (M_w/M_n) in the range of 2.2-2.6, respectively. Incorporation of higher 3HV units improved the thermal stability of P(3HB-co-3HV) copolymer. Thus the newly isolated bacterium Comamonas sp. EB172 is a suitable candidate for PHA production using POME as renewable and alternative cheap raw materials.     

Synthesis of β-chloro α-amino acids: (2S,3R)- and (2S,3S)-3-chloroleucine

The first syntheses of (2S,3R)- and (2S,3S)-3-chloroleucine (3-chloro-d-leucines 1 and 2) have been achieved from d-3-hydroxyleucine and allo-d-3-hydroxyleucine, respectively, through the formation of the corresponding N-Cbz β-lactones, followed by a ring opening promoted by lithium chloride and a debenzylation process.     

(R)- and (S)-3-Hydroxy-4,4-dimethyl-1-phenyl-2-pyrrolidinone as chiral auxiliaries in the enantioselective preparation of α-aryloxypropanoic acid herbicides and α-chlorocarboxylic acids

rac-α-Chlorocarboxylic acids, rac-9a–e, were formally deracemized by reaction of the corresponding acyl chlorides with the chiral auxiliaries (R)- and (S)-3-hydroxy-4,4-dimethyl-1-phenyl-2-pyrrolidinone, (R)- and (S)-4, followed by mild alkaline hydrolysis. The highest o.p. (99%) was obtained in the case of (S)-α-chloropropanoic acid, a known precursor for the synthesis of (R)-α-aryloxypropanoic acid herbicides such as dichlorprop-P, (R)-3a, or mecoprop-P, (R)-3b, which, together with their enantiomers, were also obtained in moderate e.e.s by dynamic kinetic resolution from (αRS,3S)-4,4-dimethyl-2-oxo-1-phenylpyrrolidin-3-yl α-bromopropanoate, (αRS,3S)-6, by reaction with the corresponding phenoxide followed by mild acid hydrolysis.     

Effect of boron non-stoichiometry on B-site in perovskite type structure ScBxRh3 and CeBxRh3 on charges of atoms on A-site: study by X-ray photoelectron and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies

The solid solutions of ScBRh₃-ScRh₃ and CeBRh₃-CeRh₃ are synthesized by the arc melting method, where RBRh₃ and RRh₃ (R=rare earth element) have perovskite and AuCu₃ type structures, respectively. The binding energy of Sc 2p_3/2 for ScB_xRh₃ increases with the boron concentration. The Knight shift of ⁴⁵Sc observed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy decreases with increase of boron concentration. The decrement of the Knight shift corresponds the Sc 4s electron density at the Fermi level. The intensity ratio of f²: f¹: f⁰ of Ce 3d XPS spectrum changes with boron concentration of CeB_xRh₃. It is concluded that in both cases of ScB_xRh₃ and CeB_xRh₃ the charge on the atoms on A-site changes with the concentration of the atoms on B-site, where the atoms are not directly bound.     

Preparation and identification of bis(formylmethano)[60]fullerene isomers: the first systematic study on bifunctionalized [60]fullerenes with dissymmetric addends

Fourteen isomers of bis(formylmethano)C₆₀ were isolated and characterized. A mixture of the bisadducts was obtained by the reaction of C₆₀ with an α-formylsulfonium ylide, and then separated into 15 fractions by preparative HPLC, preparative TLC, and recycling preparative HPLC. Fourteen of the fifteen fractions were found to consist of a single isomer, respectively, which were assigned to the trans-2 (3 diastereo-isomers), trans-3 (3 diastereo-isomers), trans-4 (3 diastereo-isomers), equatorial (2 diastereo-isomers), and cis-2 (3 diastereo-isomers) bisadducts by the comparison of their UV/vis spectra with those of the bisadducts obtained by the Bingel-Hirsch reaction. The ¹H and ¹³C NMR analysis, the transformation of the formyl groups, and the dipole moment calculation clarified the stereochemistry of the substituents on the two cyclopropane bridge-head carbons (in/in, in/out, and out/out).     

Synthesis and crystal structures of novel glycoluril carboxylic acids conglomerates

The two novel conglomerates were obtained by crystallization of racemic (2'S,3aS,6aR)/(2'R,3aR,6aS) (glycoluril-1-yl)-3-methylbutanoic acid and (2'R,3aR,6aR)/(2'S,3aS,6aS) (4,6-dimethylglycoluril-1-yl)pentanoic acid synthesized by highly diastereoselective condensation of 4,5-dihydroxy- imidazolidin-2-ones with racemic ureido acids. The differences in the molecular geometry of synthesized racemates were studied by X-ray diffraction that showed them to crystallize as conglomerates in non-centrosymmetric space groups Pna2₁ and P2₁2₁2₁, respectively     

Polyhydroxylated pyrrolizidines. Part 4: Total asymmetric synthesis of unnatural hyacinthacines from a protected derivative of DGDP

(1R,2R,3S,5R,7aR)-1,2-Dihydroxy-3-hydroxymethyl-5-methylpyrrolizidine [(+)-3-epi-hyacinthacine A₃] 1 and (1R,2R,3S,7aR)-1,2-dihydroxy-3-hydroxymethylpyrrolizidine [(+)-3-epi-hyacinthacine A₂] 2 have been synthesized by Wittig's methodology using aldehyde 6, prepared from (2R,3R,4R,5S)-3,4-dibenzyloxy-N-benzyloxycarbonyl-2′-O-tert-butyldiphenylsilyl-2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl) pyrrolidine 3 (a partially protected DGDP), and the appropriated ylides, followed by cyclization through an internal reductive amination process of the resulting α,β-unsaturated ketone 7 and aldehyde 8, respectively, and total deprotection.     

Reactivity and Structural Properties of a Mechanochemically Treated Ag2O-V2O5 System in Relation to AgVO3 Polymorphs

Formation and chemical properties of amorphous AgVO₃, which was prepared by mechanochemical treatment of an Ag₂O-V₂O₅ mixture, and crystalline AgVO₃ were studied in relation to AgVO₃ polymorphs. A ball-milled sample of the mixture was assigned as a highly deformed β-AgVO₃ rather than the low density phase α-AgVO₃. Crystalline α-AgVO₃ and β-AgVO₃ were converted into deformed β-AgVO₃ by ball milling, which produced a clear change. δ-AgVO₃ is resistant to mechanical treatment and its structure was not markedly affected. The dissolved chemical species from the ball-milled sample precipitates to form α-AgVO₃ without a seeding crystal, but other polymorphs deposit if they are present; i.e., β-AgVO₃ and δ-AgVO₃ grow on the seeding crystal.     

Enhancement of Stress Tolerance in the Polyhydroxyalkanoate Producers without Mobilization of the Accumulated Granules

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB)], a polymer belonging to the polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) family, is accumulated by numerous bacteria as carbon and energy storage material. The mobilization of accumulated P(3HB) is associated with increased stress and starvation tolerance. However, the potential function of accumulated copolymer such as poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) [P(3HB-co-3HV)] remained unknown. In this study, Delftia acidovorans DS 17 was used to evaluate the contributions of P(3HB) and P(3HB-co-3HV) granules during simulated exogenous carbon deprivation on cell survival by transferring cells with PHAs to carbon-free mineral salt medium supplemented with 1 % (w/v) nitrogen source. By mobilizing the intracellular P(3HB) and P(3HB-co-3HV) at 11 and 40 mol% 3HV compositions, the cells survived starvation. Surprisingly, D. acidovorans containing P(3HB-co-94 mol% 3HV) also survived although the mobilization was not as effective. Similarly, recombinant Escherichia coli pGEM-T::phbCAB _Cn (harboring the PHA biosynthesis genes of Cupriavidus necator) containing P(3HB) granules had a higher viable cell counts compared to those without P(3HB) granules but without any P(3HB) mobilization when exposed to oxidative stress by photoactivated titanium dioxide. This study provided strong evidence that enhancement of stress tolerance in PHA producers can be achieved without mobilization of the previously accumulated granules. Instead, PHA biosynthesis may improve bacterial survival via multiple mechanisms.     

Synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of enantiopure protected trans-4-amino-1-oxyl-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl piperidine-3-carboxylic acid (trans β-TOAC)

Enantiomerically pure (3R,4S) and (3S,4R) protected 4-amino-1-oxyl-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-3-carboxylic acids were synthesized by reduction of the enamines resulting from the condensation of 3-carboxymethyl-1-oxyl-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidone with (R) or (S)-α-methylbenzylamine. While NaBH₃CN/CH₃COOH reduction gave predominantly a mixture of the two possible cis-diastereomers, the use of NaBH₄/(CH₃)₂CHCOOH resulted in a mixture of only one trans- and one cis-diastereomer. Removal of the chiral auxiliary from the separated diastereoisomers by hydrogenolysis and regeneration of the nitroxide radical gave the desired β-amino esters. The ESR spectrum of the (3R,4S)-enantiomer is also reported.     

Reaction of 3-phenyl-3-aminoquinoline-2,4-diones with isothiocyanates. Facile access to novel spiro-linked 2-thioxoimidazolidine-oxindoles and imidazoline-2-thiones

3-Phenyl-3-amino-1H,3H-quinoline-2,4-diones (1) react with alkyl or aryl isothiocyanates to give novel 9b-hydroxy-3a-phenyl-1,2,3,3a-tetrahydro-2-thioxo-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-4(9bH)-ones in high yields. These compounds rearrange in boiling acetic acid or concentrated hydrochloric acid to give novel 5-phenyl-2-thioxospiro[4H-imidazol-4,3′-[3H]indol]-2′(1′H,3H)-ones, 5-hydroxy-5-phenyl-2-thioxospiro[imidazolidine-4,3′-[3H]indol]-2′-ones and (2-methylaminophenyl)-5-phenyl-1H-imidazole-2(3H)-thiones. All compounds were characterized by their ¹H, ¹³C, IR and MS data, and in some cases also by ¹⁵N NMR data. The structures and compositions of four compounds were confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Synthesis,characterization, and magnetic properties of mixed-valence europium-ammonia intercalation compounds of titanium disulfide

Europium-ammonia intercalation compounds of titanium disulfide have been synthesized by reaction of EuNH₃ solutions with TiS₂, characterized by thermogravimetric analysis and powder X-ray diffraction, and investigated by electron paramagnetic resonance, magnetization, and magnetic susceptibility measurements. These materials crystallize in a 3R-type structure in which every layer is occupied by intercalated species. The intercalation of NH₃ is accompanied by the formation of NH⁺₄ until a critical electron concentration of 0.22 mole el/mole TiS₂ have been transferred to the TiS₂ conduction band. Although Eu³⁺ is the predominant Eu species for x > 0.001, Eu²⁺ is also formed, possibly from the reduction of Eu³⁺ in the van der Waals gap. These mixed-valence compounds are best described by the formulas (Eu³⁺)_x′(Eu²⁺)_x″(NH⁺₄)_y′(NH₃)_y″TiS^{(3x′+2y″+y′)−}₂ for 3x′ + 2x″ + y′ < 0.22 and (Eu³⁺)_x′(Eu²⁺)_x″(NH₃)_y″TiS^{(3x′+2x″)−}_n2 for 3x′ + 2x″ ≥ 0.22.     

Lifetime measurements of highly excited Rydberg states of strontium I

Lifetimes of Rydberg states of the triplet-series 5s ns ³ S ₁ withn = 19–23, 35 and 5s nd ³ D ₃ withn = 18–20, 23–28 in the spectrum of neutral strontium have been determined. Observation of the exponential decay after excitation by a pulsed laser in a fast atomic beam and subsequent state-selective field ionization was employed. The lifetimes of the states of the³ S ₁-series show the expectedn*³ dependence on the effective principal quantum number, while the³ D ₃-series is disturbed by configuration mixing. Furthermore, state re-populations induced by black-body radiation have been observed.     

3dσ excitation in slow Ar-Kr collisions

The impact parameter dependence of KrL-shell vacancy production in Ar-Kr collisions has been studied for collision energies ranging from 0.97 MeV to 10 MeV by measuring Kr-L x-rays in coincidence with scattered Ar ions. The experimental results have been theoretically analyzed by assuming vacancy production in the quasimolecular 3dσ orbital to be the dominant primary mechanism for KrL-shell vacancy production. Model calculations have been performed for 3dσ excitation via 3dδ-3dπ-3dσ rotational coupling. The shape of the measured impact parameter dependence is satisfactorily reproduced if (“dynamically created”) vancancies are assumed to be initially present in both the 3dδ orbital and the 3dπ orbital. A strong dependence of the number of initial 3dσ and 3dπ vacancies on collision energy is observed.