Capillary liquid chromatographic fingerprint used for discrimination of Zingiber montanum from related species

Fingerprint analysis using capillary liquid chromatography (CLC) has been developed for discrimination of Zingiber montanum (ZM) from related species, for example Z. americans (ZA) and Z. zerumbet (ZZ). By comparing the fingerprint chromatograms of ZM, ZA, and ZZ we could identify ZM samples and discriminate them from ZA and ZZ by using their marker peaks. We also combined CLC fingerprint with multivariate analysis, including principal-component analysis (PCA) and canonical variate analysis (CVA); all three species were discriminated successfully. This result indicates that CLC fingerprint analysis in combination with PCA and CVA can be used for discrimination of ZM samples from samples of related species.

Microfluidic robotic device coupled with electrochemical sensor field for handling of paramagnetic micro-particles as a tool for determination of plant mRNA

The expression of genes responsible for the biosynthesis of stress proteins corresponds to the exposition of an organism to abiotic and/or biotic stress. We utilize two types of paramagnetic particles for isolation of total mRNA from early somatic embryos of Norway Spruce (Picea abies /L./ Karst.) and maize plants (Zea mays L.) treated with cadmium(II) ions. The paramagnetic particles were evaluated for analysis of real samples, and poly-adenine was used as a model mRNA. Various approaches (from non-automatic to fully automatic) were tested in terms of handling the particles.

Characterization and analysis of mycobacteria and Gram-negative bacteria and co-culture mixtures by Raman microspectroscopy, FTIR, and atomic force microscopy

The molecular composition of mycobacteria and Gram-negative bacteria cell walls is structurally different. In this work, Raman microspectroscopy was applied to discriminate mycobacteria and Gram-negative bacteria by assessing specific characteristic spectral features. Analysis of Raman spectra indicated that mycobacteria and Gram-negative bacteria exhibit different spectral patterns under our experimental conditions due to their different biochemical components. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, as a supplementary vibrational spectroscopy, was also applied to analyze the biochemical composition of the representative bacterial strains. As for co-cultured bacterial mixtures, the distribution of individual cell types was obtained by quantitative analysis of Raman and FTIR spectral images and the spectral contribution from each cell type was distinguished by direct classical least squares analysis. Coupled atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Raman microspectroscopy realized simultaneous measurements of topography and spectral images for the same sampled surface. This work demonstrated the feasibility of utilizing a combined Raman microspectroscopy, FTIR, and AFM techniques to effectively characterize spectroscopic fingerprints from bacterial Gram types and mixtures.

Synthesis and thermal behavior study of complexes of the type [Pd(μ-X)(4-eb-p-phen)]2 (X = Cl,Br, I,N3, NCO,SCN) and 4-eb-p-phen [bis(4-ethylbenzyl)p-phenylenediimine]

The Schiff base bis(4-ethylbenzyl) p-phenylenediimine, 4-eb-p-phen (1), and six new dimeric Pd(II) complexes of the type [Pd(μ-X)(4-eb-p-phen)]₂ {X = Cl (2), Br (3), I (4), N₃ (5), NCO (6), SCN (7)} have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and ¹H and ¹³C{¹H}-NMR experiments. The thermal behavior of the complexes 2–7 has been investigated by means of thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis. From the final decomposition temperatures, the thermal stability of the complexes can be ordered in the following sequence: 3 > 4 > 7 > 2 ≈ 5 > 6. The final products of the thermal decompositions were characterized as metallic palladium by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD).     

Coordination chemistry of anticrowns. Complexation of cyclic trimeric perfluoro-o-phenylenemercury (o-C6F4Hg)3 with compounds containing an active methylene group

The reactions of three-mercury anticrown (o-C₆F₄Hg)₃ (1) with acetoacetic ester (AE), malonic ester (ME), and malonodinitrile (MN) afford 1: 1 complexes {[(o-C₆F₄Hg)₃](AE)} (3), {[(o-C₆F₄Hg)₃](ME)} (4), and {[(o-C₆F₄Hg)₃](MN)} (5). The structures of complexes 3–5 were determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. Complex 3 has a discrete structure in the solid state, whereas complexes 4 and 5 form in the crystal extended stacks representing polydecker sandwiches with alternating molecules of 1 and ME or MN. According to the X-ray diffraction and IR spectral data, the molecule of AE in complex 3 is in the keto form.     

Further studies on the properties and effect of high energetic ionizing radiation on copper(II) complexes: 1H NMR,electronic absorption,ESR spectra and solid electrical conductivity

The effect of energetic γ-radiation on ¹H NMR, electronic absorption, ESR spectra, differential thermal analysis (DTA) and solid state dc electrical conductivity of the ligand N-phenyl-2-(2-(phenylamino)acetyl)hydrazine carbothioamide (H₂L) and its copper(II) complexes; Cu(HL)(OAc)H₂O, Cu(HL)BrH₂O and Cu(H₂L)₂(NO₃)₂?3H₂O before and after γ-irradiation (hereafter referred to as (B), (B ₁ ), (B ₂ ), (B ₃ ) and (A), (A ₁ ), (A ₂ ), (A ₃ ), respectively) has been studied. Electronic spectral bands of the complexes after irradiation exhibited some better resolved shapes with a remarkably higher absorbance, ESR spectrum of complex Cu(HL)BrH₂O (B ₂ ) before irradiation showed isotropic spectrum with g _iso = 2.075 however, after irradiation (A ₂ ) displayed axial ESR spectrum with g _∥ > g _⊥ > 2.0023 and d _(x2?y2) ground state. DTA of the compounds reveals that γ-irradiation induced generation of new peaks as well as changes in the peak intensities. Solid state dc electrical conductivity for complexes was investigated before and after γ-irradiation. Complexes were found to be semiconductors, the activation energies (E _a) were calculated for the complexes by using the Arrhenius plot.     

Three-dimensional molecular reconstruction of rat heart with mass spectrometry imaging

Cardiovascular diseases are the world’s number one cause of death, accounting for 17.1 million deaths a year. New high-resolution molecular and structural imaging strategies are needed to understand underlying pathophysiological mechanism. The aim of our study is (1) to provide a molecular basis of the heart animal model through the local identification of biomolecules by mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) (three-dimensional (3D) molecular reconstruction), (2) to perform a cross-species validation of secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS)-based cardiovascular molecular imaging, and (3) to demonstrate potential clinical relevance by the application of this innovative methodology to human heart specimens. We investigated a MSI approach using SIMS on the major areas of a rat and mouse heart: the pericardium, the myocardium, the endocardium, valves, and the great vessels. While several structures of the heart can be observed in individual two-dimensional sections analyzed by metal-assisted SIMS imaging, a full view of these structures in the total heart volume can be achieved only through the construction of the 3D heart model. The images of 3D reconstruction of the rat heart show a highly complementary localization between Na⁺, K⁺, and two ions at m/z 145 and 667. Principal component analysis of the MSI data clearly identified different morphology of the heart by their distinct correlated molecular signatures. The results reported here represent the first 3D molecular reconstruction of rat heart by SIMS imaging.

Two efficient methods for the synthesis of novel indole-based chalcone derivatives

Two powerful methods for the synthesis of indole-based chalcone derivatives, namely (E)-1-(2-chloro-1-(4-chlorobenzyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)-3-aryl(hetaryl)prop-2-en-1-ones (3a–l), are described, involving the ultrasound-assisted or solvent-free Claisen–Schmidt condensation reaction of 3-acetyl-2-chloro-1-(4-chlorobenzyl)indole (1) and various aromatic aldehydes (2a–l). The ultrasound-assisted Claisen–Schmidt condensation reaction was carried out using 1,4-dioxane as solvent and KOH as base at room temperature to give the corresponding products (3a–l) in yields ranging from 75 to 88 %. Alternatively, the Claisen–Schmidt condensation reaction could also be conducted under solvent-free conditions to obtain the products (3a–l) in comparable yields. The two procedures offer easy access to indole-based chalcone derivatives in short reaction times and good yields under mild conditions. Particularly, the advantageous aspect of the solvent-free method could avoid the use of environmentally hazardous and toxic solvents, and also reduced costs. The structures of all the newly synthesized indole-based chalcones 3a–l were confirmed by spectral data and elemental analyses.     

UPLC-UV-MSE analysis for quantification and identification of major carotenoid and chlorophyll species in algae

A fast method for quantification and identification of carotenoid and chlorophyll species utilizing liquid chromatography coupled with UV detection and mass spectrometry has been demonstrated and validated for the analysis of algae samples. This method allows quantification of targeted pigments and identification of unexpected compounds, providing isomers separation, UV detection, accurate mass measurements, and study of fragment ions for structural elucidation in a single run. This is possible using parallel alternating low- and high-energy collision spectral acquisition modes, which provide accurate mass full scan chromatograms and accurate mass high-energy chromatograms. Here, it is shown how this approach can be used to confirm carotenoid and chlorophyll species by identification of key diagnostic fragmentations during high-energy mode. The developed method was successfully applied for the analysis of Dunaliella salina samples during defined red LED lighting growth conditions, identifying 37 pigments including 19 carotenoid species and 18 chlorophyll species, and providing quantification of 7 targeted compounds. Limit of detections for targeted pigments ranged from 0.01?ng/mL for lutein to 0.24?ng/mL for chlorophyll a. Inter-run precision ranged for of 3 to 24 (RSD%) while inter-run inaccuracy ranged from ?17 to 11.

New copper(II) 2-(alkylamino)troponates

The copper aminotropones Cu[ON(R′)C₇H₄R-4]₂ [R = H, R′ = Me (13), Et (14), n-Pr (15), n-Bu (16), Bz (17), MenOCH₂CH₂ (20); R = i-Pr, R′ = Me (18), n-Pr (19), MenOCH₂CH₂ (21)] have been prepared from the corresponding aminotropones HN(R′)OC₇H₄R-4 (1–7) by reacting with copper(II) acetate in aqueous ethanol. 20, 21 contain the flavourant, menthol, as part of the ligand. The structures of 5 (R = H, R′ = Bz), a hydrogen-bonded dimer, 14 and 20, both incorporating square-planar, four-coordinate copper centres, have been determined by X-ray crystallography. The antibacterial activities of complexes 13, 17, 20 and 21 have been assayed against Staphylococcus waneri, an in vitro model of plaque inhibition effects, and found to be more active than a commercial toothpaste formulation, but less active than the O,O-chelated copper(II) complex of ethylmaltol.     

Palladium(II) octaalkylporphyrinates: Synthesis and spectral properties

Palladium 3,7,13,17-tetramethyl-2,8,12,18-tetrabutylporphyrinate (I) and its 5,15-diaza (II), diphenyl (III), and di(4-bromophenyl) (IV) derivatives were synthesized by the complex formation reaction of palladium(II) chloride with corresponding tetrapyrrole ligands in dimethylformamide, and their spectral properties were studied.     

Synthesis,spectroscopic characterization,X-ray crystal structure,biological screening and catalytic studies of organotin(IV) carboxylates of 3-(4-cyanophenyl) acrylic acid

A series of six organotin(IV) carboxylates [Me₂SnL₂] (1), [n-Bu₂SnL₂] (2), [n-Oct₂SnL₂] (3), [Me₃SnL] (4), n-Bu₃SnL (5) and [Ph₃SnL] (6), where L = 3-(4-cyanophenyl) acrylic acid have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR and NMR (¹H, ¹³C). The complex (4) was also analyzed by single crystal X-ray analysis which showed distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometry with polymeric bridging behavior. The complexes 1–6 were screened for antimicrobial activities and cytotoxicity. The results showed significant activity with few exceptions. The catalytic activity of complexes was assessed in transesterification reaction of Brassica campestris oil (triglycerides) to produce biodiesel (fatty acid methyl esters). The results showed that triorganotin(IV) complexes exhibited good catalytic activity than their di-analogues.     

Validation and transferability study of a method based on near-infrared hyperspectral imaging for the detection and quantification of ergot bodies in cereals

In recent years, near-infrared (NIR) hyperspectral imaging has proved its suitability for quality and safety control in the cereal sector by allowing spectroscopic images to be collected at single-kernel level, which is of great interest to cereal control laboratories. Contaminants in cereals include, inter alia, impurities such as straw, grains from other crops, and insects, as well as undesirable substances such as ergot (sclerotium of Claviceps purpurea). For the cereal sector, the presence of ergot creates a high toxicity risk for animals and humans because of its alkaloid content. A study was undertaken, in which a complete procedure for detecting ergot bodies in cereals was developed, based on their NIR spectral characteristics. These were used to build relevant decision rules based on chemometric tools and on the morphological information obtained from the NIR images. The study sought to transfer this procedure from a pilot online NIR hyperspectral imaging system at laboratory level to a NIR hyperspectral imaging system at industrial level and to validate the latter. All the analyses performed showed that the results obtained using both NIR hyperspectral imaging cameras were quite stable and repeatable. In addition, a correlation higher than 0.94 was obtained between the predicted values obtained by NIR hyperspectral imaging and those supplied by the stereo-microscopic method which is the reference method. The validation of the transferred protocol on blind samples showed that the method could identify and quantify ergot contamination, demonstrating the transferability of the method. These results were obtained on samples with an ergot concentration of 0.02 % which is less than the EC limit for cereals (intervention grains) destined for humans fixed at 0.05 %.

Crystal structures and luminescence of a series of cadmium(II) complexes based on isophorone derivative containing imidazolyl

Three new complexes, [CdL₂(CH₃COO)₂(H₂O)₂] (I), CdL₂Br₂ (II), CdL₂I₂ (III), have been successfully synthesized by self-assembly of corresponding metal salts with (E)-2-(3-(4-(1H-imidazole-1-yl)styryl)-5,5-dimethylcyclohex-2-enylidene)malononitrile (L). The structures of the complexes were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis (CIF file CCDC nos. 957831 (I), 957792 (II), 957832 (III)). In complex I, central metal is six-coordinated and the crystal packing shows a 3D supramolecular framework. Complexes II and III display the similar 2D supramolecular structures in which the central metals are four-coordination. The luminescent properties were investigated.     

Tribromogermyl monochelates — derivatives of N,N-disubstituted 2-hydroxycarboxylic amides

Reactions of GeBr₄ with N,N-dimethyl-2-trimethylsiloxypropionamide (2a), (S)-2-trime-thylsiloxypropionpyrrolidide ((S)-2b), and N,N-dimethyl-O-(trimethylsilyl)mandelamide (2c) afforded pentacoordinated neutral (O,O)-monochelates, viz., N,N-dimethyl-2-tribromoger-myloxypropionamide (3a), (S)-2-tribromogermyloxypropionpyrrolidide ((S)-3b), and N,N-dimethyl-O-(tribromogermyl)mandelamide (3c), respectively. X-ray diffraction study was performed for tribromides 3a, (S)-3b, and 3c, as well as for the N,N-dimethylmandelamide (1c) described earlier. According to the X-ray diffraction data, the Ge atom in tribromides 3a, (S)-3b, and 3c is pentacoordinated and has trigonal bipyramidal configuration with two halogen atoms and oxygen atom of the ether group in the equatorial positions and the halogen atom and the amide oxygen atom in the axial fragment, the bonds in which are somewhat longer as compared to the analogous bonds in tetracoordinated Ge compounds.     

The autoxidation of thiol aminoacids and ascorbate and their cooperative effects as antioxidants with trolox in micelles and lipid bilayers

The thiols cysteine (1), homocysteine (2), acetylcysteine (3), glutathione (4), and dithioerythritol (5) underwent autoxidation with controlled rates of chain initiation (R_i) when driven by azobis (2-amidino propane hydrochloride (ABAP). Cysteine exhibits the largest rate constant. Thils2 and4 inhibited the facile self-initiated autoxidation of ascorbate and regenerated ascorbate from its oxidation product, dehydroascorbic acid. Thiols1 and2 inhibited ABAP- initiated peroxidation of dilinoleoyl phosphatidylcholine (DLPC) membranes with a k_inh similar to that of 6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-2-carboxylate (Trolox). Thiols1–4 all acted cooperatively with Trolox to inhibit ABAP-initiated peroxidation of DLPC membranes. Stoichiometric factors, n=0.31?0.63, are attributed to oxidative wasting reactions. Each thiol,2, 4, and5 when combined with ascorbate further extended the inhibition period mediated by Trolox during peroxidation of linoleate initiated by lipid-soluble di-tert-butylhyponitrite (DBHN) in sodium dodecly sulfate (SDS) micelles. The spin trap phenyl-tert-butylnitrone (PBN) exhibited only retardant (not antioxidant) activity during peroxidation of linoleate initiated by DBHN or ABAP in SDS micelles.     

Mapping the Stability Diagram of a Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer with a Static Transverse Magnetic Field Applied

Previous experimental and theoretical work identified that the application of a static magnetic (B) field can improve the resolution of a quadrupole mass spectrometer (QMS) and this simple method of performance enhancement offers advantages for field deployment. Presented here are further data showing the effect of the transverse magnetic field upon the QMS performance. For the first time, the asymmetry in QMS operation with B _x and B _y is considered and explained in terms of operation in the fourth quadrant of the stability diagram. The results may be explained by considering the additional Lorentz force (v x B) experienced by the ion trajectories in each case. Using our numerical approach, we model not only the individual ion trajectories for a transverse B field applied in x and y but also the mass spectra and the effect of the magnetic field upon the stability diagram. Our theoretical findings, confirmed by experiment, show an improvement in resolution and ion transmission by application of magnetic field for certain operating conditions.

Synthesis and characterization of palladium(II) complexes [PdX2(p-diben)] (X = Cl,Br, I,N3, or NCO; p-diben = N,N′-bis(4-dimethylaminobenzylidene)ethane-1,2-diamine): crystal structure of [Pd(N3)2(p-diben)]

Five new complexes of general formula [PdX₂(p-diben)], where p-diben = N,N′-bis(4-dimethylaminobenzylidene)ethane-1,2-diamine) (1) and X = Cl (2), Br (3), I (4), N₃ (5), or CNO (6), were synthesized and characterized by physicochemical and spectroscopic methods. The crystal structure of compound (5) was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complexes 2–6 were characterized as N,N-chelated products. The crystal structure confirmed this formulation for [Pd(N₃)₂(p-diben)], besides showing the isomerism inversion of one of the C=N bonds, caused by Pd(II) coordination.     

Tin(IV) complexes based on 2-hydroxy-3,6-di-tert-butyl-para-benzoquinone: Syntheses,structures, and electrochemical behavior in solution

A series of new tin(IV) complexes based on 2-hydroxy-3,6-di-tert-butyl-para-benzoquinone (LH) of the general formula L₂SnR₂ (R = Me (I), Et (II), Bu ⁿ (III), Ph (IV)) and LSnMe₃ (V) were synthesized. The obtained compounds were characterized by IR and ¹H, ¹³C and ¹¹⁹Sn NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The X-ray diffraction analysis was carried out for complexes L₂Sn(Bu ⁿ )₂ (III) and LSnMe₃ (V). The low-frequency region of the IR spectra, which has not earlier been studied in detail, was interpreted for compounds I–V and previously described complex LSnPh₃ (VI). The electrochemical properties of LH and related tin complexes I–VI were studied. The nature of the hydrocarbon groups at the metal atom affects the stability of the intermediates formed in the electrochemical reactions.