Synthesis,characterization, powder XRD and antimicrobial-antioxidant activity evaluation of trivalent transition metal macrocyclic complexes

The in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of metal complexes derived from 1,8-diaminonaphthalene and 5,5-dimethylcyclohexane-1,3-dione were evaluated. The complexes were synthesized by template method in the presence of trivalent metal salts, resulting in the formation of tetraaza macrocyclic complexes of the type [M (C₃₆H₃₆N₄) X] X₂, where M = Cr(III), Fe(III) and X = Cl^–, NO₃^–, CH₃COO^–. The synthesized complexes were characterized with the aid of elemental analyses, molar conductance measurements, magnetic susceptibility measurements, electronic, IR, mass and powder XRD studies. Based on various studies, a five-coordinated square pyramidal geometry was proposed for these complexes. The X-ray diffraction studies suggest a monoclinic crystal system for the complexes.     

Structure and magnetic properties of manganese–zinc-ferrites prepared by spray pyrolysis method

A spray pyrolysis of a water solution of iron, manganese and iron nitrates is applied to prepare Zn_0.5Mn_0.5Fe₂O₄ single-phase ferrite with a spinel-type structure. The samples are characterized by means of differential scanning calorimetry, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, infrared and ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy. The mass magnetization σ and the magnetic susceptibility 1/χ of the ferrites are measured as a function of temperature over the range of 78–728 K. The obtained sample contains nanoparticles with an average diameter d ∼7 nm possessing Mn_xZn_yFe_3−(x+y)O₄ spinel-type structure with a uniform distribution of manganese and zinc atoms over the ferrite lattice. The Curie temperature is determined to be 375 ÷ 380 K.     

Synthesis of 13C4-labelled oxidized metabolites of the carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon benzo[a]pyrene

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), such as benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), are ubiquitous environmental contaminants that are implicated in causing lung cancer. BaP is a component of tobacco smoke that is transformed enzymatically to active forms that interact with DNA. We reported previously development of a sensitive stable isotope dilution LC/MS method for analysis of BaP metabolites. We now report efficient syntheses of ¹³C₄-BaP and the complete set of its ¹³C₄-labelled oxidized metabolites needed as internal standards They include the metabolites not involved in carcinogenesis (Group A) and the metabolites implicated in initiation of cancer (Group B). The synthetic approach is novel, entailing use of Pd-catalyzed Suzuki, Sonogashira, and Hartwig cross-coupling reactions combined with PtCl₂-catalyzed cyclization of acetylenic compounds. This synthetic method requires fewer steps, employs milder conditions, and product isolation is simpler than conventional methods of PAH synthesis. The syntheses of ¹³C₄-BaP and ¹³C₄-BaP-8-ol each require only four steps, and the ¹³C-atoms are all introduced in a single step. ¹³C₄-BaP-8-ol serves as the synthetic precursor of all the oxidized metabolites of ¹³C-BaP implicated in initiation of cancer. The isotopic purities of the synthetic ¹³C₄-BaP metabolites were estimated to be ≥99.9%.     

Study of intramolecular aminolysis in peptides containing N-alkylamino acids at position 2

Many peptides and proteins, containing N^α-alkylamino acids (including proline) at the second position, are prone to intramolecular aminolysis (IA) with elimination of N-terminal dipeptide sequence as 2,5-diketopiperazines (DKP). We synthesized a series of short peptides, containing N-alkylamino acids at position 2, and studied their stability in the presence of acetic acid and amines. The presence of side chains in the second and the third amino acid residues and alkylation at N^α of the third amino acid residue slowed down IA. N^α-Alkyl residue in the first amino acid residue impeded IA only in peptides, containing three or more residues. Side chains of the first amino acids did not affect significantly the cleavage rates. Acetic acid promoted IA more strongly than aqueous ammonia, while tertiary amines were less effective. Peptides with methionine-S-oxide residues were more labile than the unoxidized analogs, suggesting intramolecular assistance of the S-oxide group in aminolysis. Surprisingly, intermediate compounds of the formula Boc–Met-MeXaa-Sar–NHR underwent rapid cleavage (endopeptolysis) upon attempted acidolytic deprotection.     

Potentiometric and conductometric studies of malonyl bis(salicyloylhydrazone) and divalent metal complexes

A series of complexes of divalent transition metal ions with malonyl bis(salicyloylhydrazone) (H₄MSH) have been prepared and characterized with the help of conductometric, potentiometric methods. The proton–ligand and metal–ligand stability constants were obtained pH-metrically. The electrical conductivity of solid complexes was measured at 289 K. The low molar conductance values observed for these complexes indicate that, they are non-electrolytes. They are soluble to a limited extent in DMF and DMSO. The elemental analyses of the complexes indicate that the complexes have 1:1 and 2:1 (M:L) stoichiometry with the existence of water, chloride, acetone molecules inside the coordination sphere as evidence from the IR spectral studies. Further, the complexes have been formulated by comparing C, H, N & metal analysis data, and UV–visible spectra of the complexes have been discussed. The protonation constants of the ligand and the stability constants of their metal complexes will be evaluated potentiometrically. The stoichiometric ratios of the complexes formed in solution will be evaluated applying the molar ratio (spectrophotometric) method and confirmed conductometrically.     

Essential oil of Salvia aucheri mesatlantica as a green inhibitor for the corrosion of steel in 0.5 M H2SO4

Essential oil of aerial parts of Salvia aucheri Boiss. var. mesatlantica was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC and GC/MS. The oil was predominated by camphor (49.59%). The inhibitory effect of this essential oil was estimated on the corrosion of steel in 0.5 M H₂SO₄ using electrochemical polarization and weight loss measurements. The corrosion rate of steel is decreased in the presence of natural oil. The inhibition efficiency was found to increase with oil content to attain 86.12% at 2 g/L. Polarization curves revealed that the oil of S. aucheri mesatlantica acts as mixed type inhibitor with a strong predominance of anodic character. The temperature effect on the corrosion behavior of steel in 0.5 M H₂SO₄ without and with the inhibitor at 2 g/L was studied in the temperature range from 303 to 343 K, the associated activation energy have been determined. The adsorption of oil on the steel surface was found to obey Langmuir’s adsorption isotherm.     

First isolation of a flavonoid from Juniperus procera using ethyl acetate extract

Phytochemical investigation of the ethyl acetate extract of the leaves of Juniperus procera growing in south Saudi Arabia Enemas region led to the isolation of a new flavonoid using different chromatographic methods (i.e. paper, thin layer and column chromatography). The isolated flavonoid was identified and established by m.p., ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR, UV and MS spectral analysis. The isolated compound was identified as 3′,4′,3,7-tetrahydroxyflavone.     

Raman spectroscopic study of dye adsorption on TiO2 electrodes of dye-sensitized solar cells

The state of dye adsorption on TiO₂ electrodes in dye-sensitized solar-cell (DSSC) systems is important for its power-conversion efficiency (PCE). We propose a non-destructive and quantitative method to evaluate the amount of adsorbed dye on TiO₂ electrodes by using micro-Raman spectroscopy. The Raman peak intensity ratio of adsorbed dye to TiO₂, I_d/I_t, is defined as a dye adsorption parameter. Based on a comparison between I_d/I_t and the amount of dye evaluated from UV–vis absorption, the quantitativity and reproducibility of our method are verified.We investigated the change of I_d/I_t spatial distribution of TiO₂ electrodes immersed in a dye solution for different time scales. The statistical analysis of I_d/I_t distribution suggests that dyes adsorbed on TiO₂ electrodes with chemical coordination increase at first, and after their saturation, dye aggregations are formed over the chemisorption layer. We also describe the effect of the I_d/I_t distribution on PCE. From a comparison of PCE and I_d/I_t distribution obtained from various immersion processes, it was considered that the PCE of DSSCs can be optimized by minimizing the I_d/I_t dispersion.     

Synthesis and characterization of metal complexes of Cr(III), Mn(II), Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Ru(III), Rh(III) and Pd(II) with derivatives of 1,3,4-thiadiazole-2,5-dithiol as new ligands

The synthesis of some new transition metal complexes with 1,3,4-thiadiazole-2,5-dithiol derivatives (L₁ and L₂) as new ligands is reported. Each complex was prepared by the reaction of the ligands with the appropriate metal salts (CrCl₃, MnCl₂·4H₂O, FeCl₃, CoCl₂·6H₂O, NiCl₂·6H₂O, CuCl₂·2H₂O, RuCl₃, RhCl₃ and PdCl₂). Elemental micro analysis (C.H.N.), UV–Visible spectroscopy, ¹H NMR, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, atomic absorption, magnetic susceptibility, continuous variation method and molar conductance techniques were used to characterize the structural formulae of these chelate complexes.     

Tuning the properties of a black TiO2-Ag visible light photocatalyst produced by a rapid one-pot chemical reduction

A highly efficient black TiO₂-Ag photocatalytic nanocomposite, active under both UV and visible light illumination, was synthesized by decorating the surface of 25 nm TiO₂ particles with Ag nanoparticles. The material was obtained via a rapid, one-pot, simple (surfactant and complexing agent free) chemical reduction method using silver nitrate and formaldehyde as a metal salt and reducing agent, respectively. The nanocomposite shows an increase of over 800% in the rate of photocatalytic methylene blue dye degradation, compared to commercial unmodified TiO_2, under UV-VIS illumination. Unlike pure TiO₂, the nanocomposite exhibits visible light activation, with a corresponding drop in optical reflectance from 100% to less than 10%. The photocatalytic properties were shown to be strongly enhanced by post-reduction annealing heat treatments in air, which were observed to decrease, rather than coarsen, silver particle size, and increase particle distribution. This, accompanied by a variation in the silver surface oxidation states, appear to dramatically affect the photocatalytic efficiency under both UV and visible light. This highly active photocatalyst could have wide ranging applications in water and air pollution remediation and solar fuel production.     

Computational analysis for the determination of deleterious nsSNPs in human MTHFD1 gene

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the most common genetic polymorphisms and play a major role in many inherited diseases. Methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase 1 (MTHFD1) is one of the enzymes involved in folate metabolism. In the present study, the functional and structural consequences of nsSNPs of human MTHFD1 gene was analyzed using various computational tools like SIFT, PolyPhen2, PANTHER, PROVEAN, SNAP2, nsSNPAnalyzer, PhD-SNP, SNPs&GO, I-Mutant, MuPro, ConSurf, InterPro, NCBI Conserved Domain Search tool, ModPred, SPARKS-X, RAMPAGE, FT Site and PyMol. Out of 327 nsSNPs form human MTHFD1 gene, total 45 SNPs were predicted as functionally most significant SNPs, among which 17 were highly conserved and functional, 17 were highly conserved and structural residues. Among 45 most significant SNPs, 15 were predicted to be involved in post translational modifications. The p.Gly165Arg may interfere in homodimer interface formation. The p.Asn439Lys and p.Asp445Asn may interfere in binding interactions of MTHFD1 protein with cesium cation and potassium. The two SNPs (p.Asp562Gly and p.Gly637Cys) might interfere in interactions of MTHFD1 with ligand.     

Preliminary investigation of cytotoxic potential of 2-quinolone derivatives using in vitro and in vivo (solid tumor and liquid tumor) models of cancer

2-Quinolone analogs are powerful inhibitors of farnesyl transferase, and are a novel class of anticancer drugs. The present study focused on continual efforts to elucidate the anticancer activity of synthesized 2-quinolone derivatives without N-methyl or 3-aryl substitution. Three derivatives namely JST, JST2 and JST13 were synthesized in our lab and screened for in vitro and in vivo anticancer activities. Significant cytotoxicity was observed in MCF-7 cells treated with JST2 and JST13. Both the derivatives’ treatment showed damage to the DNA. In vivo studies for JST2 and JST13 were performed at two doses 100 and 200 mg/kg using Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (liquid) and Dalton lymphoma ascites (solid) models. Both derivatives showed a significant reduction in the tumor progression by increasing the mean life span and by improving the haematological profile and antioxidant status of the liver in a liquid tumor model. More prominent effect was observed in a solid tumor model by reduction in solid tumor weight and tumor volume.     

Identification of potential inhibitor and enzyme-inhibitor complex on trypanothione reductase to control Chagas disease

Chagas is a parasitic disease with major threat to public health due to its resistance against commonly available drugs. Trypanothione reductase (TryR) is the key enzyme to develop this disease. Though this enzyme is well thought-out as potential drug target, the accurate structure of enzyme-inhibitor complex is required to design a potential inhibitor which is less available for TryR. In this research, we aimed to investigate the advanced drug over the available existing drugs by designing inhibitors as well as to identify a new enzyme-inhibitor complex that may act as a template for drug design. A set of analogues were designed from a known inhibitor Quinacrine Mustard (QUM) to identify the effective inhibitor against this enzyme. Further, the pharmacoinformatics elucidation and structural properties of designed inhibitor proposed effective drug candidates against Chagas disease. Molecular docking study suggests that a designed inhibitor has higher binding affinity in both crystal and modeled TryR and also poses similar interacting residues as of crystal TryR-QUM complex structure. The comparative studies based on in silico prediction proposed an enzyme-inhibitor complex which could be effective to control the disease activity. So our in silico analysis based on TryR built model, Pharmacophore and docking analysis might play an important role for the development of novel therapy for Chagas disease. But both animal model experiments and clinical trials must be done to confirm the efficacy of the therapy.     

Natural and artificial light-harvesting systems utilizing the functions of carotenoids

Carotenoids are essential pigments in natural photosynthesis. They absorb in the blue–green region of the solar spectrum and transfer the absorbed energy to (bacterio-)chlorophylls, and so expand the wavelength range of light that is able to drive photosynthesis. This process is an example of singlet–singlet energy transfer and so carotenoids serve to enhance the overall efficiency of photosynthetic light reactions. Carotenoids also act to protect photosynthetic organisms from the harmful effects of excess exposure to light. In this case, triplet–triplet energy transfer from (bacterio-)chlorophyll to carotenoid plays a key role in this photoprotective reaction. In the light-harvesting pigment–protein complexes from purple photosynthetic bacteria and chlorophytes, carotenoids have an additional role, namely the structural stabilization of those complexes. In this article we review what is currently known about how carotenoids discharge these functions. The molecular architecture of photosynthetic systems will be outlined to provide a basis from which to describe the photochemistry of carotenoids, which underlies most of their important functions in photosynthesis. Then, the possibility to utilize the functions of carotenoids in artificial photosynthetic light-harvesting systems will be discussed. Some examples of the model systems are introduced.     

Interrelationship between total volatile organic compounds emissions,structure and properties of natural rubber/polycaprolactone bio-blends cross-linked with peroxides

Natural rubber/polycaprolactone (NR/PCL) bio-based blends with different organic peroxides were prepared using an internal batch mixer and subsequently cross-linked at 170 °C. Two types of commonly used organic peroxides, dicumyl peroxide and di(tert-butylperoxyisopropyl)benzene peroxide, were applied as free-radical initiator. Cross-linking efficiency of NR/PCL blends were investigated using oscillating disc rheometer measurements, followed by infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis and tensile testing. Total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) emissions were determined using headspace analysis integrated with gas chromatography with flame ionization detector. Determined TVOCs emissions varying in range 21.6–52.1 μg/g and generally value of this parameter decreased with increasing content of PCL phase in studied blends or with application of more efficient di(tert-butylperoxyisopropyl)benzene peroxide as cross-linking agent. It was found that increasing of TVOCs parameter indicated deterioration of mechanical properties of NR/PCL blends, which corresponded with the changes in chemical structure and thermal properties of cross-linked NR/PCL. This confirms that evaluation of TVOCs parameter is interesting alternative for “conventional methods” to characterization of the studied bio-based blends.     

Photochemical tuning of materials: A click chemistry perspective

Light driven reactions are perpetual tools for environment sustainability. As an external trigger, most of the photon driven reactions are stereoselective, precise, efficient and offer temporal control for biomolecules. The photoinduced reactions are key to unique molecular transformations that include click and unclick reactions. Since 2003, there has been an exponential rise research papers citing light driven reactions. This review considers the light promoted development and modification of reactions that fall under the criteria of ‘Click’ series of transformations. The review lays emphasis on the light induced biochemical, carbohydrate modification, surface labelling, bioconjugation, polymer modification, dendrimer synthesis, [4 + 2] and [2 + 2] reaction, thiol–ene/yne coupling, Cu assisted cycloaddition, strain-promoted azide alkyne cycloaddition (SPAAC), nitro photoclick and photounclick reactions published in last one and half decade. This series of photoclick reactions use short wavelength radiations and are instant, clean, and near to perfect for transforming reactants to the desirable products.     

Asymmetric catalysis as a method for the synthesis of chiral organophosphorus compounds

This review discusses methods for the metallo-, organo- and biocatalytic asymmetric synthesis of chiral organophosphorus compounds with many applications in stereoselective synthesis with references to updated literature reports as well as the author’s original research. Asymmetric catalytic hydrogenation and reduction with chiral organometallic complexes, together with actively used asymmetric organocatalytic versions of various reactions enable us to synthesize chiral organophosphonates and phosphinates with high enantioselectivity and purity. Asymmetric catalysis is also an effective tool to realize some classic reactions of phosphorus chemistry in a stereospecific manner.     

Employing electrochemical frequency modulation for studying corrosion and corrosion inhibition of copper in sodium chloride solutions

The inhibition effect of 2-carboxymethylthio-4-(p-methoxyphenyl)-6-oxo-1,6-dihy-dropyrimidine-5-carbonitrile (CPD) towards the corrosion of copper was studied in aerated stagnant 3.5% NaCl at 25 °C using ac techniques include electrochemical frequency modulation and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy as well as potentiodynamic polarization measurements. Corrosion rates determined using electrochemical frequency modulation (EFM) which measures the non-linear behaviour of a corroding system are compared with corrosion rates obtained from traditional electrochemical techniques and show good agreement. Data obtained from EIS were analyzed to model the corrosion inhibition process through equivalent circuit. Polarization measurements showed that CPD acts as mixed-type inhibitor. The inhibition efficiency increases with an increase in the concentration of CPD. The adsorption of the inhibitor on the copper surface in the sodium chloride solution was found to obey Langmuir’s adsorption isotherm. A mixed inhibition mechanism is proposed for the inhibitive effects of CPD as revealed by potentiodynamic polarization technique.