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.     

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.     

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.     

Comparative study of kinetics isomerization of substituted polyacetylene (Cl,F and I): Ab initio and DFT calculations

Ab initio and DFT methods were used to investigate the interconversions of substituted polyacetylene conformers C₁₀H₆X₆ (X=F, Cl and I) in the vapour phase. The rates of this geometrical isomerization have been calculated and the Arrhenius parameters evaluated. In the case of unsubstituted polyacetylene as the reference, the B3LYP Arrhenius parameters obtained are A₁=2.99 × 10¹⁷ s^–1 and E_a=17.30 kcal mol^–1. The values of the equilibrium constant for the reaction have also been determined at various temperatures between 300 and 500 K and the value of the energies change calculated. The results also suggest that the straightforward kinetics characterizing the majority of substituted polyacetylene isomerizations above 300 K. The isomerization energies are positive and the barrier heights ΔE_barrier are expected to be sensitive for the magnitude of halogens effects. According to geometries features the Cis → Trans isomerization in the gas phase occurs by a rotational mechanism.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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%.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Simultaneous estimation of detection sensitivity and absolute copy number from digital PCR serial dilution

Digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) is a refinement of the conventional PCR approach to nucleic acid detection and absolute quantification. Digital PCR works by partitioning a sample of DNA or cDNA into many individual, parallel PCR reactions. Current quantification methods rely on the assumption that the PCR reactions are always able to detect single target molecules. When the assumption does not hold, the copy numbers will be severely underestimated. We developed a novel dPCR quantification method which determines whether the single copy assumption is violated or not by simultaneously estimating the assay sensitivity and the copy numbers using serial dilution data sets. The implemented method is available as an R package “digitalPCR”.     

Pretreatment processes for lignocellulosic biomass conversion to biofuels and bioproducts

Lignocellulosic materials, such as forestry, agricultural and agroindustrial residues, are among the most important sources of biomass for the production of fuels, chemicals and materials. However there are physical and chemical barriers in the lignin–carbohydrate supramolecular structure that render most plant cell wall components almost completely unavailable for conversion into commercial products. Thus successful conversion strategies must lead to the disruption of this structure and result in partial or total separation of the lignocellulosic components, increasing the accessibility of cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignins. It must also minimize the formation of by-products. Each pretreatment technology has its own characteristics and is usually applied to a specific source of carbohydrates and lignins. A general overview of the most important pretreatment methods for the production of platform chemicals and fermentable sugars are given in this paper.     

Use of grapevine cell cultures for the production of phytostilbenes of cosmetic interest

Plant cell cultures constitute pesticide-free sources for obtaining plant secondary metabolites or plant extracts. Additionally, they do not contain any fungal contaminants, mycotoxins or heavy metals providing to the consumer potential health benefits and justifying the development of this technology at an industrial scale. Significant production levels of these secondary metabolites can be obtained through the use of elicitors, which activate plant defense mechanisms. Resveratrol, a well-known grapevine polyphenolic compound which possesses potent antioxidant and antiaging activities as well as a protective action on skin, is a good example of such plant secondary metabolites. Resveratrol and its oligomeric derivatives are used by several companies of cosmetic products but their extraction from vine stems and similar vegetal sources remains difficult. Therefore grapevine cell suspensions could represent interesting systems for the large-scale bioproduction of those compounds. Here we present an update of the methods used for the production of phytostilbenes by using grapevine cell cultures and the results obtained.