Capillary electrophoresis with direct chemiluminescence detection for the analysis of catecholamines in human urine

A rapid and sensitive method for the analysis of three catecholamines by capillary electrophoresis(CE)with directchemiluminescence(CL)detection is described.The detection limits(S/N=3)were 1.3*10-8g/mL for isoprenaline,1.0*10-8g/mL for epinephrine and 2.8*10-8g/mL for dopamine.The proposed method was successfully applied to theanalysis of catecholamines in urine samples of cigarette smokers and nonsmokers.The results showed that there is a close relationbetween the release of dopamine in human body fluids and cigarette smoking/nonsmoking.     

A general strategy for one-step fabrication of biocompatible microcapsules with controlled active release

Fabrication of biocompatible core-shell microcapsules in a controllable and scalable manner remains an important but challenging task.Here,we develop a one-step microfluidic approach for the highthroughput production of biocompatible microcapsules,which utilizes single emulsions as templates and controls the precipitation of biocompatible polymer at the water/oil interface.The facile method enables the loading of various oils in the core and the enhancement of polymer shell strength by polyelectrolyte coating.The resulting microcapsules have the advantages of controllability,scalability,biocompatibility,high encapsulation efficiency and high loading capacity.The core-shell microcapsules are ideal delivery vehicles for programmable active release and various controlled release mechanisms are demonstrated,including burst release by vigorous shaking,pH-triggered release for targeted intestinal release and sustained release of perfume over a long period of time.The utility of our technique paves the way for practical applications of core-shell microcapsules.     

A selective voltammetric detection for dopamine using poly (gallic acid) film modified electrode

<正>The electrochemistry behavior of dopamine was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry at a poly (gallic acid) film modified glassy carbon electrode.Two electrons and two protons participated in the diffusion-controlled electrocatalytic oxidation of dopamine with a diffusion coefficient of 2.186×10~(-5) cm~2/s.The interference of ascorbic acid with the determination of dopamine could be efficiently eliminated.This work provided a simple approach to selectively and sensitively detect dopamine in the presence of high concentration of ascorbic acid.     

Mixed Plant Tissue-Carbon Paste Biomicroelectrode and Its Application to Determination of Dopamine in Vitro and in Vivo

Introduction A number of distinct voltammetric methods have been developed recently to determine the neurotransmission dopamine. For the techniques that are designed to measure dopamine, a major limitation is the inability to distinguish the oxidation peaks of dopamine from those of ascorbic acid. There is ascorbic acid throughout mammalian tissue, particularly higher (about 100 times of dopamine) in the     

Enhanced release of the poorly soluble drug itraconazole loaded in ordered mesoporous silica

It is known that the energy of the amorphous state of itraconazole loaded in ordered mesoporous materials is high relative to that of the crystalline state and is responsible for enhanced solubility and dissolution rate. We investigated the effects of particle size(0.7–5μm), mesostructure(2D p6 mm, cubic Ia-3d and cubic Fm-3m) and pore size(2.2–15.4 nm) of mesoporous silicas on the release performance of itraconazole. Results indicated that the release performance was not influenced by the particle sizes tested here, that the release performance increased with increasing pore diameter due to the lower probability of drug molecules colliding to recrystallize in large pores, and that the release performance was decreased in the cage-type pore structure(Fm-3m) compared to that in the cylindrical pore structures(p6mm and Ia-3d) because of the small entrance to the cagelike pores that retards the drug release.     

Poly(amaranth)film based sensor for resolution of dopamine in the presence of uric acid: A voltammetric study

<正>The electropolymerized film of amaranth was prepared on the surface of graphite pencil electrode(GPE) using cyclic voltammetric technique.This poly(amaranth) film coated electrode exhibited an excellent electrocatalytic activity towards the detection of dopamine(DA) in the presence of uric acid(UA) in 0.2 mol/L phosphate buffer solution at pH 7.0.The effect of interference study was carried out using differential pulse voltammetric technique.The poly(amaranth) modified GPE was applied for the detection of DA in dopamine injection with satisfactory results.     

Cobalt phthalocyanine-graphene complex for electro-catalytic oxidation of dopamine

Cobalt phthalocyanine-graphene(CoPc-Gr) complex are fabricated through π-π interaction of each components,with CoPc adsorbed/inserted on/in the graphene sheets.The obtained complex could be used in the electro-chemical detection of various medicines.CoPc-Gr modified glassy electrode shows excellent response to the electro-oxidation of dopamine(DA) and ascorbic acid(AA),much better than those of CoPc,graphene oxide(GrO) or graphene(Gr) modified electrode.Significantly,the detection of dopamine is a diffusion-controlled process,highly selective,and has a low detection limit and broad linear range.     

INVESTIGATIONS ON NANOMETER-SIZED ULTRAMICRO-ELECTRODES(Ⅱ)—FABRICATION, CHARACTERIZATION OF CARBON FIBER CYLINDER ULTRAMICROELECTRODES

Described here are the fabrication and characterization of carbon fiber cylinder ultramicroelectrodes with cylinder length of less than 100 am, total tip diameter of several hundreds nanometers. The electrodes have been fabricated by direct etching of carbon fiber using an ion beam thinner. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cyclic voltammetry have been employed to characterize those electrodes. The experimental results obtained indicate the electrodes can be used for in vivo detection of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, 5—hydroxytryptamine in a single cell.     

INVESTIGATION OF POLYDL-LACTIDE-b-POLY（ETHYLENE GLYCOL）-b-POLYDL-LACTIDE MICROSPHERES CONTAINING PLASMID DNA

PolyDL-lactide (PDLLA) and the block copolymer, polyDL-lactide-b-poly(ethylene glycol)-b-polyDL-lactide (PELA) were used as the microsphere matrix to encapsulate plasmid DNA. The PDLLA, PELA, pBR322-1oaded PDLLA and pBR322-1oaded PELA microspheres were prepared by solvent extraction method based on the formation of multiple w1/o/w2 emulsion. The microspheres were characterized by surface morphology, mean particle size, particle size distribution and loading efficiency. The integrity of DNA molecules after being extracted from microspheres was determined by agarose gel electrophoresis. The result suggested that plasmid DNA molecules could retain their integrity after being encapsulated by PELA. The PELA microspheres could prevent plasmid DNA from being digested by DNase. The in vitro degradation and release profiles of plasmid DNA-loaded microspheres were measured in pH - 7.4 buffer solution at 37℃. The in vitro degradation profiles of the microspheres were evaluated by the deterioration in microspheres surface morphology, the molecular weight reduction of polymer, the mass loss of microspheres, the changes of pH values of degradation medium, and the changes of particle size. The in vitro release profiles of the microspheres were assessed by measurement of the amount of DNA presented in the release medium at determined intervals. The release profiles were correlation with the degradation profiles. The release of plasmid DNA from PELA microspheres showed a similar biphasic trend, that is, an initial burst release was followed by a slow, but sustained release.     

Spatio-temporally resolved measurement of quantal exocytosis from single cells using microelectrode array modified with poly L-lysine and poly dopamine

The subsecond, temporal, vesicular exocytosis is ubiquitous, but difficult detecting in communication mechanisms of cells. A microelectrode array(MEA), fabricated by MEMS technology, was applied successfully for real-time monitoring of quantal exocytosis from single pheochromocytoma(PC12) cell.The developed MEA was evaluated by dopamine(DA) using electrochemical methods and the results revealed that the sensitivity of DA was improved to 12659.24 μA L mmol ~(-1)cm~(-2). The modified MEA was used to detect in vitro vesicular exocytosis of DA from single PC12 cells stimulated by concentrated100 mmol L~(-1)K~+cell solution. A total of 592 spikes were measured and analyzed by three parameters and the statistical results revealed the population of each parameter was an approximate Gaussian distribution, and on average, 1.31×10~6 ±9.25×10~4 oxidizable molecules were released in each quantal exocytosis. In addition, results also indicate that a single PC12 cell probably releases the spikes with T ranging from 25.6 ms to 35.4 ms corresponding to I_(max)ranging from 45.6 pA to 65.2 pA. The devices, including a homemade computer interface and the MEA modified with polymer film, provides a new means for further research on the neural, intercellular, communication mechanism.     

探索脑化学纳米电化学监测单细胞、单囊泡、突触间隙释放化学信号分子及形貌分析

针对已有的微米及纳米电化学监测单囊泡、单突触及突触间隙释放, 扫描电化学显微镜用于单细胞释放前后形貌变化的定量分析, 微流控与阵列电极集成芯片, 用于细胞灌注培养及监测释放化学信号分子的研究工作进行了评述. 同时, 对近几年此领域的前沿研究进行了简要评论, 并对其未来发展提出了一些新的观点.     

Monitoring dopamine release from single living vesicles with nanoelectrodes

Carbon fiber nanoelectrodes (tip diameter = ca. 100 nm) have been first used to monitor real-time dopamine release from single living vesicles of single rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. The experiments show that active and inactive release sites exist on the surface of cells, and the spatial distributions have been differentiated even in the same active release zone. It is first demonstrated that multiple vesicles can sequentially release dopamine at the same site of the cell surface, which possibly plays the main role in the dopamine release from PC12 cells.     

Altered Lipid Composition of Secretory Cells Following Exposure to Zinc Can Be Correlated to Changes in Exocytosis

A micromolar concentration of zinc has been shown to significantly change the dynamics of exocytosis as well as the vesicle contents in a model cell line, providing direct evidence that zinc regulates neurotransmitter release. To provide insight into how zinc modulates these exocytotic processes, neurotransmitter release and vesicle content were compared with single cell amperometry and intracellular impact vesicle cytometry with a range of zinc concentrations. Additionally, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) images of lipid distributions in the cell membrane after zinc treatment correlate to changes in exocytosis. By combining electrochemical techniques and mass spectrometry imaging, we proposed a mechanism by which zinc changes the fusion pore and the rate of neurotransmitter release by changing lipid distributions and results in the modulation of synaptic strength and plasticity.     

纳米电极时空分辨监测单个PC12细胞多巴胺量子释放

细胞作为有机体结构与生命活动的基本单位 ,在生命体内的新陈代谢和信息传递等方面起着关键作用 .而细胞受激释放是其参与生命活动的形式之一 ,在整个生命活动中起着非常重要的作用 ,不正常的细胞释放会导致生物体功能紊乱 ,以致产生各种疾病 .对细胞释放进行研究在神经生物学、生物化学、临床、病理和药学等多个学科领域中都具有非常重要的意义[1] .由于细胞的超微体积以及胞内单个囊泡量子释放发生的时间是毫秒级的 ,因此需要一种快速灵敏检测的手段才能对胞内释放情况进行实时监测 .对于多巴胺、肾上腺素、去甲肾上腺素及五羟色胺等具有…     

Recognizing single phospholipid vesicle collisions on carbon fiber nanoelectrode

We recognize the stochastic collisions of dopamine contained phospholipid vesicle on carbon fiber nanoelectrode, extending the observation of discrete collision events on nanoelectrode to biologically relevant analytes. To decrease noise interference to the technique, the dimensions of nanoelectrode was systematically investigated and optimized. Scanning electron microscopy(SEM) further supported the comparable sizes of nanoelectrode and vesicles(~100 nm in diameter). Vesicles collision and rupture on the surface of nanoelectrode led to the dopamine release from vesicles, which could be electrochemically oxidized to dopamine-o-quinone and detected via voltammetry. The comparable size of the nanoelectrode with vesicles and fast voltammetry allowed differentiation of single collision events from the current magnitudes and peak widths in the electrochemical collision experiments, which shows the efficacy of the method to characterize vesicle samples. This work provides a foundation upon which quantitative sensor technology might be built for the detection of dopamine contained vesicles with high spatial and temporal resolution.     

Cu(II)‐Metallacryptands Self‐Assembled to Vesicular Aggregates Capable of Encapsulating and Transporting an Anticancer Drug Inside Cancer Cells

Crystallographically characterized M₂L₄ type cationic Cu(II)‐metallacryptands [MC(X)] derived from a series of bis‐pyridyl‐bis‐urea ligands (L_X; X = O, S, C) are self‐assembled to single‐layered vesicular aggregates in DMSO, DMSO/water, and DMSO/DMEM (biological media). One such vesicle is MC(O)‐vesicle that is demonstrated to be able to load and release (pH responsive) an anticancer drug, namely doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX). DOX‐loaded MC(O)‐vesicle is also successfully transported within MDA‐MB‐231 cells—a highly aggressive human breast cancer cell line. Such self‐assembling behavior to form vesicular aggregates by metallacryptands (MCs) is hitherto unknown.     

The effect of N‐acetylcysteine on amphetamine‐mediated dopamine release in rat brain striatal slices by ion‐pair reversed‐phase high performance liquid chromatography

The amphetamine (AMPH)‐induced alteration in rat brain dopamine levels modified by N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) administration has been examined using isocratic ion‐pair reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. The aim of the development of a novel validated evaluation scheme implying a double AMPH challenge was to enhance the efficiency of AMPH‐triggered dopamine release measurements in rat brain striatal slices by improving the reproducibility of the results. The proposed experimental protocol was tested in vivo and proved to be capable of fast and reliable drug screening for tracing the effect of NAC as a model compound in AMPH‐mediated dopaminergic response. The subcellular localization of the dopamine mobilizing effect of NAC has been established indirectly by the use of an irreversible dopamine vesicular depletor, reserpine. The antioxidant NAC at 10 mm plays an important role in the complete suppression of acute AMPH‐elicited dopamine release. The possible role of this quenching effect is discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Chromatographic analysis of dopamine metabolism in a Parkinsonian model

The present study examined the metabolism of released dopamine from rat striatum upon chronic rotenone exposure. The sample separation was carried out by two-dimensional, reversed-phase and ion pair reversed-phase chromatography using on-line solid phase extraction enrichment. Reduced dopamine content and decreased extracellular level of [(3)H] and endogenous dopamine evoked by electrical stimulation indicated the injury of dopaminergic pathway. Sensitivity of dopaminergic neurons were increased to oxidative stress with enhanced release of dopamine and formation of oxidized metabolite dopamine quinone (DAQ). Utilizing multidimensional detection, EC at -100 mV reduction potential, the method has been applied for identification of DAQ and aminochrome (DAC).     

Characterization of Electrospun Polysuccinimide-Dopamine Conjugates and Effect on Cell Viability and Uptake

Biocompatible nanofibrous systems made by electrospinning have been studied widely for pharmaceutical applications since they have a high specific surface and the capability to make the entrapped drug molecule amorphous, which increases bioavailability. By covalently conjugating drugs onto polymers, the degradation of the drug as well as the fast clearance from the circulation can be avoided. Although covalent polymer–drug conjugates have a lot of advantages, there is a lack of research focusing on their nano-formulation by electrospinning. In this study, polysuccinimide (PSI) based electrospun fibrous meshes conjugated with dopamine (DA) are prepared. Fiber diameter, mechanical properties, dissolution kinetics and membrane permeability are thoroughly investigated, as these are crucial for drug delivery and implantation. Dopamine release kinetics prove the prolonged release that influenced the viability and morphology of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) and SH-SY5Y cells. The presence of dopamine receptors on both cell types is also demonstrated and the uptake of the conjugates is measured. According to flow cytometry analysis, the conjugates are internalized by both cell types, which is influenced by the chemical structure and physical properties. In conclusion, electrospinning of PSI-DA conjugates alters release kinetics, meanwhile, conjugated dopamine can play a key role in cellular uptake.     

Harpagide,a natural product,promotes synaptic vesicle release as measured by nanoelectrode amperometry

Parkinson''s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive loss of dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons and low level of dopamine (DA) in the midbrain. Recent studies suggested that some natural products can protect neurons against injury, but their role on neurotransmitter release and the underlying mechanisms remained unknown. In this work, nanoelectrode electrochemistry was used for the first time to quantify DA release inside single DAergic synapses. Our results unambiguously demonstrated that harpagide, a natural product, effectively enhances synaptic DA release and restores DA release at normal levels from injured neurons in PD model. These important protective and curative effects are shown to result from the fact that harpagide efficiently inhibits the phosphorylation and aggregation of α-synuclein by alleviating the intracellular reactive oxygen level, being beneficial for vesicle loading and recycling. This establishes that harpagide offers promising avenues for preventive or therapeutic interventions against PD and other neurodegenerative disorders.

Nanoelectrode amperometry was used to monitor DA release inside single DAergic synapses, and demonstrated that harpagide effectively enhances synaptic DA release by reducing intracellular ROS generation and inhibiting α-Syn phosphorylation.