UVB-induced photodamage to phycobilisomes of Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942

The effect of UVB irradiation on the phycobilisomes (PBSs) of Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942 cells was studied. The sucrose density-gradient-isolated PBSs from in vivo UVB-treated (280–320 nm) cells showed a strong decrease in β-phycocyanin (βPC) and -phycocyanin (PC) polypeptides. In addition to a decrease in the linker polypeptides LCM 75 (linker connecting the core to the thylakoid membranes), LR 33 (linker in the rod structure), LRC 31.5 (linker connecting the rod to the core) and LRC 29. In vitro UVB treatment of gradient-isolated intact PBSs for 1 h had no effect on any of the constituent polypeptides, and only after 2 h was a degradation of LCM 75 and LR 33 and a decrease in βPC evident. Further investigation of phycobiliproteins (4 h of UVB irradiation) using polyclonal antibody directed against purified whole PBSs revealed that, in vivo, there was a gradual decline in the levels of LCM 75, LR 33, LRC 31.5, LRC 29, βPC and PC.     

CO(2)-expanded solvents: unique and versatile media for performing homogeneous catalytic oxidations

The work summarized here demonstrates a new concept for exploiting dense phase CO(2), media considered to be "green" solvents, for homogeneous catalytic oxidation reactions. According to this concept, the conventional organic solvent medium used in catalytic chemical reactions is replaced substantially (up to 80 vol %) by CO(2), at moderate pressures (tens of bars), to create a continuum of CO(2)-expanded solvent media. A particular benefit is found for oxidation catalysis; the presence of CO(2) in the mixed medium increases the O(2) solubility by ca. 100 times compared to that in the neat organic solvent while the retained organic solvent serves an essential role by solubilizing the transition metal catalyst. We show that CO(2)-expanded solvents provide optimal properties for maximizing oxidation rates that are typically 1-2 orders of magnitude greater than those obtained with either the neat organic solvent or supercritical CO(2) as the reaction medium. These advantages are demonstrated with examples of homogeneous oxidations of a substituted phenol and of cyclohexene by molecular O(2) using transition metal catalysts, cobalt Schiff-base and iron porphyrin complexes, respectively, in CO(2)-expanded CH(3)CN.     

Solvent-adaptable silver nanoparticles

A simple and efficient way of obtaining silver nanoparticles that are dispersible both in organic and in aqueous solvents using a single capping agent is described. The silver nanoparticles are initially prepared in water in the presence of aerosol OT [sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl)-sulfosuccinate, AOT]. Thereafter, transfer of the AOT-capped silver nanoparticles to an organic phase is induced by the addition of a small amount of orthophosphoric acid during shaking of the biphasic mixture. The AOT-stabilized silver nanoparticles could be separated out from the organic phase in the form of a powder. The hydrophobic nanoparticles thus prepared are stable and are readily resuspended in a variety of other polar (including water) and nonpolar solvents without further surface treatment. The amphiphatic nature of the silver surface is brought about by a small orientational change in the AOT monolayer on the silver surface in response to the polarity of the solvent.     

Green synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles by Allium cepa L. to produce silver nano‐coated fabric and their antimicrobial evaluation

This research work was proposed to study the antimicrobial activity of the silver nanocoated fabric with the purpose of producing good dressing and clothing material. We synthesized simple, ecofriendly, cost‐effective and sustainable silver nanoparticles by using the aqueous extract of Allium cepa L. Here, A. cepa L. acts as a good reducing and capping agent that produced stable silver nanoparticles having particle size of range 36 ± 1 to 98 ± 2 nm, Poly dispersiblity index 0.234 ± 0.61 to 1.023 ± 0.33 and Zeta potential ‐12 ± 1.5 mV to ‐26 ± 1.2 mV. The effect of temperature and extract volume used was considered for optimization of synthetic procedure. The nanocoated fabric was characterized for morphological study, size (using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) and zeta‐potential (Zeta Potentiometer). The presence of functional groups were observed by using attenuated total reflection‐Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy. The crystallinity and structural property of the synthesized silver nanoparticles were studied in terms of Powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD). An IC₅₀ value and zone of inhibition was studied which demonstrate that the silver nanocoated fabric have an excellent antibacterial property against Gram‐negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram‐positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria. Further nanocoated fabric material was washed (with function of time 0, 10, 25, and 50 laundry cycles) and still retained their anti‐bacterial activity towards both strain. Initially there was 52 μg/ml of silver nanoparticles on the cotton fabric but after 50 laundry cycle in 500 ml of distilled water the fabric showed 92% efficiency against gram positive and 90% efficacy toward gram negative bacteria. It was found that 4.16 μg/ml nano particles leached in case of S. Aureus and 5.2 μg/mL silver nanoparticles leached in case of E. coli. Nanocoated fabric material synthesized using green synthesis was found to be economical with good resistance to washing.     

Water-Mediated Synthesis of Benzazole and Thiourea Motifs by Reacting Naturally Occurring Isothiocyanate with Amines

An efficient, green, and facile method has been developed for the synthesis of benzazole and thiourea analogues from naturally occurring erucin in moderate to good yields. The reaction was carried out in water without using any metal catalyst or base. The present method tolerated the various functional groups on aromatic rings and also applicable for other isothiocyanates.     

Base Catalysed Condensation of Acetone with Uracil Derivatives: One Step Synthesis of Pyranopyrimidines

Condensation of uracil derivatives (1,3,4) with acetone in the presence of triethylamine gave pyranopyrimidines (2,5,6).     

CuI/l-proline catalyzed click reaction in glycerol for the synthesis of 1,2,3-triazoles

Despite the apparent simplicity of the copper(I) iodide catalyzed CuAAC reaction, the conversion of the catalytic species, i.e. Cu(I) to thermodynamically more stable Cu(II), via aerial oxidation or disproportionation is a major issue. To stabilize the Cu(I) species, the reaction is ideally carried out under an inert atmosphere in the presence of additives such as alcohols, amines, thiols, and aldehydes. Herein, we report the first CuI catalyzed click reaction without an inert atmosphere by employing the CuI/l-proline system in glycerol. The method showed remarkable stability towards sensitive functional groups such as acetonides and 1,2,4-trioxanes.