A proteomic approach to study protein variation in GM durum wheat in relation to technological properties of semolina

Genetic manipulation of durum wheats by tobacco rab-1 genes influence the trafficking of gluten proteins through the secretory system by up- or down-regulating the transport step from the ER to the Golgi apparatus which may in turn modify functional performance of the grain. Gluten proteins were extracted from two genetically manipulated lines - Svevo B730 1-1 and Ofanto B688 1-2 - and their control lines and were analyzed by two dimensional gel electrophoresis. When the two-dimensional maps were compared by image analysis no significant differences between the GM line with an up-regulated trafficking containing the wild type tobacco rab1 (Svevo B730 1-1) and its control (Svevo control). By contrast, significant differences were found between the GM line with a down-regulated trafficking due to the tobacco rab1 mutant form (Ofanto B688 1-2) and its control (Ofanto control). Of the new protein spots detected in the down-regulated Ofanto B688 1-2 map, only a beta-amylase was identified. The remaining spots were susceptible to chymotripsin action but not to trypsin one, as in the case of the gluten protein. Rheological measurements showed that gluten quality was enhanced in the down-regulated Ofanto B688 1-2 without an increase in the amount of gluten. Proteomics is a useful and powerful tool for investigating protein changes in GMOs and in understanding events in food science and technology.     

ON THE KINETICS AND MECHANISM OF THE COPOLYMERIZATION OF ACRYLONITRILE WITH STYRENE IN THE PRESENCE OF COPPER CHLORIDE

The copolymerization of styrene (St) and acrylonitrile (AN) complexed with CuCl_2 monomer by a free radicalmechanism was performed using benzoyl peroxide as an initiator at 65℃ under N_2 atmosphere for 150 min. The rate ofpolymerization (R_p) was found to increase linearly with the concentration (in mol/L) of CuCl_2, AN and St through scalingrelations. The activation energy of the copolymerization process in the presence and absence of CuCl_2 was found to be46.5 kJ/mol and 102 kJ/mol, respectively. The viscosity average molecular weigh of the copolymer and the k_p~2/k_t ratio weredctermired to further assess the accelerating effect of CuCl_2 on the copolymerization process. The copolymerization processin the presence of CuCl_2 has a radical complex mechanism.     

Green analytical chemistry as an integral part of sustainable education development

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Stimuli-Responsive Cycloaurated “OFF-ON” Switchable Anion Transporters

Anion transporters have shown potential application as anti-cancer agents that function by disrupting homeostasis and triggering cell death. In this research article we report switchable anion transport by gold complexes of anion transporters that are “switched on” in situ in the presence of the reducing agent GSH by decomplexation of gold. GSH is found in higher concentrations in tumors than in healthy tissue and hence this approach offers a strategy to target these systems to tumors.     

Polysorbate20 adsorption layers below and above the critical micelle concentration over aluminum; cloud point and inhibitory role investigations at the solid/liquid interface

Non‐ionic polysorbate20 surfactant was used to produce adsorption protective layers below and above its critical micelle concentration (CMC) at the liquid/solid interface. The well‐ordered accumulation of surfactant molecules on the metal surface below the CMC led to the formation of oriented surfactant monolayers. On the other hand, as the surfactant concentration increased above the CMC, the monodisperse micelles, free surfactant molecules and oriented surfactant monolayers undergo aggregate formation and produce a turbid solution. The gradual increase in the number and size of aggregates leads to phase separation and hence disassembled protective layers that allow easier penetration of corrosive HCl at a metal surface. This was demonstrated by inhibition efficiency, activation energy, enthalpy and entropy of activation values. Two‐dimensional irregular crystalline sheets accumulated at the surface of aluminum, as shown by scanning electron micrographs. Adsorption of polysorbate20 at the aluminum surface exhibited a Temkin isotherm fit. Larger desorption processes at the cloud point demonstrate aggregate formation and phase separation, and hence poorer adsorption layers at the metal surface. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.