Cation transport by a redox-active synthetic ion channel

The synthesis, cation binding and transmembrane conductive properties of a novel group of synthetic ion channels containing a redox-active centre are described. Experiments using a black lipid membrane preparation revealed that these compounds function effectively as ion channels. Subsequent 23Na NMR spectroscopy studies focused on a synthesized ion channel with a ferrocene centre. When incorporated in vesicular bilayers, this channel was demonstrated to support a Na+ flux that was at least six times faster than ion transport by monensin. Since oxidation of the ferrocene moiety completely inhibited the Na+ transport, the redox-active centre provides a potential mechanism for controlling ion flux.     

Quantitative studies on the peroxidation of human low-density lipoprotein initiated by superoxide and by charged and neutral alkylperoxyl radicals.

Rates of peroxidation of human LDL and rates of consumption of the LDL's alpha-tocopherol (TocH) have been measured at 37 degrees C. Peroxidation was initiated by radicals generated in the aerated aqueous phase at known rates by thermal decomposition of appropriate precursors: superoxide (O2(*-)/HOO(*)) from a hyponitrite and alkylperoxyls (ROO(*), two positively charged, one negatively charged and one neutral) from azo compounds. The efficiencies of escape from the solvent cage of the geminate pair of neutral carbon-centered radicals was found to be 0.1, but it was 0.5 for the three charged radicals, a result attributed to radical/radical Coulombic repulsion within the cage. All four alkylperoxyls initiated and terminated tocopherol-mediated peroxidation (TMP) with about equal efficiency and essentially all of these radicals that were generated were consumed in these two reactions. TMP is a radical chain process, and when initiated by the alkylperoxyls, the rate of LDL peroxidation was faster in the early stages while TocH was present than later, after all of this "antioxidant" had been consumed. In contrast, only about 3-4% of the generated superoxide radicals reacted in any measurable fashion with TocH-containing LDL at pH's from 7.6 to 6.5 and peroxidation was much slower than with a similar rate of generation of alkylperoxyls. After all the TocH had been consumed, LDL peroxidation was negligible at pH 7.6 and 7.4, but at pH 6.8 and 6.5, the peroxidation rates showed a large increase over the rates while the TocH had been present. That is, endogenous TocH behaves as an antioxidant in LDL subjected to attack by the physiologically relevant superoxide radical, whereas TocH behaves as a prooxidant in LDL subjected to attack by the probably far less physiologically important alkylperoxyls. Rates of LDL peroxidation initiated by superoxide increased as the pH was decreased, and the results are consistent with the initiation of peroxidation of fresh LDL occurring via H-atom abstraction from TocH by HOO(*) to form the Toc(*) radical and termination by reaction of O2(*-) with Toc(*), a process that occurs partly by addition leading to TocH consumption and partly by electron plus proton transfer leading to the regeneration of TocH.     

Evaluation of a carbon-rod atomizer for routine determination of trace metals by atomic-absorption spectroscopy applications to analysis of lubricating oil and crude oil

A carbon-rod atomizer (CRA) fitted with a 'mini-Massmann' carbon rod was evaluated for routine analysis of petroleum and petroleum products for trace metal content by atomic-absorption spectroscopy. Aspects investigated included sensitivity, detection limit, effect of solvent type, and interferences. The results of analysis of oil samples with this technique were compared with those obtained by other techniques. Metals studied were silver, copper, iron, nickel, and lead. Sensitivity and detection limit values obtained with the CRA were similar to those obtained with the carbon-filament atomizer. Strong 'solvent effects' were observed as well as interference by cations. On the basis of this study, design changes for the CRA are suggested, with the object of minimizing 'solvent effects' and interferences, increasing the atomization efficiency, and increasing the residence time of the atomic vapour in the optical path of the instrumental system.     

Optimal population analysis

An easy method of approximating the electron density of a molecule by expressing it as a sum of squares of atomic orbitals is described. The coefficients are determined by minimizing the error in the electric field. The optimal population analysis is an integration of this optimized density over the orbitals belonging to one atom. The Mulliken population analysis can be interpreted as the integral of a Mulliken density that is a similar expression with fixed coefficients. The two densities are compared in détail using calculations on the water molecule and, more briefly, HF, LiH, BH, and C₂H₄. The error in the densities is identified and examined. The optimal population analysis is strongly recommended as a practical improvement to the Mulliken populations.     

Evolution of antibodies for environmental monitoring: from mice to plants

Immunoassays are one of the most convenient methods for environmental monitoring, but have been limited so far by low yield and low affinity antibodies (Abs). With the advent of recombinant Ab (rAb) technology and the expression of these Abs in organisms such as yeast, bacteria, insects and plants, widespread monitoring of our food and environment for organic contaminants using immunoassays has become feasible. A multitude of immunoassays have been developed to detect pesticides in soils, ground and river water, foods and biological samples, such as urine and semen. In this paper, we describe advances in Ab production, the move away from using animals, phage-display technologies and the advent of plant-derived Ab expression systems. Finally, we describe future possibilities in Ab technology for environmental monitoring.