The influence of additives on the X-ray induced aggregation of malate synthase monitoring of the aggregation processin situ by time-resolved small-angle X-ray scattering

The X-ray induced aggregation of the sulfhydryl enzyme malate synthase in aqueous solution was monitoredin situ by time-resolved small-angle X-ray scattering. Experiments were performed in the absence/presence of various additives: formate, superoxide dismutase, catalase, NaCl, acetyl-CoA, glyoxylate, malate, pyruvate, -ketobutyrate, oxaloacetate, glycollate, lactate. The scattering curves were measured as a function of the time of irradiation and were analysed in terms of radii of gyration, degrees of aggregation, distance distribution functions, and parameters derived therefrom. Irradiation in the absence of additives resulted in a strong aggregation of enzyme particles. Each of the additives impeded aggregation, however to a different extent. The OH scavenger formate reduced aggregation efficiently; less pronounced effects were registered for superoxide dismutase and/or catalase (the scavengers for and H₂O₂), and for NaCl. Very pronounced diminutions of the aggregation phenomena were provided by substrates or analogues; the efficiency of these substances as radioprotectors may be explained by their action as both scavengers and specific ligands. Based on these results some implications for the performance of conventional small-angle X-ray scattering experiments on biopolymers are derived.

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Der Einfluß von Zusätzen auf die röntgeninduzierte Aggregation der Malatsynthase. Registrierung des Aggregationsvorganges in situ mittels zeitaufgelöster Röntgenkleinwinkelstreuung

Zusammenfassung Die röntgeninduzierte Aggregation des Sulfhydrylenzyms Malatsynthase in wäßriger Lösung wurdein situ mittels zeitaufgelöster Röntgenkleinwinkelstreuung messend verfolgt. Streuexperimente wurden in An- bzw. Abwesenheit verschiedener Zusätze durchgeführt: Formiat, Superoxiddismutase, Catalase, NaCl, Acetyl-CoA, Glyoxylat, Malat, Pyruvat, -Ketobutyrat, Oxalacetat, Glycolat, Lactat. Die Streukurven wurden als Funktion der Bestrahlungsdauer registriert. Die Auswertung lieferte Streumassenradien, Aggregationsgrade, Abstandsverteilungsfunktionen, und daraus abgeleitete Parameter. Die Bestrahlung in Abwesenheit von Zusätzen verursachte eine starke Aggregation der Enzymteilchen. Jeder der Zusätze verminderte die Aggregation, wenn auch in unterschiedlichem Ausmaß. Der OH Fänger Formiat verringerte die Aggregation wirksam; weniger stark ausgeprägte Effekte ergaben sich für die bzw. H₂O₂ Fänger Superoxiddismutase bzw. Catalase und für NaCl. Substrate und Substratanaloge reduzierten das Ausmaß der Aggregation besonders wirkungsvoll; der Schutzeffekt dieser Substanzen kann durch ihre zweifache Wirkung als Fänger bzw. spezifische Liganden erklärt werden. Ausgehend von diesen Ergebnissen werden einige Schlußfolgerungen für die Durchführung üblicher Röntgenkleinwinkelexperimente an Biopolymeren abgeleitet.

     

The effect of radiation on the physical and chemical properties of polyethylene containing an antioxidant and/or other additives

This paper describes the effect of an antioxidant, a monomer and fillers (silica or carbon black), alone or in certain combinations with each other, on the mechanical and chemical response of a low density polyethylene to exposure to ionizing radiation. If chain scission is a significant factor in the radiolysis of a polymer, then the relation between sol fraction and Young's modulus or ultimate elongation (both at 160°C) should change depending on whether an additive inhibits or enhances crosslinking. Such additives do not significantly or consistently alter the relation between these properties in a low density polyethylene, indicating that chain scission is not a significant feature of the radiolysis of this polymer.     

Effect of surfactant and mineral additive on the efficiency of lead-acid battery positive active material

The effect of Sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) and mineral additive on the performance of the lead-acid battery positive plate has been investigated. The addition of alumina-silicate to the positive paste and STPP to the electrolyte modifies the shape and size of PbO₂ crystals and improves the utilization of the positive active material (PAM). The electrochemical performance of the positive active material was determined using galvanostatic discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The crystal structure and morphology of the PAM (PbO₂) were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The water content of the PAM was calculated using Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) technique. The results showed that the addition of surfactant and mineral additive changes the morphology and the crystallite size of the PAM. We observe a remarkable improvement of the discharge capacity of the PAM when the surfactant (STPP) is added in the electrolyte. The discharge capacity increases with the decrease of the crystallite size and the charge transfer resistance R_ct of the PAM. This shows that the addition of mineral additive and the surfactant together improves the electrical performance of lead-acid battery.     

Characterization of lignin and lignin-derivatives from biomass. Application as expander of Lead-acid battery

Expanders, as lignosulfonates, are crucial for a good performance of Pb/acid batteries. In the process of discharge, the Pb and the PbO₂ go to PbSO₄. The formed PbSO₄ is adsorbed on the surface of the Pb electrode and dramatically reduces the lifetime of the battery by the formation of big PbSO₄ crystals. In order to prevent that, the addition of expanders in the negative electrode is an economic solution to prevent the formation of big crystals. In this investigation, we propose the synthesis of several lignosulfonates obtained from lignin of many biomass origins. We have derivatized nine samples of lignin via microwave-assisted sulfonation, then we have characterized how efficient is the chosen synthesis method. The lignosulfonates obtained have been characterized by infrared spectroscopy (IR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹HNMR), two-dimensional correlated spectroscopy (COSY), and elemental analysis to acquire some relevant information about their structure in terms of functional groups. In this way, three commercial lignosulfonates, Vanisperse A, Indulin AT, and Oakwood, have been selected as references for our comparisons. Moreover, we have checked their electrochemical properties, using electrochemical techniques to compare their behavior with respect to the commercial lignosulfonates. Finally, we have selected one of them and we have tested its performance as an expander in a Pb/acid battery. That result is a very promising first approach, and we can conclude that lignosulfonates derivatives are a good and low-cost choice to improve the lifetime of Pb/acid batteries. In particular, it is shown that the incorporation of LignosB improves the cell formation as well as the first capacity (36.30% more) and the charge acceptance (63.16% more), being these relevant parameters in the performance of Pb/acid batteries.     

Mechanism of generation of volatile species by aqueous boranes: Towards the clarification of most controversial aspects

The state of knowledge of the mechanisms involved in the chemical generation of volatile species (CHG) arising from aqueous phase reaction of classical hydride forming elements, transition and noble metals with borane complexes (mainly NaBH₄), has been critically reviewed in the light of evidences and literature data published in the last fifty years. The mechanisms, which are necessary to describe the reactivity of CHG system, are essentially: (i) the mechanism of hydrolysis of borane complexes, (ii) the mechanism of formation of volatile species, (iii) the mechanism of liquid phase interference and (iv) the mechanism of action of additives. Only the mechanisms (i) and (ii) have reached a good degree of rationalization, whereas more experimental evidences are necessary for the mechanisms (iii) and (iv). A more general reaction model for analytical CHG can be drawn according to the present state of knowledge, which is valid for both classical hydride forming elements and transition and noble metals. It is based on the formation of analyte–borane complex (ABC) intermediates through which takes place the direct, stepwise transfer of hydrogen atoms from boron to analyte substrate ML_n, (M is a metal or semi-metal, L is a ligand). By this way the original analyte substrate is stepwise converted to hydrido metal complexes MH_xL_y, then to the final products (hydride, metal atoms, etc). The clarification of several controversial aspects and the ruling out of wrong concepts, among them the “nascent” hydrogen theory, can been achieved in the light of the present state of knowledge.     

Phenylselenoetherification of Some Δ5-Alkenols in the Presence of Pyridine, Ag2O, and AgOAc as Additives

Summary. An improved procedure for intramolecular cyclization of some ⁵-alkenols using PhSeX (X=Cl, Br) was developed. We found that cyclization can be facilitated in the presence of pyridine, Ag₂O, and AgOAc as additives. Thus, a catalytic amount of additive influenced higher yields and equimolar amounts achieved almost quantitative yields under extremely mild experimental conditions. The effect of the halide ion of the selenylating reagent was not significant.Received October 21, 2002; accepted (revised) November 13, 2002 Published online August 28, 2003     

Influence of fillers and additives on the cure kinetics of an epoxy/anhydride resin

The cure kinetics of a cycloaliphatic epoxy resin with and without additives and cured with an anhydride hardener was investigated by isothermal and nonisothermal differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).Dynamic measurements were used to predict the total heat of reaction of the epoxy resin as well as its activation energy based on the methods of Kissinger and Ozawa. With these methods the inhibition and acceleration effects of additives and fillers on the kinetics have been demonstrated. Additives for advanced processing and property upgrade were added in less than 2 wt.%, whereas fillers on base of SiO₂ were incorporated in more than 50 wt.%. The effect of SiO₂ surface treatment was also objective of this study.To describe the dependence of the conversion on time and temperature, isothermal DSC data were fitted to an autocatalytic model developed by Kamal and extended with a diffusion factor. The results show a very good agreement within the whole conversion range. Also the highly-filled system could be described very well by the phenomenological Kamal model.     

Evaluation of amino acid ester‐based ionic liquids as buffer additives in CE for the separation of 2‐arylpropionic acids nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs

The aim of the present study is the CE performance evaluation for the separation of 2‐arylpropionic acid nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs. In particular, the separation of indoprofen, carprofen, ketoprofen, ibuprofen, and flurbiprofen was obtained by supporting the BGE either with SDS or an amino acid ester‐based ionic liquid (AAIL). The performance of these additives was evaluated by comparing migration times, efficiencies and %RSD values. The addition of the AAIL into the BGE provided baseline separation within 10 min, while in the case of SDS, the analytes eluted within 23 min. The optimum conditions involve a BGE of 100 mM Tris/10 mM sodium tetraboratedecahydrate (pH 8) and 40 mM l ‐alanine tert butyl ester lactate or 10 mM SDS and a temperature of 35°C for AAIL and 20°C for SDS. The run‐to‐run reproducibility was evaluated by computing the %RSD values of the EOF and the analyte peaks. When the AAIL was used, an excellent reproducibility was obtained, since all %RSD values were below 1.3%. On the contrary, the addition of SDS resulted in much higher RSD values (2.1–11.7%). The efficiency values of all analyte peaks were above 102 000 for l ‐AlaC₄Lac, in comparison to SDS, which provided efficiency values between 47000 and 76000. Finally, in an attempt to study the synergistic effect of SDS and AAIL, both additives were added into the BGE at concentrations of 10 and 40 mM, respectively. The results were similar to the ones obtained when SDS was used as the sole additive.     

Catalytic effects of eight inorganic additives on pyrolysis of pine wood sawdust by microwave heating

In this paper, pyrolysis of pine wood sawdust was carried out by microwave heating at ca. 470 °C under dynamic nitrogen atmosphere. Eight inorganic additives (NaOH, Na₂CO₃, Na₂SiO₃, NaCl, TiO₂, HZSM-5, H₃PO₄, Fe₂(SO₄)₃) were investigated in terms of their catalytic effects on the pyrolysis. All of the eight additives have increased yields of solid products greatly and decreased yields of gaseous products more or less. Yields of liquid products have not subjected to dramatic change. The incondensable gases produced from pyrolysis consist mainly of H₂, CH₄, CO and CO₂. All of the eight additives have made these gases evolve earlier, among which the four sodium additives have the most marked effect. All the additives have made the amount of CH₄ and CO₂ decrease, while all of them except NaCl, TiO₂ and Fe₂(SO₄)₃ have made that of H₂ increase and all of them except Na₂SiO₃ and HZSM-5 have made that of CO decrease. Alkaline sodium compounds NaOH, Na₂CO₃ and Na₂SiO₃ favor H₂ formation most. The most abundant organic component in the liquid products from pyrolysis of untreated sample and samples treated by all the additives except H₃PO₄ and Fe₂(SO₄)₃ is acetol. All the four sodium compounds favor acetol formation reaction and the selection increasing effect follows the order of NaOH > Na₂CO₃ ≈ Na₂SiO₃ > NaCl. TiO₂ goes against the formation of acetol, HZSM-5 has no marked effect on acetol formation. The two dominant organic components identified in the liquid products from pyrolysis of H₃PO₄ and Fe₂(SO₄)₃ treated samples are both fufural and 4-methyl-2-methoxy-phenol. A possible pathway for acetol formation is tentatively proposed.     

Integrity of liposomes in presence of various formulation excipients, when dispersed in aqueous media and in hydrogels

The integrity of liposomes when dispersed in presence of various common formulation excipients is studied. Additionally, the effect of the excipients on the release of calcein from the same liposomes when dispersed in hydrogels is investigated and the results of the two sets of experiments are compared. Propyleneglycol (PG), transcutol CG (TR), cremophor EL (CR) and labrafac hydro WL 1219 (LB) are used at 10 or 25% (v/v) and the retention of liposome encapsulated calcein is followed for 24 or 48 h periods. Calcein entrapping multilamellar liposomes composed of phosphatidylcholine (PC) or 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DSPC) with or without addition of different amounts of cholesterol (Chol) were prepared by the thin film hydration method.

Experimental results reveal that liposomes are affected more by the excipients in the order: LB > CR > PG  TR. Particularly LB and in some cases also CR result in rapid release of most or the entire vesicle encapsulated dye. Addition of Chol in both PC and DSPC liposomes results in substantial increase of vesicle integrity in all cases. Concerning the release of calcein form the liposomal gels, from DSPC/Chol (1:1) liposomal gels calcein release was not affected by addition of 25% of TR or PG in all gels studied, but LB caused a significant increase in calcein release. However, from PC-liposomal gels even TR and PG (at 25%), increases calcein release.

Conclusively, the results of this study suggest that liposomes are protected from excipients when dispersed in gels compared to aqueous media. This should be taken into account when liposomal drug formulations are designed.