Membrane-immobilized haptoglobin as affinity matrix for a hemoglobin-A1c immunosensor

An amperometric immunosensor for hemoglobin-A1c (HbA1c) determination has been developed utilizing membrane-immobilized haptoglobin as affinity matrix fixed in front of a Pt-working electrode. The HbA1c assay was carried out in a two-step procedure including the selective hemoglobin enrichment on the sensor surface and the specific HbA1c detection by a glucose oxidase (GOx) labeled anti-HbA1c antibody. Hydrogen peroxide generated by the enzyme label was oxidized at +600 mV versus Ag/AgCl. A standard curve for HbA1c was obtained with a linear range between 0 and 25% HbA1c of total hemoglobin which correspond to 7.8–39 nM. ELISA studies confirmed the advantage of a sandwich-type format with haptoglobin as capture molecule for selective hemoglobin binding over the direct adsorption method. Results by the sandwich immunoassay showed a linear correlation within the clinically relevant range 5–20% (CV < 3). For sensor application the immobilization procedure of haptoglobin onto CDI-activated cellulose membranes was optimized.     

Luminescent organoboron quinolate polymers

The synthesis of well-defined luminescent organoboron polymers via a novel three-step procedure starting from silylated polystyrene is reported. Highly selective borylation of poly(4-trimethylsilylstyrene) (PS-Si), followed by replacement of the bromine substituents in poly(4-dibromoborylstyrene) (PS-BBr) with substituted thienyl groups (R = H, 3-hexyl, 5-hexyl), and final introduction of the 8-hydroxyquinolato moiety yields a series of new organoboron quinolate polymers in 67-83% isolated yield. The hexyl-substituted polymers are highly soluble and solution-processable yielding thin films that efficiently emit light at 513-514 nm upon excitation at 395 nm.     

Polarographic determination of α-amylase activity

The enzyme α-amylase splits blue starch in fragments bearing electroactive groups which exhibit two waves in the pulse polarograms. This behaviour is the basis of the polagraphic determination of bacterial and human serum α-amylase activity. The differential pulse mode is more sensitive by a factor of 25 as compared with normal pulse polarography. With serum α-amylase, protein adsorption disturbs the determination of low activities.     

Quantum chemical calculations for the determination of the molecular structure of conjugated compounds: Part XIII. On the conformational structure of rans-benzylideneaniline in the gas phase and in solution

Contrary to the results of other semi-empirical all-valence electron methods, the main features concerning the conformation of trans-benzylideneaniline are correctly accounted for using the NDDO method. Based on a modified continuum model the influence of solvents on the molecular structure was estimated.     

Laccase-catalyzed carbon-carbon bond formation: oxidative dimerization of salicylic esters by air in aqueous solution

The laccase catalyzed oxidative dimerization of salicylic esters, a rare example of a laccase-catalyzed carbon-carbon bond formation, was studied. This reaction allows the use of air as stoichiometric oxidant and proceeds in aqueous solution. The preparative scope and the mechanism of the method, which provides a new and convenient access to functionalized biaryls under mild conditions, were investigated.     

Determination of the turnover number of the restriction endonuclease EcoRI using evanescent wave technology

Binding and catalytic activity of the type II restriction endonuclease EcoRI on immobilized DNA has been observed in real time using three different evanescent wave biosensors and two different immobilization techniques. The method gives direct access to the turnover number (kcat) without the necessity for the determination of any concentration or activity. The combination of different evanescent wave techniques gives access to the catalytic mechanism and allows the determination of the rate limiting step.     

Enzyme and microbial sensors for phosphate, phenols, pesticides and peroxides

Biosensors employing a biocatalyst on a different level of integration have been developed for monitoring environmental pollution. These probes range from laboratory specimen to commercial detectors applied to analyzers. Recent developments on amperometric enzyme and microbial biosensors are presented here. A monoenzymatic bulk-type carbon electrode is described for biosensing organic hydroperoxides in aqueous solutions; peroxidase is immobilized within the electrode body and the direct electron transfer between electrode and enzyme is measured. Both, reversible and irreversible inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase have been quantified by using a kinetically controlled acetylcholine enzyme sequence electrode. The inhibitory effect of pesticides such as butoxycarboxime, dimethoate, and trichlorfon could be quantified within 6 min in molar concentrations. Different multi-enzyme electrodes have been developed for the determination of inorganic phosphate. These sensors represent examples of sequentially acting enzymes in combination with enzymatic analyte recycling. Using this type of amplification nanomolar concentrations can be measured.     

(−)-Daucic acid: Proof of -lyxo configuration, synthesis of its -ribo, -xylo, -arabino and -lyxo analogs, and biosynthetic implications

The dimethyl esters of the 2,6-anhydro-3-deoxy-hept-2-enaric acids with -xylo, -lyxo, -arabino, -lyxo- and -ribo-configuration were synthesized from -galactose and -mannose, respectively, and further characterized by their di-O-acetyl and di-O-benzoyl derivatives. Comparison of their physical data with those of Daucus carota derived products revealed (−)-daucic acid to have -lyxo-configuration 46 rather than the previously assigned -xylo stereochemistry 1. Dimethyl daucate 43 could be converted by acid-induced ring contraction and dehydration into naturally occurring (+)-osbeckic acid 47, thereby proving its (S)-configuration. Configurational identity in the pyranoid rings of (−)-daucic acid and KDO, together with available biosynthetic evidence on chelidonic acid 4, a leaf closing factor, suggests a joint, KDO 8-P-based pathway for their biosynthesis in plants.     

Lotketten in Speziellen Hjelmslev-Gruppen

Let be given a geometric structure with a set of lines and a symmetric orthogonality relation. F. Bachmann defined in [3] chains of perpendiculars in such a structure, and studied those chains in Hjelmslev-groups. All AGS-groups (= groups treated in [1]) are Hjelmslev-groups, and the theory of Hjelmslev-groups includes also Hjelmslev's concept of Allgemeine Kongruenzlehre. In Hjelmslev-groups, chains of perpendiculars are closely related to the group generated by the points. We establish some results about chains of perpendiculars in special classes of Hjelmslev-groups.