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.     

Chemistry and biology of the acylneuraminic acids

Acylneuraminic acids occupy an outstanding position both sterically and with respect to biological functions in gangliosides and in many glycoprotein molecules. Acylneuraminic acids are N-acylated and partly O-acylated derivatives of neuraminic acid, a polyhydroxyamino keto acid that has the properties of a carbohydrate and is therefore capable of forming a glycoside linkage. The present report provides a survey of our knowledge of the chemistry and biology of the acylneuraminic acids, which occur widely in particular in the animal kingdom.     

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.     

Newly designed flow field-flow fractionation channel for macromolecules and particles in the submicrometer and micrometer range

The flow field-flow fractionation (FIFFF) technique is a promising method for separating and analysing particles and large size macromolecules from a few nanometers to approximately 50 μm. A new fractionation channel is described featuring well defined flow conditions even for low channel heights with convenient assembling and operations features. The application of the new flow field-flow fractionation channel is proved by the analysis of pigments and other small particles of technical interest in the submicrometer range. The experimental results including multimodal size distributions are presented and discussed.     

4-Methylumbelliferyl 5-Acetamido-3,4,5-trideoxy-α-D-manno-2-nonulopyranosidonic Acid: Synthesis and Resistance to Bacterial Sialidases

The synthesis of 4-methylumbelliferyl α-D -glycoside 13 of N-acetyl-4-deoxyneuraminic acid and its behaviour towards bacterial sialidases is described. N-Acetyl-4-deoxyneuraminic acid ( 1 ) was transformed into its methyl ester 2 and then acetylated to give the anomeric pentaacetates 3 and 4 of methyl 4-deoxyneuraminate and the enolacetate 5 (Scheme). A mixture 3/4 was treated with HCl/AcCl to give the glycosyl chloride, which was directly converted into the 4-methylumbelliferyl α-D -glycoside 9 of methyl 7-O,8-O,9-O,N-tetraacetylneuraminate and into the 2,3-dehydrosialic acid 11 . The ketoside 9 was de-O-acetylated to 12 with NaOMe in MeOH. Saponification (NaOH) of the methyl ester 12 followed by acidification gave the free 13 , which was also converted into the sodium salt 14 by passage through Dowex 50 (Na⁺). The 4-deoxy α-D -glycoside 13 is not hydrolyzed at significant rates by Vibrio cholerae and Arthrobacter ureafaciens sialidase. Neither the free N-acetyl-4-deoxyneuraminic acid ( 1 ), nor the α-D -glycoside 13 inhibit the activity of these sialidases.