Stability and bonding of carbon(0)-iron−N2 complexes relevant to nitrogenase co-factor: EDA-NOCV analyses

The factors/structural features which are responsible for the binding, activation and reduction of N₂ to NH₃ by FeMoco of nitrogenase have not been completely understood well. Several relevant model complexes by Holland et al. and Peters et al. have been synthesized, characterized and studied by theoretical calculations. For a matter of fact, those complexes are much different than real active N₂-binding Fe-sites of FeMoco, which possesses a central C(4-) ion having an eight valence electrons as an μ₆-bridge. Here, a series of [(S₃C(0))Fe(II/I/0)-N₂]^n- complexes in different charged/spin states containing a coordinated σ- and π-donor C(0)-atom which possesses eight outer shell electrons [carbone, (Ph₃P)₂C(0); Ph₃P→C(0)←PPh₃] and three S-donor sites (i.e. ^-S-Ar), have been studied by DFT, QTAIM, and EDA-NOCV calculations. The effect of the weak field ligand on Fe-centres and the subsequent N₂-binding has been studied by EDA-NOCV analysis. The role of the oxidation state of Fe and N₂-binding in different charged and spin states of the complex have been investigated by EDA-NOCV analyses. The intrinsic interaction energies of the Fe−N₂ bond are in the range from −42/−35 to −67 kcal/mol in their corresponding ground states. The S₃C(0) donor set is argued here to be closer to the actual coordination environment of one of the six Fe-centres of nitrogenase. In comparison, the captivating model complexes reported by Holland et al. and Peter et al. possess a stronger π-acceptor C-ring (S₂C_ring donor, π-C donor) and stronger donor set like CP₃ (σ-C donor) ligands, respectively.     

Selective and Simultaneous Determination of Dihydroxybenzene Isomers Based on Green Synthesized Gold Nanoparticles Decorated Reduced Graphene Oxide

In the present study, we report the simultaneous electrochemical determination of hydroquinone (HQ), catechol (CC) and resorcinol (RC) at gold nanoparticles (Au‐NPs) decorated reduced graphene oxide (RGO) modified electrode. An enhanced and well defined peak current response with a better peak separation of HQ, CC and RC is observed at RGO/Au‐NPs composite than that of RGO and Au‐NPs modified electrodes. The fabricated modified electrode shows a wide linear response in the concentration range of 3–90 µM, 3–300 µM and 15–150 µM for HQ, CC and RC, respectively. The detection limit of HQ, CC and RC is found as 0.15 µM, 0.12 µM and 0.78 µM, respectively.     

Stereochemical preference of Candida parapsilosis ATCC 7330 mediated deracemization: E- versus Z-aryl secondary alcohols

The stereochemical preference of the biocatalyst, Candida parapsilosis ATCC 7330, was investigated with respect to the E/Z configuration in the deracemization and the asymmetric reduction of aryl secondary alcohols and prochiral ketones, respectively. The biocatalyst preferred the E-isomers over Z-isomers as substrates as evidenced from the experimental results of >99% ee and up to 86% isolated yield for E-secondary alcohols. The synthesis of enantiomerically pure E-4-phenylbut-3-ene-1,2-diol (ee >99%, isolated yield 86%) by whole cell mediated deracemization is reported here for the first time. The geometric preference of the enzymes was confirmed by using the cell free extract of this biocatalyst. Mechanistic insights using in silico studies showed that the E-isomers when located in the active site are favourably placed with respect to the catalytic triad (Ser-Tyr-Lys) for hydride transfer from NADPH.     

Green Synthesis and Characterization of Hybrid Collagen–Cellulose–Albumin Biofibers from Skin Waste

Collagen (C) and cellulose are prominent biopolymers from the animal and plant kingdom and widely used in bioengineering. Albumin, on the other hand, is the most abundant plasma protein present in mammalian blood. In this work, collagen extracted from animal skin waste was blended with hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) and bovine serum albumin (A) and wet-spun to form hybrid biodegradable C/HEC/A fibers. They were further cross-linked with glutaraldehyde vapors and analyzed. X-ray diffraction and infra-red spectroscopic studies of the hybrid fibers display peaks corresponding to collagen, cellulose, and albumin. Incorporation of cellulose into the biopolymeric matrix leads to a reasonable improvement in mechanical, swelling, and thermal properties of hybrid fibers. Addition of albumin improves the regularity of fiber surface without altering the porosity as observed under a microscope. Hence, the formed hybrid biofibers can be potentially used as a suture material as well as for different biomedical applications due to their improved properties.     

Spectral and electrochemical investigation of p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene-stabilized vitamin E aggregation

The host–guest interaction of α-tocopherol (vitamin E) with p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene (p-SC4) in solution state is studied using emission and cyclic voltammetric techniques. The lipid soluble α-tocopherol (α-T) forms a solid complex with p-SC4. FTIR and NMR spectral analysis of the solid complex reveals the tight packing of α-T inside the cavity of p-SC4. The structural deformation is confirmed by XRD analysis. SEM images differentiate the highly porous gel like structure of vitamin E aggregate and the solid structure of the host–guest complex prepared. NOESY spectra confirm the tight penetration of α-T within the hydrophobic cavity of p-SC4.     

Metal‐Free CH Bond Activation of Branched Aldehydes with a Hypervalent Iodine(III) Catalyst under Visible‐Light Photolysis: Successful Trapping with Electron‐Deficient Olefins

Direct acyl radical formation of linear aldehydes (RCH₂‐CHO) and subsequent hydroacylation with electron‐deficient olefins can be effected with various types of metal and nonmetal catalysts/reagents. In marked contrast, however, no successful reports on the use of branched aldehydes have been made thus far because of their strong tendency of generating alkyl radicals through the facile decarbonylation of acyl radicals. Here, use of a hypervalent iodine(III) catalyst under visible light photolysis allows a mild way of generating acyl radicals from various branched aldehydes, thereby giving the corresponding hydroacylated products almost exclusively. Another characteristic feature of this approach is the catalytic use of hypervalent iodine(III) reagent, which is a rare example on the generation of radicals in hypervalent iodine chemistry.     

Direct electrochemistry of glucose oxidase and sensing glucose using a screen-printed carbon electrode modified with graphite nanosheets and zinc oxide nanoparticles

We have studied the direct electrochemistry of glucose oxidase (GOx) immobilized on electrochemically fabricated graphite nanosheets (GNs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO) that were deposited on a screen printed carbon electrode (SPCE). The GNs/ZnO composite was characterized by using scanning electron microscopy and elemental analysis. The GOx immobilized on the modified electrode shows a well-defined redox couple at a formal potential of −0.4 V. The enhanced direct electrochemistry of GOx (compared to electrodes without ZnO or without GNs) indicates a fast electron transfer at this kind of electrode, with a heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant (K_s) of 3.75 s⁻¹. The fast electron transfer is attributed to the high conductivity and large edge plane defects of GNs and good conductivity of ZnO-NPs. The modified electrode displays a linear response to glucose in concentrations from 0.3 to 4.5 mM, and the sensitivity is 30.07 μA mM⁻¹ cm⁻². The sensor exhibits a high selectivity, good repeatability and reproducibility, and long term stability.

Graphical representation for the fabrication of GNs/ZnO composite modified SPCE and the immobilization of GOx

     

Phytochemicals as Inhibitors of Bacterial Cell Division Protein FtsZ: Coumarins Are Promising Candidates

Naturally occurring phytochemicals with reported antibacterial activity were screened for their ability to inhibit the bacterial cell division protein Escherichia coli FtsZ. Among the representative compounds, coumarins inhibit the GTPase and polymerization activities of this protein effectively. Further screening with ten coumarin analogs we identified two promising candidates, scopoletin and daphnetin. The former is found to inhibit the GTPase activity of the protein in a noncompetitive manner. Docking of these coumarins with the modeled protein indicate that they bind to T7 loop, which is different from the GTP-binding site (active site), thereby supporting the experimental data. Lowest binding energy is obtained with scopoletin. 3D QSAR indicates the need for groups such as hydroxyl, diethyl, or dimethyl amino in the 7th carbon for enhanced activity. None of the coumarins exhibited cytotoxicity against NIH/3T3 and human embryonic kidney cell lines. The length of Bacillus subtilis increases in the presence of these compounds probably due to the lack of septum formation. Results of this study indicate the role of coumarins in halting the first step of bacterial cell division process.     

Multiobjective Optimization of Fabrication Parameters of Jute Fiber/Polyester Composites with Egg Shell Powder and Nanoclay Filler

In the present study, a model is presented to optimize the fabrication parameters of natural fiber reinforced polyester matrix composites with dual fillers. In particular, jute fiber mat was chosen as reinforcement and eggshell powder (ESP) and montmorillonite nanoclay (NC) were selected as fillers. The weight per square meter (GSM) of the fiber, the weight percentage of ESP and NC have been chosen as independent variables and the influence of these variables on tensile, flexural and impact strength of the composite has been inspected. The permutations of the different combinations of factors are intended to accomplish higher interfacial strength with the lowest possible number of tested specimens. The experiments were designed by the Taguchi strategy and a novel multi-objective optimization technique named COPRAS (COmplex PRoportional ASsessment of alternatives) was used to determine the optimal parameter combinations. Affirmation tests were performed with the optimal parameter settings and the mechanical properties were evaluated and compared. Experimental results show that fiber GSM and eggshell powder content are significant variables that improve mechanical strength, while the nanoclay appears less important.