Bismuth(III) Flavonolates: The Impact of Structural Diversity on Antibacterial Activity,Mammalian Cell Viability and Cellular Uptake

A series of homoleptic and heteroleptic bismuth(III) flavonolate complexes derived from six flavonols of varying substitution have been synthesised and structurally characterised. The complexes were evaluated for antibacterial activity towards several problematic Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE)) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria. The cell viability of COS-7 (monkey kidney) cells treated with the bismuth flavonolates was also studied to determine the effect of the complexes on mammalian cells. The heteroleptic complexes [BiPh(L)₂] (in which L=flavonolate) showed good antibacterial activity towards all of the bacteria but reduced COS-7 cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner. The homoleptic complexes [Bi(L)₃] exhibited activity towards the Gram-positive bacteria and showed low toxicity towards the mammalian cell line. Bismuth uptake studies in VRE and COS-7 cells treated with the bismuth flavonolate complexes indicated that Bi accumulation is influenced by both the substitution of the flavonolate ligands and the degree of substitution at the bismuth centre.     

Synthesis,Morphological Structures,and Material Characterization of Electrospun PLA:PCL/Magnetic Nanoparticle Composites for Drug Delivery

The effects of pure and impure magnetic nanoparticles (MPs) with three different concentrations (0.01, 0.1, and 1 wt %/v) on the morphological structure, crystallinity level, thermal properties and constituent interactions of electrospun poly(lactic acid) (PLA): poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL)‐based composites were investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and drug release tests using UV–vis spectrophotometry. Tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH), as a typical therapeutic compound, was loaded into these composite fibrous structures to study their application for drug delivery. The infrared spectra of composite nanofibers confirm the successful embedding of MPs into the fibrous networks. The addition of pure MPs increased the solution viscosity and thus promoted the MP dispersion inside the electrospun composite fiber mats. Impure MPs led to considerably lower average fiber diameters, and could generate unique cell structures that were reported for the first time in this study. The accelerated release of TCH was found by adding pure MPs to PLA:PCL blends. This characteristic was reflected in the parameters of Ritger‐Peppas and Zeng models, which were well fitted to our experimental drug release data. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2013 , 51, 1607–1617     

Parallel G-quadruplex Structures Increase Cellular Uptake and Cytotoxicity of 5-Fluoro-2′-deoxyuridine Oligomers in 5-Fluorouracil Resistant Cells

Fluoropyrimidines, such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and related prodrugs have been considered first-line chemotherapy agents for the treatment of colorectal cancer. However, poor specificity and tumor cell resistance remain major limiting bottlenecks. G-quadruplexes, have been suggested as preferred nanostructures for enhancing cellular uptake mediated by G-quadruplex binding proteins which are abundant at the membranes of some tumor cells. In the current study, we propose a new strategy to deliver 5-fluoro-2′-deoxyuridine (5-FdU) monophosphate, the main active drug from 5-FU derivatives that may circumvent the cellular mechanisms of FU-resistant cancer cells. Two G-quadruplexes delivery systems containing four and six G-tetrads ((TG₄T) and (TG₆T)) linked to a FdU oligonucleotide were synthesized. Biophysical studies show that the G-quadruplex parallel structures are not affected by the incorporation of the 5 units of FdU at the 5’-end. Internalization studies confirmed the ability of such G-quadruplex nanostructures to facilitate the transport of the FdU pentamer and increase its cytotoxic effect relative to conventional FU drug in FU-resistant colorectal cancer cells. These results suggest that FdU oligomers linked to G-quadruplex parallel sequences may be a promising strategy to deliver fluoropyrimidines to cancer cells.     

Cell Uptake and Trafficking Behavior of Non‐covalent,Coiled‐coil Based Polymer–Drug Conjugates

This paper reports on the cell uptake and trafficking properties of a series of non‐covalent polymer–drug conjugates. These nanomedicines are composed of a poly(N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide) backbone functionalized with multiple copies of a drug. The drug moieties are attached to the polymer via a non‐covalent, so called coiled coil motif, which is formed by heterodimerization of two complementary peptide strands, one of which is attached to the polymer carrier and the other to the drug. Cytotoxicity and FACS experiments, which were carried out with model anticancer drug or fluorophore conjugates, provided insight into the cell uptake and trafficking behavior of these conjugates.

     

镉污染对蔬菜镉吸收和积累的影响

通过水培和土培试验研究了外源镉添加对3种蔬菜镉吸收和积累的影响。结果表明,随着外源镉添加质量浓度的提高,蔬菜可食用部位镉含量随着增加,蔬菜可食用部位镉含量与环境介质中外源镉添加质量浓度呈现出显著的线性相关。3种蔬菜中,芹菜对镉的吸收能力最强,其次为小白菜,而辣椒果实对镉的吸收能力最弱,仅为小白菜的25％。（以小白菜、芹菜、辣椒）中镉元素的最大允许量为限值,根据相关回归方程计算得到了溶液中镉的临界质量浓度值分别为0．06,0．086,0．11mg／L,而土壤中镉的临界质量分数分别为0．68、0．57、0．60mg／kg。     

Cellular Uptake of Covalent Poly(allylamine hydrochloride) Microcapsules and Its Influences on Cell Functions

The mechanism of the cellular uptake of polyelectrolyte microcapsules and its influences on the functions and toxicity of human SMCs are explored. The covalently assembled poly(allylamine hydrochloride)/glutaraldehyde microcapsules are easily ingested by SMCs mainly through macropinosis and caveolae‐mediated endocytosis pathways. The capsules mainly disperse in cytoplasm without colocalization in early endosomes and cell nucleus. The results of gene chips reveal substantial and profound alternation of cell phenotypes and functions. Uptake of the microcapsules cause a slight decrease of cell viability, but leads to significant changes in cytoskeleton organization, cell cycle, as well as cell adhesion and migration ability.

     

Effect of Ionic and Non-Ionic Surfactant on Bovine Serum Albumin Encapsulation and Biological Properties of Emulsion-Electrospun Fibers

Emulsion electrospinning is a method of modifying a fibers’ surface and functional properties by encapsulation of the bioactive molecules. In our studies, bovine serum albumin (BSA) played the role of the modifier, and to protect the protein during the electrospinning process, the W/O (water-in-oil) emulsions were prepared, consisting of polymer and micelles formed from BSA and anionic (sodium dodecyl sulfate–S) or nonionic (Tween 80–T) surfactant. It was found that the micelle size distribution was strongly dependent on the nature and the amount of the surfactant, indicating that a higher concentration of the surfactant results in a higher tendency to form smaller micelles (4–9 µm for S and 8–13 µm for T). The appearance of anionic surfactant micelles reduced the diameter of the fiber (100–700 nm) and the wettability of the nonwoven surface (up to 77°) compared to un-modified PCL polymer fibers (100–900 nm and 130°). The use of a non-ionic surfactant resulted in better loading efficiency of micelles with albumin (about 90%), lower wettability of the nonwoven fabric (about 25°) and the formation of larger fibers (100–1100 nm). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to detect the presence of the protein, and UV-Vis spectrophotometry was used to determine the loading efficiency and the nature of the release. The results showed that the location of the micelles influenced the release profiles of the protein, and the materials modified with micelles with the nonionic surfactant showed no burst release. The release kinetics was characteristic of the zero-order release model compared to anionic surfactants. The selected surfactant concentrations did not adversely affect the biological properties of fibrous substrates, such as high viability and low cytotoxicity of RAW macrophages 264.7.     

Influence of 40 Hz and 100 Hz Vibration on SH-SY5Y Cells Growth and Differentiation—A Preliminary Study

(1) Background: A novel bioreactor platform of neuronal cell cultures using low-magnitude, low-frequency (LMLF) vibrational stimulation was designed to discover vibration influence and mimic the dynamic environment of the in vivo state. To better understand the impact of 40 Hz and 100 Hz vibration on cell differentiation, we join biotechnology and advanced medical technology to design the nano-vibration system. The influence of vibration on the development of nervous tissue on the selected cell line SH-SY5Y (experimental research model in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s) was investigated. (2) Methods: The vibration stimulation of cell differentiation and elongation of their neuritis were monitored. We measured how vibrations affect the morphology and differentiation of nerve cells in vitro. (3) Results: The highest average length of neurites was observed in response to the 40 Hz vibration on the collagen surface in the differentiating medium, but cells response did not increase with vibration frequency. Also, vibrations at a frequency of 40 Hz or 100 Hz did not affect the average density of neurites. 100 Hz vibration increased the neurites density significantly with time for cultures on collagen and non-collagen surfaces. The exposure of neuronal cells to 40 Hz and 100 Hz vibration enhanced cell differentiation. The 40 Hz vibration has the best impact on neuronal-like cell growth and differentiation. (4) Conclusions: The data demonstrated that exposure to neuronal cells to 40 Hz and 100 Hz vibration enhanced cell differentiation and proliferation. This positive impact of vibration can be used in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. It is planned to optimize the processes and study its molecular mechanisms concerning carrying out the research.     

The Effect of Beta Adrenoreceptor Blockers on Viability and Cell Colony Formation of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cell Lines A549 and H1299

Beta adrenoblockers are a large class of drugs used to treat cardiovascular diseases, migraines, glaucoma and hyperthyroidism. Over the last couple of decades, the anticancer effects of these compounds have been extensively studied. However, the exact mechanism is still not known, and more detailed studies are required. The aim of our study was to evaluate the anticancer activity of beta adrenoblockers in non-small cell lung cancer cell lines A549 and H1299. In order to find the relationship with their selectivity to beta adrenoreceptors, selective (atenolol, betaxolol, esmolol, metoprolol) and non-selective (pindolol, propranolol and timolol) beta blockers were tested. The effect on cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay, and the activity on cell ability to form colonies was tested by clonogenic assay. The type of cell death was evaluated by cell double staining with Hoechst 33342 and Propidium iodide. The most active adrenoblockers against both tested cancer cell lines were propranolol and betaxolol. They completely inhibited lung cancer cell colony formation at 90% of the EC₅₀ (half-maximal effective concentration) value. Most tested compounds induced cell death through apoptosis and necrosis. There was no correlation established between beta adrenoblocker anticancer activity and their selectivity to beta adrenoreceptors.     

以5-叠氮间苯二甲酸为有机酸配体的配位聚合物的合成与表征

以5-叠氮间苯二甲酸(H2aip)为有机酸配体,选择3种不同的含氮辅配体,在溶剂热条件下合成了4个配位聚合物:Co(aip)(py)3(1),Co(aip)(4,4'-bipy)(2),Mn(aip)(4,4'-bipy)(3)和Mn(aip)(dptz)(4)[py=吡啶,4,4'-bipy=4,4'-联吡啶,dptz=3,6-二(4-吡啶基)-1,2,4,5-四嗪],通过X射线单晶衍射确定了化合物的晶体结构,并通过元素分析、红外光谱、热重和粉末X射线衍射对化合物进行了表征.结构分析表明,化合物1属单斜晶系,C2/c空间群,具有一维链状结构;化合物2和3结构相同,均属单斜晶系,C2/m空间群,具有二维层状结构,化合物4属三斜晶系,P1空间群,具有二维层状结构.变温磁化率测试结果表明,所得4个化合物中均存在弱反铁磁作用.     

Tuning the Surface of Nanoparticles: Impact of Poly(2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline) on Protein Adsorption in Serum and Cellular Uptake

Due to the adsorption of biomolecules, the control of the biodistribution of nanoparticles is still one of the major challenges of nanomedicine. Poly(2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline) (PEtOx) for surface modification of nanoparticles is applied and both protein adsorption and cellular uptake of PEtOxylated nanoparticles versus nanoparticles coated with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and non‐coated positively and negatively charged nanoparticles are compared. Therefore, fluorescent poly(organosiloxane) nanoparticles of 15 nm radius are synthesized, which are used as a scaffold for surface modification in a grafting onto approach. With multi‐angle dynamic light scattering, asymmetrical flow field‐flow fractionation, gel electrophoresis, and liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry, it is demonstrated that protein adsorption on PEtOxylated nanoparticles is extremely low, similar as on PEGylated nanoparticles. Moreover, quantitative microscopy reveals that PEtOxylation significantly reduces the non‐specific cellular uptake, particularly by macrophage‐like cells. Collectively, studies demonstrate that PEtOx is a very effective alternative to PEG for stealth modification of the surface of nanoparticles.

     

基于AIE效应的多重刺激响应性聚合物纳米微球的制备及其细胞示踪应用

基于AIE分子和智能响应性聚合物构筑的纳米材料,具有优良的AIE发光性能、环境刺激响应性和生物相容性,已在生命科学领域展现出诱人的应用前景. 本研究通过ATRP活性聚合方法, 以合成的TPE-BIB为引发剂, 引发具有多刺激响应特性的N-[2-(二乙氨基)-乙基]丙烯酰胺单体聚合, 成功制备具有温度/pH/CO₂三重响应性的两亲性聚合物: TPE-g-PDEAEAM, 并自组装形成约200 nm的纳米微球. 研究表明: 这种聚合物纳米粒子具有优良的水溶性、单分散性、稳定性及优异的AIE发光特性. 其相转变温度为60 ℃, 溶液荧光对环境温度、pH及CO₂均表现出快速敏感响应性能. 同时, 该纳米粒子表现出低细胞毒性, 能够有效示踪HeLa细胞增殖至11代以上, 有望作为一种活细胞荧光示踪探针材料.     

Synthesis of HPMA Copolymers Containing Doxorubicin Bound via a Hydrazone Linkage. Effect of Spacer on Drug Release and in vitro Cytotoxicity

The aim of this study was the synthesis, physico‐chemical characterization and preliminary evaluation of biological activity of novel polymer drugs based on conjugates of anti‐cancer drug doxorubicin (Dox) with water‐soluble polymer drug carriers based on N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymers. In the conjugates, Dox is attached to the polymer via a pH‐sensitive linkage susceptible to hydrolysis at pH ≈ 5–6, thus enabling intracellular Dox release. Seven Dox‐containing polymer conjugates differing in the length and structure of the single‐amino‐acid or oligopeptide spacer were synthesized (Gly, β‐Ala, 6‐aminohexanoyl, 4‐aminobenzoyl, GlyGly, GlyLeuGly, Gly‐DL ‐PheLeuGly) and the relationship between the spacer structure and the rate of in vitro Dox release was studied at various pH. The rate of Dox release at pH 5 (close to lysosomal pH) ranged from 70 to 96% of total Dox/48 h, depending on the spacer structure and being the highest for the conjugate containing the 6‐aminohexanoyl spacer. The rate of Dox release from most conjugates incubated at pH 7.4 (blood pH) was more than 10 times slower, ca. 4–10% of total Dox/48 h. Molecular weight of the polymer (25 000–115 000 g/mol) did not significantly influence the rate. The presence of lysosomal enzyme cathepsin B in incubation media increased the rate of Dox release from the conjugates with oligopeptide GlyLeuGly and Gly‐DL ‐PheLeuGly spacers by 15–30%, whereas the release from conjugates with other spacers remained unchanged. Cytotoxicity of all hydrazone conjugates for mouse EL‐4 T cell lymphoma cells was much higher and close to that of free Dox (IC₅₀ ≈ 0.1–0.34 μg Dox/mL), in contrast to cytotoxicity of similar classic conjugates bearing Dox attached via an amide bond (IC₅₀ ≈ 19 μg Dox/mL).     

铁硅酸盐分子筛乙苯氧化脱氢催化性能研究Ⅰ．催化剂的表征及反应温度、原料气比例对活性的影响

本文合成了五种不同Ｓｉ／Ｆｅ比的Ｆｅ－ＺＳＭ－５分子筛，并进行了离子交换改性．ＸＲＤ和ＩＲ谱测试均表明Ｆｅ进入了分子筛骨架．用连续流动法考察了反应温度、ＥＢ／Ｏ＿２比对乙苯氧化脱氢活性的影响．结果表明，在８２３Ｋ和ＥＢ／Ｏ＿２＝１的条件下苯乙烯有最大收率．     

Effect of cucurbit[n]urils on tropicamide and potential application in ocular drug delivery

The supramolecular interactions of the ocular drug tropicamide (TR) with cucurbit[7]uril (CB7) and cucurbit[8]uril (CB8) were investigated in aqueous solutions by using ¹H NMR, ESI-MS and UV–vis spectroscopic techniques. The results indicate a 1:1 binding stoichiometry of TR with CB7 and CB8. The binding constants of TR in its protonated form were higher (e.g. K = 4 × 10⁶ M^? 1 with CB8) than in its neutral form (e.g. K = 1.4 × 10⁴ M^? 1 with CB8), which led to a complexation-induced increase in its pK _a value of ca. 0.5 and 2 units with CB7 and CB8, respectively. In the presence of about 1% (w/v) CB8, the ionisation degree of 0.1% (w/v) TR was increased from 2% to 62% at neutral pH. The increase in the pK _a value and thus stabilisation of the protonated TR species at neutral pH is discussed in the context of supramolecular drug delivery of ophthalmologic drugs.     

Effects of Nifedipine on Renal and Cardiovascular Responses to Neuropeptide Y in Anesthetized Rats

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) acts via multiple receptor subtypes termed Y₁, Y₂ and Y₅. While Y₁ receptor-mediated effects, e.g., in the vasculature, are often sensitive to inhibitors of L-type Ca²⁺ channels such as nifedipine, little is known about the role of such channels in Y₅-mediated effects such as diuresis and natriuresis. Therefore, we explored whether nifedipine affects NPY-induced diuresis and natriuresis. After pre-treatment with nifedipine or vehicle, anesthetized rats received infusions or bolus injections of NPY. Infusion NPY (1 µg/kg/min) increased diuresis and natriuresis, and this was attenuated by intraperitoneal injection of nifedipine (3 µg/kg). Concomitant decreases in heart rate and reductions of renal blood flow were not attenuated by nifedipine. Bolus injections of NPY (0.3, 1, 3, 10 and 30 μg/kg) dose-dependently increased mean arterial pressure and renovascular vascular resistance; only the higher dose of nifedipine (100 μg/kg/min i.v.) moderately inhibited these effects. We conclude that Y₅-mediated diuresis and natriuresis are more sensitive to inhibition by nifedipine than Y₁-mediated renovascular effects. Whether this reflects a general sensitivity of Y₅ receptor-mediated responses or is specific for diuresis and natriuresis remains to be investigated.     

PDTC和5-氟尿嘧啶对人鼻咽癌细胞株CNE1、CNE - GL、CNE2Z的联合作用

为观察PDTC和5-氟尿嘧啶在体外对人鼻咽癌细胞株CNE1、CNE - GL、CNE2Z的联合抑制效应,采用MTT法测定了5- FU组、PDTC组、5- FU联合PDTC组、先5- FU后PDTC组、先PDTC后5- FU组、阴性对照组和空白对照组对CNE1、CNE - GL、CNE2Z三种细胞的生长抑制率;采用直线回...