Validation and clinical application of an UHPLC method for simultaneous analysis of total homocysteine and cysteine in human plasma

Several studies indicate that high levels of homocysteine (Hcy) and L‐cysteine (L‐Cys) are independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The validation and clinical application of an ultra HPLC method for analysis of Hcy and L‐Cys is described. The reported method is simple, sensitive, rapid, precise, and less aggressive than other previously reported methods. The effect of the derivatization reaction time, pH, and organic solvent contents in the mobile phase are described and discussed. Optimized conditions resulted in excellent peak shapes. Results of method validation showed a good linearity (r² ≥ 0.993) over the investigated concentration ranges and were observed for both compounds. The LOD and LOQ were 0.05 μM and 0.15 μM for Hcy and 0.24 μM and 0.80 μM for L‐Cys, respectively. Validation results proved that the method precision was good and the accuracy was satisfactory. This validated method was successfully applied in an epidemiological study to measure and compare the prevalence of Hcy and L‐Cys high levels in plasma of Portuguese type 2 diabetic patients with and without angiopathy. The study results showed that prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia and hypercysteinemia were at least two times higher in diabetic patients with angiopathy compared to diabetics without angiopathy.     

Surface modification of poly(dimethylsiloxane) microfluidic devices and its application in simultaneous analysis of uric acid and ascorbic acid in human urine

A novel and simple method based on layer-by-layer (LBL) technique has been developed for the modification of the channel in PDMS electrophoresis microchip to create a hydrophilic surface with a stable EOF. The functional surface was obtained by sequentially immobilizing chitosan and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) onto the microfluidic channel surface using the LBL assembly technique. Compared to the native PDMS microchips, the contact angle of the chitosan-DNA modified PDMS microchips decreased and the EOF increased. Experimental conditions were optimized in detail. The chitosan-DNA modified PDMS microchips exhibited good reproducibility and long-term stability. Separation of uric acid (UA) and ascorbic acid (AA) performed on the modified PDMS microchip generated 43,450 and 46,790 N/m theoretical plates compared with 4048 and 19,847 N/m with the native PDMS microchip. In addition, this method has been successfully applied to real human urine samples, without SPE, with recoveries of 97-105% for UA and AA.     

Laser induced surface modification of polydimethylsiloxane as a super-hydrophobic material

In order to render the surface of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) super-hydrophobic without changing its bulk properties, a PDMS film without photosensitizer was exposed to CO₂ pulsed laser, at room temperature, as the excitation source. The modified surfaces have been studied by performing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA) and attenuated total reflectance infrared (ATR-IR) spectroscopy. To evaluate the surface property, the water drop contact angle was measured. The dependence of ---Si---O---Si infrared peak intensity, O/Si ratio and water drop contact angle of the treated PDMS as a function of the number of laser pulses were studied. SEM micrographs and water drop contact angle variations show the uniform porosity and super-hydrophobic nature on the surface of PDMS. ATR-FTIR spectra show that the modified PDMS surface contains carbonate groups which enriched the oxygen content of the surface. EDXA analysis shows a higher percentage of oxygen on the surface of the modified PDMS. The hydrophobicity of the samples was found to depend upon the number of laser pulses, but with significant variation between the treated samples. The bulk mechanical properties of PDMS after being laser-treated did not change as shown by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA).     

Specific molecule localization in microchannel laminar flow and its application for non-immobilized-probe analysis

Microfluidic systems enable superior control of fluidics. We have developed a novel size-separation method utilizing secondary flow within a microchannel. Using confocal fluorescence microscopy and computer simulation, we confirmed that separation occurred as a result of specific molecular localization in the curving part of the microchannel. Maximum separation efficiency was achieved by optimizing microchannel design and flow rate for individual separation targets. In addition, more effective separation was achieved by use of plural microchannel curves. This method was used for sequence-selective DNA sensing. Double-stranded DNA formed by hybridization between target DNA and a complementary probe had different elution profiles from those of the single-stranded non-complementary sequence. Moreover, the response depends on the length of the DNA molecules. This method does not require immobilization of either probe or target DNA, because all reactions occurred in the solution phase. Such features may reduce experimental error and the difference between data from different operators.     

血清外泌体的蛋白质组分析及其在骨质疏松中的应用

外泌体是细胞分泌的微小具膜囊泡，作为重要媒介参与细胞间的信号传递，已在疾病的诊断和治疗中发挥独特作用。骨质疏松症是全身性骨代谢疾病，容易引起骨密度减少并导致骨折，在老年人群中发病率很高，目前急需发展特异性体液诊断技术。本论文采用超速离心的方法，对血清中的外泌体进行了分离富集和表征，并采用液相色谱-质谱进行了外泌体蛋白质组学分析，共鉴定到了179个外泌体蛋白质，主要参与防御响应和免疫应答等生物过程。针对来自正常对照组、骨量减少组和骨质疏松组的血清样本，分离富集其中的外泌体，通过免标记定量蛋白质组学分析，分别鉴定到188、224和185个蛋白质。定量分析显示17个蛋白质的表达量在骨质疏松组和骨量减少组有显著改变（p<0.05），包括Integrin β 3、Integrin α 2 β 1、Talin 1和Gelsolin等，说明人体骨质在衰变过程中发生了系统性变化，并体现在血清外泌体中。该研究可为骨质疏松研究提供潜在的分子标志物，有助于阐明其病变机制。     

A multisite-binding fluorescent probe for simultaneous monitoring of mitochondrial homocysteine,cysteine and glutathione in live cells and zebrafish

Homocysteine(Hcy), cysteine(Cys) and glutathione(GSH) play crucial roles in redox homeostasis during mitochondria functions. Simultaneous differentiation and visualization of mitochondrial biothiols dynamics are significant for understanding cell metabolism and their related diseases. Herein, a multisitebinding fluorescent probe(MCP) was developed for simultaneous sensing of mitochondrial Cys, GSH and Hcy from three fluorescence channels for the first time. This novel probe exhibited rapid fluor...     

Direct and simultaneous spectrofluorometric determination of naproxen and salicylate in human serum assisted by chemometric analysis

A direct method for the simultaneous determination of naproxen and salicylate in human serum is reported, based on a combination of spectrofluorometric measurements with two multivariate calibration techniques: partial least-squares (PLS-1) and the novel net analyte preprocessing (NAP). The method is rapid, selective and sensitive, and is based on the measurement of the fluorescence spectra of NH₃ alkalinized whole human sera at the excitation wavelength of 315 nm. It can be applied within the ranges of concentrations 50-200 ng ml⁻¹ for naproxen and 100-300 ng ml⁻¹ for salicylate. The employed chemometric techniques have been compared on the basis of the statistical indicators for calibration and validation. Reproducibility and interference studies in abnormal sera have also been carried out.     

Temperature-dependent simultaneous ligand binding in human serum albumin

Human serum albumin (HSA) is a soluble protein in our circulatory system, which is known to bind a variety of drugs and ligands. Since Sudlow's pioneering works on the ligand-binding sites, a major effort of the biophysical/biochemical research has been directed to characterize the structural, functional, and dynamical properties of this protein. Structural studies on HSA have revealed distinct temperature-induced folded states. Despite knowing about the ligand-binding properties and residues important for the binding, less is understood about the temperature-dependent molecular recognition of the protein. Here, we have prepared thermally induced unfolded states of the protein and characterized those by circular dichroism (CD) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) techniques. The change in the globular structure of the protein as a consequence of thermal unfolding has also been characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements. We have used two fluorescent ligands (4-(dicyanomethylene)-2-methyl-6-(p-dimethylaminostyryl) 4H-pyran) (DCM; hydrophobic; neutral) and Nile blue (NB; cationic) of different natures to characterize the ligand-binding properties of the protein in the native and thermally unfolded states. The possible binding sites of the ligands have been characterized by competitive binding with other drug molecules having definite binding sites in HSA. Picosecond-resolved F?rster resonance energy transfer (FRET) studies along with steady-state and polarization-gated spectroscopies on the ligands in the protein reveal the dynamics of the binding sites at various temperatures. From the FRET studies, an attempt has been made to characterize the simultaneous binding of the two ligands in various temperature-dependent folded states of HSA.     

GC-MS with ethyl chloroformate derivatization for comprehensive analysis of metabolites in serum and its application to human uremia

An optimized method based on GC-MS with ethyl chloroformate derivatization has been developed for the comprehensive analysis of endogenous metabolites in serum. Twenty-two reference standards and serum samples were used to validate the proposed method. The correlation coefficient was higher than 0.9900 for each of the standards, and the LOD varied from 125 to 300 pg on-column. The analytical equipment exhibited good repeatability (RSD<10%) for all of the standards. Both the repeatability and the within-48-h stability of the analytical method were satisfactory (RSD<10%) for the 18 metabolites identified in the serum samples. Mean recovery was acceptable for the 18 metabolites, ranging from 70% to 120% with RSDs of less than 10%. Using the optimized protocol and a subsequent multivariate statistical technique, complete differentiation was achieved between the metabolic profile of uremic patients and that of age- and sex-matched normal subjects. Significantly decreased levels of valine, leucine, and isoleucine and increased levels of myristic acid and linoleic acid were observed in the patient group. This work demonstrated that this method is suitable for serum-based metabolic profiling studies.     

蛋白质对溴鼠灵的荧光增敏及分析应用

实验发现, 牛血清白蛋白可以大大增强杀鼠剂溴鼠灵的荧光. 利用荧光猝灭法考察了溴鼠灵和牛血清白蛋白的相互作用. 结果表明溴鼠灵对牛血清白蛋白的内源荧光有较强的猝灭作用, 两者形成了新的复合物, 属于静态荧光猝灭. 跟据荧光增敏现象, 建立了水溶液中测定溴鼠灵的荧光方法. 在优化实验条件下, 线性范围为5.0×10-8～4.0×10-7 mol/L和4.0×10-7～1.5×10-5 mol/L, 检出限为5.9×10-9 mol/L. 该方法用于渠水中微量溴鼠灵的测定, 回收率为94.1%～101.3%.     

Preparation of novel polydimethylsiloxane solid-phase microextraction film and its application in liquid sample pretreatment

In this paper, an extraction approach based on the use of a novel polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) film as the extraction medium was described. Two kinds of PDMS films with smooth surface and frosted surface were prepared and were practically evaluated for extraction. A model analytical problem, the determination of organochlorine pesticides in water samples, was selected for practical evaluation of the film extraction procedure by direct extraction and solvent desorption, followed by gas chromatography (GC) analysis with electron capture detection (ECD). The main variables affecting the extraction process such as the extraction time, the extraction temperature, the elution conditions, etc. were studied. The method was characterized on the basis of its linearity, precision, and limits of detection. The novel approach was sensitive and precise enough for the detection of the target analytes in the low nanogram per liter range using 5 mL of sample. In fact, limits of detection ranging from 0.77 to 10.25 ng/L were obtained. Compared with the solid‐phase microextraction (SPME) fiber, the robust extraction film has a large extraction capacity, low cost of preparation. Besides, owing to the simplicity of the extraction procedures, in‐site sample preparation for environmental monitor may be realized.     

Lysine modification of human serum albumin and its effect on protein conformation and nalidixic acid binding

In order to investigate the involvement of lysine residues of human serum albumin (HSA) in nalidixic acid (NA) binding, various modified preparations of HSA such as 44% carbamylated (C₄₄), 83% carbamylated (C₈₃) and 85% acetylated (A₈₅) were made by treating the HSA solution with a different molar excess of potassium cyanate and acetic anhydride. The extent of modification, charge homogeneity and conformational changes of these derivatives were checked by TNBSA reaction method, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and gel filtration using Sephacryl S-200 HR column, respectively. Binding of NA to HSA and its derivatives was examined using fluorescence quenching titration method to determine the binding constant. The emergence of a single band in PAGE and single symmetrical peak in gel filtration results confirmed the charge and size homogeneity of these derivatives. Hydrodynamic properties such as Stokes radius and frictional ratio, as obtained from the analytical gel filtration results suggested molecular expansion in C₈₃ and A₈₅ HSAs while C₄₄ HSA retained the native conformation. Addition of NA to both native and modified HSA derivatives quenched the fluorescence intensity of the protein at 344 ​nm to a different extent. Whereas the values of the Stern-Volmer constant (K_SV) and bimolecular quenching rate constant (k_q) suggested, NA-HSA complex formation, binding constant (K_a) value suggested an intermediate binding affinity between NA and HSA. Furthermore, the decrease in the K_a value with the extent of modification was indicative of the involvement of lysine residues in NA-HSA interaction.     

Rapid simultaneous determination of alkylxanthines by CZE and its application in analysis of pharmaceuticals and food samples

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) offers the possibility of fast, cheap and reproducible separations for pharmaceutical preparations. Alkylxanthines make up a family of compounds that are used in the treatment and prevention of bronchi asthma and chronic pulmonary disease. The group of analysed compounds include caffeine, dyphylline, theophylline, theobromine and enprofylline. This paper shows a simple capillary zone electrophoretic (CZE) method for separation of this group of xanthines. Using 20 mM borate buffer at pH 9.4 as running buffer at 55 °C it was possible to complete a total separation of a sample in 2 min. Limits of detection in the range 1.9-2.5 mg l⁻¹ were achieved with %R.S.D. of 0.06-0.22% (n = 5). The technique is applied to a range of samples containing the analytes, including tablets and chocolate. Reproducibility (%R.S.D.) of the chocolate analysis technique by CZE was less than 4.5%.     

Heparin-like surface modification of polyethersulfone membrane and its biocompatibility

Sulfonated polyethersulfone (SPES) and poly (acrylonitrile-co-acrylic acid-co-vinyl pyrrolidone) (P(AN-AA-VP)), which provided sulfonic acid (SO(3)H) and carboxylic acid groups (COOH), respectively, were used to modify polyethersulfone (PES) membrane with a heparin-like surface by blending method. The SPES was prepared by sulfonation of PES using chlorosulfonic acid as the sulfonating agent, while the P(AA-AN-VP) was prepared through a free radical polymerization. The PES and modified PES membranes were prepared by a phase-inversion technique; the modified membranes showed lowered protein (bovine serum albumin, BSA; bovine serum fibrinogen, FBG) adsorption and suppressed platelet adhesion. For the modified membranes, significant decreases in thrombin-antithrombin (TAT) generation, percentage platelets positive for CD62p expression, and the complement activation on C3a and C5a levels were observed compared with those for the pure PES membrane. Due to the similar negatively charged groups as heparin, the modified membranes effectively prolonged the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). Furthermore, the modified membranes showed good cytocompatibility. Hepatocytes cultured on the modified materials exhibited improved functional profiles in terms of scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation and 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay compared with those on the pure PES membrane. It could be concluded that the modified membranes with sulfonic acid and carboxylic acid groups were endowed with excellent biocompatibility, and the heparin-like surface modification seemed to be a promising approach to improve the biocompatibility of materials.     

石英砂滤料表面改性及其在含Pb2+废水处理中的应用

石英砂是一种在废水处理中常用的滤料,但是由于石英砂自身对废水的净化能力有限,因此常常仅作为众多水处理环节中的一环.本文采用纳米二氧化硅对石英砂进行表面改性,研究了表面处理方式、二氧化硅负载方式、官能团类型、官能团负载方式等因素对改性石英砂去除重金属效果的影响.通过一系列实验,确定盐酸清洗表面、二氧化硅直接吸附、胺基修饰的石英砂改性最佳工艺.改性后石英砂表面粗糙,呈现多孔结构.在最佳工艺条件下,石英砂的重金属去除能力由改性前的0.8%提高至100%,改性后石英砂对重金属的去除能力提升超100倍.     

Hydrodynamic control of droplet division in bifurcating microchannel and its application to particle synthesis

We describe herein a microfluidic system for active and precise control of droplet division at a bifurcation point in a microchannel. Water-in-oil or oil-in-water droplets, which were initially formed at a T-junction, were introduced into the bifurcation point, and then divided into two daughter droplets. By continuously introducing 'tuning flow' into the downstream of one of the branch channels, and by controlling the flow rates distributed into the two branch channels, the sizes of the daughter droplets could be precisely tuned. The ratio of the volumetric flow rates into the branch channels was estimated by regarding the microchannel network as a resistive circuit. In addition, we performed synthesis of monodispersed polymer particles with controlled sizes utilizing the presented system. The ability to hydrodynamically control the droplet sizes will open new possibilities not only for producing useful emulsions, but also for conducting controlled chemical and biochemical reactions in a confined space.     

A rapid HPLC assay for the simultaneous determination of propafenone and its major metabolites in human serum.

A rapid and specific HPLC method has been developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of propafenone, an antiarrhythmic agent, and its major metabolites in human serum. The sample preparation was a simple deproteinization with a mixture of ZnSO4 and methanol, yielding almost 100% recoveries of three compounds. Separation was developed on a reverse-phase tracer excel C18 column (25 x 0.46 cm i.d., 5 microm), using an acetonitrile-phosphate buffer gradient at a flow rate of 1.7 ml min(-1), and UV detection of 210 nm. The calibration curves were linear (r2 > 0.999) in the concentration range of 10 - 750 ng ml(-1). The lower limit of quantification was 10 ng ml(-1) for all of the compounds studied. The within and between day precisions in the measurement of QC samples at four tested concentrations were in the range of 1.4 - 8.1% and 4.2 - 11.5% RSD, respectively. The developed procedure was applied to assess the pharmacokinetics of propafenone and its major metabolites following administration of a single 300 mg oral dose of propafenone hydrochloride to three healthy male volunteers.     

Simple method for preparation of nanostructure on microchannel surface and its usage for enzyme-immobilization

We developed a novel preparation method of nanostructure on the microchannel surface formed by sol-gel like simple treatment with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, which is suitable for a highly efficient enzyme-immobilized microchannel reactor.     

A new intumescent flame‐retardant: preparation,surface modification,and its application in polypropylene

Melamine salt of tripentaerythriol phosphate (MTP), as a new intumescent flame‐retardant, was prepared from tripentaerythritol (TPE), polyphosphoric acid, phosphoric pentoxide, and melamine, and then incorporated into polypropylene (PP) to obtain flame‐retarded PP‐MTP. FT‐IR analysis showed that MTP was in the form of cage structure. The flammability, combustion behavior, and thermal degradation and stability of flame‐retarded PP were characterized by using LOI, UL‐94 test, cone calorimetry, and TGA, respectively. By SEM, the char structure of PP‐MTP was analyzed. XRD diffraction tests showed that PP‐matrix of PP‐MTP presented better crystallized phases, when MTP was modified by methyl hydrogen siloxane. The relations of the dispersion of MTP in PP matrix to the compatibility between PP and MTP, and to the flame retardancy were discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.