Immobilization of enzyme on detonation nanodiamond for highly efficient proteolysis

Immobilization of enzyme on detonation nanodiamond (dND, 3-10 nm) and its application for efficient proteolysis have been demonstrated. By evaluation of the Michaelis constant (K_m) and maximum velocity (V_max) of immobilized enzyme, its activity was not impaired significantly by immobilization. And enzyme immobilized on dNDs exhibited much better thermal and chemical stabilities than its free counterpart and maintained high activity even after 10 times reuse. The efficient proteolysis by trypsin immobilized on dNDs (dND-trypsin) is demonstrated with the digestion of myoglobin (or other model protein) in a short time (5 min). Large numbers of identified peptides obtained by dNDs-trypsin enable a higher degree of sequence coverage and more positive identification of proteins than those obtained by in-solution digestion and the commercial immobilized trypsin beads, respectively. Moreover, immobilization of peptide-N-glycosidase F (PNGase F) on dNDs was realized and resulted in faster sequential glycosidase digestion of glycopeptides in less than 10 min.     

Surface charge of detonation nanodiamond particles in aqueous solutions of simple 1 : 1 Electrolytes

Adsorption isotherms of potential-determining H⁺ and OH⁻ ions and the pH dependences of the specific surface charge of detonation nanodiamond (DND) particles are obtained in a pH range of 3–10 by the acid-base titration of their hydrosols containing 0.001–1 M LiCl, NaCl, KCl, NaNO₃, KNO₃, and NaClO₄ as background electrolytes. The data obtained attest to the chemical nonuniformity (heterogeneity) of a DND surface and different degrees of binding of background electrolyte cations and anions with ionized groups. It is revealed that the adsorption of OH-anions diminishes in the lyotropic series of cations Na⁺ > K⁺ > Li⁺ and increases with a decrease in the adsorbability of anions in the following series: NO₃⁻ ≊ ClO₄⁻ > Cl⁻. The adsorption of potential-determining H⁺ and OH⁻ ions on a DND surface containing two types of functional groups, i.e., acidic carboxyl and amphoteric hydroxyl groups, is simulated by the Protofit software package. The optimal surface densities and ionization constants that correspond to minimal deviations of model adsorption isotherms from the experimental curves are found for these groups.     

Surface characterization of detonation nanodiamond particles

Specific features of formation of stable suspensions of detonation nanodiamond (DND) in media of different polarities were considered. A relation between the dispersity of DND particles and their surface activity was found. The surface activity of diamond nanoparticles (10–100 nm) is significantly (by a factor of 4) lower than that of submicron-sized particles, which indicates satisfactory environmental parameters of nanosized diamonds. An attempt to reduce the surface energy by grafting hydrophobic radicals led to appreciable increase in the dispersity of DND particles, thereby reducing the risk of harmful DND effect on the environment.     

Ion-exchange properties of microdispersed sintered detonation nanodiamond

The adsorption of transition metal cations and inorganic anions from aqueous solutions on microdispersed sintered detonation nanodiamond (MSDN) is systematically studied. The selectivity series Fe³⁺ > Al³⁺ > Cu²⁺ > Mn²⁺ > Zn²⁺ > Cd²⁺ > Co²⁺ > Ni²⁺ with maximum adsorption capacity between 2 and 5 µmol g^?1 is obtained. It is found that anions may significantly contribute to the adsorption of transition metal cations, so the adsorption of CH₃COO^?, Cl^?, B₄O₇ ^2?, ClO₄ ^?, I^?, SO₄ ^2?, C₂O₄ ^2?, PO₄ ^3? is also studied. For the first time, dominating adsorption of anions over cations is demonstrated for detonation nanodiamond. The maximum anion-exchange capacity of 50–150 µmol g^?1 is found for MSDN. Beside of electrostatic interactions, the formation of complexes with hydroxyl groups and interaction with metal impurities contribute to the adsorption of B₄O₇ ^2? and PO₄ ^3?, respectively. Therefore, anion exchange selectivity of MSDN is different from that observed for common anion exchange resins. In all cases, the adsorption on MSDN obeys Langmuir law. The pH effect on the adsorption of SO₄ ^2?, PO₄ ^3? and B₄O₇ ^2? is different from that observed for other anions due to specific interactions.     

The effect of simple electrolytes on coagulation of hydrosols of monodisperse negatively charged detonation nanodiamond

The influence of the concentration of potassium and barium chlorides on the aggregation stability of a hydrosol of monodisperse negatively charged detonation nanodiamond with particle sizes of 4?5 nm obtained by annealing of its agglomerates in air has been studied by turbidimetry. The experimental results have been discussed within the classical and generalized Derjaguin?Landau?Verwey?Overbeek theories. The analysis of the pair interaction potentials calculated for ultradispersed particles of detonation nanodiamond has led to the conclusion that the coagulation occurs by the barrier mechanism in the primary potential minimum. It has been assumed that the structural component of the interparticle interaction energy contributes to the total balance of the surface forces.     

Direct functionalization of nanodiamond particles using dopamine derivatives

The article reports on the strong linking of dopamine derivatives as a simple and a versatile strategy for the surface functionalization of hydroxyl-terminated nanodiamond (ND-OH) particles. Azide- (ND-N(3)) or poly-N-isopropylacrylamide-terminated (ND-PNIPAM) particles were obtained from ND-OH particles through the reaction with the corresponding dopamine derivatives. The azide-terminated ND particles were further derivatized with a fluorescent probe, alkynyl-pyrene, via copper(I)-catalyzed Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition. The modified ND particles were characterized using transmission Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, electrochemical measurements, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and particle size measurements. The surface loading of ND particles with dopamine was estimated from TGA and UV-vis spectroscopy and was found to be around 0.27 mmol g(-1). Because of its simple, gentle nature and versatility, the chemistry developed in this work can be used as an avenue for the preparation of functional nanodiamond particles for various applications.     

Purification of detonation nanodiamond material using high-intensity processes

New procedures were developed for chemical treatment of detonation nanodiamonds and diamond-containing detonation blend to remove water-insoluble metal-containing impurities. The detonation nanodiamond material is treated with complexing agent solutions under cavitation conditions and at high temperature and pressure. Sodium 2,3-dimercaptopropanesulfonate (Unithiol), disodium dihydrogen ethylenediaminetetraacetate, thiourea, potassium thiocyanate, dicyandiamide, and hexamethylenetetramine are used as complexing agents. The complexing agent concentration in solution is 0.5–20 wt % at the nanodiamond material to complexing agent weight ratio higher than 0.2. The use of aqueous solutions of the complexing agents at high temperatures and pressures appeared to be the most efficient.     

Mechanism of formation of adsorption complexes amikacin–detonation nanodiamond

1. Download : Download high-res image (161KB)
2. Download : Download full-size image

     

Preparation of clear colloidal solutions of detonation nanodiamond in organic solvents

Highly transparent colloidal solutions of detonation nanodiamonds in organic solvents such as tetrahydrofuran (THF), methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) and acetone were attained in this investigation through an easy process, in which the detonation nanodiamond powder was oxidized at 420 °C for 1.5 h and then dispersed into solvents by beads-milling with the addition of the surfactant, oleylamine (OLA). The results of both Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and zeta potential measurements confirm that a readily apparent number of Lewis acid sites composed of mainly carboxylic acid and cyclic acid anhydrides were derived on the surface of thermally oxidized nanodiamond (T-ND). This acid sites-derived T-ND is chemically active, favoring the formation of charge-transfer complexes with the amino-containing surfactants such as OLA and octadecylamine (ODA). After being dispersed with one of the surfactants, OLA or ODA, the T-ND shows good dispersion stability in organic solvents; however, the dispersion efficiency of the saturated ODA is not as good as that of the unsaturated OLA. By using the dispersant OLA, accompanied with de-agglomeration by beads-milling, a clear colloidal solution of T-ND in solvents of THF, MEK or acetone can be easily attained and stabilized for at least 3 months.     

Biological activity of detonation nanodiamond and prospects in its medical and biological applications

The present review summarizes and analyzes recent advances in the field of medical and biological applications of detonation nanodiamond and, on this basis, considers most promising ways of creation of anticancer and antimicrobial drugs, diagnostic agents, and nanocompositions for orthopedic surgery. In addition, progress in the surface chemistry of detonation nanodiamond is discussed and problems related to purposeful surface modification with a view to obtain detonation nanodiamond with desired properties ensuring their successful application in biology and medicine are considered.     

Influence of surface modification adopting thermal treatments on dispersion of detonation nanodiamond

In order to improve the dispersion of detonation nanodiamonds (ND) in aqueous and non-aqueous media, a series of thermal treatments have been conducted in air ambient to modify ND surface. Small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) technique and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) were introduced to observe the primary size of ND. Differential thermal analysis (DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD) methodology, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were adopted to analyze the structure, bonds at surfaces of the treated ND. Malvern instrument Zetasizer3000HS was used for measuring the surface electric potential and the size distribution of ND. As thermal treatments can cause graphitization and oxidization of functional groups at the surface, ND treated at high temperature is correspondingly more negatively charged in an aqueous medium, and the increased absolute value of zeta potential ensures the electrostatic stability of ND particles. Specially, after being treated at a temperature more than 850 K, ND can be well dispersed in various media.     

Photochemical functionalization of hydrogen-terminated diamond surfaces: a structural and mechanistic study

Hydrogen-terminated diamond surfaces can be covalently modified with molecules bearing a terminal vinyl (C=C) group via a photochemical process using sub-band-gap light at 254 nm. We have investigated the photochemical modification of hydrogen-terminated surfaces of nanocrystalline and single-crystal diamond (111) to help understand the structure of the films and the underlying mechanism of photochemical functionalization. A comparison of the rates of photochemical modification of single-crystal diamond and nanocrystalline diamond films shows no significant difference in reactivity, demonstrating that the modification process is not controlled by grain boundaries or other structures unique to polycrystalline films. We find that both single-crystal and polycrystalline hydrogen-terminated diamond samples exhibit negative electron affinity and are functionalized at comparable rates, while oxidized surfaces with positive electron affinity undergo no detectable reaction. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis shows the formation of new chemical products in the liquid phase that are formed only when the alkenes are illuminated in direct contact with H-terminated diamond, while control experiments with other surfaces and in the dark show no reaction. Our results show that the functionalization is a surface-mediated photochemical reaction and suggest that modification is initiated by the photoejection of electrons from the diamond surfaces into the liquid phase.     

Electrical bias dependent photochemical functionalization of diamond surfaces

Diamond is an excellent substrate for many sensing and electronic applications because of its outstanding stability in biological and aqueous environments. When the diamond surface is H-terminated, it can be covalently modified with organic alkenes using wet photochemical methods that are surface-mediated and initiated by the ejection of electrons from the diamond. To develop a better understanding of the photochemical reaction mechanism, we examine the effect of applying an electrical bias to the diamond samples during the photochemical reaction. Applying a 1 V potential between two diamond electrodes significantly increases the rate of functionalization of the negative electrode. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance measurements show that the 1 V potential induces strong downward band-bending within the diamond film of the negative electrode. At higher voltages a Faradaic current is observed, with no further acceleration of the functionalization rate. We attribute the bias-dependent changes in rate to a field effect, in which the applied potential induces a strong downward band-bending on the negative electrode and facilitates the ejection of electrons into the adjacent fluid of reactant organic alkenes. We also demonstrate the ability to directly photopattern the surface with reactant molecules on length scales of <25 microm, the smallest we have measured, using simple photomasking techniques.     

Substitutional boron in nanodiamond, bucky-diamond, and nanocrystalline diamond grain boundaries

Although boron has been known for many years to be a successful dopant in bulk diamond, efficient doping of nanocrystalline diamond with boron is still being developed. In general, the location, configuration, and bonding structure of boron in nanodiamond is still unknown, including the fundamental question of whether it is located within grains or grain boundaries of thin films and whether it is within the core or at the surface of nanoparticles. Presented here are density functional tight-binding simulations examining the configuration, potential energy surface, and electronic charge of substitutional boron in various types of nanocrystalline diamond. The results predict that boron is likely to be positioned at the surface of isolated particles and at the grain boundary of thin-film samples.     

Environmental issues related to preparation of detonation nanodiamonds. Surface and functionalization

Specific features of the preparation of detonation nanodiamond (DND) surface were considered from the viewpoint of their subsequent use in biology and medicine. Particular attention was given to quantitative determination of groups containing a labile proton on the DND particle surface. It was proposed to use only physical drying techniques to improve environmental parameters of DND surface functionalization techniques. The proposed procedure ensured for the first time additional purification of DND from latent carbon, which considerably improved their environmental properties.     

Electrosurface properties of single-crystalline detonation nanodiamond particles obtained by air annealing of their agglomerates

A complex study of electrosurface properties has been performed for single-crystalline detonation nanodiamond particles with sizes of 4–5 nm obtained by air annealing of their agglomerates. FTIR spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data indicate that the investigated properties result from the presence of two types of ionogenic functional groups on the particle surface, i.e., acidic carboxyl and amphoteric hydroxyl groups. Acid-base potentiometric titration, laser Doppler electrophoresis, and conductometry have been employed to measure the Γ_H⁺(pH) and Γ_OH^-(pH) adsorption isotherms of potential-determining ions, as well as the pH dependences (in a pH range of 3.5–10.5) of the surface charge density, electrophoretic mobility, and specific surface conductivity of detonation nanodiamond particles in aqueous 0.0001–0.01 M KCl solutions.     

Comprehensive study of electrosurface properties of detonation nanodiamond particle agglomerates in aqueous KCl solutions

The electrosurface properties of nanoporous agglomerates of detonation nanodiamond (DND) particles purified from acidic impurities by dialysis are comprehensively investigated. Acid-base potentiometric titration, laser Doppler electrophoresis, and conductometry are employed to measure the adsorption isotherms $\Gamma _{H^ + } (pH)$ and $\Gamma _{OH^ - } (pH)$ of potential-determining ions, as well as the dependences of surface charge density ??₀, electrophoretic mobility u _e, and specific conductivity K _p of the agglomerates on the pH = 3.5?C10.5 of aqueous 0.0001?C0.1 M KCl solutions. The obtained adsorption isotherms indicate heterogeneity of the DND surface, i.e., the presence of different proton-donor and proton-acceptor surface functional groups. Computer simulation of the adsorption isotherms is carried out for a DND surface containing two types of functional groups, namely, acidic carboxyl (-COOH) and amphoteric hydroxyl (-COH) groups, the predominant content of which is confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy data. The optimal values are determined for the reaction constants of ionization of these groups. It is revealed that the effective conductivity of the porous agglomerates is one or two orders of magnitude higher than the conductivity of equilibrium solutions. Corresponding values of electrokinetic potential ?? are calculated as functions of pH and KCl concentration from the electrophoretic mobility of the agglomerates using different equations of electrophoresis theory. It is shown that use of the Miller formula, which takes into account the electromigration fluxes of ions and electroosmotic flows of solutions in pores of dispersed particles, yields more correct ?? potential values for DND agglomerates.     

Saccharide-modified nanodiamond conjugates for the efficient detection and removal of pathogenic bacteria

The detection and removal of bacteria, such as E. coli in aqueous environments by using safe and readily available means is of high importance. Here we report on the synthesis of nanodiamonds (ND) covalently modified with specific carbohydrates (glyco-ND) for the precipitation of type 1 fimbriated uropathogenic E. coli in solution by mechanically stable agglutination. The surface of the diamond nanoparticles was modified by using a Diels-Alder reaction followed by the covalent grafting of the respective glycosides. The resulting glyco-ND samples are fully dispersible in aqueous media and show a surface loading of typically 0.1 mmol g(-1). To probe the adhesive properties of various ND samples we have developed a new sandwich assay employing layers of two bacterial strains in an array format. Agglutination experiments in solution were used to distinguish unspecific interactions of glyco-ND with bacteria from specific ones. Two types of precipitates in solution were observed and characterized in detail by light and electron microscopy. Only by specific interactions mechanically stable agglutinates were formed. Bacteria could be removed from water by filtration of these stable agglutinates through 10 μm pore-size filters and the ND conjugate could eventually be recovered by addition of the appropriate carbohydrate. The application of glycosylated ND allows versatile and facile detection of bacteria and their efficient removal by using an environmentally and biomedically benign material.     

Chemical functionalization of diamond surfaces by reaction with diaryl carbenes

A rapid route to the chemical functionalization of hydrogen-terminated diamond surfaces deposited by chemical vapor deposition involving their reaction with substituted diaryl carbenes has been investigated. To avoid difficulties in the handling of highly reactive compounds, the carbene is generated in situ from the thermal decomposition at 400 K of a thin film of the corresponding diaryl diazomethane precursor deposited at the diamond interface. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) has been used to verify that surface functionalization using two starting compounds, bis(4-iodophenyl) diazomethane and bis(4-nitrophenyl) diazomethane, can be achieved using this approach in agreement with recent theoretical studies. The surface grafting density is measured to be around 10(14) cm(-2) in each case. The chemistry observed is found to be insensitive to the detailed properties of the diamond film and to the presence of oxygen contamination at the hydrogen-terminated diamond surface. We further demonstrate the utility of the approach, in the case of the bound nitrophenyl compound, by its reduction to the corresponding primary amine followed by reaction with fluorescein isothiocyanate to achieve fluorescent tagging of the diamond interface.     

A simple method for electrophilic functionalization of DNA

[reaction: see text] An extremely simple and versatile method for placing an electrophilic functional group (iodide) at the 5' end of oligodeoxyribonucleotides is described. The reaction is carried out while the protected oligodeoxyribonucleotide remains on a solid support and utilizes inexpensive iodination chemistry. We demonstrate that this reaction can be automated on a DNA synthesizer as the last step of DNA synthesis.