Construction of Three Single‐Chain Antibody Fragment Variable Fusion Structures for Sensitive Detection of Nucleocapsid Protein of Hantaan Virus

Abstract

Three single‐chain fragment variable (scFv) fusion structures were constructed for use in rapid and sensitive detection of nucleocapsid protein (NP) of Hantaan virus. The detection of NPs on glass chips was signalized by enzyme labeling or fluorescence dye Cy3, or Cy5 cluster nanoparticles. The sensitivity of the methods with different signal systems was evaluated and compared. The detection limits of scFv‐alkaline phosphatase fusion, fluorescence labeling (scFv‐Cy3), and nanoparticles labeling (scFv‐SBP‐streptavidin‐nanoparticle) were 0.1 µg/mL, 1 ng/mL, and 0.1 ng/mL NP, respectively, which were all lower than that in a conventional enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (1 µg/mL). Twenty Hantaan virus isolates were detected using the proposed methods.     

Construction,Purification, and Characterization of Anti-BAFF scFv–Fc Fusion Antibody Expressed in CHO/dhfr<Superscript>−</Superscript> Cells

Elevated levels of B-cell-activating factor of the tumor necrosis factor family (BAFF) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases in human. In this study, we have constructed a vector for the expression of a novel compact antibody composed of anti-BAFF single-chain antibody fragment (scFv) and the Fc region (the hinge region, CH2, and CH3 domains) of human IgG1 in Chinese hamster ovary cells. The scFv–Fc fusion protein, showing spontaneous Fc fragment-mediated homodimerization via disulfide bridges, was affinity-purified on protein A Sepharose from culture supernatant. The scFv–Fc antibody was demonstrated to retain high binding affinity to antigen and prolonged clearance time in blood and to possess some human IgG crystallizable fragment effector functions such as protein A binding and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. These results suggest that this recombinant antibody may have therapeutic applications in the therapy of autoimmune disorders mediated by BAFF.     

Development of an Indirect Competitive ELISA Based on Polyclonal Antibody for the Detection of Diethylstilbestrol in Water Samples

An indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （icELISA） based on polyclonal antibody for the estrogen diethylstilbestrol （DES） was developed. With this aim, two different haptens mono-O-3-carboxypropyldiethylstilbestrol （DES-CP） and mono-O-carboxymethyldiethylstilbestrol （DES-CM） with carboxylic group that preserve the molecular structure character of diethylstilbestrol were synthesized. The haptens were conjugated with the carder proteins bovine serum albumin （BSA） by mixed-anhydride method for immunogen and conjugated with ovalbumin （OVA） by active ester method for coating antigen. Polyclonal antibodies for diethylstilbestrol were raised by immunizing mice with immune antigen DES-CP-BSA. Under optimized system, the lowest limit of detection （LLD） of diethylstilbestrol was 0.01 ng/mL, and IC50= 1.02 ng/mL. Its analogs were tested and no obvious cross-reactivity was found to anti-diethylstilbestrol antibody. DES-fortified water samples were determined by simple dilution to diminish the matrix effect. The comparison between the amount of DES estimated by ELISA and the amount added indicates good agreement for all water samples tested, with mean recovery values ranging from 86% to 120.2%.     

Expression and Secretion of a CB4-1 scFv–GFP Fusion Protein by Fission Yeast

There is a rapidly growing demand for fluorescent single-chain Fv (scFv) antibody fragments for many applications. Yeasts have developed into attractive hosts for recombinant production of these functionalized proteins because they provide several advantages over prokaryotes and higher eukaryotes as expression systems, e.g., being capable of high-level secretion of heterologous proteins. In this study, we report Schizosaccharomyces pombe as a new host organism for secretory production of scFv-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusions and compare it with previously described yeast expression systems. We cloned a plasmid for the expression and secretion of the anti-p24 (human immunodeficiency virus 1) CB4-1 scFv fused to GFP. After expression of the scFv–GFP fused to an N-terminal Cpy1 secretion signal sequence, fluorescence microscopy of living yeast cells indicated that the heterologous protein entered the secretory pathway. Western blot analysis of cell-free culture supernatants confirmed that the scFv–GFP was efficiently secreted with yields up to 5 mg/L. In addition, fluorescence measurements of culture supernatants demonstrated that the GFP moiety of the scFv–GFP protein is fully functional after secretion. Our data suggest that S. pombe has the potential for being used as alternative expression host in recombinant antibody fragment production by ensuring efficient protein processing and secretion.     

Construction and application of an electrochemical sensor based on graphene-MXene nanocomposites for baicalin detectionEI北大核心CSCD

Redox graphene-MXene(rGO-MXene) nanocomposites were prepared by ion polymerization and used to construct a highly sensitive electrochemical sensor for baicalin(BA) detection. The synergistic effect of rGO and MXene increased the specific surface area and electron transport capacity of the electrode, and significantly enhanced the electrochemical response of BA. The cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry were used to investigate the electrochemical behavior of BA on the sensor. Under the optimal conditions, the peak current exhibited a good linear relationship with BA concentration in the range of 0. 05-10 μmol / L, and the limit of detection was as low as 28 nmol / L. The method was applied to analyze traditional Chinese medicine preparations containing baicalin, such as Qingkailing Capsule and Sanhuang Tablets with good accuracy and spiked recovery. The results were highly consistent with those of high performance liquid chromatography, providing a technical means for the rapid and sensitive detection of traditional Chinese medicine preparations. © 2022, Youke Publishing Co.,Ltd. All rights reserved.     

N‐Benzyl‐DABCO‐tribromide as an efficient and mild reagent for deprotection of dithioacetals

N‐Benzyl‐DABCO‐ammonium tribromide was found to be an efficient and recyclable reagent for the deprotection of dithioacetals in dichloromethane/methanol at room temperature. The reaction can be performed cleanly, in short time, and in high yield.     

Characterization and Evaluation of Electrolyte Influence on Canola Oil/Water Nano‐Emulsion

Emulsion stability is controlled by the physicochemical properties of the adsorbed layers formed on the surface of the droplets. Zeta potential and droplet size measured initially and during storage can estimate O/W emulsion stability. The aim of this study was to characterize and evaluate the effects of different hydrolyzable compounds employed in pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations on the zeta potential and droplet size of canola O/W nano‐emulsions and, consequently, the emulsion stability. The samples containing additives demonstrated significant change in zeta potential, but in spite of that, no macroscopic instability was observed. Yet the droplet size values did not undergo significant change.     

Gas Chromatography‐Mass Spectrometry‐Basic Principles,Instrumentation and Selected Applications for Detection of Organic Compounds

Abstract

This mini‐review discusses the analytical technique of gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS), specifically basic principles and instrumentations. The applications of GC‐MS to a number of studies for determining organic compounds from around the world are presented and highlight its universal use and acceptance. Selected applications show that GC‐MS is an integral and complimentary part of many field studies involving organic compound detection and determination.     

Study on a Fluorometric Method for the Determination of Protein in Serum Using Quercetin‐Lanthanum (III)‐Sodium Dodecyl Benzene Sulfonate‐Protein System

Abstract

It was found that the fluorescence intensity of lanthanum (III) (La³⁺)‐quercetin (Qu) complex is greatly enhanced by proteins in the presence of sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS). Based on this finding, a new fluorimetric method for the determination of proteins was developed. Under optimum conditions, the enhanced intensity of fluorescence is in proportion to the concentration of proteins in the range of 2.5×10^?8 to 1.0×10^?5 g/mL for bovine serum albumin (BSA), 5.0×10^?8 to 1.5×10^?5 g/mL for human serum albumin (HSA), and 1.0×10^?7 to 1.5×10^?5 g/mL for egg albumin (EA). Their detection limits (S/N=3) are 5.0×10^?9 g/mL, 7.0×10^?9 g/mL, and 2.1×10^?8 g/mL, respectively. The interaction mechanism was also studied.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Polyimide‐Silica Hybrids: Effect of Matrix Polarity on the Mechanical and Thermal Properties

Polyimide‐silica hybrid materials have been prepared through the sol‐gel process by mixing various proportions of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) with polyamic acids (PAAs). Two types of PPAs were employed. The first was obtained by reacting an equimolar mixture of oxydianiline (ODA) and pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) in dimethylactamide (DMAc) as solvent. The second was prepared using a mixture of ODA and 2,2‐Bis(3‐amino‐4‐hydroxyphenyl)hexafluoropropane (6F‐OHDA) in molar ratio 9:1, respectively and reacting with a stoichiometric amount of PMDA in DMAc. Polyamic acids were converted to polyimides and a sol‐gel reaction proceeded simultaneously by heating the hybrid films to 300°C. The hydroxyl groups from 6F‐OHDA allows the secondary bonding between the polyimide and growing silica phase and thus retard the gross phase separation. Only the 10 mol% addition of 6F‐OHDA in the polyimide chain resulted in a drastically different microstructure for the resulting hybrids. SEM, stress‐strain analysis, temperature variation of storage and loss modulus, and thermal stability were used to characterize the hybrid materials. Properties of both types of hybrids have been compared and related to the two different types of structures of polyimides used in the preparation of the hybrids.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Diethyl Fumarate‐1,4‐Cyclohexanedimethanol Polyesters for Use in Bioresorbable Bone Cement Composites

Unsaturated polyesters are prepared by transesterification polymerization of diethyl fumarate and 1,4‐cyclohexanedimethanol. The structure of the polyesters was characterized by FT‐IR and ¹H‐ and ¹³C‐NMR spectroscopy. Semicrystalline morphology of the polymers is suggested by DSC analysis with T_g at 21°C and melting at 140°C. The thermogravimetric analysis indicated that the onset of degradation takes place at 300°C. The polyester's structure has significant impact on the properties of the composites prepared by crosslinking the fumarate double bonds with N‐vinyl pyrrolidone in the presence of an inorganic filler, calcium sulfate dihydrate, with the addition of a radical initiator, benzoyl peroxide, at ambient temperatures. The compressive strength and hydrolytic stability of the cement compositions was correlated with structure of the polyesters.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Hydrogels Based on Gamma Radiation Copolymerization of N‐isopropylacrylamide and Ethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate Monomers

Hydrogels based essentially on N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) and different ratios of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) monomer were synthesized by gamma radiation copolymerization. The thermal decomposition behavior of NIPAAm/EGDMA hydrogels was determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The effect of temperature and pH on the swelling behavior was also studied. The results showed that the ratio of EGDMA in the comonomer feeding solution has a great effect on the yield product, gel fraction and water content in the final hydrogel. In this regard, it was observed that the increase of EGDMA ratio decreased these properties. The TGA study showed that all the compositions of NIPAAm/EGDMA hydrogels displayed higher thermal stability than the hydrogel based on pure PNIPAAm hydrogel. The swelling kinetics in water showed that pure PNIPAAm and NIPAAm/EGDMA hydrogels reached equilibrium after 6 h. However, NIPAAm/EGDMA hydrogels show swelling in water lower than pure PNIPAAm. The results showed that the swelling character of pure PNIPAAm and NIPAAm/EGDMA hydrogels was affected by the change in temperature within the temperature range 25–40°C, and showed a reversible change in swelling in the pH range 4–7 depending on composition.     

Development and Optimization of an Indirect Enzyme‐Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Thiamphenicol

Abstract

The specificity of an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was modified by changing the chemical structure of the haptenated coating antigen. A competitive indirect immunoassay was developed, evaluated, and validated to measure thiamphenicol (TAP) in eels. The working range of the assay was placed between 0.45 and 8.35 µg/L. Moreover, the influence of several physicochemical parameters, such as incubation time, ionic strength, detergent concentration, and pH, were studied. The specificity of this immunoassay was evaluated using 23 structurally related compounds. Finally, a good correlation was observed between the chromatographic and immunoassay techniques while analyzing five certified eel samples.     

The Preparation and Characterization of Highly Dispersed PdO over Alumina for Low‐temperature Combustion of Methane

PdO/Al₂O₃ catalysts prepared by glow discharge plasma treatment followed by thermal calcination show a much higher dispersion and a better catalytic activity for methane combustion at relatively low temperatures. The dispersion of palladium active species by such plasma prepared catalysts is 29.7%, 5.4 times higher than that of conventional catalysts. XPS analysis indicates that a surface enrichment of Pd active species (PdO) has been achieved after plasma treatment. The surface atomic composition of PdO of plasma prepared catalysts reaches 10.5%. XRD characterization also confirms a wellcrystallized PdO phase present on the plasma prepared catalyst. The lightoff temperature of the plasma prepared catalyst is 370°C, 50°C lower than that obtained from the conventional catalyst.     

Development of an Organic Dye-Conjugated β-Diketonate-Europium Complex Luminescence Probe for Discrimination and Detection of Intracellular Biothiols

Small molecular biothiols, cysteine (Cys), homocysteine (Hcy) and glutathione (GSH), play important roles in organisms, and their concentration levels are indicative of some human diseases. Herein we report an organic dye-conjugated β-diketonate-Eu³⁺ complex, [Eu(NBD-keto)₃(DPBT)] (NBD-keto: 7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazole (NBD)-conjugated to 1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoro-5-phenyl-3,5-pentanedionate through a “O” ether bond; DPBT: 2-(N,N-diethylanilin-4-yl)-4,6-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazine), which acts as a unique luminescent probe for detecting and discriminating biothiols. [Eu(NBD-keto)₃(DPBT)] itself is not luminescent due to intramolecular interactions between NBD and β-diketonate-Eu³⁺ moieties. Upon reaction with biothiols, the β-diketonate-Eu³⁺ complex [Eu(keto)₃(DPBT)] is generated, which emits long-lived red emission at 610 nm. Meanwhile, three biothiol-substituted NBD derivatives that exhibit different luminescence behaviors, green emissive (short-lived) NBD-NR (R=Cys or Hcy) at 540 nm and non-luminescent NBD-SR (R=GSH), are also generated. These luminescence response behaviors allow time-gated and steady-state luminescence modes to be combined for detecting total biothiols and discriminating GSH and Cys/Hcy. Using this probe, the quantitative detection and discrimination of GSH and Cys/Hcy in lysis solutions of HeLa cells were realized, which revealed the potential of the probe for biomedical applications.     

The Assembling and Application of an Automated Segmented Flow Analyzer for the Determination of Dissolved Organic Carbon Based on UV‐Persulphate Oxidation

Abstract

A simple and reliable methodology developed on an automated segmented flow analyzer has been implemented for the determination of organic forms of carbon in aqueous solutions. Conversion of dissolved organic matter to carbon dioxide is performed by a UV‐persulphate oxidation. After oxidation, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the sample induces a change in pH that will alter the color intensity of a phenolphthalein solution. The color intensity of the solution is measured automatically by colorimetry. Caffeine and acid ascorbic were tested in order to assess the accuracy of the analytical methodology. Reproducibility tests demonstrated a very good precision for natural waters and for organic compounds. Salinity changes showed no interferences, which suggests how appropriate this methodology is for routine analysis and how useful and convenient it is for shipboard work on ocean and estuarine research.     

Nanosized SnO2 Particles Dispersed on a Graphite Electrode for Selective Detection of Dopamine and Ascorbic Acid

A novel nano-SnO2/graphite electrode has been prepared via polishing procedure to produce active and stable surface. The modified electrode resolves the overlapping voltammetric response of dopamine and ascorbic acid into two well-defined peaks by 230mV. The mechanism of discrimination of dopamine from ascorbic acid is discussed. Dopamine and ascorbic acid can be determined simultaneously with the modified electrode. The electrode shows good sensitivity,slectivity and stability.     

A Study on Liquid Hybrid Material for Waveguides—Synthesis and Property of PSQ‐Ls for Waveguides

Silicate‐based inorganic‐organic hybrid polymer systems have many unique properties including thermal stability and photo‐stability, chemical resistance with the combination of tunable optical properties. Two kinds of new UV‐patternable hybrid materials PSQ‐Ls were synthesized by a sol‐gel process at room temperature, which can be used for low cost fabrication of optical waveguides. Thick films (up to 8.31 µm) can be coated by a single spin‐coating process without any cracking and the average surface roughness (Ra), detected by atomic force microscopy (AFM), is below 0.5 nm. The optical properties (refractive index, birefringence, and optical loss at 1310 nm and 1550 nm, respectively) of the PSQ‐Ls films are investigated by a prism coupler. The refractive index of PSQ‐Ls can be exactly tuned from 1.4483 to 1.5212 by blending PSQ‐LH (n_TE=1.5212 @ 1310 nm) and PSQ‐LL (n_TE=1.4483 @ 1310 nm). The maximum refractive index contrast is about 4.8%. After post‐baking, birefringences of the films are below 0.0005 and optical losses are about 0.2 dB · cm^?1 at 1310 nm, 0.7 dB · cm^?1 at 1550 nm, respectively. Furthermore, the PSQ‐Ls films also show outstanding thermal stability in air atmospheres.     

Characterization of Simultaneous Heat and Mass Transfer Phenomena for Water Vapour Condensation on a Solid Surface in an Abiotic Environment—Application to Bioprocesses

The phenomenon of heat and mass transfer by condensation of water vapour from humid air involves several key concepts in aerobic bioreactors. The high performance of bioreactors results from optimised interactions between biological processes and multiphase heat and mass transfer. Indeed in various processes such as submerged fermenters and solid-state fermenters, gas/liquid transfer need to be well controlled, as it is involved at the microorganism interface and for the control of the global process. For the theoretical prediction of such phenomena, mathematical models require heat and mass transfer coefficients. To date, very few data have been validated concerning mass transfer coefficients from humid air inflows relevant to those bioprocesses. Our study focussed on the condensation process of water vapour and developed an experimental set-up and protocol to study the velocity profiles and the mass flux on a small size horizontal flat plate in controlled environmental conditions. A closed circuit wind tunnel facility was used to control the temperature, hygrometry and hydrodynamics of the flow. The temperature of the active surface was controlled and kept isothermal below the dew point to induce condensation, by the use of thermoelectricity. The experiments were performed at ambient temperature for a relative humidity between 35?C65% and for a velocity of 1.0?ms^?1. The obtained data are analysed and compared to available theoretical calculations on condensation mass flux.     

A Novel Sensitive Method for the Determination of Cadmium and Lead Based on Magneto‐Voltammetry

Abstract

A novel method for the ultratrace determination of Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺ based on magneto‐voltammetry was developed. In the presence of a low strength magnetic field of 0.6 T, square wave stripping voltammetry (SWSV) of Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺ was performed in this determination. A high concentration of redox species Fe³⁺ was added to the analytes to generate a large cathodic current during the preconcentration step. A large Lorentz force arising from the flux of net current through the magnetic field resulted in convective solution flow due to magnetohydrodynamics. Then more metal ions deposited on the electrode surface at a faster rate and an enhancement as large as 160% for the stripping peak current was observed. Under the optimal conditions, this method exhibits high sensitivities of 5.67 µA µM^?1 for Cd²⁺ and 6.98 µA µM^?1 for Pb²⁺, over the 1×10^?8 – 1×10^?6 mol l^?1 range. Detection limits as low as 9.0×10^?10 and 8.6×10^?10 mol l^?1 for Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺ were obtained with a 2 min preconcentration time, respectively. The method was successfully applied to detect Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺ in real water samples and the results were in agreement with atomic absorption spectrometry.