Reactions in droplets in microfluidic channels

Fundamental and applied research in chemistry and biology benefits from opportunities provided by droplet-based microfluidic systems. These systems enable the miniaturization of reactions by compartmentalizing reactions in droplets of femoliter to microliter volumes. Compartmentalization in droplets provides rapid mixing of reagents, control of the timing of reactions on timescales from milliseconds to months, control of interfacial properties, and the ability to synthesize and transport solid reagents and products. Droplet-based microfluidics can help to enhance and accelerate chemical and biochemical screening, protein crystallization, enzymatic kinetics, and assays. Moreover, the control provided by droplets in microfluidic devices can lead to new scientific methods and insights.     

Interpretation of inorganic arsenic metabolism in humans in the light of observations made in vitro and in vivo in the rat

The toxicity of inorganic trivalent arsenic for living organisms is reduced by in vivo methylation of the element. In man, this biotransformation leads to the synthesis of monomethylarsonic (MMA) and dimethylarsinic (DMA) acids, which are efficiently eliminated in urine along with the unchanged form (As_i). In order to document the methylation process in humans, the kinetics of As_i, MMA and DMA elimination were studied in volunteers given a single dose of one of these three arsenicals or repeated doses of As_i. The arsenic methylation efficiency was also assessed in subjects acutely intoxicated with arsenic trioxide (As₂O₃) and in patients with liver diseases. Several observations in humans can be explained by the properties of the enzymic systems involved in the methylation process which we have characterized in vitro and in vivo in rats as follows: (1) production of As_i metabolites is catalyzed by an enzymic system whose activity is highest in liver cytosol; (2) different enzymic activities, using the same methyl group donor (S-adenosylmethionine), lead to the production of mono- and di-methylated derivatives which are excreted in urine as MMA and DMA; (3) dimethylating activity is highly sensitive to inhibition by excess of inorganic arsenic; (4) reduced glutathione concentration in liver moderates the arsenic methylation process through several mechanisms, e.g. stimulation of the first methylation reaction leading to MMA, facilitation of As_i uptake by hepatocytes, stimulation of the biliary excretion of the element, reduction of pentavalent forms before methylation, and protection of a reducing environment in the cells necessary to maintain the activity of the enzymic systems.     

Electrolysis in nanochannels for in situ reagent generation in confined geometries

In situ generation of reactive species within confined geometries, such as nanopores or nanochannels is of significant interest in overcoming mass transport limitations in chemical reactivity. Solvent electrolysis is a simple process that can readily be coupled to nanochannels for the electrochemical generation of reactive species, such as H(2). Here the production of hydrogen-rich liquid volumes within nanofluidic structures, without bubble nucleation or nanochannel occlusion, is explored both experimentally and by modeling. Devices comprised of multiple horizontal nanochannels intersecting planar working and quasi-reference electrodes were constructed and used to study the effects of confinement and reduced working volume on the electrochemical reduction of H(2)O to H(2) and OH(-). H(2) production in the nanochannel-embedded electrode reactor output was monitored by fluorescence emission of fluorescein, which exhibits a pH-dependent emission intensity. Initially, the fluorescein solution was buffered to pH 6.0 prior to stepping the potential cathodic of E(0)' for the generation of OH(-) and H(2). Because the electrochemical products are obtained in a 2:1 stoichiometry, local measurements of pH during and after the cathodic potential steps can be converted into H(2) production rates. Independent experimental estimates of the local H(2) concentration were then obtained from the spatiotemporal fluorescence behavior and current measurements, and these were compared with finite element simulations accounting for electrolysis and subsequent convection and diffusion within the confined geometry. Local dissolved H(2) concentrations were correlated to partial pressures through Henry's Law and values as large as 8.3 atm were obtained at the most negative potential steps. The downstream availability of electrolytically produced H(2) in nanochannels is evaluated in terms of its possible use as a downstream reducing reagent. The results obtained here indicate that H(2) can easily reach saturation concentrations at modest overpotentials.     

Recent Advances in in situ multi-spectroelectrochemistry

To consider the past, present and future of in situ spectroelectrochemistry, a review on the recent state of modern spectroelectrochemistry and trends in the development of spectroelectrochemcial techniques is presented for the combined application of different in situ spectroelectrochemcial methods like ESR spectroelectrochemistry, NMR spectroelectrochemistry, Raman spectroelectrochemistry or IR spectroelectrochemistry to electrode systems. Starting with a discussion of the first steps in spectroelectrochemistry in the past, the main part of this review is focused on the advantages of the combined application of spectroelectrochemical techniques in the analysis of electrode reactions. The spectroelectrochemical methods are demonstrated to be successful in electrode reactions both for solid structures like polymers or carbon nanotubes and for molecular structures like fullerenes and oligothiophenes. The final outlook is attributed to future developments in spectroelectrochemistry.     

Lability criteria in diffusive gradients in thin films

The penetration of metal complexes into the resin layer of DGT (diffusive gradients in thin films) devices greatly influences the measured metal accumulation, unless the complexes are either totally inert or perfectly labile. Lability criteria to predict the contribution of complexes in DGT measurements are reported. The key role of the resin thickness is highlighted. For complexes that are partially labile to the DGT measurement, their dissociation inside the resin domain is the main source of metal accumulation. This phenomenon explains the practical independence of the lability degree of a complex in a DGT device with respect to the ligand concentration. Transient DGT regimes, reflecting the times required to replenish the gel and resin domains up to the steady-state profile of the complex, are also examined. Low lability complexes (lability degree between 0.1 and 0.2) exhibit the longest transient regimes and therefore require longer deployment times to ensure accurate DGT measurements.     

高效液相色谱整体柱技术研究进展

高效液相色谱整体柱作为一种新型的分离介质,由于其制备工艺简单、易于修饰改性和分离性能优异,近年来引起了人们的广泛关注。聚合物整体柱具有生物相容性好、柱效高、寿命长、选材范围广、重现性好及使用不受p H限制等优势,广泛应用于食品、化工、农业、环境及生物医学领域小分子化合物及蛋白质的分离和检测,显示出较好的应用前景。本文就近10年液相色谱整体柱的制备、改性方法及应用的研究成果进行综述,并对其在不同应用领域的发展前景作了展望。     

Recent developments in materials synthesis in surfactant systems

The paper reviews the use of surfactant self-assembly to template the synthesis of polymers, ceramics with extended structures, and nanoparticles. The objective of the review is to highlight newer concepts linking self-assembly to materials nanostructure and to the realization of functional materials.     

Changes in lipid distribution in E. coli strains in response to norfloxacin

Bacterial resistance to antibiotics has become an increasing threat, requiring not only the development of new targets in drug discovery, but more importantly, a better understanding of cellular response. In the current study, three closely related Escherichia coli strains, a wild type (MG1655) and an isogenic pair derived from the wild type (DPB635 and DPB636) are studied following exposure to sub lethal concentrations of antibiotic (norfloxacin) over time. In particular, genotype similarities between the three strains were assessed based on the lipid regulation response (e.g. presence/absence and up/down regulation). Lipid identification was performed using direct surface probe analysis (matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization, MALDI), coupled to high‐resolution mass spectrometry (Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry, FT‐ICR MS) followed by statistical analysis of variability and reproducibility across batches using internal standards. Inspection of the lipid profile showed that for the MG1655, DPB635 and DPB636 E. coli strains, a similar distribution of the altered lipids was observed after exposure to norfloxacin antibiotic (e.g. fatty acids and glycerol phospholipids are up and down regulated, respectively). Additionally, variations in the lipid distribution resemble the extent to which each strain can combat the antibiotic exposure. That is, the topA66 topoisomerase I mutation of DPB636 translates into diminished response related to antibiotic sensitivity when compared to MG1655 and the DPB635 strains. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

我国环境化学研究新进展

因环境问题复杂性而产生的学科交叉特性既是环境化学的特色,又是学科生长点。2010年以来,新型污染物和纳米材料的污染问题以及化学污染导致的健康影响日益引起关注,环境化学的研究范围亦随着实际问题的出现而延展,新型污染物种类持续上升。继2010年首次在氟化工厂环境中发现并报道了新型持久性有机污染物全氟碘烷的存在,2011年又基于效应分析成功甄别了一种具有神经毒性的新型溴代污染物,标志着我国在污染物研究方面已从全面跟踪国外研究到部分引领方向转化。继青藏高原环境介质污染物归趋行为研究之后的极地环境科学考察进一步将视野着眼于全球尺度环境问题的解决。得益于上海光源等一批大科学装置的建成,污染物环境界面行为探索已达到分子水平。在纳米材料广泛应用所引发的纳米污染层面,其形成、转化和环境归趋行为的研究亦取得突破。污染生态化学研究方面,借助于先进的表面等离子体共振和理论模拟等先进手段,在污染物与生物大分子相互作用探索和联合毒性机制研究上取得了显著进步,环境与健康开始受到广泛关注。这些成果极大丰富了学科内涵,为学科今后的发展奠定了坚实基础。共引用参考文献45篇。     

Recent progress in nitroxide-mediated polymerizations in miniemulsion

Recent developments in nitroxide-mediated polymerizations conducted in emulsion and miniemulsion have advanced the field across a range of both experimental and theoretical fronts. This article reviews progress in bicomponent initiating systems (including use of camphorsulfonic acid to enhance rate), unimolecular initiating systems, miniemulsions not requiring the use of volatile costabilizers, polymerization of acrylates, mathematical modeling and simulation, and theoretical understanding with regards to issues such as compartmentalization, preservation of polymer chain livingness, the role of aqueous phase kinetics and phase partitioning. These topics are discussed and analyzed to present an integrated portrait of the current status of nitroxide-mediated polymerizations in emulsion/miniemulsion and to identify the most pressing concerns, issues, and opportunities. To cite this article: M.F. Cunningham, C. R. Chimie 6 (2003).     

Spectroscopic studies of STZ-induced methylated-DNA in both in vivo and in vitro conditions

Alkylating agents after formation of DNA adduct not only possess their harmful role on living cells but also can transfer this information to the next generation. Different techniques have been introduced to study the alkylated DNA, most of which are specific and designed for investigation of specific target DNA. But the exact differences between spectroscopic and functional properties of alkylated DNA are not seen in the literature. In the present study DNA was methylated using streptozotocin (STZ) by both in vitro and in vivo protocols, then methylated-DNA was investigated by various techniques. Our results show that (1) the binding of ethidium bromide as an intercalating dye decreases to methylated-DNA in comparison with normal DNA, (2) CD spectra of methylated-DNA show changes including a decrease in the positive band at 275 nm and a shift from 258 nm crossover to a longer wavelength, which is caused by reduction of water around it, due to the presence of additional hydrophobic methyl groups, (3) the stability of methylated-DNA against DTAB as a denaturant is decreased and (4) the enzyme-like activity of methylated-DNA in an electron transfer reaction is reduced. In conclusion, additional methyl groups not only protrude water around DNA, but also cause the loss of hydrogen bonding, loosening of conformation, preventing desired interactions and thus normal function of DNA.     

Innovation in Crop Protection: Trends in Research

In the absence of the remarkable levels of growth in the yields of important crops, neither the rapid increase in living standards in industrialized countries nor the adequate standard of nutrition for the greater part of the world's population would have been possible. Alongside high-yielding varieties, improved agricultural techniques, and rapid mechanization, the chemical industry has also contributed substantially to progress in agriculture since roughly the middle of the nineteenth century. From the chemists "kitchens" came two "magic weapons": artificial fertilisers and chemical agents for crop protection. Today both have become indispensable to modern yield- and quality-orientated agriculture. This review spans the development of the crop-protection industry from its earliest beginnings to the present day and attempts to portray how the research-based crop-protection industry is prepared for current and future challenges. Considerable space is thus dedicated to the discussion of trends in research.     

Electric field effects in proteins in membranes

Both the organization and function of protein nanostructures in membranes are related to the substructural properties of the lipid portion of the membrane. Potential differences that are established across the membrane and generate electric fields in these very thin portions are shown to modulate the organizational and functional properties of the protein modules. Many protein modules also have nonisotropic distributions of charged sites, including configurations in which there are regions containing predominantly positive fixed charges, juxtaposed with adjacent regions containing predominantly negative fixed charges. In these double fixed charge regions, very large electric fields can manifest in the ionic depletion layer at the junction of the two fixed charge regions.Consideration is also given to the manner in which the intense electric fields that are established in protein modules, such as proton ATPases, can modulate the chemical reactions that are associated with proton transport and dehydration reactions.     

Reduction in the antigen-binding in polyacrylamide gel

Under conditions of antibody excess, antibodies that had been immobilized by physical entrapment in a polyacrylamide gel matrix consistently removed less radiolabeled microprotein antigen from solution than did the same antibodies chemically conjugated to Sepharose beads. This reaction is believed to relate to the difficulty of formation of secondary antibody-antigen lattices when the molecules are held in “cells” in the polymer matrix.     

Enzymes Hosted in Reverse Micelles in Hydrocarbon Solution

Reverse micelles are spheroidal aggregates formed by certain surfactants in apolar media. In contrast to normal micelles in water, the polar head groups of the surfactant molecules are directed towards the interior of the aggregate and form a polar core which can solubilize water (the “water pool”); the lipophilic chains are exposed to the solvent. The water of the water pool exhibits properties that (depending on the mole ratio of water to surfactant) differ from those of bulk water. Surprisingly, these reverse micelles are able to solubilize in hydrocarbon solvents hydrophilic molecules, e.g., enzymes and even plasmids, that are much larger than the original water-pool diameter. These biopolymer-containing reverse micelles can be viewed as novel microreactors, whose physical properties can be controlled through the water content. Remarkable is the ability of enzyme-containing micelles to react with water-insoluble, hydrocarbon-soluble substrates, as in the example of lipoxygenase with linoleic acid.     

Hisactophilin is involved in osmoprotection in Dictyostelium

Background  

Dictyostelium cells exhibit an unusual stress response as they protect themselves against hyperosmotic stress. Cytoskeletal proteins are recruited from the cytosolic pool to the cell cortex, thereby reinforcing it. In order to gain more insight into the osmoprotective mechanisms of this amoeba, we used 1-D and 2-D gel electrophoresis to identify new proteins that are translocated during osmotic shock.     

Decreasing Lead Levels in Cultivated Soils in Finland

Abstract

Soluble and total lead were determined in soils sampled in 1974 and 1987 using acid ammonium acetate-EDTA and aqua regia for extraction, respectively. The concentration of total lead decreased during the 13 Years period from 7.9 to 7.6 mg/l soil corresponding to total amount of 15.8 and 15.2 kg/ha in the plough layer. The concentration of soluble lead decreased more than total lead and amounted to 8% compared to 4% in case of total lead. This favourable development is caused by introduction of unleaded petrol and hence decreased lead emissions from traffic. Speciation studies would be a useful tool to elucidate the pathways of lead deposited on soil.     

Thermochemolysis in search for organics in extraterrestrial environments

It has been suggested that extraterrestrial organic material may well represent an important part of the organic material available for the origin of life. It may be expected that early life on Mars was similar to prokaryotic life on Earth and whatever preceded the prokaryotes. Detection of markers of microorganisms on Mars is then a key point in the search for life. The analytical technique has to be robust, sensitive and non-specific due to the large scope of targeted molecules. The main objective of this work is to present the capabilities of a TMAH-PY-GC–MS technique for the in situ analysis of organic matter in extraterrestrial soil samples. Two Martian analogues were analyzed to validate the technique. Biomarkers of microbial and higher plants origin such as lipids (n-alkenes, fatty acids) and carbohydrates were detected in samples. In the two samples, fatty acids had a microbial origin. On the other hand, n-alkenes and n-alkanols were from preserved higher plants biopolymers. TMAH-PY-GC–MS technique presented the advantage to wider the scopes of targeted molecules without adding additional device as pyrolysers are already used in spacecraft.