Properties and <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-glycosylation of recombinant endoglucanase II from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Penicillium verruculosum</Emphasis>

Cellulases are the main components of enzyme complexes used in biotransformation processes of plant raw materials into valuable commercial products. Endoglucanase II (EG II) from the Penicillium verruculosum fungus was cloned into Penicillium canescens. The homogeneous recombinant EGII form is isolated and its properties are studied in comparison with the native enzyme. The N-glycosylation sites and the structure of the N-linked glycans are been determined using mass spectrometry. The biochemical and catalytic properties, as well as the N-glycosylation type of the obtained recombinant EGII form, appear to be close to the native enzyme. At the two potential N-glycosylation sites (N42 and N194) of both forms of the enzyme, N-linked high mannose glycans (or their enzymatic “trimming” products) according to the general formula (Man)_1–9(GlcNAc)₂ are detected. No glycosylation is found at the third potential site (N19).     

Analysis of Novel Antioxidant Sesquarterpenes (C<Subscript>35</Subscript> Terpenes) Produced in Recombinant <Emphasis Type="Italic">Corynebacterium glutamicum</Emphasis>

Novel synthetic isoprenoids have been synthesized in engineered microbial hosts by evolving terpene synthase or expressing heterologous terpene synthases. Recently, the native operon, crtN_aN_cM derived from Planococcus sp. PAMC 21323, has isolated for potential industrial applications of C₃₅ carotenoids. For the first time, novel C₃₅ carotenoids (sesquarterpene) were synthesized in Corynebacterium glutamicum expressing the crtN_aN_cM genes. The recombinant strains accumulate various sesquarterpene including 4-apolycopene (red color), 4-aponeurosporene (yellow color), and no pigmentation, depending on the expression of the genetic elements of the crtN_aN_cM genes. Subsequently, the carotenoid extract from the cells harboring pCES-H36-CrtN_aN_cM was analyzed, resulting in significantly higher antioxidant activity than those of other strains harboring pCES-H36-CrtN_cM and pCES-H36-CrtN_aN_c, respectively. This study will promote further engineering of C. glutamicum to increase sesquarterpene productions.     

Catalytic Properties of Two <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhizopus oryzae</Emphasis> 99-880 Glucoamylase Enzymes Without Starch Binding Domains Expressed in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pichia pastoris</Emphasis>

Catalytic properties of two glucoamylases, AmyC and AmyD, without starch binding domains from Rhizopus oryzae strain 99-880 are determined using heterologously expressed enzyme purified to homogeneity. AmyC and AmyD demonstrate pH optima of 5.5 and 6.0, respectively, nearly one unit higher than the Rhizopus AmyA glucoamylase enzyme. Optimal initial activities are at 60 and 50 °C for AmyC and AmyD, respectively. Inactivation of both enzymes occurs at 50 °C following 30 min pre-incubation. The two enzymes demonstrate substantially slower catalytic rates toward soluble starch relative to AmyA. AmyC has similar k _cat and K _m for oligosaccharides to other Rhizopus and Aspergillus glucoamylases; however, the enzyme has a 2-fold lower K _m ^maltose . AmyD has a 3-fold higher K _m and lower k _cat for maltooligosaccharides than AmyC and other glucoamylases. AmyC (but not AmyD) exhibits substrate inhibition. K _i for substrate inhibition decreases with increasing length of the oligosaccharides. Data from pre-steady-state binding of AmyC to maltose and maltotriose and pre-steady-state to steady-state catalytic turnover experiments of AmyC acting on maltotriose were used to interrogate models of substrate inhibition. In the preferred model, AmyC accumulates an enzyme-maltose-maltotriose dead-end complex in the steady state.     

The thermodynamic properties of the [(Me<Subscript>3</Subscript>Si)<Subscript>7</Subscript>C<Subscript>60</Subscript>]<Subscript>2</Subscript> fullerene complex

The temperature dependence of the heat capacity C _p ^o of the [(Me₃Si)₇C₆₀]₂ fullerene complex was measured for the first time using precision adiabatic vacuum calorimetry over the temperature range 6.7–340 K and high-accuracy differential scanning calorimetry at 320–635 K. For the most part, the error in the C _p ^o values was about ±0.5%. An irreversible endothermic effect caused by the splitting of the dimeric bond between fullerene fragments and the thermal decomposition of the complex was observed at 448–570 K. The thermodynamic characteristics of this transformation were calculated and analyzed. Multifractal analysis of the low-temperature (T < 50 K) heat capacity was performed, and conclusions were drawn concerning the character of the heterodynamicity of the structure. The experimental data obtained were used to calculate the standard thermodynamic functions C _p ^o (T), H ^o (T) ? H ^o (0), S ^o (T) ? S ^o (0), and G ^o (T) ? H ^o (0) over the temperature range from T → 0 to 445 K and estimate the standard entropy of formation of the compound from simple substances at 298.15 K. The standard thermodynamic properties of [(Me₃Si)₇C₆₀]₂ are compared with those of the (C₆₀)₂ dimer, the [(η⁶-Ph₂)₂Cr]⁺[C₆₀]^?? fulleride, and the initial C₆₀ fullerene.     

High-pressure nonstoichiometric phase Sm<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>Cu<Subscript>3</Subscript>V<Subscript>4</Subscript>O<Subscript>12</Subscript>

Perovskite-like nonstoichiometric oxide Sm _x Cu₃V₄O₁₂ (space group Im \(\bar 3\), Z = 2, a = 7.276?7.314 Å) with cationic vacancies and a homogeneity region was prepared barothermally (p = 6.0?9.0 GPa, T = 700?1100°C) for the first time. Structural and isotropic thermal parameters, as well as bond lengths and bond angles, were determined. The compound has metal-type conductivity and paramagnetic properties.     

Preparation,crystal structure and mechanism of thermal decomposition of complex [Dy(<Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-MOBA)<Subscript>3</Subscript>Phen]<Subscript>2</Subscript>

1,10-Phenanthrolinetris(4-methoxybenzoate)dysprosium, Dy(p-MOBA)₃Phen (where p-MOBA = p-methoxybenzoate and Phen = 1,10-phenanthroline), (I) has been synthesized. The complex was characterized by various techniques including elemental analysis, UV, IR, XRD, molar conductance, and TG-DTG. The crystals consist of binuclear molecules and monoclinic, space group P2 ₁/n: a = 14.143(6) Å, b = 17.550(7) Å, c = 14.493(6) Å, β = 117.357(4)°, Z = 2, ρ _c = 1.655 g cm^?3, F(000) = 1588; R ₁ = 0.0176, wR ₂ = 0.0455. In the complex, each Dy³⁺ ion is nine-coordinate to one 1,10-phenanthroline molecule, one bidentate chelating carboxylate group, and four bridging carboxylate groups in which the carboxylate groups are bonded to the Dy³⁺ ions in three modes: bridging bidentate, bridging tridentate, and chelating bidentate. The thermal decomposition mechanism of I has been determined on the basis of thermal analysis. In addition, the lifetime equation at a weight-loss of 10% was deduced as lnτ = ?28.8361 + 19478.37/T by isothermal thermogravimetric analysis.     

Harvesting Microalgae with Different Sources of Starch-Based Cationic Flocculants

In this study, starches obtained from wheat, potato, and corn were used to synthesize cationic starches (CS), and the flocculation efficiency of these materials was tested with Chlorella pyrenoidosa and Botryococcus braunii cultures under different conditions. Our results indicated that these three CS had differing degrees of substitution following identical synthesis conditions. The various CS functioned similarly in this study, and the desired harmless flocculation efficiency was obtained at low dosages, with CS to microalgal biomass ratios of approximately 89 and 119 mg g^?1 for C. pyrenoidosa and B. braunii, respectively. Impressive harmless harvesting efficiencies were obtained at lower dosages with respect to appropriate stirring time before the settling, with ratios ranging from 58 to 78 mg g^?1 for C. pyrenoidosa cultures. The cost of microalgae harvesting can be cut dramatically by choosing cheaper starches prior to the synthetic CS and by applying suitable flocculation procedures.     

Enhancement in physicochemical properties of citric acid/nano SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> treated sustainable wood-starch nanocomposites

Citric acid was used as the cross-linker to prepare the sustainable wood starch nanocomposites (WSNC) from the renewable resources like starch and soft wood flour using water as the solvent. Nano SiO₂ was employed to develop the physicochemical properties of the WSNC via a green path. In this process, starch was grafted with methylmethacrylate (MMA) and SiO₂ was modified with N-cetyl-N,N,N-trimethyl ammonium bromide. Three different percentage of modified nano SiO₂ (1–5 phr) were employed in the preparation of the composites and their properties were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The morphological features of the composites were investigated through transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy study. Mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties like storage modulus, loss factors and tan δ value of the composites were thoroughly investigated. Thermal stability, water resistance and flammability of the composites were significantly improved after incorporation of modified SiO₂. The maximum improvements in properties were achieved containing 3 phr modified SiO₂ composites.     

Thermal stability of chlorophyll <Emphasis Type="Italic">a</Emphasis> derivatives containing hydrophilic groups

Trends in thermal stability of aromatic macroheterocycles based of pheophorbide a and chlorin e ₆ containing hydrophilic groups have been revealed by means of thermogravimetric analysis at 298–1223 K under inert atmosphere. Methylpheophorbide a and 13(1)-N-methylamide of chlorin e ₆ are the most stable, the decomposition onset temperature being t _o 351 and 333°С. Their functional substitution leads t _o the reduction in thermal stability. Depending on the macrocycle structure the decrease in t _o can reach 20–200°С.     

A comparison of energy changes accompanying growth processes by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Saccharomyces cerevisiae</Emphasis>

Calculations are made using the equations Δ_r G = Δ_r H ? TΔ_r S and Δ_r X = Δ_r H ? Δ_r Q where Δ_r X represents the free energy change when the exchange of absorbed thermal energy with the environment is represented by Δ_r Q. The symbol Q has traditionally represented absorbed heat. However, here it is used specifically to represent the enthalpy listed in tabulations of thermodynamic properties as (H _T  ? H ₀) at T = 298.15 K, the reason being that for a given substance TS equals 2.0 Q for solid substances, with the difference being greater for liquids, and especially gases. Since Δ_r H can be measured, and is tangibly the same no matter what thermodynamics are used to describe a reaction equation, a change in the absorbed heat of a biochemical growth process system as represented by either Δ_r Q or TΔ_r S would be expected to result in a different calculated value for the free energy change. Calculations of changes in thermodynamic properties are made which accompany anabolism; the formation of anabolic, organic by-products; catabolism; metabolism; and their respective non-conservative reactions; for the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae using four growth process systems. The result is that there is only about a 1% difference in the average quantity of free energy conserved during growth using either Eq. 1 or 2. This is because although values of TΔ_r S and Δ_r Q can be markedly different when compared to one another, these differences are small when compared to the value for Δ_r G or Δ_r X.     

Synthesis and structure of bis(1,2-diaminoethane) copper(II) bis(<Emphasis Type="Italic">o</Emphasis>-hydroxybenzoate) monohydrate and <Emphasis Type="Italic">trans</Emphasis>-diaquabis(1,2-diaminoethane)copper(II) bis(<Emphasis Type="Italic">o</Emphasis>-aminobenzoate)

X-ray structural analysis has been performed for two complex compounds: Cu(en)₂(o-HB)₂H₂O (I) (a = 16.873(4) Å, b = 8.713(2) Å, c = 14.803(3) Å, β = 91.15(2)°, V = 2175.8(8) ų, C2/c, Z = 4, R(F) = 0.0263, 1516 reflections with I > 3σ (I)) and [Cu(en)₂(OH₂)₂]²⁺(o-AB^?)₂ (II) (a = 7.488(5) Å, b = 22.122(8) Å, c = 7.856(5) Å, β = 118.77(2)°, V = 1140.7(11) ų, P2₁/n, Z = 2, R(F) = 0.0432, 1684 reflections with I > 3σ(I)) synthesized under identical conditions (en is ethylenediamine, o-HB is o-hydroxybenzoate, and o-AB is o-aminobenzoate). Although the compounds were assumed to have similar structures and the Cu-Lig bond lengths and the cis and trans angles are acceptable for an octahedral structure, the geometric parameters of o-HB suggest that the copper atom has a plane square environment.     

Secondary self-assembly behaviors of PEO-<Emphasis Type="Italic">b</Emphasis>-P<Emphasis Type="Italic">t</Emphasis>BA-<Emphasis Type="Italic">b</Emphasis>-PS triblock terpolymers in solution

A series of PEO₄₅-b-PtBA₅₃-b-PS _x (x = 42, 84, 165) triblock terpolymers were synthesized by the atom transfer radical polymerization and characterized by size exclusion chromatography and ¹H NMR. Their self-assemblies were conducted by a two-step hierarchical self-assembly method and a one-step dialysis method and the self-assembly behaviors were investigated. The morphologies, sizes, and size distributions of micelles produced by the self-assembly were determined by transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. The secondary self-assembled structure of PEO₄₅-b-PtBA₅₃-b-PS _x obtained by the two-step hierarchical self-assembly could be controlled by tuning the length of PS block, the core forming block. The micelles were uniform with diameters of 20–25 nm and their size distributions, except for that of PEO₄₅-b-PtBA₅₃-b-PS₁₆₅, were narrow with particle size distribution indexes ranging from 0.014 to 0.246. The one-step dialysis of the triblock terpolymers produced vesicular micelles with distinct vesicle walls that exhibited similar thicknesses. The vesicles did not show significant aggregation. The size distribution of PEO₄₅-b-PtBA₅₃-b-PS₄₂ vesicle was the narrowest with a particle size distribution index value of 0.135. The PEO₄₅-b-PtBA₅₃-b-PS₁₆₅ vesicles tended to overlap with each other.     

Crystal structure and properties of [M(NH<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>5</Subscript>Cl](NO<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>, (M = Ir,Rh, Ru)

The crystal structures of compounds from the series [M(NH₃)₅Cl](NO₃)₂, (M = Ir, Rh, Ru) were described. The compounds crystallized in the tetragonal crystal system, space group I4, Z = 2. Crystal data for [Ir(NH₃)₅Cl](NO₃)₂ (I): a = 7.6061(1) Å, b = 7.6061(1) Å, c = 10.4039(2) Å, V = 601.894(16) ų, ρ_calc = 2.410 g/cm³, R = 0.0087; [Rh(NH₃)₅Cl](NO₃)₂ (II): a = 7.5858(5) Å, b = 7.5858(5) Å, c = 10.41357(7) Å, V = 599.24(7) ų, ρ_calc = 1.926 g/cm³, R = 0.0255; [Ru(NH₃)₅Cl](NO₃)₂ (III): a = 7.5811(6) Å, b = 7.5811(6) Å, c = 10.5352(14) Å, V = 605.49(11) ų, ρ_calc = 1.896 g/cm³, R = 0.0266. The compounds were defined by IR spectroscopy and XRPA and thermal analyses.     

Synthesis,crystal structure,and thermal properties of [Pd(NH<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>4</Subscript>][AuCl<Subscript>4</Subscript>]<Subscript>2</Subscript>

The double complex salt [Pd(NH₃)₄][AuCl₄]₂ was synthesized and studied by X-ray diffraction: a = 7.5234(6) Å, b = 7.7909(5) Å, c = 8.0247(6) Å, α = 108.483(2)°, β = 106.497(2)°, γ = 99.972(3)°, V = 409.43(5) ų, space group P \(\overline 1 \), Z = 1, ρ_calod = 3.456 g/cm³, R = 0.0267. The compound was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, and IR and Raman spectroscopy. The metal products of thermolysis of the complex were studied by powder X-ray diffraction.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Tetra</Emphasis>-EDOT substituted 3D electrochromic polymers with lower band gaps

A couple of novel electrochromic materials poly(2,3,4,5-tetrakis(2,3-hydrothieno[3,4-b]dixin-5-yl)-1-methyl-1H-pyrrole) (P(t-EDOT-mPy)) and poly(5,5′,5′′,5′′′-(thiophene-2,3,4,5-tetrayl)tetrakis(2,3-dihydrothieno[3,4-b][1,4]dioxine)) (P(t-EDOT-Th)) are electrodeposited via multi-position polymerization of their tetra-EDOT substituted monomers t-EDOT-mPy and t-EDOT-Th, respectively. Compared with the linear 2D structured poly(thiophene) (E _g=2.2 eV) and poly(2,5-bis(2,3-dihydrothieno[3,4-b][1,4]dioxin-5-yl)thiophene) (E _g=1.7 eV), P(t-EDOT-Th) (E _g=1.62 eV) has the lowest band gap. Hence, we speculate that the band gaps of the two polymers, having 3D structures, are decreased in contrast to non-substituted polymers or bi-EDOT substituted polymers, thiophene and 1-methyl-1H-pyrrole. The results indicated that P(t-EDOT-Th) thin films are more stable and show higher transmittance amid two polymers, which may find their utilization in organic optoelectronics.     

Electronic Structure and Relative Stabilities of 10- and 12-Vertex. <Emphasis Type="Italic">Closo</Emphasis>and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nido</Emphasis>-Heteroborane Clusters of Ga,Ge, and As Elements

A DFT method with the B3LYP functional and the 6-311++G(d,p) diffuse basis set is used to predict geometries, relative stabilities, electronic structures, and the bonding of closo- and nido-Ga_mB_n–mH _n ^2? , Ge_mB_n–mH _n ^m?2 , and As_mB_n–mH _n ^{2 m?2} (n = 10, 12 and m = 1, 2) Clusters are obtained by replacing BH with isolobal GaH, GeH⁺, and AsH²⁺ fragments, keeping the same skeleton electron pairs (SEP). Based on the polyhedral skeletal electron pairs theory (PSEPT), closo and nido structures are predicted and can be of significant interest for experimentalists working in the field of heteroboranes. Different cluster stabilities are studied according to Gimarc′s and Williams′ rules, where our calculations show that the monosubstituted clusters deviate from these rules, giving rise to open structures. As₂B₈H _n ²⁺ as 10-vertex structures lead to nido-type clusters, however, Ge_mB_n–mH _n ^m?2 (n = 10, 12 and m = 1, 2) give rise to closo isomers with close energies. All optimized structures exhibit large HOMO–LUMO gaps suggesting a good kinetic stability, thus predicting their isolation and characterization.     

Crystal structures of a family of layered coordination polymers containing divalent metal ions (Mn<Superscript>2+</Superscript>, Co<Superscript>2+</Superscript>, Ni<Superscript>2+</Superscript> and Zn<Superscript>2+</Superscript>) and the 3-amino 4-methyl benzoate ion

The syntheses and crystal structures of the layered coordination polymers M(C₈H₈NO₂)₂ [M = Mn (1), Co (2), Ni (3) and Zn (4)] are described. These isostructural compounds contain centrosymmetric trans-MN₂O₄ octahedra as parts of infinite sheets; the ligand bonds to three adjacent metal ions in μ³-N,O,O′ mode from both its carboxylate O atoms and its amine N atom. In each case, weak intra-sheet N–H?O and C–H?O hydrogen bonds may help to consolidate the structure. Crystal data: 1, C₁₆H₁₆MnN₂O₄, M _r = 355.25, monoclinic, P2₁/c (No. 14), a = 10.6534(2) Å, b = 4.3990(1) Å, c = 15.5733(5) Å, β = 95.1827(10)°, V = 726.85(3) ų, Z = 2, R(F) = 0.026, wR(F ²) = 0.067. 2, C₁₆H₁₆CoN₂O₄, M _r = 359.24, monoclinic, P2₁/c (No. 14), a = 10.6131(10) Å, b = 4.3374(4) Å, c = 15.3556(17) Å, β = 95.473(4)°, V = 703.65(12) ų, Z = 2, R(F) = 0.041, wR(F ²) = 0.091. 3, C₁₆H₁₆N₂NiO₄, M _r = 359.02, monoclinic, P2₁/c (No. 14), a = 10.6374(4) Å, b = 4.2964(2) Å, c = 15.2827(8) Å, β = 95.9744(14)°, V = 694.66(6) ų, Z = 2, R(F) = 0.028, wR(F ²) = 0.070. 4, C₁₆H₁₆N₂O₄Zn, M _r = 365.68, monoclinic, P2₁/c (No. 14), a = 10.6385(5) Å, b = 4.2967(3) Å, c = 15.2844(8) Å, β = 95.941(3)°, V = 694.89(7) ų, Z = 2, R(F) = 0.038, wR(F ²) = 0.107.     

Crystal structure of KPb<Subscript>2</Subscript>Cl<Subscript>5</Subscript> and KPb<Subscript>2</Subscript>Br<Subscript>5</Subscript>

The KPb₂Cl₅ and KPb₂Br₅ crystals are monoclinic (P2₁/c) with a microtwinned structure. X-ray analysis of chloride resulted in the parameters a = 8.854(2) Å, b = 7.927(2) Å, c = 12.485(3) Å; β = 90.05(3)°, d_calc = 4.78(1) g/cm³ (STOE STADI4, MoK_α, 2θ_max = 80°), R₁ = 0.0702 for 4094 F ≥ 4 σ(F) reflections. For bromide, a = 9.256(2) Å, b = 8.365(2) Å, c = 13.025(3) Å; β = 90.00(3)°, d_calc = 5.62(1) g/cm³ (Bruker P4, MoK_α, 2θ_max = 70°), R₁ = 0.0692 for 3076 F ≥ 4 (F) reflections.     

Solution Thermodynamics of <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>,<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis><Superscript>/</Superscript>-Ethylenebis-(salicylideneiminato)-diaquochromium(III) Chloride in Aqueous Dimethylsulphoxide

The densities, viscosities and refractive indices of N,N ^/-ethylene-bis(salicylideneiminato)-diaquochromium(III) chloride, [Cr(salen)(H₂O)₂]Cl, in aqueous dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) with different mass fractions (w ₂ = 0.20, 0.40, 0.60, 0.80 and 1.00) of DMSO were determined at 298.15, 308.15 and 318.15 K under atmospheric pressure. From measured densities, viscosities and refractive indices the apparent molar volumes (V _φ ), standard partial molar volume (V _φ ⁰ ), the slope (S _V ^* ), standard isobaric partial molar expansibility (φ _E ⁰ ) and its temperature dependence (?φ _E ⁰ /?T) _p , the viscosity B-coefficient, its temperature dependence (?B/?T), solvation number (S _n ) and apparent molar refractivity (R _D ^φ ), etc., were calculated and discussed on the basis of ion–ion and ion–solvent interactions. These results revealed that the solutions are characterized by ion–solvent interactions rather than by ion–ion interactions and the complex behaves as a long range structure maker. Thermodynamics of viscous flow was discussed in terms of transition state theory.     

Magnetic,Electrical and Thermal Studies of Polypyrrole-Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> Nanocomposites

This research paper comprises of the synthesis of polypyrrole (PPy)-Fe₂O₃ nanocomposites by employing the in situ chemical oxidative polymerization method. The concentration of the filler material was adjusted between 10–50 wt % of PPy. The synthesized nanocomposites were characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Magnetic analysis and DC electrical conductivity of the samples were carried out using vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and two probe DC conductivity method, point towards magnetically active and electrically conductive samples. The magnetic parameters under applied magnetic field demonstrated that the values of coercivity (H _c ), saturation magnetization (M _s ) and remanence (M _r ) can be tailored by carefully controlling the amount of dopant material into the nanocomposites indicating their suitability for controllable switching devices and microwave absorption applications. The DC electrical conductivity showed an increase up to 20 wt % of filler material and thereafter a decrease in the conductivity of nanocomposites with increase in filler content is observed. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed an increase in thermal stability with an increase in ferrite content in nanocomposites.