Study of a Biological Oscillation System by a Microcalorimetric Method

The power–time curves of a biological oscillation system were determined for different temperatures, acidities and carbon sources, by using a 2277 thermal activity monitor. The apparent activation energy and order of the oscillation reaction were calculated from the induction period (t _in) and the first oscillation period (t _p). The regularity of the biological oscillation system is discussed. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Development and validation of a single HPLC method for determination of α‐tocopherol in cell culture and in human or mouse biological samples

A straightforward and common analytical method for α‐tocopherol (αT) determination in various biological samples, including plasma, red blood cells (RBC), tissues and cultured cell lines, was developed and validated, using a reverse phase‐chromatographic method (RP‐HPLC). Even though many chromatographic methods for αT determination have been reported, most of them require readjustment when applied to different types of samples. Thus, an effective and simple method for αT determination in different biological matrices is still necessary, specifically for translational research. This method was applied using a C₁₈ column (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm particle size) under isocratic elution with MeOH:ACN:H₂O (90:9:1 v/v/v) at a flow rate of 1 mL/min and detected using photodiode array at 293 nm. Linearity (r >0.9997) was observed for standard calibration with inter‐ and intraday variation of standard <4%. Lower limits of detection and quantification for αT in this assay were 0.091 and 0.305 µg/mL respectively. Validation proved the method to be selective, linear, accurate and precise. The method was successfully applied in great variety of biological samples, that is, human and mouse plasma, RBCs, murine tissues and human/mouse/rat cultured cell lines. More importantly, a single protocol of extraction and detection can be applied, making this method very convenient for standardization of different types of samples. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Simultaneous determination of paeoniflorin from total glucosides of paeony in Sprague–Dawley rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats by high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry: in vivo and in vitro studies

Paeoniflorin is a well‐known monoterpene glucoside in the herbal drug that exhibits a number of biological activities. The pharmacokinetic characteristics of paeoniflorin from total glucosides of paeony in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) are still unclear. It is essential to investigate the in vivo and in vitro pharmacokinetic differences of paeoniflorin from total glucosides of paeony in Sprague–Dawley (SD) and SHR. The in vivo pharmacokinetic data were analyzed using DAS 2.0 software and the in vitro metabolic characteristics were measured using rat hepatic microsomes. The concentration of paeoniflorin in biological samples was determined using high‐performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry method, which showed good precision and stability. The plasma concentration–time profiles of paeoniflorin following oral administration of total glucosides of paeony showed a single peak and there were significant differences in the mean values of AUC_(0–t), AUC_(0–∞), CL_z/F and T_max between SD and SHR (p < 0.05). The metabolic rate of paeoniflorin from total glucosides of paeony was slower in SHR than in SD rats (p < 0.05). The results might be useful in further applications of paeoniflorin and total glucosides of paeony. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Biofabrication of iron oxide nanoparticles by leaf extract of Rhamnus virgata: Characterization and evaluation of cytotoxic,antimicrobial and antioxidant potentials

In the present study, plant‐mediated synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) using leaves extract of Rhamnus virgata (Roxb.) as a potential stabilizing, reducing and chelating agent is reported. The biogenic IONPs are extensively characterized for their physical and biological properties. The morphology, structure and physicochemical properties of biogenic IONPs were characterized using ultraviolet spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform‐infrared analysis, scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering. The Scherrer equation deduced a mean crystallite size of ~20 nm for IONPs. Detailed in vitro biological activities revealed significant therapeutic potentials for IONPs. Potential antibacterial and antifungal activities are reported for IONPs. Bioinspired IONPs have shown potential results against HepG2 cells (IC₅₀: 13.47 μg/ml). Dose‐dependent cytotoxicity assays were revealed against Leishmania tropica (KMH₂₃) promastigotes (IC₅₀: 8.08 μg/ml) and amastigotes (IC₅₀: 20.82 μg/ml) using different concentrations of IONPs (1–200 μg/ml). The cytotoxic activity was also studied using brine shrimps, and their IC₅₀ value was calculated as 32.41 μg/ml. Significant antioxidant [TAC (51.4%), DPPH (79.4%) and total reducing power (62%)], protein kinase and alpha amylase inhibition assays were revealed. The biocompatibility assays using red blood cells (> 200 μg/ml) and macrophages (> 200 μg/ml) confirmed the biosafe nature of IONPs. In conclusion, bioinspired IONPs have shown potential biological applications and should be subjected to further research work to develop their nano‐pharmacological relevance in biomedical applications.     

Development of chromatographic separation of some biological materials using poly(acrylamide-acrylic acid-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) resin

The aim of the present study is to develop of chromatographic separation of some biological materials using poly(acrylamide-acrylic acid-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) resin P(AAm-AA-DMAEMA). The copolymer was prepared by a template copolymerization of DMAEMA and AA in aqueous solution on polyacrylamide (PAAm) as a template polymer and N,N-methylenebisacrylamide (NMBA) as a crosslinker using gamma rays as initiator. Some biological materials such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), bovine serum albumin (BSA) and tri-iodothyronine (T₃) were labeled using ¹²⁵I and the purifications of all tracers were carried out using prepared resin compared with Sephadex. Factors affecting were studied to reach the most efficiency purification including pH buffer, variable elution volumes, flow rate and temperature. The radiochemical purity percent was determined using paper electrophoresis and immunoreactivity of tracer was checked. The efficiency of purification that obtained using the prepared resin is nearly equivalent to that of Sephadex.     

Nanomagnet Bioconjugates with anti-CRP Polyclonal Antibodies as Nanobioprobes for Enhanced Impedimetric Detection of CRP

Selective purification of biological materials for their detection in complex sample matrix is a general challenge for many researchers working in the field of diagnostics. Magnetic nanoparticles functionalized with biological molecules that impart biomolecular selectivity are therefore of major interest as capture probes thus allowing for magnetic separations. Nanoparticles can also be used for the enhanced detection of biomarkers. In this work, an ultrasensitive sandwich-based impedimetric immunosensor was fabricated for the detection of C-reactive protein antigen (CRPAg). Stable and oriented immobilization of anti-CRP monoclonal antibody was achieved onto electrografted phenylethylamine derivatized with succinic anhydride and phenylboronic acid via carbodiimide chemistry. The detection of CRPAg was achieved using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). The enhancement of the impedance charge-transfer resistance (R_CT) signal was achieved using the sandwich approach. The anti-CRP polyclonal antibody was immobilized in an oriented manner onto magnetic nanoparticles functionalized with phenylboronic acid. The increase in the change in charge-transfer resistance (ΔR_CT) values was linearly proportional to the concentration of CRPAg in the range 10 to 200 ng mL⁻¹ covering the clinical range for CRPAg detection and with a detection limit of 0.34 ng mL⁻¹.     

The use of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">k</Emphasis><Subscript>0</Subscript>-IAEA program in NIRR-1 NAA laboratory

The k ₀-IAEA program developed for implementation of the single comparator instrumental neutron activation analysis method (k ₀-INAA) has been used for elemental analysis with NIRR-1 irradiation and counting facilities. The existing experimental protocols for routine analysis based on the relative method were used to test the capability and reliability of the program for the analyses of geological and biological samples. The Synthetic Multi-element Standards (SMELS) types I, II and III recommended by the international k ₀ user community for the validation of k ₀-NAA method in NAA laboratories, furthermore, the following standard reference materials: NIST-1633b (Coal Fly Ash) and IAEA-336 (Lichen) were analyzed. Results obtained with the version 3.12 of the k ₀-IAEA program were found to be in good agreement with the data obtained with the established relative method using WINSPAN-2004 software. Detection limits for elemental analysis of geological and biological samples with NIRR-1 facilities are provided.     

Arsenic biomethylation by the microorganism apiotrichum humicola in the presence of l-methionine-methyl-d3

The microorganism Apiotrichum humicola (previously known as Candida humicola) grown in the presence of either arsenate, arsenite, methylarsonic acid or dimethylarsinic acid, produces arsenic-containing metabolites in the growth medium. When L-methionine-methyl-d₃ is added to the cultures, the CD₃ label is incorporated intact into the metabolites to a considerable extent to form deuterated dimethylarsenic and trimethyl-arsenic species, indicating that S-adenosylmethionine, or some related sulphonium compound, is involved in the biological methylation. Conclusive evidence of CD₃ incorporation in the arsenicals found in the growth medium was provided by using a specially developed hydride generation-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry system (HG–GC–MS).     

Extraction method for arsenic speciation in marine organisms

Three extraction systems have been assayed to extract arsenic species from biological marine sample, using methanol, methanol-chloroform (1:1) and methanol-water (1:1) as solvents. From a comparative study methanol-water 1:1 was chosen. A clean-up of the raw extract using C₁₈ cartridges is proposed. The results obtained from flounder (Pleuronectes platessa), sole (Solea solea), mussel (Mytilus edulis) and cockle (Cardium edule) are reported.     

Conformational studies of new pseudotripeptide with pyrazine amidoxime motif and simplified analogs using IR,NMR spectroscopy,and molecular dynamic simulations

Solution structures of new pyrazine-based pseudotripeptide with amidoxime function and simplified pseudodipeptide analogs were determined by a combination of IR and NMR spectroscopic studies and molecular dynamic simulations using explicit chloroform as a solvent. It was found that proline-phenylalanine dipeptide residue and amidoxime moiety in o-position are essential for intramolecular hydrogen bonding including a seven-membered γ-turn formation. In addition, a cis/trans equilibrium study was present for prolyl amides in polar solvents (D₂O and DMSO). A phenylalanine substituent was found to exhibit profound effect on thermodynamic parameters in prolyl peptides. The presence of intramolecular hydrogen bonds dramatically increases the amount of trans isomer in non-hydrogen-bonding CHCl₃ and significantly favor cis isomer in hydrogen-bonding solvents such as DMSO and D₂O. All molecules are not cytotoxic therefore they can be further studied in relation to potent biological activities.

     

Application of a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method to the pharmacokinetics,tissue distribution and excretion in the study of anemoside B4, a novel antiviral agent candidate,in rats

A simple, sensitive and reliable LC–MS/MS method was developed and validated for the quantification of anemoside B4, a potential antiviral constituent isolated from Pulsatilla chinensis in rat plasma, tissue, bile, urine and feces. All biological samples were prepared by protein precipitation method, and ginsenoside‐Rg1 was chosen as the internal standard (IS). The analyte and IS were separated using a C₁₈ column (2.1 × 50 mm, 1.8 μm) and a mobile phase consisting of 0.1% formic acid in water (v /v) and acetonitrile running at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min for 5 min. The multiple reaction monitoring transitions were monitored at m /z 1219.5–749.5 for anemoside B4 and 845.4–637.4 for ginsenoside‐Rg1 in electrospray ionization negative mode. The calibration curve was linear in the range of 10–2000 ng/mL for all biological matrices with a lower limit of quantification of 10 ng/mL. The validated method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution and excretion study. These preclinical data will be beneficial for further development of anemoside B4 in future studies.     

High performance liquid chromatography and capillary electrophoresis determination of sanguinarine in biological matrices

HPLC and CE methods were employed to determine the quaternary benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloid sanguinarine in biological matrices (rat hepatocytes, human gingival fibroblasts, feed, porcine faeces, body fluids and tissues). HPLC was carried out on a C₁₈ column using gradient elution and ion pairing techniques with 1‐heptanesulfonic acid as ion pairing agent under acidic conditions. The detection limit for fluorimetric detection at λ_ex = 327 nm and λ_em = 577 nm was 3 nM sanguinarine. CE analyses were performed in 50 mM phosphate‐Na buffer pH 2.5, with 150 mM SDS used for pre‐concentration by the sweeping effect. This experimental configuration allows injecting the total capillary length with sanguinarine sample. The detection limit for UV detection at 285 nm was 12 nM. Both methods are suitable for analysing submicromolar quantities of sanguinarine in biological materials. The HPLC method is more sensitive than CE because it uses fluorescence detection.     

Physical characterization and biological studies of a (streptidine)(PtCl4) compound

The synthesis, characterization and biological properties of a novel platinum compound, (H₂Std)PtCl₄(H₂O)_x (1, where x = 1–4; H₂Std stands for streptidine, the cationic sugar component of streptomycin), are reported in the solid state and in solution. Reaction of streptidine sulfate ((H₂Std)SO₄) with K₂PtCl₄, yields the sparingly soluble hydrated compound (H₂Std)PtCl₄. Structural information has been attained by a variety of spectroscopic techniques, as well as by using Pt L₃- and Cl K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). The analyses of the data were completed by performing extended X-ray structural characterization of the free ligand as streptidine sulfate, which was found crucial to interpret the nature and structural arrangement of complex 1.In addition, this work also presents the biological activity of complex 1, i.e. cytotoxic assays, antimicrobial studies, DNA titration and fluorescence in vitro experiments. The studies presented in this paper contribute to our understanding of the synergy between platinum and pharmaceutically relevant compounds.     

A Second-generation photocage for Zn2+ inspired by TPEN: characterization and insight into the uncaging quantum yields of ZinCleav chelators

Photocages have been used to elucidate the biological functions of various small molecules and Ca²⁺; however, there are very few photocages available for other metal ions. ZinCleav‐2 (1‐(4,5‐dimethoxy‐2‐nitrophenyl)‐N,N,N′,N′‐tetrakis‐pyridin‐2‐ylmethyl‐ethane‐1,2‐diamine) is a second‐generation photocage for Zn²⁺ that releases the metal ion after a light‐induced bifurcation of the chelating ligand. The structure of ZinCleav‐2 was inspired by TPEN (N,N,N′,N′‐tetrakis(2‐pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine), which is routinely used to sequester metal ions in cells owing to its high binding affinity. Inclusion of a 2‐nitrobenzyl chromophore leads to the formation of two more weakly binding di‐(2‐picolyl)amine (DPA) fragments upon photolysis of the TPEN backbone. The desired ligand was prepared using a modified procedure used to access ZinCleav‐1 (1‐(4,5‐dimethoxy‐2‐nitrophenyl)‐N,N′‐dimethyl‐N,N′‐bis‐pyridin‐2‐ylmethyl‐ethane‐1,2‐diamine). ZinCleav‐2 has a conditional dissociation constant (K_d) of ～0.9 fM as measured by competitive titration with a quinoline‐based fluorescent sensor for Zn²⁺. The K_d of the Zn²⁺ complex of the DPA photoproducts is ～158 nM ; therefore, the ΔK_d for ZinCleav‐2 photocage is ～10⁸. A large ΔK_d is required to significantly perturb free metal ion concentrations in biological assays. The quantum yield of photolysis of apo ZinCleav‐2 and the [Zn(ZinCleav‐2)]²⁺ complex are 4.7 and 2.3 %, respectively, as determined by HPLC analysis. Proof of concept Zn²⁺ release upon photolysis of [Zn(ZinCleav‐2)]²⁺ was demonstrated using the fluorescent sensor Zinpyr‐1, and the speciation of Zn²⁺ complexes was simulated using computational methods. The influence of benzylic substituents on the quantum yield of uncaging is also analyzed with the aim of tuning the photochemical properties caged complexes for in vivo experiments.     

A Third‐Generation Hydrogen Peroxide Biosensor Based on Horseradish Peroxidase Immobilized in Carbon Nanotubes/ SBA‐15 Film

A new third‐generation biosensor for H₂O₂ assay was developed on the basis of the immobilization of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in a nanocomposite film of carbon nanotubes (CNTs)‐SBA‐15 modified gold electrode. The biological activity of HRP immobilizing in the composite film was characterized by UV‐vis spectra. The HRP immobilized in the nanocomposite matrix displayed excellent electrocatalytic activity to the reduction of H₂O₂. The effects of the experimental variables such as solution pH and working potential were investigated using steady‐state amperometry. Under the optimal conditions, the resulting biosensor showed a linear range from 1 µM to 7 mM and a detection limit of 0.5 µM (S/N=3). Moreover, the stability and reproducibility of this biosensor were evaluated with satisfactory results.     

Application of NAA standardization methods using a low power research reactor

Two widely used neutron activation analysis (NAA) standardization methods (relative and k ₀) have been validated at the Ghana Research Reactor-1 (GHARR-1) Centre using environmental and biological standard reference materials (SRMs). The samples were IAEA Soil-7 as an environmental sample, and NIST Orchard Leaves 1571 as a biological sample. The qualitative and quantitative analyses were done using a high resolution Canberra N-type high purity germanium (HPGe) detector. The accuracy and precision were evaluated for the elements analysed. The concentrations of most of the elements were found to be within 10% of the certified values. Precision was calculated from six replicate measurements and was found to be within 15%.