Magnetic bead-based approach to monitoring of cigarette smoke-induced DNA oxidation damage and screening of natural protective compounds

Cigarette smoking can damage DNA and induce spontaneous mutagenesis or carcinogenesis. Here, we describe a novel strategy for in situ monitoring of cigarette smoke-induced DNA oxidation damage and offer a method for screening natural compounds that protect DNA against tobacco smoke. The present protocol takes advantage of a fast and simple magnetic separation/mixing method and a highly sensitive chemiluminescence (CL) ELISA. The DNA immobilized on the magnetic beads was oxidized by the smoke in the absence or presence of natural compounds, and then oxidative DNA was conveniently held by magnetic force, whereas the complex tobacco smoke matrix and any remaining compounds were completely eliminated by extensive washing, and possible interferences were thus removed and oxidative damage was then sensitively monitored by CL ELISA. A library of 32 natural products was then screened and three were found to protect DNA from oxidative damage and thus may be promising compounds for the development of new drugs. Moreover, the protection effect of these three natural compounds against DNA oxidation damage was successfully classified by directly spiking them in the reference cigarettes. In addition, the potential to screen a mixture in a complex sample matrix, such as crude extracts, was also demonstrated, and hence the proposed technique can screen compounds within a complex matrix and enhance the screening throughput.     

Electrochemical detection of miRNA-222 by use of a magnetic bead-based bioassay

MicroRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) are naturally occurring small RNAs (approximately 22 nucleotides in length) that have critical functions in a variety of biological processes, including tumorigenesis. They are an important target for detection technology for future medical diagnostics. In this paper we report an electrochemical method for miRNA detection based on paramagnetic beads and enzyme amplification. In particular, miR 222 was chosen as model sequence, because of its involvement in brain, lung, and liver cancers. The proposed bioassay is based on biotinylated DNA capture probes immobilized on streptavidin-coated paramagnetic beads. Total RNA was extracted from the cell sample, enriched for small RNA, biotinylated, and then hybridized with the capture probe on the beads. The beads were then incubated with streptavidin–alkaline phosphatase and exposed to the appropriate enzymatic substrate. The product of the enzymatic reaction was electrochemically monitored. The assay was finally tested with a compact microfluidic device which enables multiplexed analysis of eight different samples with a detection limit of 7 pmol L^?1 and RSD?=?15 %. RNA samples from non-small-cell lung cancer and glioblastoma cell lines were also analyzed.     

Protection of plasmid pBR322 DNA by flavonoids against single-strand breaks induced by singlet molecular oxygen

Flavonoids, the dominant colouring pigments of plants, as well as the related polyphenol tannic acid significantly inhibit single-strand breaks in plasmid pBR322 DNA induced by singlet molecular oxygen (¹O₂). This reactive species of oxygen was generated in an aqueous buffer system by the thermal dissociation of the endoperoxide of 3,3′-(1,4-naphthylene)dipropionate. Among the antioxidants examined, myricetin showed the highest protective ability, followed by tannic acid, (+) catechin, rutin, fisetin, luteolin and apigenin, when the inhibitory abilities were compared at 90 min after incubation. The protective abilities of these compounds were both time and concentration dependent. At equimolar concentrations (100 μM) the antioxidant effect of myricetin was better than that of other known antioxidants such as lipoate, -tocopherol and β-carotene. Data, when analysed in relation to the structures of various compounds, showed a rough correlation with protective abilities. Owing to the abundance of these compounds in our normal diet, they may play significant roles in preventing oxidative damage resulting from potentially deleterious ¹O₂.     

Induction of single-strand breaks (alkali-labile bonds) in bacterial and phage DNA by near UV (365 nm) radiation

Abstract —Irradiation at 365 nm results in the induction of approximately 2–4 times 10^-6 and 1-2times 10^-6 single-strand breaks (alkali-labile bonds) per 10⁸ daltons per J m^-2 in extracted phage T4 DNA and in Escherichia coli bacterial DNA, respectively. The rate of break induction in DNA of intact phage is approximately one-fourth that for extracted phage DNA. 2-aminoethylisothiouronium bromide-HBr protects against break induction in both phage systems. No breaks are induced in the DNA of bacteria irradiated under anaerobic conditions over the dose range tested. Possible induction mechanisms are suggested. Consideration is given to the relative importance of pyrimidine dimers and single-strand breaks in the bactericidal action of 365 nm radiation.     

Identification of natural compounds targeting SARS-CoV-2 Mpro by virtual screening and molecular dynamics simulations

The SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) has been chosen as a conserved molecular target to develop broad-spectrum antiviral drugs. Using molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, a total of 5600 natural compounds available for virtual screening were tested to identify potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. As a result, three natural compounds (pentagalloylglucose, malonylawobanin and gnetin E dihydride) were found to be potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2, which confirms the theoretical and practical significance of this approach for the design of SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors.     

Separation and determination of phenolic compounds by capillary electrophoresis with chemiluminescence detection

A methodology for multi-class pesticide determination at trace level in lanolin is presented. Gel permeation chromatography on a Bio-Beads SX-3 column followed by a dual GC chromatographic determination has been developed. The effluent of the analytical column (50% diphenyl–methyl- or 14% cyanopropyl–phenylpolysiloxane) was split into an electron-capture and a nitrogen–phosphorus detection system. The chromatographic system was optimised for 28 pesticides commonly used to control sheep pests and corresponding to organochlorine, organophosphorus and pyretroid classes. Identification has been carried out by gas chromatography coupled to negative chemical ionization mass spectrometry. Recoveries ranged from 72 to 94% and the detection limits from 20 to 97 ng/g depending on the pesticide class, the RSDs were below 10%. Finally, the developed analytical methodology has been successfully applied to the determination of pesticides in several lanolin samples.     

Development of a rapid and sensitivity magnetic chemiluminescence immunoassay for DNA methyltransferase 1 in human serum

DNA methyltransferase 1(DNMT1) is a useful biomarker for lung cancer in early clinical diagnosis. A rapid magnetic chemiluminescence immunoassay(MCLIA) for DNMT1 in human serum has been developed.Horseradish peroxidase(HRP)-second-Ab was used to labeled polyclonal antibodies of anti-DNMT1. DNMT1 in sample integrates with specific immunomagnetic beads and can constitute a supersandwiched immunoreaction. In magnetic field, nonspecific materials can be separated. After luminescent substrate luminol-H_2O_2-BIP was added, the relative light unit(RLU) of HRP was detected and was discovered to be directly proportional to the content of DNMT1 in sample. The correlative variables involved in the MCLIA value were optimized and the methodological evaluation was carried out. After optimization, in the range of0.5–128 ng/mL, the linear regression equation was y = 0.5014 x + 1.769(x was logCDNMT1, y was relative luminescence units(RLU)/RLU0), and the limit of detection was 0.01 ng/mL. The RSD of intra-and interassays were 15.8%–16.9% and 14.3%–18.1%, respectively. The recovery was from 70.0% to 106.2%.Furthermore, paralleled with purchasable enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) kits, MCLEIA had lower detection limit, wider linear range and shorter detection time. Therefore, the MCLEIA established in this study could be used for the sensitive detection of DNMT1 in serum sample.     

On-line derivatization coupled to flow injection permanganate chemiluminescence detection of total carbonyl compounds in natural waters and drinking water

This work describes the development of a fast assay for the determination of low molecular weight carbonyl compounds based on the oxidative chemiluminescence of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine with acidic permanganate, which is enhanced during conversion to the corresponding phenylhydrazone-carbonyl derivatives. By exploiting the common derivatization pathway and oxidation mechanism of phenylhydrazones under kinetically controlled conditions in a flow configuration, a common light emission is produced which corresponds to the total aqueous concentration of carbonyl compounds. The experimental conditions that afford the optimum analytical features were optimized for acetone, acetaldehyde and formaldehyde which constitute the most abundant carbonyl compounds in environmental samples. The method was successfully applied to the determination of total carbonyl content in natural waters and drinking water at the low μg L⁻¹ levels with satisfactory recoveries (94.0-99.5%) and very good reproducibility (RSD = 1.58-2.99%, n = 8, C = 2 μg L⁻¹). Validation of the results was performed with gas chromatography suggesting that the proposed method provides a fast alternative to the routine screening of low molecular weight carbonyl compounds in natural waters.     

Energy deposition mechanisms and biochemical aspects of DNA strand breaks by ionizing radiation

A theoretical model based on physical, chemical, and biochemical mechanisms has been presented to evaluate the yields of DNA strand breaks (single and double) as a function of linear energy transfer (LET ) or ?dE/dx. Energetic heavy charged particles are considered explicitly to provide a general theory for low- as well as for high-LET radiation. There are three main features of the calculation: (a) track structure considerations for the energy deposition pattern, (b) three-dimensional structure of DNA molecules to provide information on the exact location of damage, and (c) a Monte-Carlo scheme to simulate the diffusion processes of water radicals. To avoid the complexities of a cellular medium, an aqueous solution of DNA is considered in the calculation. When the results of the calculations are compared with experimental measurements of the yields of strand breaks in mammalian DNA (exposed in a cellular complex), reasonable agreement is obtained. However, only those experimental data have been compared where there were no enzyme repair processes. The method of calculation has also been extended to study breaks in higher-order structures of DNA molecules such as chromatin. Specific limitations of the present model have been pointed out for making further improvements.     

Quick screening of true tyrosinase inhibitors from natural products using tyrosinase‐immobilized magnetic nanoparticles and a magnetic microplate

Tyrosinase inhibitors from natural products have applications in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries because of the functions of tyrosinase in skin disorders and in the enzymatic browning of fruits. Current in vitro inhibitor screening assays are based on the inhibition of the oxidation of l ‐3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine (l ‐DOPA) mediated by a mushroom tyrosinase. However, in these assays, a tyrosinase inhibitor or an antioxidant could inhibit dopaquinone formation. In this study, we aimed to eliminate this ambiguity by using a microplate assay integrating tyrosinase‐immobilized magnetic nanoparticles (TYR‐MNPs) and a homemade magnetic microplate for high‐throughput screening. After incubating extracts of natural products with TYR‐MNPs, the magnetic nanoparticles are attracted to the bottoms of wells, the extracts are rinsed, and TYR‐MNPs react with l ‐DOPA. This method can be used to screen compounds that interact with the active sites of the enzyme, or copper chelators that bind more strongly than tyrosinase to copper ions, distinguishing them from antioxidants or tyrosinase substrates. Integration with the homemade magnetic microplate enables high‐throughput inhibitor screening. Aloe vera flowers are crop by‐products, and litchi flowers fall after the blossom. Our work demonstrated that these flowers have tyrosinase inhibitory effects, thus increasing their value.     

Probing traces of hydrogen peroxide by use of a biosensor based on mediator-free DNA and horseradish peroxidase immobilized on silver nanoparticles

A new electrochemical biosensor for determination of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) has been developed by immobilizing horseradish peroxidase (HRP) on silver colloids (nanosilver) and use of a DNA-functionalized interface. In the presence of the DNA and the nanosilver the immobilized HRP gives a pair of well-defined redox peaks with an electron-transfer rate constant of 3.27 ± 0.91 s⁻¹ in pH 7.0 PBS. The presence of DNA also provides a biocompatible microenvironment for enzyme molecules, greatly amplifies the amount of HRP molecules immobilized on the electrode surface, and improves the sensitivity of the biosensor. Under optimum conditions the biosensor has electrocatalytic activity in the reduction of hydrogen peroxide with linear dependence on H₂O₂ concentration in the range 1.5 × 10⁻⁶ to 2.0 × 10⁻³ mol L⁻¹; the detection limit is 5.0 × 10⁻⁷ mol L⁻¹ at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3. The value of HRP in the composite membrane was found to be 1.62 mmol L⁻¹. These results suggest that the properties of the complex film, with its bioelectrochemical catalytic activity, could make it useful for development of bioelectronic devices and for investigation of protein electrochemistry at functional interfaces.     

Trace analysis of pollutants by use of honeybees, immunoassays, and chemiluminescence detection

Specific and sensitive analysis to reveal and monitor the wide variety of chemical contaminants polluting all environment compartments, feed, and food is urgently required because of the increasing attention devoted to the environment and health protection. Our research group has been involved in monitoring the presence and distribution of agrochemicals by monitoring beehives distributed throughout the area studied. Honeybees have been used both as biosensors, because the pesticides affect their viability, and as “contaminant collectors” for all environmental pollutants. We focused our research on the development of analytical procedures able to reveal and quantify pesticides in different samples but with a special attention to the complex honeybee matrix. Specific extraction and purification procedures have been developed and some are still under optimization. The analytes of interest were determined by gas or liquid chromatographic methods and by compound-specific or group-specific immunoassays in the ELISA format, the analytical performance of which was improved by introducing luminescence detection. The range of chemiluminescent immunoassays developed was extended to include the determination of completely different pollutants, for example explosives, volatile organic compounds (including benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes), and components of plastics, for example bisphenol A. An easier and portable format, a lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) was added to the ELISA format to increase application flexibility in these assays. Aspects of the novelty, the specific characteristics, the analytical performance, and possible future development of the different chromatographic and immunological methods are described and discussed.

Selective photocleavage of DNA and RNA by anthraquinone derivatives: targeting the single-strand region of hairpin structures

A tetracationic anthraquinone derivative (27AQS2) binds to hairpin DNA and RNA. Ultraviolet irradiation of the bound quinone causes cleavage in the loop region of both oligonucleotides and at guanines in the stem region of the DNA hairpin. The absence of observable strand cleavage at guanines in the RNA hairpin suggests that either aniline treatment does not cause cleavage at damaged guanines in RNA or that radical cation migration does not occur readily in RNA duplexes. The ability to target the single-stranded regions of DNA and RNA structures is an important property of this photonuclease.     

The inhibition by amines and amino acids of bleach-induced luminol chemiluminescence during forensic screening for blood

Sprays containing alkaline solutions of peroxide and luminol are used as presumptive screens for bloodstains at crime scenes. These sprays can be subject to interference from hypochlorite-based cleaning agents (bleaches), leading to false positive results. This paper reports the screening of amines for their ability to decrease the interference by bleach while not greatly affecting the reaction with blood. The addition of glycine (0.05 mol L⁻¹) to the Grodsky formulation of luminol spray, together with an adjustment of the pH to 12, gave good discrimination between blood and bleach, and has the advantage that glycine is non-toxic compared to many other amines. The modified spray gave similar chemiluminescence intensity and duration as the unmodified Grodsky spray. However, it is recommended that this modification only be used when there is evidence that hypochlorite bleach may have been used at a scene. The amines triethylamine and sulfamate led to enhanced chemiluminescence in the presence of hypochlorite.     

Enhancing and inhibiting effects of aromatic compounds on luminol-dimethylsulfoxide-OH(-) chemiluminescence and determination of intermediates in oxidative hair dyes by HPLC with chemiluminescence detection

The effect of 36 aromatic compounds on the luminol-dimethylsulfoxide-OH⁻ chemiluminescence (CL) was systematically studied. It was found that dihydroxybenzenes, and ortho- and para-substituted aminophenols and phenylenediamines inhibited the CL and phenols with three or more than three hydroxyls except phloroglucin tended to enhance the CL. The CL inhibition and enhancement was proposed to be dependent on whether superoxide anion radical (O₂⁻) was competitively consumed by compounds in the CL system. Trihydroxybenzenes were capable of generating superoxide anion radical, leading to the CL enhancement, whereas dihydroxybenzenes were superoxide anion radical scavenger, causing the CL inhibition. Based on the inhibited CL, a novel method for the simultaneous determination of p-phenylenediamine, o-phenylenediamine, p-aminophenol, o-aminophenol, resorcinol and hydroquinone by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with chemiluminescence detection was developed. The method has been successfully applied to determine intermediates in oxidative hair dyes and wastewater of shampooing after hair dyed.