Conjugation of proteins with chelating polymers via water-soluble carbodiimide andN-hydroxysulfosuccinimide

Water-soluble chelating polymers (CP) based on polylysine and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) have been prepared. The effect of the number of DTPA-groups in the polymer chain on the process of CP carbodiimide-mediated coupling to proteins has been studied. CP obtained were conjugated with proteins via carbodiimide andN-hydroxysulfosuccinimide (HSSI). The optimal conditions of CP activation were determined using model low-molecular-weight amine. It was shown that the addition of HSSI to an activation mixture increases the coupling efficiency of CP with immunoglobulins by 3‐4-fold compared with carbodiimide alone. Possible mechanisms of this phenomenon are discussed.     

The synthesis of fluoroether-fluorosilicone hybrid polymers

The replacement of the fluorocarbon segment in the general class of hybrid fluorocarbon-fluorosilicones by fluoroether units was investigated in order to improve low temperature properties without sacrificing high temperature performance. The effects of the co-reactant halogens (bromine and iodine) and metallic fluorides (potassium fluoride and cesium fluoride) on the product yields in the syntheses of the requisite α,ω-dihalo-F-ether intermediates [1] from the corresponding acyl or diacyl fluorides were studied. While a better yield was obtained with bromine than with iodine, the iodoperfluoroethers produced superior yields in the subsequent ethylene addition reactions, as expected. Potassium fluoride was preferable to cesium fluoride in the synthesis of the iodo-F-ethers, since cesium fluoride effects decomposition of the ethers.     

Absorption spectroscopic probe to investigate the interaction between Nd(III) and calf-thymus DNA

The interaction between Nd(III) and Calf Thymus DNA (CT-DNA) in physiological buffer (pH 7.4) has been studied using absorption spectroscopy involving 4f-4f transition spectra in different aquated organic solvents. Complexation with CT-DNA is indicated by the changes in absorption intensity following the subsequent changes in the oscillator strengths of different 4f-4f bands and Judd-Ofelt intensity (T(λ)) parameters. The other spectral parameters namely Slator-Condon (F(k)'s), nephelauxetic effect (β), bonding (b(1/2)) and percent covalency (δ) parameters are computed to correlate with the binding of Nd(III) with DNA. The absorption spectra of Nd(III) exhibited hyperchromism and red shift in the presence of DNA. The binding constant, K(b) has been determined by absorption measurement. The relative viscosity of DNA decreased with the addition of Nd(III). Thermodynamic parameters have been calculated according to relevant absorption data and Van't Hoff equation. The characterisation of bonding mode has been studied in detail. The results suggested that the major interaction mode between Nd(III) and DNA was external electrostatic binding.     

Semi-crystalline photovoltaic polymers with siloxane-terminated hybrid side-chains

Three types of semi-cry stalline photovoltaic polymers were synthesized by incorporating a siloxane-terminated organic/inorganic hybrid side-chain and changing the number of fluorine substituents.A branch point away from a polymer main backbone in the siloxane-containing side-chains and the intra-and/or interchain noncovalent coulombic interactions enhance a chain planarity and facile interchain organization.The resulting polymers formed strongly agglomerated films with high roughness,suggesting strong intermolecular interactions.The optical band gap of ca.1.7 eV was measured for all polymers with a pronounced shoulder peak due to tight π-π stacking.With increasing the fluorine substituents,the frontier energy levels decreased and preferential face-on orientation was observed.The siloxane-terminated side-chains and fluorine substitution promoted the intermolecular packing,showing well resolved lamellar scatterings up to(300) for this series of polymers in the grazing incidence wide angle X-ray scattering measurements.The PPsiDTBT,PPsiDTFBT and PPsiDT2 FBT devices showed a power conversion efficiency of 3.16%,4.40%and 5.65%,respectively,by blending with PC_(71)BM.Langevin-type bimolecular charge recombination was similar for three polymeric solar cells.The main loss in the photocurrent generation for PPsiDTBT:PC_(71)BM was interpreted to originate from the trap assisted charge recombination by measuring light-intensity dependent short-circuit current density(J_(SC)) and open-circuit voltage(V_(Oc)).Our results provide a new insight into the rational selection of solubilizing substituents for optimizing crystalline interchain packing with appropriate miscibility with PC71 BM for further optimizing polymer solar cells.     

Luminescent Ir(III) complex exclusively made of polypyridine ligands capable of intercalating into calf-thymus DNA

Efficient intercalation of a luminescent Ir(III) complex exclusively made of polypyridine ligands in natural and synthetic biopolymers is reported for the first time. The emission of the complex is largely enhanced in the presence of [poly(dA-dT)(2)] and strongly quenched in the presence of [poly(dG-dC)(2)]. By comparing the emission decays in DNA and in synthetic polynucleotides, it is proposed that the emission quenching of the title compound by guanine residues in DNA is no longer effective over a distance of four dA-dT base pairs.     

微流路中利用DNA选择性固定蛋白质

报道了一种可控的通过DNA复合物在微流路中杂交固定蛋白质的方法. 微流路系统中的玻璃基底上固定寡聚核苷酸, 其中的层流提供了不同的DNA-蛋白质复合物. DNA的特异性识别可以将蛋白通过表面寻址固定在基底上. 并且在体系中引入了全内反射荧光技术来追踪整个过程. 此方法的特异性和灵敏度均较高, 且蛋白质的固定和去除可重复. 实验结果显示, 同时检测特异性和非特异性的识别, 可以有效提高生物检测的准确性. 这项技术可以提高具有微流路结构的生物传感器装置的检测质量.     

Synthesis of a new Pt(II) complex containing valganciclovir drug and calf-thymus DNA interaction study using multispectroscopic methods

A new complex, [Pt(valcyte)(DMSO)Cl]Cl, in which valcyte (trade name) served as valganciclovir hydrochloride drug ([2-[(2-amino-6-oxo-3H-purin-9-yl)methoxy]-3-hydroxypropyl](2S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanoate), was synthesized and characterized by different physicochemical methods. Binding interaction of this complex with calf-thymus DNA (ct-DNA) has been investigated by multispectroscopic techniques. The complex displays significant binding properties with ct-DNA. The results of fluorescence and UV–vis absorption spectroscopy indicated that this complex interacted with ct-DNA in a groove-binding mode, and the binding constant was 3.8 × 10⁴ M^?1. Furthermore, the complex induced detectable changes in the CD spectrum of ct-DNA and slightly changed its viscosity which verified the groove-binding mode. Finally, all results indicated that Pt(II) complex interact with DNA via groove-binding mode.     

Synthesis of hybrid dendrimer-star polymers by the RAFT process

A first generation phosphorus-containing dendrimer with twelve terminal benzyl dithiobenzoate functions was designed and subsequently used as a multifunctional agent to derive hybrid star copolymers consisting of a dendritic core surrounded by twelve polystyrene branches by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT).     

DNA hybridization detection with water-soluble conjugated polymers and chromophore-labeled single-stranded DNA

A sensor is provided that detects single-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (ssDNA) with a specific base sequence. The ssDNA sequence sensor comprises an aqueous solution containing a cationic water-soluble conjugated polymer [in this case, poly(9,9-bis(6'-N,N,N-trimethylammonium)-hexyl)-fluorene phenylene), 1] with a ssDNA labeled with a dye (in this case, fluorescein). The emission of light from the sensor solution with the wavelength characteristic of the probe oligonucleotide indicates the presence of ssDNA with a specific base sequence complementary to that of the probe ssDNA-fluorescein. Maximum energy transfer from 1 to the signaling chromophore occurs when the ratio of polymer chains to DNA strands is approximately 1:1. Energy transfer from 1 results in a fluorescein emission that is more intense than that observed by direct excitation of the chromophore. Furthermore, the decrease in energy transfer upon addition of electrolyte indicates that electrostatic forces dominate the interactions between 1 and DNA.     

Disulfide‐Unit Conjugation Enables Ultrafast Cytosolic Internalization of Antisense DNA and siRNA

Development of intracellular delivery methods for antisense DNA and siRNA is important. Previously reported methods using liposomes or receptor‐ligands take several hours or more to deliver oligonucleotides to the cytoplasm due to their retention in endosomes. Oligonucleotides modified with low molecular weight disulfide units at a terminus reach the cytoplasm 10 minutes after administration to cultured cells. This rapid cytoplasmic internalization of disulfide‐modified oligonucleotides suggests the existence of an uptake pathway other than endocytosis. Mechanistic analysis revealed that the modified oligonucleotides are efficiently internalized into the cytoplasm through disulfide exchange reactions with the thiol groups on the cellular surface. This approach solves several critical problems with the currently available methods for enhancing cellular uptake of oligonucleotides and may be an effective approach in the medicinal application of antisense DNA and siRNA.     

Selective Protein Immobilization via DNA Conjugation under Microfluidic Laminar Flow

The feasibility of controlled protein immobilization via DNA conjugation by utilizing laminar flow in a microfluidic device was demonstrated. The glass surface in a microchannel was treated by oligonucleotides. The laminar flow brought different protein-DNA conjugates parallel into the microchannel. DNA recognition allows proteins to be delivered to the desired location. The total internal reflection fluorescence was also applied to monitor the process. Both the specificity and sensitivity were high, and the immobilization and removal of the proteins were repeatable. It was shown that with parallel detection of specific and non-specific recognitions, the accuracy of bio-assay would be effectively enhanced. This strategy could improve the performing quality of biosensors in microfluidic devices.     

Coordination polymers and hybrid networks of different dimensionalities formed by metal sulfites

In our effort to explore the use of the sulfite ion to design hybrid and open-framework materials, we have been able to prepare, under hydrothermal conditions, zero-dimensional [Zn(C12H8N2)(SO3)].2H2O, I (a = 7.5737(5) A, b = 10.3969(6) A, c = 10.3986(6) A, alpha = 64.172(1) degrees , beta = 69.395(1) degrees , gamma = 79.333(1) degrees , Z = 2, and space group P), one-dimensional [Zn2(C12H8N2)(SO3)2(H2O)], II (a = 8.0247(3) A, b = 9.4962(3) A, c = 10.2740(2) A, alpha = 81.070(1) degrees , beta = 80.438(1) degrees , gamma = 75.66(5) degrees , Z = 2, and space group P), two-dimensional [Zn2(C10H8N2)(SO3)2].H2O, III (a = 16.6062(1) A, b = 4.7935(1) A, c = 19.2721(5) A, beta = 100.674(2) degrees , Z = 4, and space group C2/c), and three-dimensional [Zn4(C6H12N2)(SO3)4(H2O)4], IV (a = 11.0793(3) A, c = 8.8246(3) A, Z = 2, and space group P42nm), of which the last three are coordination polymers. A hybrid open-framework sulfite-sulfate of the composition [C2H10N2][Nd(SO3)(SO4)(H2O)]2, V (a = 9.0880(3) A, b = 6.9429(2) A, c = 13.0805(5) A, beta = 91.551(2) degrees , Z = 2, and space group P21/c), with a layered structure containing metal-oxygen-metal bonds has also been described.     

Dual-amplified sensitive DNA detection based on conjugated polymers and recyclable autocatalytic hybridization of DNA

A simple and extremely sensitive dual-amplification platform for the detection of DNA was developed combining signal amplification of conjugated polymers and recyclable autocatalytic hybridization of DNA.     

DNA interaction with synthetic polymers in solution

DNA complexes with cationic polymers (polyvinylamine (PVA), polyallylamine (PAA), polydimethylaminoethylmethacrylate (PDMAEM), poly-(N,N,N-trimethylammonio)ethyl methacrylate chloride (PTMAEM), poly-l-lysine (PLL)) were investigated. It was shown that volume and persistent length of DNA do not change essentially at low cationic polymer concentration in a solution. DNA packaging in 0.005 M NaCl was observed at charge ratio N/P ≈ 1. Secondary DNA structure in complexes was not disrupted, and DNA was protected from protonation. The comparison between DNA packaging in complexes with polycations and DNA condensation induced by trivalent ions was made.     

Mechanism of stabilization of silicone oil-water emulsions using hybrid siloxane polymers

Silicone polymers, due to their high lubricity and good spreading properties, are widely used in industrial applications. Being insoluble in water and most hydrocarbons, a common mode of delivering silicones is in the form of emulsions. To stabilize silicones in the emulsion form more efficiently, it is useful to understand the mechanism of emulsion stabilization. Two different mechanisms of emulsion stabilization have been proposed in the past: film formation and precipitation (known as the Pickering mechanism). These two mechanisms are different, and there is a need to further investigate this issue. The aim of the present work was to investigate the mechanism of stabilizing silicone emulsions and to propose a generalized behavior. Several experiments including the measurement of Langmuir isotherms, rheology experiments, phase diagram studies, and microscopy experiments were conducted. All of the above techniques indicated that the functional groups interact strongly with the water phase. The emulsions were found to be stable only if the emulsifiers were soluble in silicone oil or the water phase, and the stability decreased as the emulsifier precipitated. In most cases tested here, the emulsifiers were not observed to precipitate as reported earlier for the Pickering mechanism, and the emulsion stabilization followed film formation. These results should help to predict emulsion stabilization for unknown systems.     

Alternating DNA and pi-conjugated sequences. Thermophilic foldable polymers

Foldable polymers with alternating single-strand deoxyribonucleic acid and planar conjugated organic perylene tetracarboxylic diimide units were found to self-organize into loosely folded nanostructures. Upon heating, the loosely folded structures become more ordered as evidenced by pi-stacking in the perylene segments. The folding and unfolding processes driven by the molecular interactions of adjacent perylenes were monitored in both aqueous and organic solutions. Heat-promoted folding, or inverse temperature behavior, which originates from positive enthalpy changes, was only observed in water. Therefore, we attributed this inverse temperature dependence to hydrophobic effects rather than pi-pi molecular orbital overlap between the perylene planes. These findings shed light on the design of new thermophiles in protein engineering as well as the construction of macromolecular-based nanodevices with actuator and sensory properties.     

Conjugation of arginine–glycine–aspartic acid peptides to thermoreversible N‐isopropylacrylamide polymers

Thermoreversible polymeric biomaterials are finding increased acceptance in tissue engineering applications. One drawback of the polymers is their synthetic nature, which does not allow direct interaction of mammalian cells with the polymers. This limitation may be alleviated by grafting arginine–glycine–aspartic acid (RGD) containing peptides onto the polymer backbone to facilitate interactions with cell‐surface integrins. Toward this goal, N‐isopropylacrylamide (NiPAM)‐based thermoreversible polymers containing amine‐reactive N‐acryloxysuccinimide (NASI) groups were synthesized. Conjugation of RGD‐containing peptides to polymers was demonstrated with ¹H NMR spectroscopy and reverse‐phase high‐pressure liquid chromatography. The conjugation reaction was optimal at 4 °C and pH of 8.0, and increased with the increasing NASI content of polymers. With a peptide grafting ratio of 0.25 mol %, there was no significant change in the lower critical solution temperature of the polymers. Finally, the NASI‐containing polymers, cast as films, on tissue culture polystyrene, were shown to conjugate to RGD‐containing peptides and support C2C12 cell attachment. We conclude that NASI‐containing thermoreversible polymers are amenable for grafting biomimetic peptides to impart cell adhesiveness to the polymers. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 3989–4000, 2003     

Surface‐Grafted conjugated polymers for hybrid cellulose materials

Conjugated polymers were grafted onto cellulose substrates in an effort to create a general method for the synthesis of conjugated polymer/cellulose hybrid materials. In this report, we describe the grafting of poly(fluorene), poly(fluorenevinylene), and a poly(fluorene‐ethynylene‐phenylene) onto modified cellulose paper substrates using Suzuki, Heck, and Sonogashira‐type polymerizations, respectively. The application of these three widely used coupling chemistries to surface‐grafted conjugated polymers on cellulose provides a general route to cellulose‐based hybrid materials tunable with almost any aromatic repeat structure for specific applications. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011