Effects of ELF Magnetic Field in Combination with Iron(III) Chloride (FeCl3) on Cellular Growth and Surface Morphology of Escherichia coli (E. coli)

This study investigated the effects of extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic field with/without iron(III) chloride (FeCl₃) on bacterial growth and morphology. The ELF exposures were carried out using a pair of Helmholtz coil-based ELF exposure system which was designed to generate 50 Hz sinusoidal magnetic field. The field was approximately uniform throughout the axis of the coil pair. The samples which were treated or non-treated with different concentrations FeCl₃ were exposed to 50 Hz, 2 millitesla (mT) magnetic field for 24 h. ELF effect on viability was assessed in terms of viable colony counts (in colony-forming unit per milliliter) with the standard plate count technique. Scanning electron microscopy was used to investigate the magnetic field effect on surface morphology of Escherichia coli. No significant results were seen in terms of cell viability between ELF and sham-exposed bacterial strains. Similarly, FeCl₃ treatment did not change cell viability of E. coli samples. However, we observed some morphological changes on E. coli cell surfaces. Pore formations and membrane destruction were seen on the surface of 24 h ELF field-exposed cells. We concluded that ELF magnetic field exposure at 2 mT does not affect cell viability; however, it may affect bacterial surface morphology.     

Effects of Curcumin Analogues DMC and EF24 in Combination with the Cytokine TRAIL against Kidney Cancer

The natural compound curcumin has been shown to have therapeutic potential against a wide range of diseases such as cancer. Curcumin reduces cell viability of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cells when combined with TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), a cytokine that specifically targets cancer cells, by helping overcome TRAIL resistance. However, the therapeutic effects of curcumin are limited by its low bioavailability. Similar compounds to curcumin with higher bioavailability, such as demethoxycurcumin (DMC) and 3,5-bis(2-fluorobenzylidene)-4-piperidone (EF24), can potentially have similar anticancer effects and show a similar synergy with TRAIL, thus reducing RCC viability. This study aims to show the effects of DMC and EF24 in combination with TRAIL at reducing ACHN cell viability and ACHN cell migration. It also shows the changes in death receptor 4 (DR4) expression after treatment with these compounds individually and in combination with TRAIL, which can play a role in their mechanism of action.     

Studies on the construction of abutasterone-type and 24-epi-abutasterone-type side chains employing asymmetric dihydroxylation of (E)-20(22),24-cholestadiene

The synthesis of abutasterone-type side chain, (20R,22R,24S)-20,22,24,25-tetrahydroxy-6β-methoxy-3α,5-cyclo-5α-cholestane 4, and 24-epi-abutasterone-type side chain, (20R,22R,24R)-20,22,24,25-tetrahydroxy-6β-methoxy-3α,5-cyclo-5α-cholestane 6, by means of Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation of (E)-20(22),24-cholestadiene 1 is described. Construction of abutasterone-type side chain 4 was carried out by selective mono-dihydroxylation of diene 1 with (DHQ)₂AQN, followed by dihydroxylation of the corresponding (24S)-hydroxy-20(22)-cholestene 2 with (DHQD)₂AQN. In contrast, bis-dihydroxylation of 1 with either (DHQD)₂PHAL or (DHQD)₂AQN preferentially occurs to produce 24-epi-abutasterone-type side chain 6.     

Crystal structures of lazulite-type oxidephosphates TiTi3O3(PO4)3 and M4Ti27O24(PO4)24 (M=Ti, Cr, Fe)

Single crystals of the oxidephosphates Ti^IIITi^IV₃O₃(PO₄)₃ (black), Cr^III₄Ti^IV₂₇O₂₄(PO₄)₂₄ (red-brown, transparent), and Fe^III₄Ti^IV₂₇O₂₄(PO₄)₂₄ (brown) with edge-lengths up to 0.3 mm were grown by chemical vapour transport. The crystal structures of these orthorhombic members (space group F2dd ) of the lazulite/lipscombite structure family were refined from single-crystal data [Ti^IIITi^IV₃O₃(PO₄)₃: Z=24, a=7.3261(9) Å, b=22.166(5) Å, c=39.239(8) Å, R₁=0.029, wR₂=0.084, 6055 independent reflections, 301 variables; Cr^III₄Ti^IV₂₇O₂₄(PO₄)₂₄: Z=1, a=7.419(3) Å, b=21.640(5) Å, c=13.057(4) Å, R₁=0.037, wR₂=0.097, 1524 independent reflections, 111 variables; Fe^III₄Ti^IV₂₇O₂₄(PO₄)₂₄: Z=1, a=7.4001(9) Å, b=21.7503(2) Å, c=12.775(3) Å, R₁=0.049, wR₂=0.140, 1240 independent reflections, 112 variables). For Ti^IIITi^IVO₃(PO₄)₃ a well-ordered structure built from dimers [Ti^III,IV₂O₉] and [Ti^IV,IV₂O₉] and phosphate tetrahedra is found. The metal sites in the crystal structures of Cr₄Ti₂₇O₂₄(PO₄)₂₄ and Fe₄Ti₂₇O₂₄(PO₄)₂₄, consisting of dimers [M^IIITi^IVO₉] and [Ti^IV,IV₂O₉], monomeric [Ti^IVO₆] octahedra, and phosphate tetrahedra, are heavily disordered. Site disorder, leading to partial occupancy of all octahedral voids of the parent lipscombite/lazulite structure, as well as splitting of the metal positions is observed. According to Guinier photographs Ti^III₄Ti^IV₂₇O₂₄(PO₄)₂₄ (a=7.418(2) Å, b=21.933(6) Å, c=12.948(7) Å) is isotypic to the oxidephosphates M^III₄Ti^IV₂₇O₂₄(PO₄)₂₄ (M^III: Cr, Fe). The UV/vis spectrum of Cr₄Ti₂₇O₂₄(PO₄)₂₄ reveals a rather small ligand-field splitting Δ_o=14,370 cm⁻¹ and a very low nephelauxetic ratio β=0.72 for the chromophores [Cr^IIIO₆] within the dimers [Cr^IIITi^IVO₉].     

Cluster self-organization of germanate systems: Suprapolyhedral precursor nanoclusters and self-assembly of CAN-Na8(Al6Ge6O24)Ge(OH)6(H2O)2 and CAN-Cs2Na6(Al6Ge6O24)Ge(OH)6) zeolite crystal structures re]20100419

Geometrical and topological analysis of zeolite crystal structures having a tetrahedral framework of the cancrinite (CAN) type, namely, (CAN) Na₈(Al₆Ge₆O₂₄)Ge(OH)₆(H₂O)₂ (acentric space group P6₃, hP64, Na-CAN) and Cs₂Na₆(Al₆Ge₆O₂₄)Ge(OH)₆ (P6₃, hP52, CsNa-CAN), is carried out with the use of computer techniques (the TOPOS 4.0 program package). An AT ₆ hexapolyhedral precursor nanocluster centered with a template cation A (Na, Cs) is identified. The topological type of a two-dimensional (2D) crystalforming T-net 4.6.12, which corresponds to a uninodal semiregular Shubnikov net, is recognized. The full 3D reconstruction of crystal structure self-assembly is performed as follows: precursor nanocluster → primary chain → microlayer → microframework → … framework. The symmetry of an AT6 precursor nanocluster is described by point group 3; the symmetry axis passes through the center of the nanocluster and cation A. The coordination number (CN) of a precursor nanocluster, which characterizes the nanocluster stacking in the macrostructure, is six. In both structures, six Na atoms and a Ge(OH)₆ polyhedral species are spacers filling the voids between AT ₆ precursor nanoclusters. The Ge(OH)₆ polyhedral species is characterized by four and two orientationally allowed positions in Na-CAN and CsNa-CAN, respectively. The minimal number of suprapolyhedral AT ₆ precursor nanoclusters required for the 3D microframework to form is 16; that is, 96 tetrahedra are involved in microframework self-assembly.     

Synthesis and characterization of two new asymmetrical branched amines and related Mn(II) and Ni(II) Schiff base complexes containing pyridine moieties: Crystal structures of Mn(II) and Ni(II) complexes and their antibacterial properties

Two new branched pentadentate amines (N₅), 3,7-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-5,5-dimethyl-3,7-diazaheptane-1-amine (1) and 4,8-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-6,6-dimethyl-4,8-diaza octane-1-amine (2) have been prepared. These have been used to synthesis two new Schiff base complexes containing a pyridine and 2-pyridylmethyl pendant arm, by template [1+1] condensation of pyridine-2-carbaldehyde with the amines in the presence of Mn(II) in methanol. Elemental and spectral results are used to characterize the complexes and their structures are confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The structure of MnL¹(ClO₄)₂ indicates that in the solid state the Mn(II) ion adopts a slightly distorted octahedral geometry. The crystal structure of [Ni(1)(MeCN)](ClO₄)₂ is also reported and exhibits a slightly distorted octahedral geometry. Also the synthesized complexes were screened for their antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (Lio), Serratia marcescens (PTCC 1330), Staphylococcous aureus (ATCC 6633), and Proteus vulgaris (Lio) and results showed that the all complexes have antibacterial effects and [NiL¹](ClO₄)₂, [MnL²](ClO₄) and [MnL¹](ClO₄)₂ have more effective ones against E. coli.     

The cis‐Diammineplatinum(II) Complex of Curcumin: A Dual Action DNA Crosslinking and Photochemotherapeutic Agent

[Pt(cur)(NH₃)₂](NO₃) ( 1 ), a curcumin‐bound cis‐diammineplatinum(II) complex, nicknamed Platicur, as a novel photoactivated chemotherapeutic agent releases photoactive curcumin and an active platinum(II) species upon irradiation with visible light. The hydrolytic instability of free curcumin reduces upon binding to platinum(II). Interactions of 1 with 5′‐GMP and ct‐DNA indicated formation of platinum‐bound DNA adducts upon exposure to visible light (λ=400–700 nm). It showed apoptotic photocytotoxicity in cancer cells (IC₅₀≈15 μM ), thus forming ^?OH, while remaining passive in the darkness (IC₅₀>200 μM ). A comet assay and platinum estimation suggest Pt–DNA crosslink formation. The fluorescence microscopic images showed cytosolic localization of curcumin, thus implying possibility of dual action as a chemo‐ and phototherapeutic agent.     

The chain-shaped coordination polymers based on the bowl-like Ln18Ni24(23.5) clusters exhibiting favorable low-field magnetocaloric effect

The design of assembling high-nuclearity transition-lanthanide (3d-4f) clusters along with excellent magnetocaloric effect (MCE) is one of the most prominent fields but is extremely challenging. Herein, two heterometallic metal coordination polymers are constructed via the “carbonate-template” method, formulated as {[Gd₁₈Ni₂₄(IDA)₂₂(CO₃)₇(μ₃-OH)₃₂(μ₂-OH)₃(H₂O)₅Cl]·Cl₈·(H₂O)₁₄}_n and {[Eu₁₈Ni_23.5(IDA)₂₂(CO₃)₇(μ₃-OH)₃₂(H₂O)₅(IN)(CH₃COO)₂(NH₂CH₂COO)Cl]·Cl₆·(H₂O)₁₇}_n [abbreviated as 1-(Gd₁₈Ni₂₄)_n and 2-(Eu₁₈Ni_23.5)_n respectively; H₂IDA = iminodiacetic acid; HIN = isonicotinic acid]. Concerning the structures, compounds 1-(Gd₁₈Ni₂₄)_n and 2-(Eu₁₈Ni_23.5)_n both feature the one-dimensional (1D) chain-like structure which is rarely reported in high-nuclearity metal complexes. Meanwhile, the large presences of Gd³⁺ ions in compound 1-(Gd₁₈Ni₂₄)_n are conducive to the fantastic MCE, and the value of −∆S_m is 35.30 J kg⁻¹ K⁻¹ at 3.0 K and ∆H = 7.0 T. And more significantly, compound 1-(Gd₁₈Ni₂₄)_n shows the large low-field magnetic entropy change (−∆S_m = 20.95 J kg⁻¹ K⁻¹ at 2.0 K and ∆H = 2.0 T) among the published 3d-4f mixed metal clusters.     

Evaluation of Ruthenium(II) N-Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes as Antibacterial Agents and Inhibitors of Bacterial Thioredoxin Reductase

A series of ruthenium(II) complexes with N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands of the general type (arene)(NHC)Ru(II)X₂ (where X = halide) was prepared, characterized, and evaluated as antibacterial agents in comparison to the respective metal free benzimidazolium cations. The ruthenium(II) NHC complexes generally triggered stronger bacterial growth inhibition than the metal free benzimidazolium cations. The effects were much stronger against Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus) than against Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and all complexes were inactive against the fungus Candida albicans. Moderate inhibition of bacterial thioredoxin reductase was confirmed for selected complexes, indicating that inhibition of this enzyme might be a contributing factor to the antibacterial effects.     

Synthesis, crystal structure and in vitro antibacterial activity of two novel silver(I) complexes

Two silver(I) complexes [Ag₂(dppm)₂(L¹)₂(CH₂Cl₂)₂] (1) and [Ag₄(dppm)₂(L²)₂(NO₃)₂] (2) have been prepared by the reactions of [Ag₂(dppm)₂(NO₃)₂] with HL¹ and HL² [dppm = bis(diphenylphosphino)methane, HL¹ = 2-(9H-carbazol-9-yl) acetic acid and HL² = (E)-3-(4-(9H-carbazole-9-yl) phenyl) acrylic acid], respectively. Both complexes have been structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography, confirming that 1 is a binuclear complex whereas 2 is a tetranuclear one. Both complexes were assayed for antibacterial activity against two Gram-positive bacterial strains (Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538) and two Gram-negative bacterial strains (Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 13525 and Escherichia coli ATCC 35218) by MTT method. Complex 2 exhibited powerful antibacterial activities against B. subtilis ATCC 6633 with MIC of 0.78 μg/mL, which was superior to the positive controls penicillin G. On the basis of the biological results, structure-activity relationships were discussed.     

Hybrid open-frameworks (MIL-n): Syntheses and structures of 2-dimensional gallium methylphosphonates (MIL-23) and 3-dimensional copper vanadium methyldiphosphonate (MIL-24)

The hydrothermal synthesis and the structure determination from powder or single crystals X-ray diffraction of 3 new metallophosphonates are presented. Crystal data: Ga(OH)_0.28F_0.72PO₃(CH₃): P2₁/c (n∘ 14), a = 7.7912(7) Å, b = 7.2310(6) Å, c = 9.3114(8) Å, β = 106.873(2) °, V = 502.00(8) Å ³, Z = 4, R₁(F) = 0.0409, wR₂(F²) = 0.0933 for 1 266 reflections I > 2 σ (I) with 77 parameters. Ga₃(OH)₃F₃(MePO₃)₂ H₂N(CH₂)₃NH₃: P-3 (No. 147), a = b = 7.2514(2) Å, c = 7.9413(2) Å, V = 361.6(3) ų, Z = 6, R_F = 7.95, R_Bragg = 7.18, R_wp = 17.3, R_p = 12.0. (V^IVO(H₂O))(Cu^II(H₂O))O₃P-CH₂-PO₃: P2₁2₁2₁ (No. 19), a = 6.3884(3) Å, b = 10.7284(4) Å, c = 11.2762(5) Å, V = 772.84(6) ų, Z = 4, R₁(F) = 0.0395, wR₂(F²) = 0.0861 for 2 012 reflections I > 2 σ (I) and 128 parameters.     

Platinum(II)–Gadolinium(III) Complexes as Potential Single‐Molecular Theranostic Agents for Cancer Treatment

Theranostic agents are emerging multifunctional molecules capable of simultaneous therapy and diagnosis of diseases. We found that platinum(II)–gadolinium(III) complexes with the formula [{Pt(NH₃)₂Cl}₂GdL](NO₃)₂ possess such properties. The Gd center is stable in solution and the cytoplasm, whereas the Pt centers undergo ligand substitution in cancer cells. The Pt units interact with DNA and significantly promote the cellular uptake of Gd complexes. The cytotoxicity of the Pt–Gd complexes is comparable to that of cisplatin at high concentrations (≥0.1 mM ), and their proton relaxivity is higher than that of the commercial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent Gd–DTPA. T₁‐weighted MRI on B6 mice demonstrated that these complexes can reveal the accumulation of platinum drugs in vivo. Their cytotoxicity and imaging capabilities make the Pt–Gd complexes promising theranostic agents for cancer treatment.     

[H4tren]3/2·(Al6F24)·3H2O,the most condensed fluoride in the Al(OH)3-tren-HFaq.-ethanol system

The most condensed crystalline fluoride that appears in the Al(OH)₃-tren-HF_aq.-ethanol system at 190 °C is found to be [H₄tren]_3/2·(Al₆F₂₄)·3H₂O. The structure is monoclinic, P2₁/c, with a = 21.939(1) Å, b = 6.7180(2) Å, c = 23.329(1) Å, β = 111.324(2)°. _∞(Al₆F₂₄) chains result from the connection of (Al₇F₃₀)⁹⁻ polyanions by opposite AlF₆ octahedra. Hydrogen bonds are established between the _∞(Al₆F₂₄) chains and ordered or disordered [H₄tren]⁴⁺ cations and water molecules.     

Synthese,spektroskopische Charakterisierung und bakterizide Wirksamkeit neuer Organylbis(thiophenolato)bismut(III)-Komplexe

New Organobis(thiophenolate)bismuth(III) derivatives C₆H₅Bi(SC₆H₄Cl-p)₂ (I), Ch₃Bi(SC₆H₄NH₂-p)₂ (II) and CH₃AS(SC₆H₄NH₂-p)₂ (III) can be prepared by the reaction of phenyldibromobismuth(III), methyldibromobismuth(III) and -arsenic(III), respectively, with stoichiometric amounts of lithium-p-chlorothiophenolate (for I), and lithium-p-aminothiophenolate. II reacts with an excess of iodomethane to form the bis(mercaptoanilinium) complex [CH₃Bi(SC₆H₄NH₂CH₃-p₂]²⁺ (I⁻)₂ (IV). Treating IV with adequate amounts of AgNO₃ or TINO₃ yields the analogous nitrate derivative [CH₃Bi(SC₆H₄NH₂CH₃-p)₂]²⁺ (NO₃⁻)₂ (V). The new compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, ¹H NMR, IR and mass spectroscopy and some of the compounds were also characterized by vapour pressure molecular weight osmometry too.The microbiological effect of the organometallic arsenic(III)- and bismuth(III)-bis(thiolates) I-IV was studied, the bismuth compounds generally inhibited bacterial growth more than the arsenic derivative. The aminothiophenolate complexes II and IV in particular were not inferior to the well-known organothiolatomercury(II) complexes with regard to their inhibition of bacterial growth. The hydrophilic mercaptoanilinium derivative IV has potential as a novel bactericide.     

Synthesis,Crystal Structures,and Biological Activity of Manganese(III) Complexes Derived from BIS-Schiff Bases

Two new manganese(III) complexes, [Mn^IIIL¹(Dca)(MeOH)] (I) and [Mn^IIIL₂(N₃)₂] (II), where L¹ and L² are the dianionic form of N,N'-3,4-chlorophenylene-bis(5-methylsalicylaldimine) (H₂L¹) and N,N'-3,4-nitrophenylene-bis(5-methylsalicylaldimine) (H₂L₂), respectively, and Dca is dicyanoamide, have been synthesized and characterized. The complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, IR, UV-Vis spectra, molar conductivity, and single crystal X-ray diffraction (CIF files nos. 1054200 (I), 1054336 (II)). The Mn atoms in the structures are in octahedral coordination. In the crystal structure of complex I, molecules are linked through intermolecular O–H···N hydrogen bonds to form 1D chains running along the x axis. In both complexes, there exist π···π interactions among molecules. The complexes and the Schiff bases were assayed for antibacterial activities against three Gram-positive bacterial strains (B. subtilis, S. aureus, and St. faecalis) and three Gram-negative bacterial strains (E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and E. cloacae) by MTT method.     

Novel bioactive vic-dioxime ligand containing piperazine moiety: Synthesis,X-ray crystallographic studies, 2D NMR applications and complexation with Ni(II)

A new vic-dioxime ligand bearing an important pharmacophore substituent, anti-1-(4-benzylpiperazine-1-yl) phenylglyoxime (LH₂) (Scheme 1), has been synthesized and its nickel(II) complex was obtained by the reaction of NiCl₂·6H₂O and the ligand. The characterization of the newly formed compounds was performed by elemental analysis, FT-IR, 1D NMR (¹H, ¹³C, DEPT), 2D NMR (HMBC), ESI mass-spectrometry, TG/DTA, X-ray crystallography. The antibacterial activity was also studied against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Streptococcus mutans RSHM 676, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Lactobacillus acidophilus RSHM 06029, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, E. coli ATCC 35218, Pseudomonasaeruginosa ATCC 27853. The antimicrobial test results indicated that all the compounds have mild antibacterial activity against both Gram negative and Gram positive bacterial species.     

From hypervalent xenon difluoride and aryliodine(III) difluorides to onium salts: Scope and limitation of acidic fluoroorganic reagents in the synthesis of fluoroorgano xenon(II) and iodine(III) onium salts

Fluorinated organodifluoroboranes R_fBF₂ are in general suitable reagents to transform XeF₂ and RIF₂ into the corresponding onium tetrafluoroborate salts [R_fXe][BF₄] and [R(R_f)I][BF₄], respectively. (4-C₅F₄N)BF₂ and trans-CF₃CFCFBF₂ which represent boranes of high acidity form no Xe-C onium salts in reactions with XeF₂ but give the desired iodonium salts with RIF₂ (R = C₆F₅, o-, m-, p-C₆FH₄). The reaction of (4-C₅F₄N)BF₂ with XeF₂ ends with a XeF₂-borane adduct. C₆F₅Xe(4-C₅F₄N), the first Xe-(4-C₅F₄N) compound, was obtained when C₆F₅XeF was reacted with Cd(4-C₅F₄N)₂. We describe the synthesis of (4-C₅F₄N)IF₂ and reactions of (4-C₅F₄N)IF₂ and C₆F₅IF₂ with (4-C₅F₄N)BF₂. Analogous to [(4-C₅F₄N)₂I][BF₄] and [C₆F₅(4-C₅F₄N)I][BF₄] aryl(perfluoroalkenyl)iodonium salts [R(R′)I][BF₄] were obtained from RIF₂ (R = C₆F₅, o-, m-, p-C₆FH₄) and R′BF₂ (R′ = trans-CF₃CFCF, CF₂CF). The gas phase fluoride affinities pF⁻ of selected fluoroorganodifluoroboranes R_fBF₂ and their hydrocarbon analogs are calculated (B3LYP/6-31+G^*) and discussed with respect to their potential to introduce R_f-groups into hypervalent EF₂ bonds. Four aspects which influence the transformation of hypervalent EF₂ bonds (E = Xe, R′I) under the action of Lewis acidic reagents RAF_n−1 (A = B, P; n = 3, 5) into the corresponding [RE][AF_n+1] salts are presented and the important role of the acidity is emphasized. Fluoride affinities may help to plan the introduction of organo groups into EF₂ moieties and to expand the types of acidic reagents. Thus C₆H₅PF₄ with a pF⁻ value comparable to that of R_fBF₂ compounds is able to introduce the C₆H₅ group into RIF₂ (R = C₆F₅, p-C₆FH₄).     

Physicochemical Characterization of Four Gadolinium(III) DTPA‐like Complexes

The analysis of ¹⁷O NMR transverse relaxation rates and EPR transverse electronic relaxation rates for aqueous solutions of the four DTPA‐like (DTPA = diethylenetriamine‐N,N,N′,N″,N″‐pentaacetic acid) complexes, [Gd(DTPA‐PY)(H₂O)]^? (DTPA‐PY = N′‐(2‐pyridylmethyl)), [Gd(DTPA‐HP)(H₂O)₂]^? (DTPA‐HP = N′‐(2‐hydroxypropyl)), [Gd(DTPA‐H1P)(H₂O)₂]^? (DTPA‐H1P = N′‐(2‐hydroxy‐1‐phenylethyl)) and [Gd(DTPA‐H2P)(H₂O)₂] (DTPA‐H2P = N′‐(2‐hydroxy‐2‐phenylethyl)), at various temperatures allows us to understand the water exchange dynamics of these four complexes. The water‐exchange lifetime (τM) parameters for [Gd(DTPA‐PY)(H₂O)]^?, [Gd(DTPA‐HP)(H₂O)₂]^?, [Gd(DTPA‐H1P)(H₂O)₂]^? and [Gd(DTPA‐H2P)(H₂O)₂] are of 585, 98, 163, and 69 ns, respectively. Compared with [Gd(DTPA)(H₂O)]^2? (τM = 303 ns), the τM value of [Gd(DTPA‐PY)(H₂O)]^? is slightly higher, but the other three complexes values are significantly lower than those of [Gd(DTPA)(H₂O)]^2?. This difference is explained by the fact that the gadolinium(III) complexes of DTPA‐HP, DTPA‐H1P, and DTPA‐H2P have two inner‐sphere waters. The ²H longitudinal relaxation rates of the labeled diamagnetic lanthanum complex allow the calculation of its rotational correlation time (τR). The τR values calculated for DTPA‐PY, DTPA‐HP, DTPA‐H1P, and DTPA‐H2P are of 127, 110, 142 and 147 ps, respectively. These four values are higher than the value of [La(DTPA)]^2? (τR = 103 ps), because the rotational correlation time is related to the magnitude of its molecular weight.     

Synthesis of formazans from Mannich base of 5-(4-chlorophenyl amino)-2-mercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole as antimicrobial agents

5-(4-Chlorophenyl amino)-2-mercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole (I) was refluxed with formaldehyde and ammonium chloride in ethanol yielding the Mannich base 5-(4-chloro phenyl amino)-3-aminomethyl-2-mercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole (II). Esterification with 4-chloro-(2,6-dinitro phenoxy)-ethyl acetate (III) under anhydrous conditions gave the intermediate (IV). Subsequent hydrazinolysis with hydrazine hydrate gave the corresponding hydrazide 3-amino methyl-5-(4-chloro phenyl amino)-2-mercapto-4′-(2′,6′-dinitro phenoxy)-acetyl hydrazide (V). The hydrazide was converted into the Schiff bases (VI_a–b) by reacting with 2-chlorobenzaldehyde and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxy benzaldehyde in presence of methanol containing 2–3 drops of acetic acid. Diazotisation with aromatic amines, sulphanilic acid and sulphur drugs gave the formazans (VII_a–g) respectively. Chemical structures have been established by elemental analysis and the spectral techniques of FTIR, ¹H NMR and mass. Antimicrobial activity (in vitro) was evaluated against the two pathogenic bacterial strains. Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi, three fungal strains Aspergillus niger, Penicillium species and Candida albicans. The compounds have shown moderate activity.     

Water-in-Oil-in-Water Nanoemulsions Containing Temulawak (Curcuma xanthorriza Roxb) and Red Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) Extracts

Hydrophobic curcumin in temulawak extract and hydrophilic betacyanin in red dragon fruit extract are high-value bioactive compounds with extensive applications in functional food. In this study, these extracts were encapsulated in water-in-oil-in-water (w/o/w) nanoemulsions as a delivery system using a two-step high-energy emulsification method. PGPR and Span 20 were used as lipophilic emulsifiers for the primary w/o emulsion. The most stable w/o/w formulation with the least oil phase separation of 5% v/v consisted of w/o emulsion (15% w/w) and Tween 80 (1.5% w/w) as hydrophilic emulsifier. The formulation was characterized by a 189-nm mean droplet diameter, 0.16 polydispersity index, and –32 mV zeta potential. The freeze–thaw stability may be attributed to the combination of low w/o emulsion content and high Tween 80 concentration in the outer water phase of the w/o/w nanoemulsions used in this study. The IC₅₀ values of the nanoemulsion and the red dragon fruit extract were similar. It means that the higher concentration of curcumin in the nanoemulsions and the lower IC₅₀ value of temulawak extract ensured sufficient antioxidant activities of the w/o/w nanoemulsions.