Toxicological Stability of Ocimum basilicum Essential Oil and Its Major Components in the Control of Sitophilus zeamais

Essential oils (EOs) are widely recognized as efficient and safe alternatives for controlling pest insects in foods. However, there is a lack of studies evaluating the toxicological stability of botanical insecticides in stored grains in order to establish criteria of use and ensure your efficiency. The objective of this work was to evaluate the toxicological stability of basil essential oil (O. basilicum) and its linalool and estragole components for Sitophilus zeamais (Motschulsky) adults in corn grains by fumigation. The identification of the chemical compounds of the essential oil was performed with a gas chromatograph coupled to a mass selective detector. Mortality of insects was assessed after 24 h exposure. After storage for six (EO) and two months (linalool and estragole) under different conditions of temperature (5, 20, and 35 °C) and light (with and without exposure to light), its toxicological stability was evaluated. Studies revealed that the essential oil of O. basilicum and its main components exhibited insecticidal potential against adults of S. zeamais. For greater toxicological stability, suitable storage conditions for them include absence of light and temperatures equal to or less than 20 °C.     

Differential dynamic microscopy for the characterization of polymer systems

This review summarizes recent progress in investigating polymer systems by using Differential dynamic microscopy (DDM), a rapidly emerging approach that transforms a commercial microscope by combining real-space information with the powerful capabilities of conventional light scattering analysis. DDM analysis of a single microscope movie gives access to the sample dynamics in a wide range of scattering wave-vectors, enabling contemporary polymer science experiments that would be difficult or impossible with standard light scattering techniques. Examples of application include the characterization of polymer solutions and networks, of polymer based colloidal systems, of biopolymers, and of cellular motility in polymeric fluids. Further applications of DDM to a variety of polymer systems are suggested to be just behind the corner and it is thus likely that DDM will become a tool of choice of the modern experimental polymer scientists.     

Effects of the reaction parameters on the properties of thermosensitive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) microspheres prepared by precipitation and dispersion polymerization

Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm)‐based microspheres were prepared by precipitation and dispersion polymerization. The effects of several reaction parameters, such as the type and concentration of the crosslinker (N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide or ethylene dimethacrylate), medium polarity, concentration of the monomer and initiator, and polymerization temperature, on the properties were examined. The hydrogel microspheres were characterized in terms of their chemical structure, size and size distribution, and morphological and temperature‐induced swelling properties. A decrease in the particle size was observed with increasing polarity of the reaction medium or increasing concentration of poly(N‐vinylpyrrolidone) as a stabilizer in the dispersion polymerization. The higher the content was of the crosslinking agent, the lower the swelling ratio was. Too much crosslinker gave unstable dispersions. Although the solvency of the precipitation polymerization mixture controlled the PNIPAAm microsphere size in the range of 0.2–1 μm, a micrometer range was obtained in the Shellvis 50 and Kraton G 1650 stabilized dispersion polymerizations of N‐isopropylacrylamide in toluene/heptane. Typically, the particles had fairly narrow size distributions. Copolymerization with the functional glycidyl methacrylate monomer afforded microspheres with reactive oxirane groups. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 968–982, 2006     

Monochelic Versus Telechelic Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) as a Matrix for Photoluminescent Nanocomposites with Quantum Dots

Nanocomposites based on CdSe or CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) of different molecular weights and functionality were synthesized by ligand exchange of oleic acid with RAFT-based PMMA. The successful ligand exchange was confirmed by dynamic light scattering in combination with the approach “macromolecules—ghosts” and transmission electron microscopy. Comparative study of mono- and telechelics of PMMA revealed the similarities and differences in their behavior in formation of complexes with QDs and the optical properties of the corresponding nanocomposites. Telechelics exhibited higher efficiency in the complex formation and seemed to be promising candidates for the construction of devices based on QDs and polymer matrix for optical applications.     

Gelation mechanism and microstructure of organogels formed with various types of gelators

The small‐angle neutron scattering (SANS) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) investigation were carried out for organogels in toluene, formed by organogelators, to elucidate the relationship between the chemical structure and the gelation mechanism as well as the physical properties of the gels. Three different organogelators, that is cyclo(L ‐β‐3,7‐dimethyloctylasparaginyl‐L ‐phenylalanyl) (CPA), trans‐(1R,2R)‐bis(undecylcarbonylamino)cyclohexane (TCH), and N^ε‐lauroyl‐N^α‐stearylaminocarbonyl‐L ‐lysine ethyl ester (LEE), were chosen for comparison. The SANS intensity functions of toluene solutions of these gelators could be reduced with the concentration and were described with a scattering function for thin rods. This indicates that the gels consist of noncorrelated, rod‐like elements aggregated to each other. The characteristic features of the gelation properties, such as the critical gelation concentration, C_gel, the gelation temperature, T_gel, the gel structure, and the gelation mechanism, were different from each other. CPA had the lowest C_gel and became a gel gradually as the temperature decreased, while TCH and LEE had higher C_gels and underwent a sharp sol–gel transition. We conclude that the gelation mechanisms between the CPA and TCH solutions are different. The “CPA type” gelators form a gel by a linear extension of hydrogen‐bonded plane, while the “TCH type” gelators form a twisted wire, because of its strong helicity and crystallizability. In addition, in the latter type, a next generation of fibrils easily stacks on top of the previous ones to form larger fibrils. These models well explain the DLS results and the mechanical properties. That is, the fibrillar stems in CPA gels are rather mobile and fragile, while those in TCH and LEE are frozen and brittle. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 43: 3567–3574, 2005     

A Versatile Dynamic Light Scattering Strategy for the Sensitive Detection of Plant MicroRNAs Based on Click-Chemistry-Amplified Aggregation of Gold Nanoparticles

Plant microRNAs (miRNAs) are naturally 2′-O-methylated at the 3′-terminal; as a consequence, they cannot be efficiently detected by traditional target-triggered polymerization reactions. Here, a simple but robust enzyme-free sensing strategy was developed for plant miRNA analysis by using dynamic light scattering (DLS) to monitor the crosslinking of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) amplified by click chemical ligation. Combining the enzyme-free cycling chemical-ligation-mediated signal amplification, and the intrinsic outstanding ability of DLS for discriminating the extremely low level of particle aggregation in a large pool of monodisperse AuNPs, high sensitivity was achieved and as low as 78.6 fm plant miRNA could be easily detected.     

Quantitative Evaluation of the Total Magnetic Moments of Colloidal Magnetic Nanoparticles: A Kinetics‐based Method

A kinetics‐based method is proposed to quantitatively characterize the collective magnetization of colloidal magnetic nanoparticles. The method is based on the relationship between the magnetic force on a colloidal droplet and the movement of the droplet under a gradient magnetic field. Through computational analysis of the kinetic parameters, such as displacement, velocity, and acceleration, the magnetization of colloidal magnetic nanoparticles can be calculated. In our experiments, the values measured by using our method exhibited a better linear correlation with magnetothermal heating, than those obtained by using a vibrating sample magnetometer and magnetic balance. This finding indicates that this method may be more suitable to evaluate the collective magnetism of colloidal magnetic nanoparticles under low magnetic fields than the commonly used methods. Accurate evaluation of the magnetic properties of colloidal nanoparticles is of great importance for the standardization of magnetic nanomaterials and for their practical application in biomedicine.     

具有低表面自由能有机介电薄膜的制备及表征

通过自主开发的有机镀膜技术在Mg-Mn-Ce镁合金表面制备了具有低表面自由能和较高介电常数的有机纳米薄膜. 利用X射线光电子能谱(XPS)分析了表面有机镀膜过程的反应机理, 借助傅里叶变换红外(FT-IR)光谱进一步确认表面有机膜层的存在, 采用接触角测量仪测定了有机薄膜的蒸馏水接触角和表面自由能变化, 使用椭圆偏振光谱仪研究了薄膜的厚度, 并借助精密阻抗分析仪评价了薄膜的介电性能. 有机镀膜后镁合金表面形成了一层纳米级厚度的有机薄膜, 接触角从基体的70.8°上升至150.5°, 表面自由能从基体的37.96 mJ·m^-2降低到1.57 mJ·m^-2, 镁合金表面从亲水性转变为疏水性; 薄膜的厚度和质量随有机镀膜时间延长先增加后有所减小, 在镀膜20 min时薄膜性能最佳, 此时膜重达到23.5 μg·cm^-2, 膜厚最大为147.48 nm, 其相对介电常数也达到最大, 在1 kHz下可达24.922.     

Gelation Studies on a Radical Chain Cross‐Linking Copolymerization Process: Comparison of the Critical Exponents Obtained by Dynamic Light Scattering and Rheology

Summary: The sol–gel transition of a radical chain cross‐linking copolymerization system [N‐vinylcaprolactam/2‐hydroxylethyl methacrylate/allyl methacrylate] has been studied using in situ time‐resolved dynamic light scattering (DLS) and in situ rheology. A critical dynamic behavior was observed near the sol–gel transition, which was characterized by the presence of a power‐law spectra over three decades in the time–intensity correlation function g₂(t) − 1 ∼ t^−μ and over two decades in the oscillatory shear experiment G′(ω) ∼ G″(ω) ∼ ωⁿ. A comparison of the obtained critical exponents μ ≈ 0.62 and n ≈ 0.75 was made. The theory predicts a relationship between these exponents, but up to now no experimental comparison has been done. The experimental results favor the percolation model, with a fractal dimension d_f of the gel clusters of 1.67.

Double‐logarithmic plot of time–intensity correlation functions g₂(t) − 1 versus the delay time t.     

水＋3-甲基吡啶＋溴化钠三元溶液动-静态光散射临界行为研究

对水＋3-甲基吡啶＋溴化钠三元电解质溶液的临界跨接行为的认识存在着争议. 部分研究认为由于三甲基吡啶的聚集, 体系存在从非经典的3D-Ising(三维伊辛)行为向经典的平均场行为的非单调跨接; 另一部分研究发现该体系符合3D-Ising临界行为, 并不存在跨接. 采用动-静态光散射研究了溴化钠, 3-甲基吡啶和水三元溶液的临界性质, 得到动态关联长度和静态关联长度, 发现动态关联长度和静态关联长度一致, 且在实验温度范围内(离临界温度0.01～25 K), 体系不违背3D-Ising行为, 也观测不到显著的临界跨接现象.     

Phytochemical Constituents and Ameliorative Effect of the Essential Oil from Annona muricata L. Leaves in a Murine Model of Breast Cancer

Annona muricata leaves are traditionally used as an anticancer plant in the world. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ameliorative effect of the essential oil from Annona muricata leaves (EOAm) in an experimental model of breast cancer and to determine the volatile constituents with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Thirty female rats were assigned to five groups: the control group; the DMBA (7,12-dimethylbenz[α]anthracene) group; and three groups received daily EOAm doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/day, plus DMBA, respectively. After 13 weeks of treatment, tumors were analyzed pathologically and biochemical markers in serum were noted. As a result, in GC-MS analysis, 40 compounds were identified and 4 of them were abundant: Z-caryophyllene (40.22%), followed by α-selinene (9.94%), β-pinene (8.92%), and β-elemene (7.48%). Furthermore, EOAm in a dose-dependent form produced a reduction in tumor frequency and the accumulated tumor volume was reduced by 50% and 71% with doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively. Serum levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) increased and malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased significantly compared to the DMBA group. Serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) decreased significantly from 70.75 ± 7.15 pg/mL in the DMBA group to 46.50 ± 9.00 and 34.13 ± 11.50 pg/mL in groups treated with doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively. This study concludes that the EOAm leaves showed an ameliorative effect in a murine model of breast cancer.     

Preparation of glycopolymer‐coated magnetite nanoparticles for hyperthermia treatment

In this article, magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) coated with glycopolymer bearing glucose moieties were designed with optimal structural, colloidal, and magnetic properties for biomedical applications. MNPs with an average size of 17 ± 2 nm were synthesized by thermal decomposition process and then their surfaces were modified with active vinyl groups. Two different monomers were immobilized onto the surfaces: dopamine methacrylamide, a monomer with properties inspired on mussels adhesive capacity, or unprotected glycomonomer, 2‐{[(D ‐glucosamin‐2N‐yl)carbonyl]‐oxy}ethyl methacrylate. Afterward, the glycomonomer were polymerized at the interface of both vinyl functionalized MNPs by conventional radical polymerization. The resultant hybrid NPs were water dispersible presenting good stability in aqueous solution for long time periods. Moreover, the high density of carbohydrates at the surface of the magnetic NPs could confer targeting properties to the system as demonstrated by studies of their binding interactions with lectins, where the binding activity is higher as the glycopolymer content augments. The magnetic and magneto‐thermal properties of the synthesized hybrid NPs were evaluated. The magnetization curves reveal superparamagnetic features at 300 K, with high values of saturation magnetization. Furthermore, the hybrid glycoparticles show suitable heat dissipation power when exposed to alternating magnetic field conditions. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012     

Preparation of true solutions of monomeric amyloidogenic protein/peptide: A critical prerequisite for aggregation kinetic study

Our dynamic laser light scattering(LLS) study shows that the current widely used protocols of dissolving amyloidogenic protein/peptide do not really result in a true solution;namely,there always exist a trace amount of interchain aggregates,which greatly affect the association kinetics,partially explaining why different kinetics were reported even for a solution with identical protein and solvent.Recently,using a combination of the conventional dissolution procedure and our newly developed ultra-filtration method,we have developed a novel protocol to prepare a true solution of amyloidogenic protein/peptide without any interchain aggregates.The resultant solutions remain in their monomeric state for at least one week,which is vitally important for further study of the very initial stage of the interchain association under the physiological conditions because more and more evidence suggests that it is those small oligomers rather than large fabric aggregates that are cytotoxic.In addition,this study shows that combining static and dynamic LLS can lead to more physical and microscopic information about the protein association instead of only the size distribution.     

Gel‐Like Structure of a Hexadecyl Derivative of Hyaluronic Acid for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis

Hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide with viscoelastic and mechanical properties that are crucial for the normal functioning of osteoarticular junctions. It is demonstrated that introduction of a hexadecyl side chain into HA yields an injectable polysaccharide capable of forming physical hydrogels, which are stable at very low polymer concentrations, whereas native hyaluronic acid forms viscous solutions at concentrations that are ten times higher. Characterization of this system showed that the driving force for its gel‐like behavior is the occurrence of hydrophobic interactions involving aliphatic side chains, despite the low degree of substitution, as confirmed by molecular dynamics simulations of HYADD4 and HA hydrogels.

     

Determination of Elastic Moduli and Compliances of Viscoelastic Liquids Using the Dynamic Light Scattering Technique

Relations between the dynamic light scattering spectrum and the mechanical compliances and longitudinal stress moduli of viscoelastic liquids are provided. The result provides a basis for determination of mechanical relaxation spectra using the dynamic light scattering technique. The method of Computating the longitudinal modulus and the compliance spectra from the time correlation of density fluctuations of poly (propylene glycol), as determined by the photon correlation spectroscopy technique is illustrated.     

一种相变温度与人体正常体温相近的共聚高分子在水溶液中的自缔合行为

以N-异丙基丙烯酰胺和N-异丙基甲基丙烯酰胺为共聚单体,合成了一种在水溶液中具有与人体正常体温一致的相转变温度的共聚化合物．并从团簇理论出发,结合粘度数据推出了该共聚物在水中的动态接触浓度,利用动态光散射技术研究了这一特殊共聚物在动态接触浓度以上水溶液中的自缔合行为,讨论了从动态光散射实验得出的该共聚物的表观流体力学半径大小及分布与浓度的依赖关系．     

Investigation of Gelling Aqueous Clay Dispersions with Dynamic Light Scattering

Summary: The gelation process of aqueous clay (Laponite XLS, XLG) dispersions and of a photopolymerization system (N-isopropylacrylamide, Irgacure 2959, Laponite XLS) have been investigated by dynamic light scattering. The gelation threshold could be clearly indicated by a change in the shape of the time-intensity correlation function.     

Seasonal Variability of a Caryophyllane Chemotype Essential Oil of Eugenia patrisii Vahl Occurring in the Brazilian Amazon

Eugenia patrisii Vahl is a native and non-endemic myrtaceous species of the Brazilian Amazon. Due to few botanical and phytochemical reports of this species, the objective of the present work was to evaluate the seasonal variability of their leaf essential oils, performed by GC and GC-MS and chemometric analysis. The results indicated that the variation in oil yields (0.7 ± 0.1%) could be correlated with climatic conditions and rainy (R) and dry seasons (D). (E)-caryophyllene (R = 17.1% ± 16.0, D = 20.2% ± 17.7) and caryophyllene oxide (R = 30.1% ± 18.4, D = 14.1% ± 19.3) are the major constituents and did not display significant differences between the two seasons. However, statistically, a potential correlation between the main constituents of E. patrisii essential oil and the climatic parameters is possible. It was observed that the higher temperature and insolation rates and the lower humidity rate, which are characteristics of the dry season, lead to an increase in the (E)-caryophyllene contents, while lower temperature and insolation and higher humidity, which occur in the rainy season, lead to an increase in the caryophyllene oxide content. The knowledge of variations in the E. patrisii essential oil composition could help choose the best plant chemical profile for medicinal purposes.     

Preparation of Homogeneous Hydrogels by Controlling the Crosslinker Reactivity and Availability

Network microstructures of polyacrylamide (PAAm) hydrogels were investigated by static light scattering measurements. The gels were prepared by free‐radical crosslinking polymerization of acrylamide (AAm). To suppress the degree of gel inhomogeneity, the crosslinker reactivity during gelation was controlled by decreasing its availability in the reaction system. Our first approach was the addition of the crosslinker N,N′‐methylenebis(acrylamide) (BAAm) in one or three portions during the course of the gelation reactions. As a second approach, a slightly water soluble crosslinker, namely ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDM) was used as a crosslinker in AAm polymerization. Due to the low water solubility of EGDM, EGDM phase in the gelation system act as a reservoir of crosslinker so that the crosslinker can be supplied continuously to the aqueous reaction zone during the course of gelation. It was found that the delayed crosslinker addition technique further increases the degree of inhomogeneity of PAAm hydrogels. The results were explained with increasing viscosity of the reaction solution at the time of the crosslinker addition so that the crosslinking reactions are limited to local regions in the reaction system. The second approach, namely use of the slightly water soluble crosslinker EGDM significantly increases the degree of structural homogeneity of PAAm hydrogels.