Synergistic-radiation grafting: A novel modification technique for the preparation of biomaterials

Radiation grafting was performed using different vinylmonomers and solvents simultaneously to modify polyamide-6 substrates. With the new technique, immunadsorbents and media for affinity chromatography were developed for the separation of low density lipoproteins, IgG antibodies and biotin- antibodies. To increase the biocompatibility of polymers, a graft modification was applied which allowed a totally coherent endothelial cell seeding.     

Antioxidant activity of flavonols

In this work we use a single new electronic index to describe the antioxidant activity of the flavonols, a special class of flavonoids. We also try to predict theoretically the antioxidant activity of some yet nonisolated flavonols. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2004     

Mechanistic study on the enzymatic oxidation of flavonols

Several flavonols have been transformed upon treatment by Trametes versicolor laccase. Most of the major oxidation products have been isolated by HPLC as pure compounds and their structures have been, when possible, investigated through spectral methods (HPLC-MS and NMR). The results are coherent with the predominance of a dismutation process, leading to cation formation, over direct radical-radical coupling.     

A sensitive method for the detection and quantification of ginkgo flavonols from plasma

Extracts from Ginkgo biloba leaves (family Ginkgoaceae) have antioxidant and free radical scavenging effects, largely attributed to the flavonols, which are a major class of functional components in ginkgo extracts. In order to facilitate analysis of systemic exposure to ginkgo-derived products in animals and/or humans, we developed a liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS)-based method that is capable of routinely monitoring plasma levels of ginkgo flavonols. We used an initial acidic hydrolysis step to convert the plasma ginkgo flavonol conjugates into their aglycone forms [quercetin (QCT), kaempferol (KMF) and isorhamnetin (ISR)] prior to EtOAc-based extraction and subsequent LC/MS/MS-based analysis. Comparative studies showed that the use of a mobile phase containing an extremely low concentration of HCOOH (0.01 per thousand) dramatically improved the electrospray ionization efficiency of the analytes in the negative ion mode; the efficiencies were approximately 4-, approximately 8- and approximately 20-fold higher for QCT, KMF and ISR, respectively, versus the results obtained using an electrolyte-free mobile phase, or approximately 2-, approximately 3- and approximately 4-fold higher, respectively, versus the results obtained using a mobile phase containing the more commonly utilized concentration of HCOOH (1 per thousand). In addition, use of the low concentration of HCOOH also decreased undesired matrix effects. These favorable effects have been referred to as 'LC-electrolyte effects'. Due to structural differences in the B-ring substituent, different types of precursor-to-product ion pairs (m/z 301 --> 151 for QCT, 285 --> 187 for KMF, and 315 --> 300 for ISR) were used for the selected reaction monitoring of the analytes. In addition, the chromatographic conditions were optimized on the basis of an initial scouting of matrix effects on analyte ionization. Despite the absence of an internal standard, the validation results consistently demonstrated that our bioassay is valid, reproducible, and reliable. The newly developed assay provided lower limits of quantification of 1.3, 1.3 and 0.4 pg on-column for QCT, KMF and ISR, respectively, which is more sensitive than any previously reported method for determining ginkgo flavonols. Finally, the assay suitability was demonstrated in a pilot pharmacokinetic measurement of a pharmaceutical ginkgo product in a beagle dog. This newly developed method should prove useful for wide-scale monitoring of ginkgo flavonol plasma concentrations for both pharmaceutical investigations and clinical applications.     

Quantitative determination of the total flavonols inAlhagi pseudoalhagi

The optimum conditions for extracting flavonols fromAlhagi pseudoalhagi has been determined. A method for the UV-spectrometric identification of the total alkaloids has been developed which permits reliable reproducible results to be obtained. The relative error of the determination does not exceed ±1.7%.     

A versatile preparation of azobenzene‐dye functionalized colored polymer nanoparticles by surface modification

A series of stable and translucent colored nanolatex, that is, colloidal aqueous suspensions of dye‐tagged polymer nanoparticles (NPs) in the 15‐ to 20‐nm diameter range, have been prepared by covalent attachment of azobenzene chromophores to the surface of reactive NPs. Primary crosslinked NPs bearing chlorobenzyl groups were produced by microemulsion copolymerization of styrene and vinylbenzylchloride. Amine‐functionalized NPs were obtained after a second functionalization step with polyamines (cyclam and polypropyleneimine dendrimers of first and third generations). Dye‐doped particles were obtained by reacting pyridylazo‐dimethylaminobenzene (PADA) with chlorobenzyl‐NPs and by reacting amine‐reactive dimethylaminoazobenzene dyes (DABsyl, DAB‐ITC) as well as Disperse Red 1 acrylate with polyamine‐coated NPs. Regardless the dye solubility, the grafting readily proceeded in aqueous suspensions at room temperature in the presence of a cationic surfactant without added solvent. Purple, red, and orange suspensions (maximum absorption around 550, 500, 430 nm), with dye loads ranging from 0.3 to 1.2 mmol/g, corresponding to 400–1800 azobenzene residues per NP, are obtained. The reported results indicate that functional polymer NPs, with remarkably accessible multiple anchoring sites, are useful building blocks. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 3375–3386, 2008     

Progress in preparation,characterization, surface functional modification of graphene oxide: A review

Graphene oxide (GO) has become the focus of scientific research due to unique mechanical, optical, electrical and chemical properties. We review the synthesis approaches and formation mechanism of GO, and propose that the crucial factor to the preparation of GO is to find efficient and environmentally friendly oxidant. Various characterization techniques are introduced, and characteristics are summarized. The GO model theories are synopsized, and determining the structure of GO has important influence on its surface modification and its application and development in composite materials. The interaction and reaction types between GO matrix and modified molecules, as well as the properties of modified products were described. In conclusion, the present challenges and future research directions are presented in terms of preparation and surface functional modification for GO.     

In situ preparation and surface modification of magnesium hydroxide nanoparticles

Hydrophobic magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂) nanoparticles were successfully synthesized via a one-step solution precipitation method with octadecyl dihydrogen phosphate (n-C₁₈H₃₇OPO₃H₂, ODP) as a surface modifier. The ODP was used to control the growth of crystal in the c direction (direction perpendicular to the layers) and to modify the surface property of the Mg(OH)₂ particles produced from the precipitation. Measurements of relative contact angle and active ratio indicated that Mg(OH)₂ samples were hydrophobic. The samples were characterized by using field emission scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared analysis (IR). The mechanism of influence of ODP on the surface property and morphology of Mg(OH)₂ was discussed. Furthermore, from the results of the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) tests, it was confirmed that small amount of magnesium alkyl phosphate on the surface of Mg(OH)₂ particles enhanced the thermal stability of the low density polyethylene(LDPE)/Mg(OH)₂.     

Synthesis of a library of glycosylated flavonols

Flavonols are an important class of natural products isolated from plants. Some glycosylated flavonols showed very interesting biological activities. A library of flavonols has been made through Algar-Flynn-Oyamada reaction from 2′-hydroxyacetophenones and benzaldehydes. Glycosylation of these flavonols with various glycosyl donors affords a library of glycosylated flavonols. These compounds are potentially useful pharmacologically active compounds and will be studied for biological activities.     

Ionic liquids as reactive additives for the preparation and modification of epoxy networks

In this study, epoxy‐networked polymeric materials containing tributyl (ethyl) phosphonium diethyl phosphate (CYPHOS^®IL169) and trihexyl (tetradecyl) phosphonium bis 2,4,4‐(trimethyl pentyl)‐phosphinate (CYPHOS^®IL104) were developed from a mixture of epoxy prepolymer (DGEBA) and different amounts of ionic liquids (10–20–30 phr). Then, the effect of the chemical nature of ionic liquids on the final properties of epoxy networks was studied. Thus, the use of phosphonium salts as new additives led to the network with a high conversion of epoxy group (>90%), a high glass transition temperature T_g (>90 °C), adjustable in function of the counteranion and an increase of the storage modulus. In addition, the hydrophobic behavior and the thermal stability of the materials were also investigated by sessile drop method and thermogravimetric analyses. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014 , 52, 3463–3471     

A study of surface modification and anchoring techniques used in the preparation of monolithic microcolumns in fused silica capillaries

Based on a survey of the literature on pretreatment of fused silica capillaries, 3 etching procedures and 11 silanization protocols based on the vinylic silane 3-((trimethoxysilyl)propyl) methacrylate (gamma-MAPS) were found to be most representative as a means of ensuring attachment of in situ prepared vinylic polymers. These techniques were applied to fused silica capillaries and the success in establishing the intended surface modification was assessed. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to characterize the chemical state of the surface, providing information regarding presence of the reagent bound to the capillary. Wetting angles were measured and correlated with the XPS results. An adherence test was done by photopolymerization of a 2 mm long plug of 1,6-butanediol dimethacrylate in the prepared capillaries and evaluation of its ability to withstand applied hydraulic pressure. SEM was also performed in cases where the plug was released or other irregularities were observed. Finally, the roughness of the etched surface, considered to be of importance, was assessed by atomic force microscopy. Alkaline etching at elevated temperature provided a surface roughness promoting adhesion. The commonly used silanization protocols involving water in the silanization or washing steps gave inadequate surface treatment. The best silanization procedure was based on toluene as a solvent.     

Bioaccumulation and biotransformation of flavonols by erythrocytes

A model for the complete system of bioaccumulation, transport, and biotransformation of polyphenolic compounds (flavonols) that includes hemoglobin-containing red blood cells and serum albumin was proposed. The distribution of flavonols between the erythrocyte fraction and albumin was studied. Hemoglobin was shown to play a role in the biotransformation of flavonols. The formation of several intermediate and final products of pseudoperoxidase oxidation of flavonols catalyzed by methemoglobin was established by UV spectrophotometry and RP-HPLC. Translated from Khimiya Prirodnykh Soedinenii, No. 2, pp. 153-157, March-April, 2009.     

Synthesis of pyrroloquinolines as indole analogues of flavonols

7-Acetyl-4,6-dimethoxy-3-phenylindole 10 was converted into a range of 7-indolyl chalcones 13 by reaction with aryl aldehydes under basic conditions. Oxidation of the chalcones 13 with alkaline hydrogen peroxide gave the isolable epoxides 14, which were cyclized with further base treatment into the indole flavonols, or 5-hydroxy-6-oxopyrroloquinolines 15. The related compounds 25 and 26, examples of indole flavanones and flavones, respectively, were also synthesized. UV spectroscopic comparisons between flavonoids and indole flavonoids are discussed.     

An efficient modification of ellipticine synthesis and preparation of 13-hydroxyellipticine

A simple modification of a previously published ellipticine synthesis is reported, which decreases the reaction time and increases the yield and purity of the product. Benzylic oxidations of 1,4-dimethylcarbazole and ellipticine derivatives were studied and 13-hydroxyellipticine was prepared.     

Reaction of chromous chloride with 3-nitroflavenes. A novel synthesis of flavonols

Reaction of Chromium(II) chloride with 3-nitroflavene yields flavonol.     

Protolytic properties of flavonols from pea chloroplasts

Using the buffer capacity method, a study has been made of the protolytic properties of three flavonoids isolated from pea chloroplasts: kaempferol 3-D-triglucoside (KG), kaempferol 3-D-triglucoside p-coumarate (KGC), and quercetin 3-D-triglucoside p-coumarate (QGC). It has been shown that the curves of the buffer capacities of solutions of the flavonoid investigated have from two to four peaks of dissociation constants. When the substances participate in photobiochemical reactions, they are capable of manifesting protonophoric properties.Institute of Photosynthesis, Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Pushchino. Translated from Khimiya Prirodnykh Soedinenii, No. 3, pp. 337–340, May–June, 1980.