Quantitative characterization by asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation of IgG thermal aggregation with and without polymer protective agents

Complexes formed between poly(acrylates) and polyclonal immunoglobulin G (IgG) in its native conformation and after heat stress were characterized using asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) coupled with on-line UV-Vis spectroscopy and multi-angle light-scattering detection (MALS). Mixtures of IgG and poly(acrylates) of increasing structural complexity, sodium poly(acrylate) (PAA), a sodium poly(acrylate) bearing at random 3 mol % n-octadecyl groups, and a random copolymer of sodium acrylate (35 mol %), N-n-octylacrylamide (25 mol %) and N-isopropylacrylamide (40 mol %), were fractionated in a sodium phosphate buffer (0.02 M, pH 6.8) in the presence, or not, of 0.1 M NaCl. The AF4 protocol developed allowed the fractionation of solutions containing free poly(acrylates), native IgG monomer and dimer, poly(acrylates)/IgG complexes made up of one IgG molecule and a few polymer chains, and/or larger poly(acrylates)/IgG aggregates. The molar mass and recovery of the soluble analytes were obtained for mixed solutions of poly(acrylates) and native IgG and for the same solutions incubated at 65 °C for 10 min. From the combined AF4 results, we concluded that in solutions of low ionic strength, the presence of PAA increased the recovery ratio of IgG after thermal stress because of the formation of electrostatically-driven PAA/IgG complexes, but PAA had no protective effect in the presence of 0.1 M NaCl. Poly(acrylates) bearing hydrophobic groups significantly increased IgG recovery after stress, independently of NaCl concentration, because of the synergistic effect of hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions. The AF4 results corroborate conclusions drawn from a previous study combining four analytical techniques. This study demonstrates that AF4 is an efficient tool for the analysis of protein formulations subjected to stress, an important achievement given the anticipated important role of proteins in near-future human therapies. ?      

An enzyme immunosensor for IgG

An enzyme immunosensor has been developed for assaying human immunoglobulin G (IgG). The sensor is composed of an oxygen sensoring system and an antibody-binding membrane. The assay procedure involves the competitive immunochemical reaction of the membrane-bound antibody with nonlabeled and catalase-labeled IgG and the electrochemical determination of membrane-bound catalase activity. The analytical result is directly displayed by the output current of the sensor. The sensor exhibited an excellent performance in monitoring specifically human IgG.     

Organelle sensor: amperometric determination of nadh by immobilized mitochondrial electron transport particles

A new sensor for NADH was developed by making use of an immobilized subcellular organelle. Mitochondria was used as a model system for assembling an organelle sensor. Mitochondrial electron transport particles (ETP) were prepared from beef heart muscle and entrapped in the membrane formed of agar gel. The membrane-bound ETP was found capable of NADH oxidation: $$NADH + \tfrac{1}{2}O_2 + H^ + \xrightarrow{{ETP}}NAD^ - + H_2 O$$ The membrane was tightly attached to the surface of an oxygen electrode capable of amperometric detection of O2. The sensor responded to NADH in solution with a resulting electric output. The response was enhanced by the addition of 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP). NADH was determined in the concentration range 1–300 µM. NADH was alternatively determined for 2 weeks without replacing the ETP-bound membrane.     

Thermal decomposition of polymethylmethacrylate synthesized with anionic catalysts

TG and DTA data are used to show that the thermal decomposition of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) synthesized with anionic catalysts depends on the nature of the catalyst. It is found that the thermal stability of PMMA obtained by using anionic amide catalysts is higher than that of radical PMMA and of PMMA obtained with other anionic catalysts, and depends on the temperature of polymerization and on the molecular weight of the polymer.     

Facile formation of stimuli-responsive,fluorescent and magnetic nanoparticles based on cellulose stearoyl ester via nanoprecipitation

In comparison to stimuli-responsive, multi-functional nanoparticles (NPs) from synthetic polymers, such NPs based on sustainable, naturally occurring polysaccharides are still scarce. In the present study, stable stimuli-responsive, fluorescent and magnetic NPs were fabricated using cellulose stearoyl esters (CSEs) consisting of cellulose and stearoyl groups. The multifunctional NPs with the average diameters between 80 and 250 nm were obtained after facile nanoprecipitation using CSE solutions containing Fe₃O₄-NPs. Using the aqueous solution of fluorescent rhodamine B as precipitant, NPs with rhodamine B on NP surface were obtained. Rhodamine B could be released depending on the temperature. In comparison, stearoylaminoethyl rhodamine B can be encapsulated in CSE-NPs, which renders obtained NPs reversible fluorescence in response to UV illumination and heat treatment.     

Impact of PS/SiO2 morphologies on the SERS activity of PS/SiO2/Ag nanocomposite particles

To understand the relationship between the morphology of carboxyl-functionalized polystyrene/silica (PS/SiO₂) nanocomposite microspheres and the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) performance of PS/SiO₂/Ag nanocomposite particles, core-shell and raspberry-like PS/SiO₂ composite microspheres were used as templates to prepare PS/SiO₂/Ag nanocomposite particles. The core-shell and raspberry-like structured PS/SiO₂ templates were prepared via in situ sol-gel reaction by hydrolysis tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) in alkali solution. Silver nanoparticles (10–50 nm) were loaded on the PS/SiO₂ templates’ surface by chemical reduction. The morphology and structure of the PS/SiO₂/Ag particles were characterized by TEM, SEM, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy. Rhodamine 6G (R6G) was selected as a model chemical to study the enhancement performance of substrate constructed by PS/SiO₂/Ag nanocomposite. Results indicated that the PS/SiO₂/Ag nanocomposite prepared based on the core-shell templates showed higher SERS activity. The beneficial effect was associated with a lower specific area of core-shell structure and the larger average diameter of nanosilvers than that of the raspberry-like templates.     

Heat of reaction and curing of epoxy resin

The heat of reaction and kinetics of curing of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A (DGEBA) type of epoxy resin with catalytic amounts of ethylmethylimidazole (EMI) have been studied by differential power-compensated calorimetry as a part of the program for the study of process monitoring for composite materials. The results were compared with those from 1∶1 and 1∶2 molar mixtures of DGEBA and EMI. A method of determination of heat of reaction from dynamic thermoanalytical instruments was given according to basic thermodynamic principles. The complicated mechanism, possibly involving initial ionic formation, has also been observed in other measurements, such as by time-domain dielectric spectroscopy. The behavior of commercially available DGEBA resin versus purified monomeric DGEBA were compared. The melting point of purified monomeric DGEBA crystals is 41.4 °C with a heat of fusion of 81 J/g. The melt of DGEBA is difficult to crystallize upon cooling. The glass transition of purified DGEBA monomer occurs around ?22 °C with aΔC _p of 0.60 J/K/g.     

Effect of Cl substituent in the aromatic tetracycline ring on its reactivity with solvated electrons

Decomposition yields of tetracycline hydrochloride /TC.HCl/ and chlorotetracycline hydrochloride /ClTC?HCl/ in methanol solution saturated with Ar or N₂O were determined. Rate constants of the reaction e_s with some antibiotics were obtained: $$\begin{gathered} k/e_s^ - + ClTC \cdot HCl/ = 2 \cdot 49 \times 10^8 dm^3 \cdot mole^{ - 1} \cdot s^{ - 1} ; \hfill \\ k/e_s^ - + TC \cdot HCl/ = 2 \cdot 86 \times 10^8 dm^3 \cdot mole^{ - 1} \cdot s^{ - 1} \cdot \hfill \\ \end{gathered} $$ On the basis of the diffence between decomposition yields: ΔG=G_?TC.HCl^?G?ClTC.HCl′ 7-C?Cl group decomposition yield and the rate constant $$k/e_s^ - + Cl - C - 7/ = 7 \cdot 94 \times 10^8 dm^3 \cdot mole^{ - 1} \cdot s^{ - 1} $$ were determined. It was demonstrated by¹H NMR that the radical formed by degradation of 7-C?Cl group is recombined with the H atoms leading to ClTC.HCl being converted into tetracycline hydrochloride /TC.HCl/.     

Structural and thermal properties of HDPE/n-AlN polymer nanocomposites

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) containing various volume fractions (0–20 vol%) of aluminum nitride nanoparticles (n-AlN) is prepared by melt mixing. Structural and morphological characterizations of the prepared composites are carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Thermal stability and degradation kinetics of HDPE/AlN (nano) composites are investigated by Thermogravimetric analysis (TG). HR-TEM micrographs confirm fairly uniform dispersion of AlN nanoparticles, as well as the existence of long interconnected chain-like aggregates. AFM images also confirm homogeneous dispersion of n-AlN in the polymer matrix. Roughness analysis from the AFM data indicates the presence of substantial undulation from the mean surface level. Thermogravimetric data indicate small improvement in the thermal stability of the composites. Kinetic parameters, viz., the activation energy (E _a), frequency factor (A), and reaction order (n) are estimated using the isoconversional methods of Kissinger, Flynn–Wall–Ozawa (FWO), KAS, and Friedman. Activation energies (E _a) calculated by the above four models display nearly similar features and are enhanced by the presence of AlN nanoparticles. Kinetics of degradation of HDPE-AlN (nano) composites follows a first-order reaction.     

SDS 800 — The new data system for quantitative depth profiling of inhomogeneous samples by SIMS

More than 13 years of SIMS application field experience of numerous users of the ATOMIKA Ionmicroprobes have been the basis for the new SIMS Data System SDS 800. The hardware and software concept of the SDS 800, therefore, pays special attention to the following requirements:

1. Convenient set-up, modification and re-use of the measuring parameter sets for easy, time-saving operation.
2. Individual parameter selection from the very broad range of SIMS measuring parameters for optimum SIMS data quality.
3. Multitasking operation for simultaneous handling of SIMS measurement, data processing, data output and of auxiliary techniques.
4. Simultaneous depth profile/ion image acquisition and processing to enhance data quality and to validate data interpretation.
5. User-friendly data processing and output.

     

The role of octanol in the extraction of hydrochloric acid by trilaurylamine dissolved in benzene

The extraction of hydrochloric acid by trilaurylamine (TLA) dissolved in benzene was studied in the presence and in absence of n-octanol. The extraction of HCl was found to be enhanced by the addition of octanoi to the organic phase. In order to explain this effect by means of the law of mass action, the systems TLA-HCL-benzene and n-octanol-HCl-benzene as well as TLA-octanol-benzene were also studied. It was found that TLA reacts with octanol to form a complex, TLAROH, while the octanol itself associates in benzene to form dimers and tetramers, although it does not extract HCl alone from the dilute solutions used in the present study. The enhancement of the extraction of HCl by TLA upon the addition of n-octanol could be described by the formation of the species TLA·ROH·HCl and its stability constant was determined.     

Isolation and purification of biopolymers by affinity chromatography. VI. Preparation and properties of an affinity adsorbent with a polysaccharide spacer for the purification of proteolytic enzymes

A new affinity sorbent has been synthesized — soybean trypsin inhibitor (STI)-amylopectin-hydrazidosuccinyl-Sepharose — and its properties have been studied in comparison with those of an analogous adsorbent without the spacer STI-Sepharose. The STI-amylopectin-hydrazidosuccinyl-Sepharose adsorbent has been used for the purification of trypsin from porcine pancreas and of callicrein from human blood plasma.     

The IUPAC aqueous and non-aqueous experimental pKa data repositories of organic acids and bases

Accurate and well-curated experimental pKa data of organic acids and bases in both aqueous and non-aqueous media are invaluable in many areas of chemical research, including pharmaceutical, agrochemical, specialty chemical and property prediction research. In pharmaceutical research, pKa data are relevant in ligand design, protein binding, absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination as well as solubility and dissolution rate. The pKa data compilations of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, originally in book form, have been carefully converted into computer-readable form, with value being added in the process, in the form of ionisation assignments and tautomer enumeration. These compilations offer a broad range of chemistry in both aqueous and non-aqueous media and the experimental conditions and original reference for all pKa determinations are supplied. The statistics for these compilations are presented and the utility of the computer-readable form of these compilations is examined in comparison to other pKa compilations. Finally, information is provided about how to access these databases.     

Mechanism and improvement of complex formation between LPS and polymyxin B that is immobilized on an ion exchanger

Polymyxin B was immobilized on the ion exchanger, Amberlite IRC-50. The modified support was used as an adsorbent for lipopolysaccharide ofE. coli from a phosphate buffer at pH = 7.0 and T = 20°C. The insertion of a spacer, 6-amino hexanoic acid, improved the adsorption capacity of the modified carrier significantly. Upon partial acetylation (25%) of primary amino groups of immobilized Polymyxin B, the adsorption capacity of the support was halved. From our results, it is concluded that the complex formation between lipopolysaccharide and immobilized Polymyxin B is based on both lipophilic, as well as electrostatic, interactions. Convenient procedures for the immobilization of the ligands and the characterization of the ion exchanger are described.     

On the determination of HCl+ (A,v′) vibrational populations from HCl+ (A→X) fluorescence spectra: direct comparison between photoionization and penning ionization

Using a beam apparatus, we have measured the HCl⁺ (A,v′→X,v″) fluorescence spectra of HCl⁺ (A,v′) ions formed in HeI (58.4 nm), and NeI (73.6 nm) photoionization and, for the first time, in He (2³ S) Penning ionization under single collision conditions with a wavelength bandwidth around 1 nm. In addition, we have studied Ne (3s ³ P _{2, 0}) Penning ionization of HCl at three different collision energies. The procedure and the problems in extracting HCl⁺ (A,v′) vibrational populations from the data are discussed in some detail. Thedirect comparison of photoionization and Penning ionization data allows definitive conclusions to be drawn on the question whether final state interactions in the Penning reaction change the “nascent” vibrational population (determined by electron spectrometry); for He (2³ S)+HCl, such changes are shown to be absent within the experimental uncertainty (<±10%). For Ne (3s ³ P _{2, 0})+HCl, the HCl⁺ (A,v′=0, 1) populations are also found to be close to those measured by electron spectrometry and essentially independent of collision energy in the range 34–96 meV. From measurements of the fluorescence intensity as a function of HCl density, we have evidence for a fast loss of HCl⁺ (A,v′) ions in collisions with HCl (rate constant around 5·10^?9 cm³s^?1).     

Low surface area carbonized silica obtained by the pyrolysis of dichloromethane: A column packing for adsorption and exclusion chromatography

Carbonized silica has been used as column packing for HPLC. Up to now it has been obtained by the pyrolysis of the vapour of benzene as well as aliphatic and aromatic alcohols. This paper reports on the properties of carbonized silica obtained by the pyrolysis of dichloromethane and used as column packing in HPLC.     

Polyoxotungstate nanoclusters supported on silica as an efficient solid-phase microextraction fiber of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

A highly porous silica-supported tungstophosphoric acid (PW) nanocluster was prepared for use in solid-phase microextraction (SPME) of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The PWs represent a class of discrete transition metal-oxide nanoclusters and their structures resemble discrete fragments of metal-oxide structures of definite size and shape. Transition metal-oxide nanoclusters display large structural diversity, and their monodisperse sizes can be tuned from several Ångstroms up to 10 nm. The highly porous silica-supported tungstophosphoric acid nanocluster material is found to be capable of efficiently extracting PAHs from aqueous sample solutions. The nanomaterial was immobilized on a stainless steel wire for fabrication of the SPME fiber. Following thermal desorption, the PAHs were quantified by GC-MS. Analytical merits include limits of detection that range from 0.02 to 0.1 pg mL^?1 and a dynamic range as wide as from 0.001 to 100 ng mL^?1. Under optimum conditions, the repeatability for one fiber (n?=?3), expressed as the relative standard deviation, is between 4.3 % and 8.6 %. The method is simple, rapid, and inexpensive. The thermal stability of the fiber and the high relative recovery make this method superior to conventional methods of extraction.

The highly porous silica-supported tungstophosphoric acid nanocluster material is found to be capable of efficiently extracting PAHs from aqueous sample solutions. The prepared nanomaterial was immobilized onto a stainless steel wire for fabrication of the SPME fiber. Following thermal desorption, the PAHs were quantified by GC-MS.     

On synthesis of Fe2SiO4/SiO2 and Fe2O3/SiO2 composites through sol–gel and solid-state reactions

Major processing factors in forming Fe₂SiO₄/SiO₂ and Fe₂O₃/SiO₂ powders via sol–gel synthesis followed by solid-state reactions are investigated. The results clearly indicate that the chemical compositions of the precursors, the ratio of the precursors, the nature of the catalyst used, and the gas atmosphere during solid-state reactions can all affect the outcome of the reaction product(s). The formation of Fe₂SiO₄/SiO₂ is enhanced by using the precursor iron(III) acetylacetonate as the Fe source with the precursor ratio of iron(III) acetylacetonate to tetraethyl orthosilicate being 1:1 and the addition of formic acid. Otherwise, crystalline Fe and Fe₃C are formed in place of Fe₂SiO₄. By altering the gas atmosphere during solid-state reactions from argon to oxygen, the reaction products change from Fe₂SiO₄/SiO₂ to Fe₂O₃/SiO₂. All of the observed phenomena can be rationalized via the degree of mixing of the Fe–O and Si–O domains at the molecular level in the gel network during sol–gel reactions and the presence of a reducing or oxidizing atmosphere during the solid-state reaction.     

Preparation and evaluation of PANI/PTT electromagnetic shielding fabric by in-situ chemical polymerization

To prepare the flexible and stretchable electromagnetic shielding (EMS) fabric with environmental stability, this paper uses polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT) fabric as substrate, the aniline monomer as raw material, hydrochloric acid (HCl) as the doping agent, ammonium persulfate (APS) as the oxidant to produce polyaniline (PANI)/PTT electromagnetic shielding fabric by in-situ chemical polymerization. It studies the influence of APS and HCl concentration on the surface electrical resistance and the absorption loss of electromagnetic shielding fabric. It can be observed that an increasing APS and HCl facilitate the absorption and spread of PANI into PTT fabric to form a conductive network, and improve the absorption loss efficiency, while the excess APS and HCl will hinder the PANI polymerization. The high electrical conductivity and absorption loss of the PANI/PTT fabric are obtained at the concentration of An 0.4 M, APS 0.4 M, HCl 1.25 M, and polymerization reaction time 120 min. Meanwhile, in-situ polymerization of PANI does not introduce new impurities and destroy the molecular structure of PTT.