Optimization of the conditions for biuret complex formation for the determination of peptides by capillary electrophoresis with ultraviolet detection

Capillary electrophoresis with UV detection was utilized to optimize copper complexation conditions for the analysis of neuropeptides. Complexation was confirmed by monitoring the response at a visible wavelength. Four complexation strategies were used to compare the UV response of native peptides and their respective copper complexes. All four strategies resulted in complete complexation, but on-capillary complexation provided significant advantages over precapillary and pre-/on-capillary. An increase in UV absorbance along with peak stacking resulted in a significantly greater response using the on-capillary technique. Also, on-capillary complexation does not require dilution of the sample. The effects of temperature and copper concentration were also investigated. The utility of this method for the separation of an enkephalin peptide mixture is presented.     

Investigations on the migration behaviour of purines and pyrimidines in capillary electromigration techniques with UV detection and mass spectrometric detection

Different approaches for the separation of a set of nucleosides and nucleobases using capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) and micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) are described. Several electrolyte compositions have been tested for this purpose. The addition of appropriate amounts of borate to the carrier electrolyte allowed manipulating migration orders in CZE and MEKC by selective complexation of the nucleosides. For detection either UV or two different modes of mass spectrometric (MS) detection were employed. The latter approach included a comparison of two ion sources namely electrospray ionization (ESI) and atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI) with respect to their potential in the detection of the selected compounds. Thereby it could be demonstrated that, in particular when it comes to the analysis of real samples, APPI-MS is the better choice if MS detection of purines and pyrimidines after separation by CZE is required.     

螯合物离子色谱

螯合物离子色谱是一种利用螯合物进行不同方式分离和检测的离子色谱模式，目前已经被痕量金属分析广泛采用，本文对一些螯合物阳离子交换色谱、螯合物色谱、阴离子交换色谱和离子对色谱最新进展进行了综述，并采用基本螯合物化学理论（金属螯合物稳定性、金属原子有效电荷、螯合剂能力等）对保留和分离机理进行了讨论。     

Determination of hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin in plasma and urine by size-exclusion chromatography with post-column complexation

The analytical method described here provides the appropriate sensitivity and selectivity for the determination of unlabelled hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin as a parenteral carrier in pharmaceutical formulations. The method may also be used in clinical trials evaluating the fate and pharmacokinetic profile of this compound, which was isolated from the biological matrix by solid-phase extraction with Bond Elut C18 cartridges. The lack of uniformity of the product was circumvented by the use of a size-exclusion chromatographic column. An indirect colorimetric complexation method was used for detection. The detection limit was 0.1 micrograms per 2 ml of biological fluid and the extraction recovery was sufficient (78%).     

Sweeping via Dynamic Complexation with Cyclohexane-1,2-diaminetetraacetic Acid for Trace Metal Analysis in Capillary Electrophoresis

To improve the detection sensitivity of metal ions in capillary electrophoresis (CE), combination of on-line complexation and sweeping was explored using cyclohexane-1,2-diaminetetraacetic acid (CDTA). CDTA has two roles, as a dynamic complexation agent to form a UV-absorbing complex and a carrier for sweeping. Six metal ions were used as test analytes. The effect of pH, CDTA concentration, composition of BGS and sample matrix, injection length of sample solution were examined and optimized to obtain high performance of this method. Under optimized conditions, the technique was validated in terms of the limit of detection, repeatability, and sensitivity enhancement. Improved detection responses were 60- to 160-fold in terms of peak heights for metal ions in comparison with conventional CZE of precapillary complexed metal ions. The limits of detection were in the range of 0.4 – 4.2 × 10^–7 M.Acknowledgements The authors are thankful to Dr. J.-B. Kim and Miss M.R.N. Monton for their helpful discussions. They are also grateful to Drs. H. Hisamoto and N. Matsubara for their support.     

Complexation ion chromatography —an overview of developments and trends in trace metal analysis

Complexation ion chromatography (IC), including all ion chromatographic modes in which complexation is exploited for the separation and detection of metal ions in different ways, is now a widely accepted method of trace metal analysis. Some of the significant advances in the theoretical aspects and practical applications of complexation IC modifications (non-suppressed cation chromatography with complex- forming mobile phases, coordination chromatography with chelate-forming bonded phases, ion-exchange and ion-pair chromatography of anionic metal chelates) recently developed in the authors' laboratories are reviewed. The retention behaviour and separation mechanism of non-complexed and completed metal analytes are discussed from the point of view of basic coordination chemistry (stability of metal complexes, effective charge of metal atom, ligand completing ability, etc.). Comparisons and contrasts between various metal complexation IC techniques and their common features and advantages relative to other methods used in analyses for transition and heavy metal ions are evaluated.     

Binding behaviour and solubilisation of p-sulfonatocalixarenes to cinchona alkaloids

In this study, we investigated the binding behaviours of three water-soluble p-sulfonatocalixarenes with four cinchona alkaloids in aqueous and phosphate buffer solutions (pH 7.2 and 2.0). The complexation stability constants obtained by fluorescence titrations were comparatively discussed from several aspects: host cavity, pH effect and ionic strength. Among three hosts, p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene (SC4A) forms the most stable complexes with cinchona alkaloids, especially in acidic aqueous conditions. Furthermore, SC4A was elected as model drug carrier for cinchona alkaloids, where solubilisation by the complexation of SC4A and mimic release from the calixarene cavity in the presence of negatively charged micelles were initially studied.     

新型Ni催化剂催化乙烯聚合的中性机理

用密度泛函理论中的B3LYP LANL2MB方法 ,研究了Ni 水杨亚胺催化剂催化乙烯聚合的中性反应机理并和阳离子活性中心的催化反应机理进行了比较 .计算结果表明 ,整个中性催化机理类似于阳离子催化机理 ,但是也有不同 .两种机理都是从带空位的活性催化剂开始 ,乙烯以垂直于催化剂平面的方式占据空位 ,为了有利于甲基的迁移 ,乙烯向甲基的方向旋转 90° ,形成四元环过渡态 .插入反应发生后 ,Ni和 β C之间形成一种氢桥键 ,协助新空位的形成 ,实现链的增长 .乙烯与中性活性中心的相互作用远远强于乙烯与阳离子活性中心的相互作用 .中性催化机理较阳离子催化机理容易引发 .阳离子催化的过渡态所需的活化能比中性催化所需的活化能低 ,表明阳离子反应机理比中性反应机理容易进行 ,甲基在中性催化过渡态中的迁移明显不同于在酸性液化过渡态中的迁移 .β agostic相互作用在中性催化反应机理中 ,在主导烷基给合物中Ni所带的电荷方面 ,起着关键性的作用 .     

Kinetic effects of the complexation reaction in the facilitated ion transfer at liquid membrane systems of one and two polarized interfaces. Theoretical insights

An in-depth study of the ion transfer facilitated by complexation in the organic phase (TOC mechanism) in liquid membrane systems of one and two polarized interfaces is carried out by taking into account the kinetic effects associated with the complexation reaction. Explicit analytical equations for the normal pulse voltammetric (I/E) and chronoamperometric (I/t) responses with an explicit dependence on the kinetic parameters of the chemical complexation are presented for both kinds of membrane system, which could be useful for modeling artificial and biological membranes. The equations are compared with those obtained by using the widely used approximation of total equilibrium conditions that leads to the transfer by interfacial complexation mechanism (TIC), which only depends on thermodynamic parameters. Simple methods are proposed that allow quantitative determination of the equilibrium and kinetic constants of the complexation reaction in the organic phase for both kinds of membrane system.     

High-sensitive fluorescent DNA sequencing and its application for detection and mass-screening of point mutations.

We describe a rapid and sensitive DNA sequencing method for an automated fluorescent DNA sequencer (AFDS) and its application for detection of point mutations. The method is based on an improved cycle sequencing procedure in which only 10-50 fmol of template DNA is required. Furthermore, it is able to use crude DNA preparation as a template as well as the purified one. Thus, the improved method provided a simplified procedure for sequencing of various types of DNA, including cosmid DNA, in which purification steps were unnecessary. We also developed a novel system for detection of point mutations using AFDS. A set of four lanes is used for the parallel analysis of single-base profiles of four different samples, instead of for the four-base profile of a sample. The AFDS exhibits the base profiles of the samples with four different colors in the analyzed data, which enables us to identify a mutation as an additional peak with a color specific for the lane. The feasibility of our system was tested by analyzing polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-amplified genomic DNAs from four individuals including a carrier of a mutation of C to T. The mutation was clearly identified as an additional "T" peak of a color specific for the carrier. The mutation was also detectable even if 16 individuals including the carrier were simultaneously analyzed on a set of four lanes (four individual samples for each lane). Thus, the novel system is useful for simultaneous detection of mutations in a large number of individual samples.     

Assay for oxygen in uranium in the 0.1–1.0 wt% range using 14-MeV neutron activation

The X-ray spectrometric method for uranium determination in sea water is discussed. Two techniques of uranium enrichment are presented: (1) precipitation with the chelating agent ammonium-1-pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (APDC) in the presence of iron(II) as a carrier and (2) complexation with APDC followed by adsorption on activated carbon. The best pH range and the other optimized conditions for uranium determination in sea water with both methods are reported.     

Cyclodextrin short-nanofibers using sacrificial electrospun polymeric matrix for VOC removal

Cyclodextrins (CD) are cyclic oligosaccharides that can form noncovalent host–guest inclusion complexes to yield intriguing supramolecular structures. Electrospinning of nanofibers from CD is challenging since they are small molecules, nonetheless, electrospun nanofibers from CD would be particularly attractive because of the distinctive properties obtained by combining the very large surface area of nanofibers along with the inclusion complexation capability of CD. Herein, we performed the electrospinning of native CD type (i.e. γ-CD) using a minimal amount of carrier polymeric matrix (polyethylene oxide (PEO)). Once, the uniform nanofibers were electrospun from γ-CD/PEO systems, the polymeric carrier matrix was selectively removed by simple washing procedure, at the end, γ-CD short-nanofibers were obtained. We observed that γ-CD short-nanofibers could remove volatile organic compounds (VOC) (i.e. aniline) due to the inclusion complexation capability whereas pristine γ-CD powder could not have the capability for the VOC removal.     

Enantioseparation of derivatized amino acids by capillary isoelectric focusing using cyclodextrin complexation

Enantioseparation of dansylated as well as 6-aminoquinolyl-N-hydroxysuccinimidylcarbamate (AQC)-derivatized amino acids by means of capillary isoelectric focusing using various cyclodextrin derivatives is demonstrated. Separation is based on the enantioselective shift of the isoelectric points upon complexation with the chiral selectors. The zwitterionic, diastereomeric analyte-cyclodextrin complexes exhibited differences in the pI values up to more than 0.25 pI units. Enantioresolution was achieved for a number of derivatized amino acids and various selectors added to the carrier ampholyte solution. The hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin proved to be the best selector for this purpose. Enantioseparation as dependent on the selector concentration was evaluated in a range between 5 and 30 mM. Separation could be attained down to selector concentrations corresponding to a degree of complexation as low as 30%. The peaks appear according to the degree of complexation between the positions adopted without and with full complexation. The kinetics of complex formation and dissociation was fast enough in most instances to produce single peaks, even with complexation degrees near 0.5 and significant pI shifts. Peak widths were slightly enlarged in these instances. The method offers excellent perspectives for preparative applications.     

Allosteric Control of Naphthalene Diimide Encapsulation and Electron Transfer in Porphyrin Containers: Photophysical Studies and Molecular Dynamics Simulation

The complexation processes of N,N’-dibutyl-1,4,5,8-naphthalene diimide ( NDI ) into two types of π-electron-rich molecular containers consisting of two Zn(II)-porphyrins connected by four flexible linkers of two different lengths, were characterized by means of absorption and emission spectroscopies and molecular dynamics simulation. Notably, the addition of NDI leads to a strong quenching of the fluorescence of both cages only when they are in an open conformation suitable for guest encapsulation, a situation triggered by silver(I) ions binding to the lateral triazoles. Molecular dynamics simulations confirm the fast binding of NDI , likely assisted by NDI -silver(I) interactions. Upon NDI complexation, the two porphyrin macrocycles get closer, with an optimized face to face orientation, suggesting an induced-fit mechanism through π–π interactions with the NDI aromatic cycle. Ultrafast transient absorption experiments allowed to identify the process of quenching of the Zn-porphyrin fluorescence as an efficient photoinduced electron transfer reaction between the cage porphyrin and the included NDI guest. The process occurs on fast and ultrafast time scales in the two complexes (1.5 ps and ≤300 fs) leading to a short-lived charge separated state (charge recombination lifetimes in the order of 30–40 ps). The combined computational and experimental approach used here is able to furnish a reliable model of the NDI -cage complexation mechanism and of the corresponding electron transfer reaction, attesting the allosteric control of both processes by the silver(I) ions.     

Potentiometric saccharide detection based on the pK(a) changes of poly(aniline boronic acid)

A novel approach for the potentiometric detection of saccharides using poly(aniline boronic acid) is presented. A model is described in which the electrochemical potential is sensitive to the change in the pK(a) of the conducting polymer as a result of boronic acid-diol complexation. In this system, boronic acid complexation is the mode of transduction and it is manifested as changes in the electrochemical potential of the polymer with remarkable selectivity. Characteristics of both transient and steady-state response associated with the complexation are discussed. The presence of Nafion and fluoride during the electrochemical polymerization of 3-aminophenylboronic acid are shown to impact the sensitivity and the stability of the electrode response. The sensor sensitivity is improved significantly by increasing the concentration of sodium fluoride during the polymerization. Finally, the nature of the selectivity of the boronic acid-diol reaction under these conditions is explored by using molecular orbital calculations.     

Practice and theory of enantioselective complexation gas chromatography

The practice and theory of enantioselective complexation GC is comprehensively reviewed for the first time. A multitude of racemic oxygen-, nitrogen- and sulfur-containing selectands can be separated without prior derivatization into enantiomers by complexation GC on optically active metal(II) bis[3-(perfluoroacyl)-(1R)-camphorate] selectors. Peak inversion is obtained when the selectors with opposite configuration are employed. Applications pertain to chiral analysis in asymmetric synthesis, enzymatic reactions, pheromone and flavour chemistry. Although the use of enantioselective complexation GC has diminished recently with the advent of modified cyclodextrins in enantioselective GC, the inherent principles of enantiorecognition together with other enantioselective phenomena can be elucidated easily by complexation GC. Using the concept of the retention-increment R' which allows the distinction between non-enantioselective and enantioselective contributions to retention, concise thermodynamic parameters of enantioselectivity - deltaD,L(deltaG) are accessible. The enantiomerization of configurationally labile enantiomers can be investigated and quantified by complexation GC. Four distinct enantioselective processes and four different coalescence phenomena have been discerned in complexation GC.     

Determination of chelating agents and metal chelates by capillary zone electrophoresis

Aminopolycarboxylic acids such as diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) are commonly used as chelating agents in many pulp and paper industries, particularly as scavengers of metal ions which catalyze the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide used as a bleaching agent. Concern for the effect of waste DTPA in the aquatic environment has led to a need for the development of methods to determine its levels in waste water. This paper describes the determination of free DTPA and several metal-DTPA complexes in water and waste water by capillary zone electrophoresis. The optimization of separation conditions included the selection of an appropriate carrier electrolyte composition (pH, organic solvents, ion-pairing reagents) and the systematic investigations of selective complexation of free DTPA as well as metal exchange reactions for metal-DTPA complexes in order to achieve selective and sensitive direct UV detection. The determination of DTPA in waste water from a paper mill was possible in the low ppm range.     

An evaluation of voltammetric titration procedures for the determination of trace metal complexation in natural waters by use of computers simulation

The impact of random analytical errors on the determination of metal complexation parameters of natural waters by metal titration procedures based on cathodic stripping (CSV) or anodic stripping (ASV) voltammetry is investigated by means of computer simulation. The results indicate that random analytical errors are of overriding importance in establishing the range of ligand concentrations and conditional stability constants that can be accurately determined by these techniques. Simulations incorporating realistic estimates of random analytical error show that only stability constants lying within a relatively narrow range, typically three orders of magnitude, can be determined accurately by the ASV procedure. The CSV procedure suffers from the same limitations, but is potentially more flexible in that the available detection window can be moved (but not widened) by adjustments to the method. Both techniques are capable of accurately determining ligand concentrations provided that the corresponding stability constant, K′, is greater than a threshold value which corresponds to the lower end of the available detection window for the stability constant. Realistically attainable improvements in analytical precision did not greatly improve the performance of either technique. Two graphical treatments for the evaluation of metal complexation parameters from titration data are compared: the Scatchard and Van den Berg/Ruzic plots. Simulations indicate that at least for the single-ligand model of complexation, the Van den Berg/Ruzic method is superior. The importance of the simulation results with respect to determining metal complexation parameters in natural waters is discussed. This study illustrates the value of computer simulation when complex, time-consuming analytical techniques are applied and the need for rigorous analysis of errors in producing data of environmental relevance.     

Mercury speciation by CE: a review

CE methods for the speciation of inorganic and organomercury compounds are reviewed. Sample preparation, separation conditions and detection modes are discussed. Efficient separation and sensitive determination of mercury species by CE typically involves complexation with various thiols, chromogenic and other chelating agents; however, some methods do not require complexation. Spectrophotometric detection based on UV-visible absorption is by far the most commonly used. Hyphenated techniques, such as CE/inductively coupled plasma (ICP)-MS, hydride generation coupled to ICP-MS or atomic fluorescence spectrometry and CE/atomic absorption spectrometry are gaining popularity due to their high sensitivity and selectivity. Last, but not least, the potential and applications of electrochemical methods for detection of separated mercury species are outlined.     

The application of ph gradients in flow-injection analysis: A Method for Simultaneous Determination of Binary Mixtures of Metal Ions in Solution

Under static conditions, pH-absorbance curves are highly characteristic for a given metal ion-ligand combination. If the ligand is an unselective analytical reagent, such as 4-(2-pyridylazo)resorcinol, the pH-absorbance curve obtained by adding the reagent to a mixture of metal ions is similar to a multi-element polarogram. It can be used for the detection of components of the mixture and for their determination. The absence of air segmentation in flow-injection systems means that pH gradients form over the sample/ carrier interface when basic solutions are injected into acid carrier streams, or vice versa. Thus there is the possibility of obtaining pH-absorbance curves under the dynamic conditions of flow injection analysis (f.i.a.). Procedures for the creation of known and reproducible pH gradients are given and discussed. The pH-gradient flow-injection method is evaluated by determining with 4-(2-pyridylazo)resorcinol (PAR) binary mixtures of (a) cobalt(II) and manganese (II) and (b) nickel(II) and copper(II) in the presence of similar amounts of cobalt(II) in the ppm range. In the latter example cobalt is kinetically masked by virtue of the relatively slow dissociation of the Co(HPAR)⁺ complex. Wide or narrow pH changes may be used, the choice being dependent on the critical pH range for complexation. The procedure is simple and accurate, and may be suitable for the rapid determination of a range of mixtures.