Radioassay of serum vitamin B12 using a competitive protein binding technique

A method has been developed for the radiassay of serum vitamin B₁₂ using a competitive binding technique. By this method, vitamin B₁₂ levels as low as 50 pg per ml of serum can be estimated in test samples. Egg yolk has been used as a test binding protein, which has several advantages over serum or plasma protein binding agents, as described in this paper. This binder is quite suitable and reliable for the assay of vitamin B₁₂.     

Reference intervals of serum folate and vitamin B12 developed from data of healthy subjects

 In this study the reference intervals for folate and vitamin B₁₂ were estimated according to the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards Approved Guideline C28-A and International Federation of Clinical Chemistry recommendations. The study included 155 women and 124 men between ages 18–40. The health status was confirmed by history, physical examination and a questionnaire. The central 95% reference intervals of serum folate and vitamin B12 for women, determined non-parametrically, were found to be 3.9–18.1 ng/ml and 101–666.7 pg/ml, respectively. The reference values of serum folate and vitamin B12 for men were also found to be 2,5–17.6 ng/ml and 100–699.57 pg/ml, respectively. We did not observe subclass differences between females and males. Received: 15 April 2000 · Accepted: 15 April 2000     

Determination of vitamin B<Subscript>12</Subscript> using a chemiluminescence flow system

A method to determine vitamin B₁₂ by measuring the chemiluminescence (CL) intensities using a flow injection (FI) system has been proposed. It is based on the catalytic effect of cobalt(II) in vitamin B₁₂ on the CL reaction between luminol and hydrogen peroxide in a basic medium. The increment of the CL intensity is proportional to the concentration of vitamin B₁₂ in the range 8.68–86.9 ng/mL (r ² = 0.9984) with a detection limit (3σ) of 0.89 ng/mL. The CL response is obtained in 10 s at a flow rate of 3.0 mL/min with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of less than 2.5% (n = 6). The method has been successfully applied to the determination of vitamin B₁₂ in pharmaceutical injections. The text was submitted by the authors in English.     

Synthesis and Structure of Vitamin B<Subscript>12</Subscript>-Derivatives with a Modified Ribose-Unit

Summary. The acylation at the 5′-OH group of the ribose-unit of vitamin B₁₂ (cyanocobalamin) or of aquocobalamin with two conventional reagents gave mono-acylated B₁₂-derivatives with good to very high selectivity. The site of the modification was deduced from spectral data of the products and was further supported by the crystal structure data of three such modified B₁₂-derivatives. These three B₁₂-derivatives were found to crystallize in the space group P2₁2₁2₁, irrespective of the nature of the appendage. Acylation at 5′-OH has been used to protect (or block) this group in the context of functionalization of 2′-OH or elsewhere in the B₁₂-molecule. Attachment of the bifunctional succinyl-unit has allowed the preparation of further modified derivatives of vitamin B₁₂ and binding of B₁₂-derivatives to biological carriers and other macromolecules. In aqueous solution, 5′-acylcobalamins turned out to be rather susceptible to hydrolytic loss of the acyl-functionality. Bernhard Kr?utler: In memoriam Prof. Karl Schl?gl     

The kinetics of photostabilization of cyanocobalamin in liposomal preparations

Cyanocobalamin (B₁₂) is a photosensitive vitamin, and its photodegradation to hydroxocobalamin (B_12b) in liposomes has been investigated. The values of apparent first-order rate constants (k_obs) for the photodegradation of B₁₂ in liposomes (nine preparations) are in the range of (0.52-2.24) × 10^–3 min^–1, compared to 3.21 × 10^–3 min^–1 for B₁₂ in aqueous solution (pH 5.0). The entrapment efficiency of B₁₂ in liposomes is 26.4-38.8%. The values of k_obs show a linear relation with phosphatidylcholine (PC) content in liposomes, indicating the influence of PC in inhibiting the rate of photolysis of B₁₂. The value of the bimolecular rate constant for photochemical interaction of B₁₂ and PC is 0.32 M^–1 min^–1, indicating the stabilizing effect of PC on the photolysis of B₁₂. The ratio of B₁₂ stabilization in liposomal preparations is in the range 2-6 compared to that of the unentrapped vitamin The stabilization of B₁₂ is mediated by a photoinduced charge-transfer B₁₂-PC complex that leads to the reduction of B₁₂ to B_12r, which is then oxidized to B_12b that has low susceptibility to photolysis. The extent of stabilization of B₁₂ probably depends on the degree of interaction between the two compounds under the reaction conditions, indicated by the loss of B₁₂ fluorescence.     

A solid-phase enzyme-linked assay for vitamin B12

A new solid-phase enzyme-linked competitive binding assay for vitamin B₁₂ (cyanocobalamin) is described. The assay is based on the competition between analyte B₁₂ molecules and a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase-vitamin B₁₂ conjugate for a limited number of R-protein binding sites immobilized on sepharose particles. After appropriate incubation and washing steps, the enzyme activity bound to the solid-phase is inversely related to the concentration of B₁₂ in the sample. Under optimized conditions, the method can detect B₁₂ in the range of 3×10^–10–1×10^–8 M (using 100l sample) with high selectivity over other biological molecules.     

Ultrasensitive Determination of Vitamin B12 Using Disposable Graphite Screen‐Printed Electrodes and Anodic Adsorptive Voltammetry

A facile, rapid and ultra‐sensitive method for the determination of vitamin B₁₂ (cyanocobalamin) at the sub‐nanomolar concentration range by using low‐cost, disposable graphite screen‐printed electrodes is described. The method is based on the cathodic preconcentration of square planar vitamin B_12s, as occurred due to the electro reduction of Co(III) center in vitamin B_12a to Co(I), at ?1.3 V versus Ag/AgCl/3 M KCl for 40 s. Then, an anodic square wave scan was applied and the height of the peak appeared at ca. ?0.73 V versus Ag/AgCl/3 M KCl, due to the oxidation of Co(I) to Co(II) in the adsorbed molecule, was related to the concentration of the vitamin B₁₂ in the sample. EDTA was found to serve as a key‐component of the electrolyte by eliminating the background signal caused by metal cations impurities contained in the electrolyte (0.1 M phosphate buffer in 0.1 M KCl, pH 3). It also blocks trace metals contained in real samples, thus eliminating their interference effect. The method was optimized to various working parameters and under the selected conditions the calibration curve was linear over the range 1×10^?10–8×10^?9 mol L^?1 vitamin B₁₂ (R²=0.994), while the limit of detection for a signal‐to‐noise ratio of 3 (7×10^?11 mol L^?1 vitamin B₁₂) is the lowest value of any reported in the literature for the electrochemical determination of vitamin B₁₂. The sensors were successfully applied to the determination of vitamin B₁₂ in pharmaceutical products.     

Determination of vitamin B<Subscript>1</Subscript> in seawater and microalgal fermentation media by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection

A highly sensitive high-performance liquid chromatographic method with fluorescence detection has been developed for determination of vitamin B₁. Vitamin B₁ was converted into a fluorescent compound by treatment with hydrogen peroxide–horseradish peroxidase and the derivative was subsequently analyzed by HPLC on a Waters Spherisorb ODS2 column (250 mm×4.6 mm ID, 5 μm) with 40:60 methanol–pH 8.5 acetate buffer solution as mobile phase and fluorescence detection at 440 nm (with excitation at 375 nm). The calibration graph was linear from 5.00×10⁻¹⁰ mol L⁻¹ to 5.00×10⁻⁷ mol L⁻¹ for vitamin B₁ with a correlation coefficient of 0.9991 (n=9). The detection limit was 1.0×10⁻¹⁰ mol L⁻¹. The method was successfully used for determination of vitamin B₁ at pg mL⁻¹ levels in microalgal fermentation media and seawater after solid-phase extraction. Recovery was from 89 to 110% and the relative standard deviation was in the range 1.1 to 4.3%.     

Synthesis and Structure of Vitamin B12-Derivatives with a Modified Ribose-Unit

The acylation at the 5′-OH group of the ribose-unit of vitamin B₁₂ (cyanocobalamin) or of aquocobalamin with two conventional reagents gave mono-acylated B₁₂-derivatives with good to very high selectivity. The site of the modification was deduced from spectral data of the products and was further supported by the crystal structure data of three such modified B₁₂-derivatives. These three B₁₂-derivatives were found to crystallize in the space group P2₁2₁2₁, irrespective of the nature of the appendage. Acylation at 5′-OH has been used to protect (or block) this group in the context of functionalization of 2′-OH or elsewhere in the B₁₂-molecule. Attachment of the bifunctional succinyl-unit has allowed the preparation of further modified derivatives of vitamin B₁₂ and binding of B₁₂-derivatives to biological carriers and other macromolecules. In aqueous solution, 5′-acylcobalamins turned out to be rather susceptible to hydrolytic loss of the acyl-functionality.     

Study on the Interaction of Vitamin B12 with DNA by Spectroscopy and Electrochemical Methods

The Interaction between vitamin B₁₂ (VB₁₂) and fish sperm DNA was investigated in physiological buffer (pH 7.4) using the methylene blue (MB) dye as a spectral probe by spetcrophotometery, viscosity measurements and cyclic voltammetry. The apparent binding constant of vitamin B₁₂ with DNA was found to be 3.2×10⁵ mol⁻¹·L. The voltammetric behavior of vitamin B₁₂ has been investigated at glassy carbon electrode using cyclic voltammetry. Thermodynamic parameters including ΔH⁰, ΔS⁰ and ΔG⁰ for the interaction between VB₁₂ and DNA have determined as −2.3×10⁴, 27.54 and −3.1×10⁴J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ respectively. One indication of DNA binding mode with VB₁₂ was the change in viscosity when a small molecule associates with DNA. The diffusion coefficients of VB₁₂ in the absence (D₀)_f and presence of DNA (D₀)_b was calculated as 5.04×10⁻⁶ and 1.13×10⁻⁶ cm²·s⁻¹ respectively. The results indicated that vitamin B₁₂ can bind to DNA and the major binding mode was intercalative binding.     

RP-HPLC determination of water-soluble vitamins in honey

The assessment and validation of reliable analytical methods for the determination of vitamins in sugar-based matrices (e.g. honey) are still scarcely explored fields of research. This study proposes and fully validates a simple and fast RP-HPLC method for the simultaneous determination of five water-soluble vitamins (vitamin B₂, riboflavin; vitamin B₃, nicotinic acid; vitamin B₅, pantothenic acid; vitamin B₉, folic acid; and vitamin C, ascorbic acid) in honey. The method provides low detection and quantification limits, very good linearity in a large concentration interval, very good precision, and the absence of any bias. It has been successfully applied to 28 honey samples (mainly from Sardinia, Italy) of 12 different botanical origins. While the overall amount of the analytes in the samples is quite low (always below 40 mg kg⁻¹), we have observed a marked dependence of some of their concentrations (i.e. vitamin B₃ and vitamin B₅) and the botanical origin of the honey. This insight might lead to important characterization features for this food item.     

Dipstick based immunochemiluminescence biosensor for the analysis of vitamin B12 in energy drinks: A novel approach

In this article, we describe a dipstick based immunochemiluminescence (immuno-CL) biosensor for the detection of vitamin B₁₂ in energy drinks. The method is a direct competitive type format involving the immobilization of vitamin B₁₂ antibody on nitrocellulose membrane (NC) followed by treatment with vitamin B₁₂ and vitamin B₁₂–alkaline phosphatase conjugate to facilitate the competitive binding. The dipstick was further treated with substrate disodium 2-chloro-5-(4-methoxyspiro {1,2-dioxetane-3,2¢-(5¢-chloro)tricyclo[3.3.1.13,7]decan}-4-yl)-1-phenyl phosphate (CDP-Star) to generate chemiluminescence (CL). The number of photons generated was inversely proportional to the vitamin B₁₂ concentration. After systematic optimization, the limit of detection was 1 ng mL⁻¹. The coefficient of variation was below 0.2% for both intra- and inter-assay precision. Vitamin B₁₂ was extracted from energy drinks with recovery ranged from 90 to 99.4%. Two different energy drinks samples were analyzed, and a good correlation was observed when the data were compared with a reference enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA) method. The developed method is suitable for an accurate, sensitive, and high-throughput screening of vitamin B₁₂ in energy drinks samples. The dipstick technique based on immuno-CL is suitable for the detection of several analyte in food and environmental samples.     

Vibrational spectra and structure of cesium salts of icosahedral monocarba-closo-dodecarborate anion, [CB11H12]–, and its nido-derivative, [CB100H13]–

The Raman and IR spectra of the cesium salts of monocarbon carboranes, [closo-CB₁₁H₁₂]^– and [nido-CB₁₀H₁₃]^–, are reported and the assignment of the normal modes is given. Quantum-chemical calculations of the geometry of undistorted closo-anions B₁₂H₁₂ ^2– and CB₁₁H₁₂ ^– were carried out and normal coordinate analysis for the latter was performed. Structural parameters and spectral characteristics of isoelectronic closo-polyhedra [B₁₂H₁₂]^2–, [CB₁₁H₁₂]^–, and p-C₂B₁₀H₁₂ and those of the closo- and nido-structures were compared.     

Komplexbildung des Hydroxycobalamins mit Kaliumhexacyanoferrat(II)

Zusammenfassung Das Hydroxycobalamin bildet mit Kaliumhexacyanoferrat(II) bei pH 2,5–2,7 ein wasserlösliches Derivat [B₁₂-Fe(CN)₆-B₁₂]^2–, das einen Komplex mit einer Bildungskonstante lgK=10,00±0,04 darstellt. Der Komplex ist reaktionsfähig und wird leicht in andere Derivate des Vitamins B₁₂ übergeführt.

---

Complex Formation of hydroxycobalamin with potassium hexacyanoferrate(II)

Hydroxycobalamin forms with potassium hexacyanoferrate(II) at pH 2.5–2.7 a water soluble complex [B₁₂-Fe(CN)₆-B₁₂]^2– with a formation constant lgK=10.00±0.04. The complex has high reactivity and easily can be converted into other derivatives of vitamin B₁₂.

     

Partial Synthesis of CoαCoβ-Dicyano-176-Norcobinamide

Summary. Recent interest in norvitamin B₁₂-derivatives, homologues of complete vitamin B₁₂-derivatives, lacking the methyl group at carbon 176, stems from the identification of the corrinoid cofactor of the tetrachloroethene reductive dehalogenase of Sulfurospirillum multivorans as 176-nor-pseudovitamin B₁₂. Here we report the partial synthesis of the corrinoid Co_αCo_β-dicyano-176-norcobinamide by condensation of cobyric acid and 2-aminoethanol. In addition, the partial synthesis of crystalline Co_α-aquo-Co_β-cyanocobyric acid by acid catalyzed hydrolysis of vitamin B₁₂ is detailed, improving the method and the isolation procedure worked out earlier by Bernhauer et al. The solution structure of Co_αCo_β-dicyano-176-norcobinamide was studied by spectroscopy and was compared with that of the homologue Co_αCo_β-dicyanocobinamide. The title compound, Co_αCo_β-dicyano-176-norcobinamide, represents the dicyano-form of a potential biosynthetic precursor of the 176-nor-B₁₂-derivatives, such as 176-nor-pseudovitamin B₁₂.     

Iodination of cisplatin adduct of Vitamin B12 [{B12}-CN-{cis-PtCl(NH3)2}]

The cisplatin adduct of vitamin B₁₂, [{B₁₂}-CN-{cis-PtCl(NH₃)₂}]⁺ (1), reacts with iodide in aqueous solution to form [{B₁₂}-CN-{trans-PtI₂(NH₃)}] (3) in good yield. Mono-substitution of chloride was not observed since a subsequent replacement of one NH₃ by a second iodide is very fast as compared to the Cl⁻ → I⁻ exchange. The same reaction conditions allowed to introduce radioiodide ¹³¹I. Vitamin B₁₂ can therefore be labeled with radionuclides via binding to the Pt(II) center.     

Reduction of pathogenic bacteria in organic compost using gamma irradiation

Organic compost is a useful fertilizer for organic farming. However, it poses a microbiological hazard to the farm products because most of the composts are originated from excremental matters of domestic animals. In this study, the radiation treatment was performed to improve microbiological safety of organic compost and the effectiveness of gamma irradiation for inactivating Salmonella Typhimurium and Escherichia coli was investigated. The total aerobic and coliform bacteria in the 16 commercial composts were ranged from 10⁵ to 10⁷ CFU/ml and 0 to 10³ CFU/ml, respectively. All coliform bacteria in the composts were eliminated by irradiation at a dose of 3 kGy, while about 10² CFU/ml of the total aerobic bacteria were survived up to 10 kGy. In the artificial inoculation test, the test organisms (inoculated at 10⁷ CFU/g) were eliminated by irradiation at 3 kGy. Approximate D₁₀ values of Salmonella Typhimurium and E. coli in the compost were 0.40 and 0.25 kGy, respectively. In the cultivation test, the test organisms of the compost had transfer a lettuce leaves. The growth pattern of lettuce was not different between irradiated and non-irradiated composts.     

Use of packed-fiber solid-phase extraction for sample clean-up and preconcentration of vitamin B_(12) before determination

A rapid and simple preconcentration step applying packed-fiber solid-phase extraction columns has been investigated to vitamin B_(12).The extraction performance of the new method was investigated preliminarily on vitamin functional drink.The analysis used a reversed-phase C_(18) column,with a photo-diode array detector at 220 nm.The samples were preconcentrated with packed-fiber solid-phase extraction columns.Good linearity was observed in vitamin functional drink.The repeatability of extraction performa...     

Partial Synthesis of CoαCoβ-Dicyano-176-Norcobinamide

Recent interest in norvitamin B₁₂-derivatives, homologues of complete vitamin B₁₂-derivatives, lacking the methyl group at carbon 176, stems from the identification of the corrinoid cofactor of the tetrachloroethene reductive dehalogenase of Sulfurospirillum multivorans as 176-nor-pseudovitamin B₁₂. Here we report the partial synthesis of the corrinoid Co_αCo_β-dicyano-176-norcobinamide by condensation of cobyric acid and 2-aminoethanol. In addition, the partial synthesis of crystalline Co_α-aquo-Co_β-cyanocobyric acid by acid catalyzed hydrolysis of vitamin B₁₂ is detailed, improving the method and the isolation procedure worked out earlier by Bernhauer et al. The solution structure of Co_αCo_β-dicyano-176-norcobinamide was studied by spectroscopy and was compared with that of the homologue Co_αCo_β-dicyanocobinamide. The title compound, Co_αCo_β-dicyano-176-norcobinamide, represents the dicyano-form of a potential biosynthetic precursor of the 176-nor-B₁₂-derivatives, such as 176-nor-pseudovitamin B₁₂.     

Ion-selective electrodes for the determination of <Emphasis Type="Italic">closo</Emphasis>borate anions

Ion-selective electrodes are proposed on the basis of tetradecylammonium salts for determining [B₁₂H₁₂]²⁻, [B₁₀H₁₀]²⁻, and [B₁₀Cl₁₀]²⁻ closoborate anions. Their basic electroanalytical parameters, selectivity, linear response range, detection limit, potential stability, and the pH effect on electrode indications are estimated. The closoborate anions can be arranged in the following series by the selectivity of their determination: [B₁₀Cl₁₀]²⁻ ≫ [B₁₂H₁₂]²⁻ > [B₁₀H₁₀]²⁻.