Design of fluorescent self-assembled multilayers and interfacial sensing for organophosphorus pesticides

This paper details the fabrication of indole (ID) self-assembled multilayers (SAMs) and fluorescence interfacial sensing for organophosphorus (OP) pesticides. Quartz/APES/AuNP/l-Cys/ID film was constructed on l-cysteine modified Quartz/APES/AuNP surface via electrostatic attraction between ID and l-cysteine. Cyclic voltammetry indicates that ID is immobilized successfully on the gold surface. Fluorescence of the Quartz/APES/AuNP/l-Cys/ID film shows sensitive response toward OPs. The fluorescent sensing conditions of the SAMs are optimized that allow linear fluorescence response for methylparathion and monocrotophos over 5.97 × 10⁻⁷ to 3.51 × 10⁻⁶ g L⁻¹ and 3.98 × 10⁻⁶ to 3.47 × 10⁻⁵ g L⁻¹, with detection limit of 6.1 × 10⁻⁸ gL⁻¹ and 3.28 × 10⁻⁶ gL⁻¹, respectively. Compared to bulk phase detection, interfacial fluorescence sensing based on the SAMs technology shows higher sensitivity by at least 2 order of magnitude.     

Preparation of a metal–ligand fluorescent chemosensor and enantioselective recognition of carboxylate anions in aqueous solution

Two chiral fluorescent chemosensors 1 and 2 were synthesized, and the structure characterized by IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, MS spectra and elemental analysis. Their recognition ability was studied in aqueous solution (Tris–HCl buffer pH 7.4, MeOH/H₂O = 1:1) through fluorescence spectra. Receptors 1 and 2 showed a good binding ability to the copper ion. The host 1-Cu²⁺ complex showed a chiral recognition ability to mandelate anions with a preferable binding to l-mandelate than d-mandelate anions. The host 1-Cu²⁺ complex and l- or d-mandelate anions formed 1:1 stoichiometric complex. The binding constant for l-mandelate is 576 M⁻¹, whereas that for d-mandelate is only 38 M⁻¹, which can be distinguished by the different change of fluorescence intensity.     

Bulk-modified modified screen-printing carbon electrodes with both lactate oxidase (LOD) and horseradish peroxide (HRP) for the determination of L-lactate in flow injection analysis mode

A screen-printed carbon electrode modified with both HRP and LOD (SPCE–HRP/LOD) has been developed for the determination of l-lactate concentration in real samples. The resulting SPCE–HRP/LOD was prepared in a one-step procedure, and was then optimised as an amperometric biosensor operating at [0, −100] mV versus Ag/AgCl for l-lactate determination in flow injection mode. A significant improvement in the reproducibility (coefficient variation of about 10%) of the preparation of the biosensors was obtained when graphite powder was modified with LOD in the presence of HRP previously oxidised by periodate ion (IO₄⁻). Optimisation studies were performed by examining the effects of LOD loading, periodation step and rate of the binder on analytical performances of SPCE–HRP/LOD. The sensitivity of the optimised SPCE–HRP/LOD to l-lactate was 0.84 nA L μmol⁻¹ in a detection range between 10 and 180 μMol. The possibility of using the developed biosensor to determine l-lactate concentrations in various dairy products was also evaluated.     

Carbon- and nitrogen-centered radicals produced from l-lysine by radiation-induced oxidation: A pulse radiolysis study

Radical species generated from the reactions of a basic amino acid, l-lysine (Lys), with hydroxyl radicals (OH) and sulfate radical anion () have been detected by the method of pulse radiolysis. On the basis of electron transfer reactivities toward tetranitromethane (TNM), it was demonstrated that reducing carbon-centered radicals are generated as a result of hydrogen abstraction from CH₂ of Lys with a G-value of 1.9 × 10⁻⁷ mol J⁻¹. On the other hand, direct oxidation of l-Lys by formed a transient species with different spectroscopic properties, most likely, the ε-N-centered Lys radical.     

Antitumor triterpene saponins from Anemone flaccida

A new triterpenoid saponin, 3-O-[（6′-butyryl）-β-D-glucopyranosyl]-28-O-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-（1→4）-β-D-glucopyranosyl-（1→6）-β-D-glucopyranosyl] oleanolic acid, as well as three known triterpenoid saponins were isolated from the rhizomes of Anemone flaccida. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. These compounds showed significant antitumor activities.     

Water-soluble colloidal manganese dioxide as an oxidant for l-tyrosine in the absence and presence of non-ionic surfactant TX-100

Water-soluble colloidal manganese dioxide has been used to oxidize l-tyrosine in aqueous-acidic medium. The kinetics of the reaction was studied in the absence and presence of non-ionic surfactant (TX-100) using a spectrophotometric technique. As the reaction was fast under pseudo-first-order conditions ([l-tyrosine]  [MnO₂]), the rate constants as a function of [l-tyrosine], [MnO₂], [HClO₄] and temperature were obtained under second-order conditions. The rate of the reaction increased and decreased with the increase in [l-tyrosine] and [MnO₂], respectively. Perchloric acid, sodium pyrophosphate and sodium fluoride showed catalytic effect. The effect of externally added manganese(II) sulphate is complex. It is not possible to predict the exact dependence of the rate constants on manganese(II) concentration, which has a series of reactions with other reactants. The reaction is inhibited by the non-ionic surfactant TX-100. Activation parameters have been evaluated using Arrhenius and Eyring equations. Based on observed kinetic results, a probable mechanism for the reaction has been proposed which corresponds to fast adsorption of the reductant and hydrogen ion on the surface of colloidal MnO₂ followed by one-step two-electron transfer rate limiting process.     

Fragmentation of deprotonated d-ribose and d-fructose in MALDI—Comparison with dissociative electron attachment

We present a detailed, collaborative study on the fragmentation of deprotonated native d-ribose and d-fructose and the isotopically labelled 1-¹³C-d-ribose, 5-¹³C-d-ribose and C-1-d-d-ribose. The fragmentation is studied in a matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometer (MALDI ToF MS), both in in-source decay (ISD) and post-source decay (PSD) mode and compared with fragmentation through dissociative electron attachment (DEA). Fragmentation of deprotonated monosaccharides formed in the MALDI process, as well as their transient molecular anions formed upon electron attachment are characterized by loss of different numbers of H₂O and CH₂O units. Two different fragmentation pathways leading to cross-ring cleavage are identified. Metastable decay of deprotonated d-ribose proceeds either via an X-type cleavage yielding fragment anions at m/z = 119, 100 and 89, or via an A-type cleavage resulting in m/z = 89, 77 and 71. A fast and early metastable cross-ring cleavage of deprotonated d-ribose observed in in-source decay is dominated by X-type cleavage leading mainly to m/z = 100 and 71. For dissociative electron attachment to d-ribose a sequential dissociation was identified that includes metastable decay of the dehydrogenated molecular anion leading to m/z = 89. All other fragmentation reactions in DEA to d-ribose are likely to proceed directly and on a faster timescale (below 400 ns).     

Enthalpic interactions of some α-amino acids with glycol in aqueous solutions at 298.15 K

The enthalpies of mixing of six kinds of aqueous amino acid solutions (Glycine, l-alanine, l-valine, l-serine, l-threonine and l-proline) and aqueous glycol solution and their respective enthalpies of dilution have been determined at 298.15 K using flow microcalorimetry. The experimental data have been analyzed according to the McMillan–Mayer formalism to obtain the heterotactic enthalpic interaction coefficients (h_xy). h_xy coefficients have been discussed from the points of view of solute–solute interactions.     

Study on the interaction between CdSe quantum dots and chitosan by scattering spectra

Two different stabilizing agents thioglycolic acid (TGA) and l-cysteine (l-Cys) capped CdSe QDs with the diameter of 2 nm were synthesized, large amounts of stabilizing agents connected to CdSe QDs surface through Cd–S bond. The interaction between chitosan and QDs had been investigated, respectively. The interaction lead to the remarkable enhancement of RRS, RNLS and the enchantments were in proportional to the concentration of chitosan in a certain range. Under the optimal conditions, compared with TGA–CdSe QDs, the interaction between l-Cys–CdSe QDs with chitosan owned more broad linear range 0.042–3.0 μg mL⁻¹ and lower detect limits 1.2 ng mL⁻¹. The influences of factors on the interaction between chitosan with QDs and some foreign substances were all examined, which showed that the methods had a good sensitivity and selectivity. Based on this, it is hoped to build a method for the determination of chitosan using CdSe QDs as probes. Through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) transmission electron microscopy (TEM), it was speculated that CdSe QDs interacted with chitosan to form a network structure aggregates through electrostatic attraction and hydrophobic forces. The reasons for the enhancement of RRS intensity were assumed as follows: resonance enhanced Rayleigh scattering effect, increase of the molecular volume, and hydrophobic effect.     

Heterogeneous interaction between zwitterions of some l-α-amino acids and ethanol molecule in water at 298.15 K

Dissolution enthalpies of l-α-aminobutyric acid, l-α-isoleucine, l-α-serine, l-α-threonine and l-α-cysteine in water and aqueous ethanol solutions have been measured by calorimetry at a temperature of 298.15 K. The obtained results were used to calculate the enthalpic heterogeneous pair interaction coefficients between zwitterions of amino acids and a molecule of ethanol in water. These values were interpreted in the terms of the hydrophobic or hydrophilic effects of the side chains of amino acids on their interactions with a polar molecule of ethanol in water.     

Magnesium interference and different efficiencies of diastereoisomeric cluster formation in phenylalanine enantiomeric discrimination by the kinetic method

The kinetic method has been applied for determination of d-Phe/l-Phe enantiomeric ratio. Discrimination of enantiomers was inferred from product ion mass spectra of trimeric cluster ions containing the analyte (l,d-Phe), Cu²⁺ as a central metal and l-Trp as a chiral reference ligand. Unsatisfactory quantitative results achieved on an ion trap were rationalized by high-resolution mass spectrometry. The formation of Mg²⁺-containing cluster isobaric to trimeric cluster [Cu(l-Trp)₂Phe]⁺ was observed. Interference like this was identified as a possible reason for deterioration of quantitative low-resolution mass spectrometric analyses of real-world samples based on the kinetic method. Cation-exchanger was used for easy removal of magnesium from a sample and improvement of quantitation.Chiral dependence of formation of the Cu²⁺-containing trimeric cluster was also observed. Heterochiral diastereoisomeric ions were created less effectively.     

EPR and optical absorption studies of Cr ions in d-gluconic acid monohydrate

EPR studies are carried out on Cr³⁺ ions doped in d-gluconic acid monohydrate (C₆H₁₂O₇·H₂O) single crystals at 77 K. From the observed EPR spectra, the spin Hamiltonian parameters g, |D| and |E| are measured to be 1.9919, 349 (×10⁻⁴) cm⁻¹ and 113 (×10⁻⁴) cm⁻¹, respectively. The optical absorption of the crystal is also studied at room temperature. From the observed band positions, the cubic crystal field splitting parameter Dq (2052 cm⁻¹) and the Racah interelectronic repulsion parameter B (653 cm⁻¹) are evaluated. From the correlation of EPR and optical data the nature of bonding of Cr³⁺ ion with its ligands is discussed.     

Free radical scavenging and radioprotective effects of carnosine and anserine

Two histidine-containing natural dipeptides, carnosine and anserine (β-alanyl-1-methyl-l-histidine), have been examined for their antioxidant and radioprotective abilities. Pulse radiolysis studies indicated the antioxidative properties of carnosine and anserine aqueous solutions at different pH. The rate constants for the reaction OH radical with carnosine at neutral pH were determined to be 5.3×10⁹ M⁻¹ s⁻¹ at 300 nm, and 4.1×10⁹ M⁻¹ s⁻¹ at 400 nm, respectively. Carnosine and anserine also protected plasmid pUC18 DNA from X-ray radiation-induced strand breaks as evidenced from the studies by agarose gel electrophoresis. Carnosine showed higher protective efficiency under the experimental conditions. Our data demonstrated that carnosine and anserine may play an important role in the maintenance of the antioxidant system.     

Molecular recognition capability and rheological behavior in solution of novel lactone-based glycopolymers

Novel glycopolymers have been prepared from ethylene–vinyl alcohol copolymers, EVOH. For that purpose, three distinct aminosaccharides (N-(4-aminobutyl)-d-gluconamide (NABG), N-(4-aminobutyl)-O-β-d-galactopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-d-gluconamide (NABL) and N-(4-aminobutyl)-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-d-gluconamide (NABM) have been synthesized. The previous functionalization of these EVOH copolymers is mandatory to activate their hydroxyl reactivity before the subsequent coupling reaction with the aminosaccharides. The activation with carboxylic acid groups by reaction with phthalic anhydride has been chosen in the current investigation because of its almost quantitative yield and the subsequent high modification extent reached (>60%). The glycopolymers that turned out water-soluble (i.e., those based on NABL and NABM) have shown a reversible network formation unusually described in glycopolymers. In addition, their capability to interact with lectins, particularly Concanavalin A and Ricinus communis Agglutinin, has confirmed the specificity of lectin recognition in these glycopolymers.     

Benzamidinium d-glucuronate: Spectroscopic and structural elucidation

Benzamidinium d-glucuronate (1) crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group P2₁2₁2₁ and exhibits a 3 D network with molecules linked by moderate intermolecular hydrogen bonds (HNH…O_(solvent) 2.993 Å, HNH…OCO 2.894 Å, HNH…O_(cycle) 2.844 Å, OH…NH₂ 2.931 Å, OH…O_(solvent) 2.894, 2.924 and 2.715 Å (stronger)) with participation of cations, anions and solvent molecules. The IR-band assignment of carbohydrate moieties is elucidated by a comparison between the types and bond lengths of intermolecular interactions with participation of OH groups in d-glucuronate and linear polarized IR-(IR-LD) spectroscopic data. Experimental results are supported by theoretical ab initio calculations of benzamidinium cation and d-glucuronate anion.     

Simultaneous reactive extraction separation of amino acids from water with D2EHPA in hollow fiber contactors

Reactive extraction separation of binary amino acids from water using a microporous hollow fiber has been studied, in which the acidic extractant di(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) was selected as an active carrier dissolved in kerosene. l-Phenylalanine (Phe) was extracted from an aqueous solution through the shell side of module to the organic phase through the lumen of fiber in the extraction module, in which l-Phe was then back-extracted to stripping phase in stripping module. Experiments were conducted as a function of the initial feed concentration of equimolar Phe and l-aspartic acid (l-Asp) (5 mol/m³), feed pH (3–5), the carrier concentration (0.1–0.5 mol/dm³), and stripping acidity (0.1–2 mol/dm³). The effect of process variables on the separation factor of Phe/Asp and the possible transport resistances including aqueous-layer diffusion, membrane diffusion, organic-layer, and interfacial chemical reaction were quantitatively studied and discussed. The high separation factor (β) of Phe/Asp was obtained to be 18.5 at feed pH 5 and 2 mol/dm³ of strip solution (HCl). The extraction and stripping processes appear to rely on pH dependence of the distribution coefficient of amino acids in reactive extraction system. The separation factor (β) was enhanced in hollow fiber membrane (HFM) process compared with conventional solvent process, which was a result of the counter transport of hydrogen ions.     

Diastereoselective enzymatic preparation of acetylated pentofuranosides carrying free 5-hydroxyl groups

Methyl 3-O-acetyl-2-deoxy-α-d-ribofuranoside, 1,3-di-O-acetyl-2-deoxy-α-d-ribofuranose and 1,2,3-tri-O-acetyl-α-d-arabinofuranose were diastereoselectively prepared (de = 100%) from anomeric mixtures of the corresponding 5-acetylated compounds through Candida antarctica B lipase (CAL B)-catalysed alcoholysis.     

Two new 24-hydroxylated asterosaponins from Culcita novaeguineae

Two new 24-hydroxylated asterosaponins,sodium(20R,24S)-6α-O-(4-O-sodiumsulfato-β-D-quinovopyranosyl)-5α-cholest-9(11)-en-3β,24-diol 3-sulfate(1) and sodium(20R,24S)-6α-O-[3-O-methyl-β-D-quinovopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→3)-β-D-glucopyranosyl]-5α-cholest-9(11)-en-3β,24-diol 3-sulfate(2),were isolated from the starfish Culcita novaeguineae.Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectral analysis and chemical evidences.     

Total syntheses and absolute stereochemistry of decarestrictines C1 and C2

The total syntheses of decarestrictines C₁ and C₂ have been described. The synthetic strategy involves a practical and flexible approach using esterification and ring-closing metathesis to unite the acid and alcohol fragments. The acid fragments are enantiomers of each other and have been prepared from l-(−)-malic acid via similar transformations; in Sharpless asymmetric epoxidation, (+)-DET has been used for decarestrictine C₁ and (−)-DET for decarestrictine C₂. The alcohol fragment is identical for both decarestrictines C₁ and C₂ and has been accessed from d-(+)-mannitol. Comparison of the ¹H and ¹³C NMR data combined with the computational studies predicts the presence of two conformations without and with hydrogen bonding (conformational isomers I and II for decarestrictine C₁), respectively. The ¹H and ¹³C NMR data for decarestrictine C₂ completely agreed with the analytical data reported by Kibayashi et al.     

Thiol oxidation at 2-mercaptopyrimidine-appended cobalt phthalocyanine modified glassy carbon electrodes

The electrocatalytic activity of cobalt tetra-2-mercaptopyrimidylphthalocyanine-modified glassy carbon electrode (CoTMPyrPc-GCE) toward gluthathione, l-cysteine and 2-mercaptoethanol has been investigated. CoTMPyrPc-GCE provides a significant improvement on the reported oxidation potential of l-cysteine in pH 4.0 phosphate buffered solution. The oxidation peak potential (E_p), for l-cysteine, was 0.15 V – a relatively lowered oxidation potential compared to reported phthalocyanine complexes. The electrode prepared by drop-dry/thermal annealing method was very stable and sensitive over a long period of time. The stability has been attributed to the thermal annealing and the structure of the mercaptopyrimidine on the periphery of the CoPc.