A thin liquid film thickness shear mode bulk acoustic wave sensor for determination of Proteus mirabilis

A thickness shear mode bulk acoustic wave sensor coated with a thin liquid culture medium film was developed and applied to determine the concentration of Proteus mirabilis (P. mirabilis). Experiments demonstrated that there was a good linear relationship between the turning point time and the logarithm of the P. mirabilis concentration in the range 2.0 x 10(2)-2.0 x 10(6) cells ml(-1). The detection was fast and accurate because of the sharp turning point of the response due to the thin culture film on the sensor surface. Other problems concerning the experiments are discussed in detail.     

奇异变形杆菌中赖氨酸-2-羟基异丁酰化蛋白的分析

蛋白质的赖氨酸修饰广泛参与基因调控、转录、代谢等重要的生物过程。在真核细胞组蛋白上发现了一种新的赖氨酸修饰--2-羟基异丁酰化,这种修饰对于生殖细胞分化具有调控功能。该研究旨在探索这种修饰在原核生物非组蛋白中的特征。通过亲和富集、高效液相色谱-串联质谱鉴定和生物信息学分析,在奇异变形杆菌中鉴定到大量未见报道的2-羟基异丁酰化蛋白及其位点,进而考察了原核生物中2-羟基异丁酰化修饰蛋白的分布特征、分子网络和通路特点。研究表明,赖氨酸-2-羟基异丁酰化在原核生物中具有广泛的分布,其生物学意义值得进一步研究。     

Membrane electrodes for the determination of glutathione

Four glutathione (GSH)-selective electrodes were developed with different techniques and in different polymeric matrices. Precipitation-based technique with bathophenanthroline-ferrous as cationic exchanger in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) matrix was used for sensor 1 fabrication. β-Cyclodextrin (β-CD)-based technique with either tetrakis(4-chlorophenyl)borate (TpClPB) or bathophenanthroline-ferrous as fixed anionic and cationic sites in PVC matrix was used for fabrication of sensors 2 and 3, respectively.β-CD-based technique with TpClPB as fixed anionic site in polyurethane (Tecoflex) matrix was used for sensor 4 fabrication. Linear responses of 1 × 10⁻⁵ to 1 × 10⁻⁴ M and 1 × 10⁻⁶ to 1 × 10⁻³ M with slopes of 37.5 and 32.0 mV/decade within pH 7-8 were obtained by using electrodes 1 and 3, respectively. On the other hand, linear responses of 1 × 10⁻⁵ to 1 × 10⁻² and 1 × 10⁻⁵ to 1 × 10⁻³ M with slopes of 47.9 and 54.3 mV/decade within pH 5-6 were obtained by using electrodes 2 and 4, respectively. The percentage recoveries for determination of GSH by the four proposed GSH-selective electrodes were 100 ± 1, 100.5 ± 0.7, 100 ± 1 and 99.0 ± 0.8% for sensors 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. Determination of GSH in capsules by the proposed electrodes revealed their applicability for determination of GSH in its pharmaceutical formulations. Also, they were used to determine GSH selectively in presence of its oxidized form (GSSG). Sensor 4 was successfully applied for determination of glutathione in plasma with average recovery of 100.4 ± 1.11%. The proposed method was compared with a reported one. No significant difference for both accuracy and precision was observed.     

A comparison of edge- and basal-plane pyrolytic graphite electrodes towards the sensitive determination of hydrocortisone

Electrochemical sensor employing edge-plane pyrolytic graphite electrode (EPPGE) for the sensitive detection of hydrocortisone (HC) is delineated for the first time. The electrochemical properties are investigated exercising the cyclic voltammetry and square-wave voltammetry (SWV). When equating with the bare basal-plane pyrolytic graphite electrode (BPPGE), the EPPGE gave better response towards the detection of HC both in terms of sensitivity and detection limit. The voltammetric results indicated that EPPGE remarkably enhances the reduction of HC which leads to considerable amelioration of peak current with shift of peak potential to less negative values. The difference in the surface morphology of two electrodes has been studied. Also, the EPPGE delivered an analytical performance for HC with a sensitivity of 45 nA nM⁻¹ and limit of detection of 88 nM in the concentration range 100-2000 nM. The method has been utilized for the determination of HC in pharmaceuticals and real samples. The electroanalytical method using EPPGE is the most sensitive method for determination of HC with lowest limit of detection to date. The major metabolites present in blood plasma did not intervene with the present investigation as they did not exhibit reduction peak in the experimental range used. A comparison of results with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) signalizes a good agreement.     

Amperometric enzyme electrodes for the determination of l-glutamate

Electrodes for amperometric measurement of l-glutamate were prepared by immobilization of l-glutamate oxidase on an Immobilon-AV Affinity membrane and attachment to an oxygen/hydrogen peroxide sensor. The response of the hydrogen peroxide sensor was linear over the concentration range 5.0 x 10(-8)-5.0 x 10(-4)Ml-glutamate, with a limit of detection of 35nM. Attachment of a size-exclusion membrane (cut-off for molecular weight > 100) or of a hydrophobic oxygen membrane eliminated electro-oxidizable interferences, but the response was attenuated by a factor of 2-3. The response may be amplified 10-fold by co-immobilizing l-glutamate dehydrogenase with the l-glutamate oxidase. The electrode initially lost 25% of its activity but was then stable for more than 320 days and at least 200 assays. The electrode was successfully used to assay glutamate in a protein tablet and in several food products. A flow-injection system was assembled for the continuous assay of l-glutamate.     

Ion-selective electrodes for gold and silver determination

Some new ion-selective electrodes for silver and gold are described. They are based on the ion-associate species formed by the cyanide, chloride or thiourea complexes of the metals, with hydrophobic anions or cations, as appropriate. The electrodes have been applied to the determination of gold and silver in various technological process solutions in industry.     

Functionalized carbon electrodes for pH determination

The derivatization of carbon materials has allowed electrochemists to develop electrodes for pH measurements that offer distinct advantages compared to other common methods for determining pH in solutions. In this report, an overview on recent work on the different derivatization strategies leading to potentiometric, amperometric, or voltammetric pH sensors is given. The topic is subdivided into five main categories: (1) chemical modification, (2) covalent bonding, (3) physical adsorption, (4) film formation, and (5) composite electrodes.     

Metal-metal oxide enzyme electrodes for the determination of urea

Enzyme electrodes for urea assay based on metal-metal oxide (Sb, Bi, W, Ti + RuO₂) with urease immobilized in gelatin gel were examined. It was shown that the best electrodes were obtained for tungsten. The urea response of the electrodes was influenced by the pH and concentration of the buffer used. Increasing additions of inert salt (potassium chloride) change the pH characteristic of the tungsten electrode and buffer capacity, thus influencing the urea response of the electrode.     

Chemically modified electrodes for the determination of sulphydryl compounds

Under neutral conditions, the electrocatalytic oxidation of sulphydryl compounds at rotating graphite electrodes modified with tetracyano-p-quinodimethane, tetrathiafulvalene and 1,1′-dimethylferrocene proceeds at potentials higher than ?0.1 V vs. SCE. The sensitivity of the electrodes depends on the nature of both the modifier and the sulphydryl compounds, and in 0.1 M potassium phosphate buffer solution (pH 7) it reaches 0.16 A 1 mol^?1 cm^?2. The electrode sensitivity is higher in a weakly alkaline medium. The sensitivity is only slightly dependent on the electrode rotation speed.     

Graphene-loaded nanofiber-modified electrodes for the ultrasensitive determination of dopamine

A novel and highly sensitive electrochemical system based on electrospun graphene/polyaniline/polystyrene (G/PANI/PS) nanofiber-modified screen-printed carbon electrodes has been developed for dopamine (DA) determination. A dramatic increase (9 times) in the current signal for the redox reaction of a standard, ferri/ferrocyanide [Fe(CN)₆]^3−/4− couple was found when compared to an unmodified electrode. This modified electrode also exhibited favorable electron transfer kinetics and excellent electrocatalytic activity toward the oxidation of DA. When used together with square wave voltammetry (SWV), DA can be selectively determined in the presence of the common interferents (i.e. ascorbic acid and uric acid). Under optimal conditions, a very low limit of detection (0.05 nM) and limit of quantification (0.30 nM) were achieved for DA. In addition, a wide dynamic range of 0.1 nM to 100 μM was found for this electrode system. Finally, the system can be successfully applied to determine DA in complex biological environment (e.g. human serum, urine) with excellent reproducibility.     

Solid-state ion-selective electrodes for the potentiometric determination of phosphate

A number of solid-state ion-selective electrodes for the potentiometric determination of phosphate have been made and their properties investigated. The most successful of these electrodes, which had a membrane comprising silver sulphide, lead sulphide and lead hydrogen phosphate, had a theoretical Nernstian response to orthophosphate ion at concentrations down to 5 mug/ml total phosphate at pH 8.3. The electrode had a slow response and its standard potential changed with time. Anions such as sulphate, bicarbonate and nitrate did not interfere; chloride had a transient effect, but even at its worst the interference was less serious than with other phosphate electrodes. The electrode was used as an indicator in the potentiometric precipitation titration of phosphate and lanthanum.     

Activated pyrolysed bacterial cellulose as electrodes for supercapacitors

In this paper, the bacterial celluloses (BCs) were pyrolysed in nitrogen and then activated by KOH to form a porous three-dimension-network electrode material for supercapacitor applications. Activated pyrolysed bacterial cellulose (APBC) samples with enlarged specific surface area and enhanced specific capacitances were obtained. In order to optimize electrochemical properties, APBC samples with different alkali-to-carbon ratios of 1, 2 and 3 were tested in two electrodes symmetrical capacitors. The optimized APBC sample holds the highest specific capacitance of 241.8 F/g, and the energy density of which is 5 times higher than that of PBC even at a current density of 5 A/g. This work presents a successful practice of preparing electrode material from environment-friendly biomass, bacterial cellulose.     

Amperometric determination of the insecticide fipronil using batch injection analysis: comparison between unmodified and carbon-nanotube-modified electrodes

The electrochemical oxidation of fipronil is investigated on unmodified and multi-walled carbon-nanotube (MWCNT)-modified glassy carbon electrodes (GCEs), and its amperometric determination using batch injection analysis (BIA) is demonstrated. An oxidation peak was observed at 1.5 V in a 0.1 mol L^?1 HClO₄/acetone solution (50:50, v/v) on both surfaces. Although MWCNT-modified GCE provided greater sensitivity, the unmodified GCE showed low RSD value, wider linear range, and reduced adsorption of fipronil or its oxidized products on the electrode surface. A detection limit of 4.7 μmol L^?1 and linear range of 25–300 μmol L^?1 were obtained using a bare GCE. The method was applied in veterinary formulations with results in agreement with those obtained by high-performance liquid chromatography.     

New modified electrodes for the separate determination of anionic surfactants

Nylon, chitin, polyvinyl chloride, and polymethyl methacrylate molecular sieves with pores of various size are studied as membrane surface modifiers in electrodes reversible to anionic surfactants. A procedure for the synthesis of molecular sieves with pores of the specified size from water-insoluble polymeric matrix (polyvinyl chloride, polymethyl methacrylate) was developed. Different methods were proposed for modifying the electrode surface. It was demonstrated that modified electrodes provide the separate determination of alky 1 sulfates bearing alkyl radicals of different lengths (C₁₂-C₁₄).     

Multi-enzyme electrodes for the determination of starch by flow injection

A tri-enzyme electrode has been developed for determining starch in a flowing stream based on amperometric monitoring of hydrogen peroxide at a potential of +600 mV versus a silver--silver chloride reference electrode. The nylon-based starch-sensing membranes (over a platinum electrode) were prepared from an enzyme cocktail containing various ratios of amyloglucosidase (AMG), mutarotase (MUT) and glucose oxidase (GO). The best starch-sensing membrane (to give the type A electrode) was made from an enzyme cocktail of AMG--MUT--GO (2000 + 100 + 100 U; where 1 U = 16.67 nanokatals), i.e., containing a high level of AMG. In this system, starch samples were first incubated with soluble alpha-amylase (alpha-AMY) (1000 U) for 1 h at room temperature prior to analysis with the tri-enzyme electrode. Attempts were also made to immobilize alpha-AMY on to nylon net, either alone or as a component of a four-membrane starch-enzyme electrode but starch signals were weak compared with those generated by starch pre-treated with soluble alpha-AMY. This system, associated with the type A starch electrode, not only exhibited a calibration of wide linear range (1 x 10(-4)-0.1% m/v starch) but also showed promising operational properties. It has excellent thermal stability over the range 30-70 degrees C.     

PVC membrane electrodes for potentiometric determination of tripelennamine

The construction of PVC matrix type tripelennamine ion selective electrodes and their use for direct potentiometry, potentiometric titration and flow injection analysis of tripelennamine cation are described. The membranes of these electrodes consist of tripelennamine-tetraphenylborate, reineckate and picrylsulfonate ion-association complexes dispersed in PVC matrix with tributyl phosphate (TBP) plasticizer. The electrodes exhibit near-Nernstian response over the concentration range of 10^–1-10^–4 M tripelennamine over the pH range 4.5–8.0. Selectivity coefficients data obtained for 17 different organic and inorganic ions are presented. The results obtained for the determination of 29 g/ml-29 mg/ml of tripelennamine with the proposed electrodes show average recoveries of 99.5–99.9% and mean standard deviations of 0.6–1.2%. The data agree well with those obtained by the standard methods.     

Membrane electrodes for determination of some beta-blocker drugs

Five poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) matrix membrane electrodes responsive to the beta-blockers atenolol (AT), bisoprolol fumarate (BI), timolol maleate (TI), and levobunolol HCl (LV) were developed and characterized. A precipitation-based technique with ammonium reineckate anion as an electroactive material in PVC matrix with AT, BI, TI, and LV cations was used for fabrication of Electrodes 1-4, respectively. Electrode 5 fabrication was based on precipitation of LV cation with tungstophosphate anion as an electroactive material. Fast and stable Nernstian responses at 1 x 10(-2)-1 x 10(-7) M for different beta-blockers over the pH range of 2-8 were found for these electrodes, which were evaluated according to International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry recommendations. The method was successively applied for the determination of beta-blockers in their pharmaceutical formulations. Validation of the method according to quality assurance standards showed the suitability of the proposed electrodes for use in the quality control assessment of these drugs. The recoveries for the determination of the beta-blocker drugs by the 5 proposed selective electrodes were 100.1 +/- 0.7, 99.9 +/- 0.8, 100.0 +/-1.1, 100.5 +/- 1.1, and 100.6 +/- 0.7% for Sensors 1-5, respectively. Statistical comparison between the results obtained by this method and the official method of the drugs was performed and no significant difference was found.     

Comparison of two electrodes for the determination of ammonia and nitrogen compounds

Summary Two types of electrodes for the determination of ammonia are compared: one of the liquid membrane and one of the gas detecting type. Important electrode characteristics as response time, sensitivity and selectivity are commented. The ammonia electrode was tested in practice by analysis of ammonia and nitrate in canal water. The precision of the methods described was tested by analysis of synthetic samples, and by comparison with a volumetric and colorimetric method.

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Vergleich zweier Elektroden für die Bestimmung von Ammoniak und von Stickstoffverbindungen

Zusammenfassung Zwei Elektrodentypen (Flüssig-Membran und Gasdetektor) für die Ammoniakbestimmung wurden einem Vergleich unterzogen. Wichtige Charakteristiken (Ansprechzeit, Empfindlichkeit und Selektivität) werden diskutiert. Die praktische Prüfung erfolgte an Hand der Bestimmung von Ammoniak und Nitrat in Kanalwasser. Die Präzision wurde mit synthetischen Proben getestet sowie durch Vergleich mit einer volumetrischen und einer colorimetrischen Methode.

     

MWNT-modified electrodes for voltammetric determination of lipophilic vitamins

Multi-walled carbon nanotube modified graphite electrodes (MWNT-GEs) have been created for the voltammetric determination of α-tocopherol and retinol. The electrode surface was characterized by atomic force microscopy. The MWNT-GEs presented structured surfaces and a significant (26-fold) increase in roughness over unmodified graphite electrodes (8.2 vs. 0.32?nm for MWNT-GEs and GEs, respectively). Their surfaces consisted of aggregates with a highly regular “thorn-like” structure. α-Tocopherol and retinol were oxidized on the bare GEs and the MWNT-GEs in 0.1?M HClO₄ in acetonitrile. Decreases in the overpotential of 0.2 and 0.04?V for α-tocopherol and retinol, respectively, and increased oxidation currents were observed on the MWNT-GEs in comparison with the unmodified electrodes. The calibration graphs were linear in the range 0.065–2.00?mM for α-tocopherol and 0.05–1.50?mM for retinol. The detection limits were found to be 0.05 and 0.04?mM for α-tocopherol and retinol, respectively. The developed electrodes were applied to determine α-tocopherol and retinol in pharmaceuticals. The results obtained agreed well with coulometric titration data.     

Microcalorimetric performance of the growth in culture of Escherichia coli,Proteus mirabilis and their mixtures in different proportions

Microcalorimetry is a technique that determines the heat flow produced as a result of microbial activities. The heat variations resulting from chemical reactions, which take place during metabolism, can be used to monitor bacterial growth in a culture medium. However, there are very few studies using calorimetry to investigate the relationships between two bacteria. In this work, we studied the interaction between E. coli and P. mirabilis, two bacteria belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae. We have prepared three samples, mixing both enterobacteria at a concentration of 10³ CFU mL^?1 but in different proportions. Experimental equipment used was a Calvet microcalorimeter, where a constant temperature of 309.65 K was maintained. Then, we compared the shape of the heat flow–time curves of single microorganisms and their mixtures. Also, we calculated the thermokinetic parameters such as growth constant (k), generation time (G), detection time (t _d) and the amount of heat released (Q). The results obtained showed that when E. coli and P. mirabilis were put together in the culture medium, the growth profile of P. mirabilis seemed to dominate, even at low proportions in the sample.