Investigation of metal activation of a partially purified polyphenol oxidase enzyme electrode

Biosensors can be developed using different biological materials and immobilization technologies. Enzymes are generally used in biosensor construction, and some enzymes need metal ions or small organic molecules as a cofactor for their activation. Polyphenol oxidases can be activated by several metal ions such as Cu²⁺, Mg²⁺, Zn²⁺, Mn²⁺, and Ni²⁺. In this study, a new measurement method has been developed that is based on the metal ion activation of the polyphenol oxidase enzyme used in the biosensor preparation, especially to determine the concentration of Mg²⁺ ions. Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) (EC 1.10.3.1) was partially purified from potato (Solanum tuberosum) by using (NH₄)₂SO₄ precipitation, dialysis, and lyophylization processes. As a result of this processes, approximately 30-fold purification was achieved for PPO. For construction of the biosensor, the enzyme was immobilized on the dissolved oxygen probe membrane using gelatin and glutaraldehyde (2.5%). Using the biosensor, we obtained responses for catechol in the absence and presence of Mg²⁺ ions. Differences between the biosensor responses were related to the concentration of Mg²⁺ ions. The biosensor response depends linearly on concentration of Mg²⁺ ions between 0.05 and 7.5?mM. In the optimization studies, phosphate buffer (pH 7.0, 50?mM) and 35°C were determined to be the optimum conditions. This project will be a novel biosensor study and it might bring a new term, ‘activation based biosensor’ into the biosensor area.     

Silver nanoparticle loaded on activated carbon and activated carbon modified with 2-(4-isopropylbenzylideneamino)thiophenol (IPBATP) as new sorbents for trace metal ions enrichment

The efficiencies and performances of silver nanoparticle loaded activated carbon modified with 2-(4-isopropylbenzylideneamino)thiophenol (IPBATP-Ag-NP-AC) and activated carbon modified with IPBATP (IPBATP-AC), as new sorbents, were evaluated for separation and preconcentration of Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Co²⁺, Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺ ions from real environmental samples. The retained metals content was reversibly eluted using 5?mL of CH₃COOH (6.0?mol?L^?1) and/or 10?mL of 4.0?mol?L^?1 HNO₃ for IPBATP-Ag-NP-AC and IPBATP-AC, respectively. The experimental parameters influence the recoveries of metal ions including pH, amounts of ligand and supports, condition of eluents, sample and eluent flow rates of has been investigated. The preconcentration factors were found to be 100 for Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺, Co²⁺, Cu²⁺ and 50 for Pb²⁺ ions using IPBATP-Ag-NP-AC, and 50 for Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺, Co²⁺, Cu²⁺ and 25 for Pb²⁺ ions using IPBATP-AC. The detection limit of both SPE-based sorbents was between 1.6–2.5?ng?mL^?1 for IPBATP-AC and 1.3–2.5?ng?mL^?1 for IPBATP-Ag-NP-AC. The proposed methods have been successfully applied for the extraction and determination of the understudy metal ions content in some real samples with extraction efficiencies higher than 90% and relative standard deviations (RSD) lower than 2.4%.     

Tubular Detector of Silver Solid Amalgam for Electrochemical Measurements in Flow Systems

This paper presents the application of the tubular detector based on silver solid amalgam (TD‐AgSA) for electrochemical determinations of reducible inorganic (Cd²⁺, Zn²⁺) and organic (4‐nitrophenol) compounds under flow injection analysis conditions. The newly developed TD‐AgSA is simple, robust and inexpensive. The limits of detections of Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺ and 4‐nitrophenol are 1.4×10^?6, 7.0×10^?7, and 5.0×10^?7 mol dm^?3, respectively (i.e. 0.09, 0.08 and 0.07 ppm). The obtained results proved the long‐term stability of the detector (RSD of the determination of Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺, and 4‐nitrophenol were 0.8, 0.9 and 0.8 % (n=10; c_Zn=7.7×10^?5 mol dm^?3, c_Cd=4.5×10^?5 mol dm^?3 and c_4‐NPh=3.6×10^?5 mol dm^?3), respectively and its applicability for cathodic measurements in aqueous solutions at potentials up to ?2 V.     

Preparation of a fluorescent sensor based on BODIPY-functionalized hydroxyapatite nanoparticles and spectroscopic study of the Cd2+ and Zn2+ complex formation

A new fluorescent chemosensor 1, which based on hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles covalently functionalized with a difluoroboron dipyrromethene, has been prepared by nucleophilic substitution of the fluorescent dye 3-chloro-4,4-difluoro-8-(4-tolyl)-5-[bis(pyridine2-ylmethyl)amino]-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene (2) with surface-modified HA nanoparticles. The HA particles were prepared by using SiO₂ as templates (THA) with 3-(aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (THA-APTES). Substitution of the electron-withdrawing chlorine in 2 by an electron-donating amino group of HA changes the properties of the nanoparticles 1 and the corresponding fluorescent dye 2. Absorption and emission maxima of 1 in ethanol are red-shifted by 75 and 30?nm, respectively, in comparison with those of 2. In contrast to no selectivity of dye 2 for Cd²⁺ or Zn²⁺ in EtOH/H₂O (95/5?V/V) solutions, the nanofluorescent probe 1 forms 1?:?1 complexes with Cd²⁺ or Zn²⁺, producing an instant color change along with large hypsochromic shifts in the absorption and fluorescence spectra by 70 and 35?nm, respectively, and large cation-induced fluorescence amplifications.     

Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen‐Production Performance of Graphene–ZnxCd1−xS Composites by Using an Organic S Source

In response to the increasing concerns over energy and environmental sustainability, photocatalytic water‐splitting technology has attracted broad attention for its application in directly converting solar energy to valuable hydrogen (H₂) energy. In this study, high‐efficiency visible‐light‐driven photocatalytic H₂ production without the assistance of precious‐metal cocatalysts was achieved on graphene–Zn_xCd_1?xS composites with controlled compositions. The graphene‐Zn_xCd_1?xS composites were for the first time fabricated by a one‐step hydrothermal method with thiourea as an organic S source. It was found that thiourea facilitates heterogeneous nucleation of Zn_xCd_1?xS and in situ growth of Zn_xCd_1?xS nanoparticles on graphene nanosheets. Such a scenario results in abundant and intimate interfacial contact between graphene and Zn_xCd_1?xS nanoparticles, efficient transfer of the photogenerated charge carriers, and enhanced photocatalytic activity for H₂ production. The highest H₂‐production rate of 1.06 mmol h^?1 g^?1 was achieved on a graphene–Zn_0.5Cd_0.5S composite photocatalyst with a graphene content of 0.5 wt %, and the apparent quantum efficiency was 19.8 % at 420 nm. In comparison, the graphene–Zn_xCd_1?xS composite photocatalyst prepared by using an inorganic S source such as Na₂S exhibited much lower activity for photocatalytic H₂ production. In this case, homogeneous nucleation of Zn_xCd_1?xS becomes predominant and results in insufficient and loose contact with the graphene backbone through weak van der Waals forces and a large particle size. This study highlights the significance of the choice of S source in the design and fabrication of advanced graphene‐based sulfide photocatalytic materials with enhanced activity for photocatalytic H₂ production.     

The synthesis,characterization and spectral studies of Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) complexes with N,N-bis(2-{[(2-methyl-2-phenyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl) methyl]amino}butyl) N′,N′-dihydroxyethanediimidamide

Co^II, Ni^II, Cu^II, Zn^II and Cd^II complexes of N,N-bis(2-{[(2-methyl-2-phenyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)methyl]amino}butyl)N′,N′-dihydroxyethanediimidamide (LH₂) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR spectra, electronic spectra, magnetic susceptibility measurements, conductivity measurements and thermogravimetric analyses (TGA). The Co^II, Ni^II and Cu^II complexes of LH₂ were synthesized with 1?:?2 metal ligand stoichiometry. Zn^II and Cd^II complexes with LH₂ have a metal ligand ratio of 1?:?1. The reaction of LH₂ with Co^II, Ni^II, Cu^II, Zn^II and Cd^II chloride give complexes Ni(LH)₂, Cu(LH)₂, Zn(LH₂)(Cl)₂, Cd(LH₂)(Cl)₂, respectively.     

Syntheses,structures of N‐(substituted)‐2‐aza‐[3]‐ferrocenophanes and their application as redox sensor for Cu2+ ion

Rigid N‐(substituted)‐2‐aza‐[3]‐ferrocenophanes L1 and L2 were easily synthesized from 1,1 ‐dicarboxyaldehydeferrocene and the corresponding amines. Ligands L1 and L2 were characterized by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography. The coordination abilities of L1 and L2 with metal ions such as Cu²⁺, Mg²⁺, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry. The electrochemical shift (ΔE_1/2) of 125 mV was observed in the presence of Cu²⁺ ion, while no significant shift of the Fc/Fc + couple was observed when Mg²⁺, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺, Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺ metal ions were added to the solution of L1 in the mixture of MeOH and H₂O. Moreover, the extent of the anodic shift of redox potentials was approximately equal to that induced by Cu²⁺ alone when a mixture of Cu²⁺, Mg²⁺, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ was added to a solution of L1. Ligand L1 was proved to selectively sense Cu²⁺ in the presence of large, excessive first‐row transition and late‐transition metal cations. The coordination model was proposed from the results of controlled experiments and quantum calculations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Metal Complexes with Macrocylclic Ligands. Part XXXV. Stabilities of some bivalent metal-ion complexes with 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1-acetie acid

The stability constants of the Mn²⁺, Zn²⁺, Ni²⁺, pb²⁺, and Cd²⁺ complexes with 1,4,7-triazacylononane-1-acetic acid (noma) were determined at 25° and 0.5M (KNO₃) by potentiometric titrations. The species [ML] and [ML(OH)] were found in al cases except for Ni²⁺, whereas [ML₂] was only detected for Cd²⁺. For the complexes [ML], the order of stability is Mn²⁺ < Cd²⁺ < pb²⁺ < Zn²⁺ < Zn²⁺ < Ni²⁺ < Cu ²⁺, which is consisten with the Irvin-Williams Series.     

Fluctuation in occupancy of Cu2+ ions in Zn- and Cd-substituted Cu-ferrites

Mössbauer effect technique has been used for the comparative study of Cu_1?x Zn _x Fe₂O₄ and Cu_1?x Cd _x Fe₂O₄ ( _x = 0.0?1.0) ferrites. Both Zn²⁺ and Cd²⁺ cations are divalent, non-magnetic ions with different ionic radii. With the substitution of these non-magnetic cations the average internal magnetic field decreases and paramagnetic behavior is dominated at x = 0.7 in both series. It is observed that the occupancy of Cu²⁺ ions for tetrahedral site is not constant for all compositions but fluctuate between 8–15%. It is also found that Cu²⁺ ions have more preference for tetrahedral site in Cu-Zn system as compared to the Cu-Cd system. Zn²⁺ and Cd²⁺ both ions occupy tetrahedral site completely and form normal spinels for x = 1.0.     

CE with on‐line detection by ICP‐MS for studying the competitive binding of zinc against cadmium for glutathione

Development of a feasible method for studying the competitive interaction between a pair of antagonists is essential for understanding the antagonism of trace metals in biological systems. Herein, we report the application of CE on‐line coupled with ICP mass spectroscopy (CE‐ICP‐MS) to investigate the competitive binding of Zn²⁺ against Cd²⁺ for glutathione (GSH), which is related to the detoxification of Cd²⁺ in biological system, and introduce a method to evaluate the kinetics and thermodynamics for the competitive binding of Zn²⁺ against Cd²⁺ for GSH. The CE‐ICP‐MS hybrid technique allows easy and sensitive probing of the competitive binding of Zn²⁺ against Cd²⁺ for GSH and quantitative determination of the important thermodynamic and kinetic parameters of the competitive binding of Zn²⁺ against Cd²⁺ for GSH. Owing to the high sensitivity and element selectivity with multi‐elements detection capacity of ICP‐MS, we detailed the evaluation of the kinetics and thermodynamics describing the competition of Zn²⁺ against Cd²⁺ for GSH from the systematic data obtained by CE‐ICP‐MS. The competitive binding of Zn²⁺ against Cd²⁺ for GSH was demonstrated exothermic and thermodynamically favorable (ΔG=?7.2 kJ/mol) and driven entirely by a large favorable enthalpy decrease (ΔH=?15.1 kJ/mol) but with an unfavorable entropy decrease (ΔS=?25.6 J/mol/K). The kinetic data were fit to a second‐order equation with the reaction rate constant (k) of (2.18±0.10)×10² L/(mol·s) under the simulated physiological condition.     

Template‐Free Preparation of Volvox‐like CdxZn1−xS Nanospheres with Cubic Phase for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production

Volvox‐like Cd_xZn_1?xS solid solutions with a cubic zinc blend structure were synthesized through a template‐free ethylene glycol process. Cd(Ac)₂ ? 2 H₂O, Zn(Ac)₂ ? 2 H₂O, and thiourea are used as the starting materials and dissolved in ethylene glycol. These reaction precursors and solvent not only contributed to control over the formation of the volvox‐like spherical geometry, but also exerted vigorous domination for existence of cubic‐phase Cd_xZn_1?xS nanostructures. As‐prepared volvox‐like Cd_xZn_1?xS nanospheres have a diameter of around 100 nm with extensional shells. These samples show excellent photocatalytic H₂ evolution activity from water splitting under visible‐light irradiation without any cocatalyst or scaffolding, owing to their tunable band gap, cubic zinc blend structure, and unique hierarchical porous structure with a high surface area (as high as 95.2 m² g^?1).     

Molybdenum cluster chalcogenides Mo6X8: Electrochemical intercalation of closed shell ions Zn2+, Cd2+, and Na

The intercalation ofd¹⁰ ions Zn²⁺ and Cd²⁺ by electron/ion transfer reactions into the Chevrel-type molybdenum cluster chalcogenidesMo₆X₈ (X =S, Se) demonstrates the competitive influence of electronic and steric factors upon these processes. The following rhombohedral phases have been identified: Zn₁Mo₆S₈, Zn₂Mo₆S₈, Zn₁Mo₆Se₈, Zn₂Mo₆Se₈, Cd₁Mo₆S₈, Cd₁Mo₆Se₈, and Cd₂Mo₆Se₈. Thermodynamic data and chemical diffusion coefficients are given. The intercalation of Na⁺, which has an ionic radius close to that of Cd²⁺, exhibits a strong influence of kinetics leading to the partial irreversibility of the reaction and the formation Na₁Mo₆S₈ and Na₁Mo₆Se₈, the first cubic phases among the molybdenum cluster chalcogenidesA_xMo₆X₈.     

Capacity of Bacillus thuringiensis S-layer protein displaying polyhistidine peptides on the cell surface

S-layer protein of Bacillus thuringiensis strain CTC was used as the carrier protein to display polyhistidine (poly[6His]) peptides on the cell surface. Poly(6His) _n was fused with S-layer protein at two different sites, inserting just downstream of the S-layer protein homologous domain (slh) and replacing the non-slh region of S-layer protein, respectively. The two series chimeric proteins were both expressed by crystal negative B. thuringiensis strain 4Q7 and strain 171, respectively, as shown by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The recombinant B. thuringiensis cells gained Ni²⁺- and Cd²⁺-binding ability and had a capacity to display up to nine copies of poly(6His). The Cd²⁺ adsorption quantity of the recombinant strain with the strongest adsorption ability was twice that of the host strain.     

New Phosphides La5Zn2−xP6 and Ce5Zn2−xP6 – the n = 4 Members of the REZn2P2·n(REP) Series

The new phosphides La₅Zn_2?xP₆ and Ce₅Zn_2?xP₆ were synthesized from the rare earth metals, LaZn and CeZn precursor compounds, Zn, and red phosphorous in NaCl/KCl salt fluxes. They crystallize with a new rhombohedral structure type: , Z = 3, a = 422.11(6), c = 6220(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0369, 356 F² values, 23 variables for La₅Zn_1.69P₆ and a = 417.05(6), c = 6162(1), wR2 = 0.0343, 286 F² values, 23 variables for Ce₅Zn_1.75P₆. The P^3? phosphide anions show an h²c⁴ stacking sequence in which the RE³⁺ and Zn²⁺ cations fill 5/6 and 1/6 of the octahedral and tetrahedral voids in an ordered manner, respectively, leading to a layer of condensed ZnP₄ tetrahedra and quintupled layers of condensed REP₆ octahedra. The structures of La₅Zn_2?xP₆ and Ce₅Zn_2?xP₆ belong to a larger family of phosphides which are intergrowth variants of CaAl₂Si₂ and NaCl related slabs according to REZn₂P₂·n(REP) with n = 4 for the present phosphides.     

Applications of Inorganic Ion Exchangers: II—Adsorption of Some Heavy Metal Ions from Their Aqueous Waste Solution Using Synthetic Iron(III) Titanate

Adsorption of Zn²⁺ and Cd²⁺ ions from aqueous waste solutions on iron(III) titanate as inorganic ion exchange material was investigated to determine the effect of contact time, pH of solution and the reaction temperatures. Batch kinetic studies were carried out and showed that the time of equilibrium for both Zn²⁺ and Cd²⁺ ions was attained within three hours, and the order of kinetic reaction is the first order reaction. Batch distribution coefficients of Zn²⁺ and Cd²⁺ ions on iron(III) titanate as a function of pH have been studied at 25, 40 and 60 ± 1°C. From the obtained results we found that the K _d values decreased with increasing reaction temperatures. Enthalpy change (H) values for Zn²⁺ and Cd²⁺ ions were found to be –8.19 and –22.49 kJ/mol, respectively. The data of adsorption of Zn²⁺ and Cd²⁺ ions at various concentrations were fitted with the Freundlich isotherm. Finally, separation of the above mentioned cations on iron(III) titanate in a column was performed.     

Intramolecular stacking interaction in mixed-ligand complexes containing ATP4- and aromatic N-heterocyclic ligands

The stability constants of the binary ML2+ and ternary M(ATP)L2- complexes,where L=Iq (isoquinoline) or BIm (benzimidazole) and M=Zn2+ or Cd2+,have been determined by poten-tiometric pH titration in aqueous solution at I=0.1 mol/L (NaClO4),T=25℃.The stability of the ternary complexes characterized by corresponding to the equilibrium M(ATP)2-+ML2+=M(ATP)L2-+M2+ is higher than what would be expected on statistical grounds.The increase may be related to the stacking interaction between the aromatic ring of the ligands L and the purine moiety of ATP4- 1H NMR studies of Zn2+/ATP4-/L confirm the presence of stacking in the ternary complexes.It is concluded that the strength of the intramolecular stacking interaction is dependent on the structure of the aromatic ring of the ligand L and the formation of a metal ion bridge.Possible implications are discussed briefly.     

Tuned Cd2+ Selectivity: Showcase of Electronic and Regio-Effect of π-Extended Di-2-Picolylamine-Substituted Quinoline-Based Tolans

π-Extended di-2-picolylamine (DPA)-substituted 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ) tolans (2) were synthesized for testing electronic and regio-effects. The electron-poor CN-tolan (2b) showed clear selectivity for Cd²⁺ (>>Zn²⁺) over other metal ions via turn-on fluorescence, while the electron-rich MeO-tolan (2a) displayed no clear metal selectivity. Furthermore, considering that there was no significant energy difference between the Cd²⁺ complexes of 1 and 2b, the intended regio-effect (7- vs. 5-substituted effect) did not induce steric hindrance. Thus, the regio-effect is mainly electronic. Considering the above, 2a and 2b constitute a complete showcase in which electronic and regio-effects modulate the metal selectivity. The fluorescence titration of 2b (10 mM) with Cd²⁺ showed that the limit of detection (LOD) of the Cd²⁺-selective 2b was 158 nM in PBS (phosphate-buffered saline) (10 mM, pH 7.2) containing 50% MeOH.     

A ratiometric fluorescent probe for zinc ions based on the quinoline fluorophore

A ratiometric fluorescent zinc probe 1 of carboxamidoquinoline with a carboxylic acid group was designed and synthesised. Probe 1 exhibits high selectivity for sensing Zn²⁺; about a 13-fold increase in fluorescence emission intensity and an 82?nm red-shift of fluorescence emission are observed upon binding Zn²⁺ in EtOH/H₂O (1?:?1, V/V) solution. The ratiometric fluorescence response is attributed to the 1?:?1 complex formation between probe 1 and Zn²⁺ which has been utilised as the basis for the selective detection of Zn²⁺. The analytical performance characteristics of the proposed Zn²⁺-sensitive probe were investigated. The linear response range covers a concentration range of Zn²⁺ from 2.0?×?10^?6 to 5.0?×?10^?5?mol?L^?1 and the detection limit is 2.7?×?10^?7?mol?L^?1. The determination of Zn²⁺ in both tap and river water samples shows satisfactory results.     

基于苯并噻唑Zn2+荧光探针及其细胞造影应用

设计合成基于苯并噻唑Zn²⁺荧光增强型探针BHP,在HEPES缓冲液中测其对Zn²⁺识别性能。实验结果表明,BHP对Zn²⁺有较高的选择性,对其他金属离子如Cd²⁺,Fe²⁺,Ni²⁺,Pb²⁺,Hg²⁺,Al³⁺,Mn²⁺,Ag⁺,Cu²⁺,Co²⁺,Na⁺,K⁺,Mg²⁺和Ca²⁺无明显荧光增强响应。BHP与Zn²⁺按1：1计量比配位,在生理条件下荧光强度不受pH值影响。在HeLa细胞中对Zn²⁺的造影表明BHP可用于生物体Zn²⁺检测。     

Extraction-ability and -selectivity of tetra-aza-crown ethers for transition metal cations

In order to investigate the relative effects of the differences between the structures and lipophilicities of 1, 10-dioxa-4, 7, 13, 16-tetra-azacyclo-octadecane (TA-18-crown-6) and the tetrabenzyl derivative of 1,10-dioxa-4, 7, 13, 16-tetra-azacyclo-octadecane (TBTA-18-crown-6) on their extraction-abilities and -selectivities for transition metal cations, constants of the overall extraction (logK _ex) of 1:1 (M:L) complexes, the distribution (K _D) for two diluents (CH₂Cl₂ and CHCl₃) with different dielectric constants have been determined at 25 ± 0.1 °C. The magnitude of logK _ex is largely determined by that of K _D. The equilibrium constants of TA-18-crown-6 have been compared with those of TBTA-18-crown-6. It is found that:(i) logK _ex sequences of TA-18-crown-6 and TBTA-18-crown-6 for transition metals in CH₂Cl₂ lie in order: Fe³⁺ > Cu²⁺ > Mn²⁺ > Co²⁺ > Cd²⁺ > Ni²⁺ > Zn²⁺ and Fe³⁺ > Cu²⁺ > Co²⁺ > Mn²⁺ > Ni²⁺ > Cd²⁺ > Zn²⁺ respectively; (ii) the stability sequences of two types of tetra-aza-crown ethers with the transition metal cations in CHCl₃ are the same as follows: Fe³⁺ > Ni²⁺ > Cu²⁺ > Co²⁺ > Zn²⁺ > Cd²⁺ > Mn²⁺, and (iii) unusual selectivities are observed for transition metal-tetra-aza-crowns, e.g. the high Fe³⁺/M ⁿ⁺ selectivity factors (S_f) of TA-18-crown-6, except for the competitive-extractions for the special case in CHCl₃ of TBTA-18-crown-6, it was found that the Mn²⁺/M ⁿ⁺ values were relatively higher according to the other transition metal cations. A systematic sequence in these two types of solvents is not found for a given transition metal cation in terms of the variation of selectivity with the tetra-aza-crown ethers. The results provide alternatives for the rational design of other specific ligands on the transition metal cations.