Antibacterial activity of cyclo(L-Pro-L-Tyr) and cyclo(D-Pro-L-Tyr) from Streptomyces sp. strain 22-4 against phytopathogenic bacteria

Two bioactive cyclic dipeptides, cyclo(L-Pro-L-Tyr) and cyclo(D-Pro-L-Tyr), were isolated from the culture broth of Streptomyces sp. strain 22-4 and tested against three economically important plant pathogens, Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri, Ralstonia solanacearum and Clavibacter michiganensis. Both cyclic dipeptides were active against X. axonopodis pv. citri and R. Solanacearum with MIC of 31.25 μg/mL. No activity could be observed against C. michiganensis.     

Synthesis and characterization of xylan-graft-poly(L-lactide)

In this study, xylan extracted from chestnut sawdust was used to synthesize the copolymers of xylan-graft-poly(L-lactide) (xylan-g-PLLA) by grafting L-lactide monomer onto xylan and using 4-dimethylaminopyridine as a catalyst at 80°C. Depending on the synthesis conditions and parameters, synthesized xylan-g-PLLAs were either water-soluble which form homogeneous plastic films after drying at room temperature or water-insoluble ones which do not form films at all. A Graeco-Latin design of experiments was used to determine the effects of three factors (reaction time, amount of L-lactide, and amount of the catalyst) on the results of the grafting reaction: the degree of substitution (DS) and the degree of polymerization (DP) of the copolymers. The DS and DP determined by ¹HNMR showed that they increase according to the amount of L-lactide and decrease according to the reaction time while the catalyst had no influence on the copolymerization reaction. Grafting of PLLA onto xylan was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and ¹HNMR analyzes. FT-IR spectra showed absorption bands at 1,784?cm^?1 characteristic of the ester functions (C?O) and ¹HNMR spectra revealed signals between 1 and 2.5?ppm corresponding to the protons of the aliphatic chains. Thermal properties show that the temperatures of start of degradation of copolymers are lower than those of PLLA and xylan. The N,N-dimethylacetamide results showed that the glass transition temperature of xylan-g-PLLA film was 147°C. We found that the Young’s modulus of this film is close to that of polypropylene.     

Complex formation of curium(III) with amino acids of different functionalities: L-threonine and O -phospho-L-threonine

The speciation of curium(III) with L-threonine and O-phospho-L-threonine was determined by time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy (TRLFS) at trace Cm(III) concentrations (3?×?10^?7?M). Curium species of the type M_pH_qL_r were identified in the L-threonine- and O-phospho-L-threonine system. These complexes are characterized by their individual luminescence spectra and luminescence lifetimes. The following formation constants were determined (a) for L-threonine: log?β₁₀₁?=?6.72?±?0.07, log?β₁₀₂?=?10.22?±?0.09, and log?β_1–22?=?(7.22?±?0.19) at ionic strength I?=?0.5?M and (b) for O-phospho-L-threonine: log?β₁₂₁?=?18.03?±?0.13 and log?β₁₁₁?=?14.17?±?0.09 at ionic strength I?=?0.154?M. Possible structures of the identified curium species are discussed on the basis of the luminescence lifetime measurements and the magnitude of the formation constants.     

Primary Amine‐Initiated Polymerizations of α–Amino Acid N‐Thiocarbonic Acid Anhydrosulfide

The N‐thiocarbonic acid anhydrosulfides NTAs of D,L‐leucine, D,L‐phenylalanine and sarcosine were polymerized in dioxane by addition of n‐hexylamine as initiator. Despite variation of the monomer‐initiator ratio (M/I) only low yields of oligopeptides were obtained from D,L‐Leu‐ and D,L‐Phe‐NTA. Both yields and molecular weights were almost twice as high for polymerizations of Sar‐NTA. MALDI‐TOF mass spectra confirmed that the isolated oligo‐and polypeptides possess the expected structure with one reactive amino end group. Therefore, it is surprising that the polymerizations stopped at low conversions. Two hypotheses explaining this phenomenon are discussed.     

Thermo-sensitive random poly(L-alanine-co-L-lactic acid) with no cytotoxicity by the structure-controlled synthesis for a nano-drug carrier

A random poly(L-alanine-co-L-lactic acid) (PAL) with excellent thermo-sensitivity and no cytotoxicity was synthesized by the structure-controlled polycondensation from natural L-alanine and L-lactic acid. Only those PALs in which the contents of L-alanine structural unit are rigidly controlled in the smaller range of 53–65% show a reversible lower critical solution temperature of 35–60°C. The change of secondary structure in poly(L-alanine) segments by the introduction of L-lactic acid structural unit plays a decisive role in regulating the thermo-sensitivity of PAL. The viability of HeLa cells exposed to PAL reaches up to 91–116% after incubation of 24 and 72?h, indicating no cytotoxicity. Furthermore, PAL can easily form curcumin-loaded nano-carriers through its thermo-sensitivity and self-assembly. The curcumin-loaded PAL nano-particles are observed to clearly internalize into the cells by confocal laser-scanning microscopy, and thus can be used as a potential nano-drug-carrier.     

Syntheses and crystal structures of cis - and trans -copper(II) complexes of L-arginine

Two copper(II) complexes of L-arginine, trans-[Cu(l-Arg)₂(NO₃)]NO₃ · 3H₂O (1) and {cis-[Cu(l-Arg)₂](NO₃)₂ · 3H₂O} _n (2) (Arg = arginine) were prepared by reaction of Cu(NO₃)₂ · 3H₂O and L-arginine in acetone and aqueous solution, respectively. X-ray analysis reveals 1 crystallizes in a monoclinic system, P2₁ with a = 10.3857(15), b = 16.885(3), c = 15.9586(19) Å, β = 15.9586(19)°, Z = 4, V = 2654.2(6) ų. The copper(II) centers lie in a distorted N₂O₃ square-pyramidal environment. While 1 adopts a mononuclear structure, and the axial position occupied by a nitrate with Cu1–O9 = 2.535 Å and Cu2–O20 = 2.581 Å, 2 features a 1-D infinite chain structure. In 1, adjacent monomeric units connect with each other to give a 2-D layer structure of (4, 4) nets through hydrogen bonds between the guanidinium and carboxylic groups of arginine, and 2-D layers further assemble to a 3-D supermolecular structure via a series of inter-layer hydrogen bonds.     

Syntheses and characterizations of zinc(II) and copper(II) complexes with reduced Schiff base derived from salicylaldehyde and D,L-selenomethionine

New zinc(II) and copper(II) complexes with a reduced Schiff-base ligand derived from D,L-selenomethionine and salicylaldehyde have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, magnetic susceptibility, IR, and NMR measurements. The single-crystal X-ray structure of the Cu(II) complex reveals that this complex is a carboxylate-bridged dimer of dinuclear copper(II) subunits and all metal centers are five-coordinate with O₄N donor sets in distorted square-pyramidal geometries. The Cu(II) complex consists of a 1-D coordination polymer.     

The Structure of N‐(1‐Deoxy‐β‐D‐fructopyranos‐1‐yl)‐L‐proline Monohydrate (“D‐Fructose‐L‐proline”) and N‐(1,6‐Dideoxy‐α‐L‐fructofuranos‐1‐yl)‐L‐proline (“L‐Rhamnulose‐L‐proline”)

Nano n-propylsulfonated γ-Fe₂O₃ was found to be a highly efficient, reusable heterogeneous catalyst for the conversion of a range of monosaccharides and some of their derivatives to the corresponding O-isopropylidene derivatives in good to excellent yields by refluxing the reaction mixture in dry acetone. The magnetic property of the catalyst enabled its separation from the reaction mixture by a simple process of filtration along with the aid of an external magnet. The efficiency of the catalyst was found to be largely unaffected for at least up to six cycles of reuse, thus proving the new methodology to be environmentally rewarding besides being simple and facile in operation.     

Vitamin C Functionalized Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) for Free Radical Scavenging

Abstract

In the present work, a strategy was developed to use mild and highly selective enzymatic methods to covalently couple the primary hydroxyl group of vitamin C with methyl methacrylate monomer, followed by a second enzymatic reaction catalyzed by horseradish peroxidase to polymerize the vinyl monomer yielding a vitamin C functionalized poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). Vitamin C, L‐ascorbyl methylmethacrylate and PMMA, when used at concentrations up to 133 µM, fully scavenged 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picryl hydrazyl free radicals (0.2 mM). Thus, the formation of vinyl polymers with active pendent antioxidant compounds, in this case vitamin C, retained an ability to scavenge radicals while in polymeric form. The functionalized antioxidant on a PMMA backbone has implications for consumer‐related applications like foods, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products.     

Synthesis of L‐6‐Chloropyrroloindoline of Chloptosin Cyclohexapeptide

Abstract

Chloptosin is an apoptosis‐inducing dimeric cyclohexapeptide. Enantioselective synthesis of L‐6‐chloropyrroloindoline, as the key chiral synthon of the cyclohexapeptide of chloptosin, was successfully achieved starting from 3‐chloroaniline by utilizing Fischer indole/Schöllkopf protocol and oxidative cyclization of resulting L‐6‐chlorotryptophan.     

Synthesis,characterization and crystal structures of two binary acid complexes based on L-glutamate and L-aspartate

Two amino acid complexes, [Cd(L-glu)(H₂O)] _n ?·?nH₂O (1) and [Co(L-asp)(phen)(N₃)]?·?2H₂O (2) (L-glu?=?L-glutamate, L-asp?=?L-aspartate, phen?=?1,10-phenanthroline), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectra and TG-DSC analysis. Single crystal X-ray structure analyses revealed that each L-glutamate acts as a pentadentate ligand binding to three octahedral Cd(II) atoms through the amino group and two carboxyl groups to form a neutral helical network. Complex 2 is a mononuclear compound in which Co(III) is octahedrally coordinated by tridentate L-aspartate, monodentate azide and chelating phen ligand. Thermal stability and fluorescence of 1 have been investigated. The complex shows strong blue fluorescence in the solid state.     

Studies on the Conformation of Polyhydroxyalkylpyrazolo (3,4-b) Quinoxalines

¹H NMR spectral studies on polyhydroxyalkylpyrazolo-(3,4-b)-quinoxaline derivatives of sugars having five to seven carbon atoms have shown that the polyhydroxyalkyl chain exists in a conformation in which a hydrogen bond is formed between the l'-hydroxyl group and N-2 of the pyrazolo(3,4-b)-quinoxaline base moiety. The polyhydroxyalkyl chain exists in the planar zigzag conformation, where no 1,3 syn axial interaction is present. Substitution in the base moiety did not change the extent of the population of the planar zigzag conformation.     

Synthesis and characterization of a platinum(II) complex with N-acetyl-L-cysteine

Synthesis and spectroscopic studies in the solid-state of a platinum(II) complex with N-acetyl-L-cysteine are described. Elemental analyses are consistent with composition Pt₂(C₅H₈NO₃S)₄ · 3H₂O. Solid-state ¹³C NMR, infrared, and U-Vis spectroscopic results are consistent with coordination of the ligand to platinum(II) through sulfur. Thermal analyses confirmed water in the complex composition. Final residue of the thermal treatment was identified by powder X-ray diffractometry as metallic platinum.     

Synthesis,characterization, and degradation behaviors of poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) modified by maleic anhydride and ethanediamine

In order to improve hydrophilicity and settle the acidity in hydrolysis, a novel ethanediamine (EDA) and maleic anhydride (MAH) modified poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) polymer (EMPLGA) was synthesized. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR), Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1HNMR), titration and the water contact angles were employed to characterize the synthesized polymer. The effects of various polymerization conditions on weight average molecular mass (Mw), polydispersity index (PDI) and anhydride content of MPLGA were investigated. The degradation behaviors of PLGA, MPLA and EMPLGA were also studied by observation of the changes of the pH value of incubation medium, molecular weight and weight loss ratio for a time interval of 25 days in-vitro, respectively. The results showed that MPLGA with high anhydride content was successfully obtained by directly ring-opening polymerization and ethanediamine was further grafted onto MPLGA, and there is almost unchanged in Mw between MPLGA and EMPLGA polymers. The introduction of anhydride and amino groups improved the hydrophilicity of PLGA. A uniform degradation of EMPLGA was observed in comparison with an acidity-induced auto-accelerating degradation featured by PLGA and MPLGA. The results revealed that the introduction of ethanediamine into PLGA has weakened or neutralized the acidity of PLGA degradation products.     

Chemical,spectroscopic characterization,and in vitro antibacterial studies of a new gold(I) complex with N-acetyl-L-cysteine

A new gold(I) complex with N-acetyl-L-cysteine was synthesized and characterized by chemical and spectroscopic techniques. The elemental and thermal analyses of the solid compound fit to the composition AuC₅H₈NO₃S · 0.75H₂O. Solid-state ¹³C-nuclear magnetic resonance (SSNMR) and infrared (IR) analyses indicate the coordination of the ligand to Au(I) through sulfur. The insolubility of the complex in both polar and non-polar solvents supports a polymeric structure. The antibacterial activity of the complex was evaluated by antibiogram assays using the disc diffusion method. The compound showed effective antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (Gram positive) and Escherichia coli (Gram negative) bacterial cells.     

Enantioselective,Potentiometric Membrane Electrodes Based on Cyclodextrins for the Assay of L‐ and D‐2‐Hydroxyglutaric Acid

Abstract

Enantioselective, potentiometric membrane electrodes (EPMEs) based on immobilization of β‐, γ‐cyclodextrin (CD) or 2‐hydroxy‐3‐trimethylammoniopropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (as chloride salt) (β‐CD‐derivative) in carbon paste have been designed. The β‐CD and β‐CD‐derivative‐based electrodes were applied in the 10^?8–10^?6 and 10^?7–10^?5 mol/L concentration ranges for the determination of L‐2‐hydroxyglutaric acid (L‐2‐HGA), whereas γ‐CD‐based electrode was applied for the determination of D‐2‐hydroxyglutaric acid (D‐2‐HGA) in the concentration range 10^?6–10^?4 mol/L. The β‐CD‐based EPME showed the lowest detection limit (1×10^?9 mol/L). The enantioselectivity and selectivity of the proposed electrodes for the assay of L‐2‐HGA and D‐2‐HGA, respectively, were determined over D‐2‐HGA/L‐2‐HGA, creatine, and creatinine. The proposed EPMEs can be applied for the enantioanalysis of 2‐hydroxyglutaric acid in urine samples.     

Conformational and electronic properties of N-methacryloyl-(L)-glutamic acid

Conformers of N-methacryloyl-(L)-glutamic acid (MAGA, C₉H₁₃NO₅) in the gas phase, benzene or methanol environment were searched by the density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT. Selected conformational isomers based on potential energy surface analysis were studied by considering the structural and electronic properties. B3LYP functional, and HF and MP2 levels were used with the 6-31+G(d,p), 6-311+G(3df,p) and aug-cc-pVDZ basis sets. We explored the effect of medium on the conformational preferences, UV spectra and frontier molecular orbitals of the conformers. The outcomes of this research will be useful for future studies including moieties analogous to MAGA.     

Synthesis and Application of Chitosan‐g‐PLLA Copolymers

The purpose of this paper is to study the synthesis and application of a new type of chitosan‐g‐poly(L‐lactide) copolymer with different grafting percentage in the presence of triethylamine. FTIR and ¹H NMR results indicate that grafting percentage of graft copolymers increases with the molar feeding ratio of L‐lactide to chitosan. The measurement of XRD and TG shows that graft copolymer exhibits low crystallinity and thermal degradation temperature. Static water contact angle testing suggests that graft copolymer has superior hydrophilicity compared with PLLA, which can be very useful for biomedical applications. 5‐Fluorouracil loaded copolymer microspheres were prepared by phase separation method. The size and distribution of microspheres were measured by a Laser particle analyzer. The microspheres with LLA:CS feeding molar rotio (15∶1) have a mean diameter of 332 nm with a narrow unimodal distribution. The spherical microspheres were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The microspheres shows good releasing property from drug release in vitro, and the drug release rate decreases as the increase of microspheres size.     

Thermal Properties of Copoly(L‐lactic acid/glycolic acid) by Direct Melt Polycondensation

Poly(L‐lactic acid‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) was prepared from hydroxy‐acids with melt polymerization. In this way, the copoly(L‐LA/GA) (PLGA) was synthesized directly using a binary catalyst (tin chloride dihydrate/p‐toluenesulfonic acid). The thermal properties of PLGA were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The results show that the melting point of PLGA decreases with increasing mole fraction of GA units in the copolymer. In addition, the melting point of polymer also decreases with increasing degree of racemization of the polymer.     

Kinetic Potentiometric Determination of some Thiols with Iodide Ion‐Sensitive Electrode

Abstract

This paper describes a kinetic potentiometric method for the determination of thiols (RSH): l‐cysteine (cys), N‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine (NAC), l‐glutathione (glu), and d‐penicillamine (pen). The proposed method is based on the reaction of formation the sparingly soluble salts, RSAg, between RSH and Ag⁺ ions. During this reaction potential‐time curves were recorded by using an electrochemical cell with commercial iodide selective electrode. The rectilinear calibration graphs are obtained in the RSH concentration range from 1.0×10^?5 to 1.0×10^?3 M. The applicability of the proposed method was demonstrated by determination of chosen compounds in pharmaceutical dosage forms.