Characterization of a microfluidic in vitro model of the blood-brain barrier (μBBB)

The blood-brain barrier (BBB), a unique selective barrier for the central nervous system (CNS), hinders the passage of most compounds to the CNS, complicating drug development. Innovative in vitro models of the BBB can provide useful insights into its role in CNS disease progression and drug delivery. Static transwell models lack fluidic shear stress, while the conventional dynamic in vitro BBB lacks a thin dual cell layer interface. To address both limitations, we developed a microfluidic blood-brain barrier (μBBB) which closely mimics the in vivo BBB with a dynamic environment and a comparatively thin culture membrane (10 μm). To test validity of the fabricated BBB model, μBBBs were cultured with b.End3 endothelial cells, both with and without co-cultured C8-D1A astrocytes, and their key properties were tested with optical imaging, trans-endothelial electrical resistance (TEER), and permeability assays. The resultant imaging of ZO-1 revealed clearly expressed tight junctions in b.End3 cells, Live/Dead assays indicated high cell viability, and astrocytic morphology of C8-D1A cells were confirmed by ESEM and GFAP immunostains. By day 3 of endothelial culture, TEER levels typically exceeded 250 Ω cm(2) in μBBB co-cultures, and 25 Ω cm(2) for transwell co-cultures. Instantaneous transient drop in TEER in response to histamine exposure was observed in real-time, followed by recovery, implying stability of the fabricated μBBB model. Resultant permeability coefficients were comparable to previous BBB models, and were significantly increased at higher pH (>10). These results demonstrate that the developed μBBB system is a valid model for some studies of BBB function and drug delivery.     

Dual fluorescence and electrochemical detection of the organophosphorus pesticides—Ethion,malathion and fenthion

Organophosphorus (OP) based pesticides are known powerful inhibitors of cholinesterases, thus the toxicity of this class of compounds causes serious environmental and human health concerns. We report that benzodipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine (BDPPZ) and 3,6-dimethylbenzodipyrido-[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine (DM-BDPPZ) provide independent fluorescent and electrochemical signal transductions in the presence of the organophosphorus (OP) pesticides; fenthion, malathion and ethion. The presence of the methyl groups at the 3 and 6 positions in DM-BDPPZ was found to significantly influence the sensor performance. The difference in the fluorescence and electrochemical signals produced by the interaction of the sensor compound with each of the OP pesticides provides a means for differentiating between the three pesticides. Detection limits of 10^?8 M, 10^?9 and 10^?12 M were obtained for fenthion, malathion and ethion, respectively. Due to the high sensitivity and ability to minimize false positives these new sensors will be useful for potential integration for future environmental use.     

“Getting the best sensitivity from on-capillary fluorescence detection in capillary electrophoresis” – A tutorial

Capillary electrophoresis with Laser-Induced Fluorescence (CE-LIF) detection is being applied to new analytical problems which challenge both the power of CE separation and the sensitivity of LIF detection. On-capillary LIF detection is much more practical than post-capillary detection in a sheath-flow cell. Therefore, commercial CE instruments utilize solely on-capillary CE-LIF detection with a Limit of Detection (LOD) in the nM range, while there are multiple applications of CE-LIF that require pM or lower LODs. This tutorial analyzes all aspects of on-capillary LIF detection in CE in an attempt to identify means for improving LOD of CE-LIF with on-capillary detection. We consider principles of signal enhancement and noise reduction, as well as relevant areas of fluorophore photochemistry and fluorescent microscopy.     

Raising the temper—μ-spot analysis of temper inclusions in experimental ceramics

Provenancing of ancient ceramics is a highly important scientific tool for archaeological studies. In general, ceramics are not made from the original clay as it is found in deposits. To produce the needed physical properties in the finished product, the clay has to be either tempered by adding sands or biological materials, or levigated, to remove the coarse fraction. Thus, the chemical composition of the finished ceramic differs from the composition of the original clay bed. To overcome this obfuscation, any information that can be gained about the temper is useful. In a small series, several pieces of ceramic were produced from known clay and tempers and the resulting ceramics analysed by neutron activation analysis (NAA). As many attempts to physically separate the temper from the clay matrix have failed, μ-spot analysis of temper inclusions was performed at the microbeam particle induced X-ray Emission (μ-PIXE) facility in Rossendorf and with laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (LA-ICP-MS) at the Aberystwyth University in Wales. It could be shown that from a small number of measurements, a general impression of the temper used could be gained. Furthermore the μ-spot methods and the bulk data gained from INAA are highly comparable, extending the set of elements that can be measured. With this information, the influence of the temper on the bulk composition of the finished product can be estimated, which potentially adds crucial information to subsequent dilution calculations.     

Basic studies of the influence ofβ-cyclodextrin and 2-hydroxypropylβ-cyclodextrin on the photo-oxidation reaction of phenothiazine in inclusion complexes,using fluorescence detection

The photo-oxidation reaction of phenothiazine has been studied in the presence of-cyclodextrin (-CD) and 2-hydroxypropyl-cyclodextrin (HP -CD). The influence of these organized media on the formation of the oxidation photoproduct upon UV irradiation has been investigated. Phenothiazine forms an inclusion complex with the cyclodextrins. The stoichiometry and formation constant of the complex formed with 2-hydroxypropyl -CD have been calculated using the changes of the fluorescence emission signal and of the absorbance of the drug upon inclusion. An increase of the fluorescence intensity of the photogenerated product is attained when it becomes included inside the cyclodextrin cavity.     

Solvatochromic effects in the fluorescence and triplet—triplet absorption spectra of xanthone,thioxanthone and N-methylacridone

While the fluorescence of xanthone, thioxanthone and N-methylacridone shows the customary red shift with increasing solvent polarity, as measured by a polarization function, indicating an increase in dipole moment on excitation, the triplet-triplet (T₁T_n) absorption spectra are strongly blue shifted, indicating a decrease in dipole moment on excitation.     

Zinc oxide nanoparticles-based electrochemical sensor for the detection of nitrate ions in water with a low detection limit—a chemometric approach

We report for the first time a cyclic voltammetric nitrate sensor with a low detection limit based on the immobilization of zinc oxide nanoparticles on the surface of the platinum working electrode using chitosan membrane. Cyclic voltammetric data demonstrated that zinc oxide nanoparticles can electrochemically reduce nitrate ions to ammonium ions with high conductivity. In order to estimate electroanalytical parameters for each of the nitrate concentrations, Gaussian and Lorentzian curve fitting algorithms were performed on cyclic voltammetric data. Among them, the best analytical performance results were obtained with Gaussian calibration linear model. The zinc oxide modified platinum electrode showed a linear response to nitrate ions over a concentration range from 0.1 to 2.0 mM with a low detection limit and high sensitivity of 10 nM and 39.91 μA/cm² mM, respectively. The nitrate ion concentrations in drinking water samples were determined using Gaussian calibration linear model and the predicted, added nitrate ion concentration values showed good correlation.     

Drying dissipative structures of the deionized aqueous suspensions of colloidal silica spheres ranging from 29 nm to 1 μm in diameter

Macroscopic and microscopic dissipative structural patterns formed in the course of drying a series of the colloidal silica spheres ranging from 29 nm to 1 m in diameter have been observed in the aqueous deionized suspension on a cover glass. The broad ring patterns of the hill accumulated with the silica spheres are formed around the outside edges in the macroscopic scale for all spheres examined. The spoke-like cracks are also observed in the macroscopic scale and their number decreases sharply as sphere size increases. The pattern area and the time for the dryness have been discussed as a function of sphere size and concentration. The convection flow of water accompanied with that of the silica spheres and interactions among the silica spheres and substrate are important for the macroscopic pattern formation. The microscopic fractal structures of the wave-like patterns and branched strings are formed. Their fractal dimensions are determined. Microscopic patterns form in the narrow range of sphere sizes and concentrations and are determined mainly by the electrostatic and polar interactions between the spheres and/or between the sphere and substrate in the course of solidification.     

Miniaturized flow-injection-analysis (μFIA) system with on-line chemiluminescence detection based on the luminol-hypochlorite reaction for the determination of ammonium in river water

A miniaturized flow-injection-analysis system constructed from glass and polydimethylsiloxane was employed for the determination of ammonium in river water. The sample was filtered and delivered to the reactor chip electro-osmotically using a disposable fritted capillary, while reagents were delivered to the system by gravity. Ammonia was mixed with the hypochlorite, to form a monochloramine. Once the alkaline luminol (3-aminophthalhydrazide) was delivered to the system, it was oxidized by the unconsumed hypochlorite emitting a bright blue light (λ _max?～?440?nm) that was detected using a miniaturized photomultiplier tube (PMT) located directly under the chip. The calibration model for ammonium standards was linear up to 0.1?µg?mL^?1 (y?=??8.96x?+?1.02; correlation coefficient, r ²?=?0.9715) over a working range of 0.0–0.5?µg?mL^?1. A detection limit of 10?±?6?µg?mL^?1 was achieved with a precision value of (RSD ≤ 6.4%), for n?=?5. A direct and standard addition method were used to determine the concentration of ammonium in a river-water sample (from the Humber Estuary, UK) which was found to be 0.075?±?0.005?µg?mL^?1, with a precision value of (RSD?≤?3.7%), for n?=?9. The results obtained showed good agreement with the average concentration 0.065?µg?mL^?1 (provided by the local environmental agency), for the analysis of ammonia at different sample points on the estuary.     

Evaluation of the protein concentration in enzymes via determination of sulfur by total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry — limitations of the method

Total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (TXRF) offers many advantages for the identification of trace elements in biological samples like proteins, enzymes, tissues or plants. Because of difficult and time consuming isolations and cleaning procedures enzyme samples are often available in small amounts only. Using TXRF without any preliminary treatment, a ‘screening’ of such samples to determine the element composition is of interest and importance. Transition metals like Fe, Ni, Cu, Mo and the alkaline earth metal Ca may be determined with high accuracy. A further aspect of the investigation of enzymes is the simple and simultaneous determination of light elements. Sulfur, especially, is of interest. This element is a component of two amino acids, methionine and cysteine, and of iron–sulfur clusters and may be used for easy and simultaneous calculation of the protein concentration. Hence quantitative determination of sulfur by TXRF allows a cross-check regarding of conventional quantitative determination of protein concentration by, e.g. the Lowry method. On the basis of two selected enzymes of different origins and molecular weights this paper will demonstrate the influence of bio-organic matrix and different buffer media on sulfur determination by TXRF. The influence of layer thicknesses of the dry residues and absorption or scattering effects will be discussed. The results indicate that in enzymes with low molecular weights and minor amounts of buffer components a reliable determination of sulfur is possible. By contrast, for enzymes stored in higher buffer concentrations poorer results are given on account of the matrix effects described.     

Fluorescent or not? Size-dependent fluorescence switching for polymer-stabilized gold clusters in the 1.1-1.7 nm size range

The synthesis of fluorescent water-soluble gold nanoparticles by the reduction of a gold salt in the presence of a designed polymer ligand is described, the size and fluorescence of the particles being controlled by the polymer to gold ratio; the most fluorescent nanomaterial has a 3% quantum yield, a 1.1 nm gold core and a 6.9 nm hydrodynamic radius.     

Study of the naphthalene-2,3-dicarboxaldehyde pre-column derivatization of biogenic mono- and diamines in mixture and fluorescence?HPLC determination

A new fluorescence−HPLC method was developed for the simultaneous determination of eight biogenic monoamines (histamine, methylamine, tyramine, ethylamine, propylamine, tryptamine, 2-phenylethylamine, isoamylamine) and two biogenic diamines (putrescine, cadaverine) in the presence of heptylamine as the internal standard. The amines were pre-column derivatized with naphthalene-2,3-dicarboxaldehyde in the presence of cyanide ion as the nucleophile. The effect of the derivatization reaction conditions on the reaction yield was investigated. The derivatives were separated on an Inertsil ODS-3 column (250 × 4mm i.d., 5 μm) using gradient elution and detected fluorimetrically at excitation and emission wavelengths of 424 and 494 nm, respectively. Limits of detection between 0.002 and 0.4 ng, injected on-column (10-μL loop), were achieved. The within- and between-day relative standard deviations ranged between 0.2−3.4% and 0.3−4.8%, respectively. The utility of the method in assaying biogenic mono- and diamine mixtures in Greek cheeses is demonstrated. Ultrasound-assisted liquid−liquid extraction was applied prior to derivatization.     

Comparison of detection limits in environmental analysis--is it possible? An approach on quality assurance in the lower working range by verification

Detection limit, reporting limit and limit of quantitation are analytical parameters which describe the power of analytical methods. These parameters are used for internal quality assurance and externally for competing, especially in the case of trace analysis in environmental compartments. The wide variety of possibilities for computing or obtaining these measures in literature and in legislative rules makes any comparison difficult. Additionally, a host of terms have been used within the analytical community to describe detection and quantitation capabilities. Without trying to create an order for the variety of terms, this paper is aimed at providing a practical proposal for answering the main questions for the analysts concerning quality measures above. These main questions and related parameters were explained and graphically demonstrated. Estimation and verification of these parameters are the two steps to get real measures. A rule for a practical verification is given in a table, where the analyst can read out what to measure, what to estimate and which criteria have to be fulfilled. In this manner verified parameters detection limit, reporting limit and limit of quantitation now are comparable and the analyst himself is responsible to the unambiguity and reliability of these measures.     

Sensitive HPLC–fluorescence detection of morphine labeled with DIB-Cl in rat brain and blood microdialysates and its application to the preliminarily study of the pharmacokinetic interaction between morphine and diclofenac

A sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)–fluorescence method for determination of morphine (Mor) in rat brain and blood microdialysates was developed using 4-(4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)benzoyl chloride (DIB-Cl) as a label. Mor was labeled with DIB-Cl under mild reaction conditions (at room temperature for 10 min). The separation of DIB-Mor was carried out on an octadecylsilica (ODS) column with CH₃CN/0.1 M acetate buffer (pH 5.4) within 14 min. The detection limits of Mor in brain and blood microdialysates at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3 were 0.4 and 0.6 ng mL⁻¹, respectively. The proposed method was successfully applied to the preliminarily study of potential pharmacokinetic interaction between Mor and diclofenac.     

CdS quantum dots as fluorescence probes for the sensitive and selective detection of highly reactive HSe<Superscript>−</Superscript> ions in aqueous solution

Water-soluble cadmium sulfide (CdS) quantum dots (QDs) capped by mercaptoacetic acid were synthesized by aqueous-phase arrested precipitation, and characterized by transmission electron microscopy, spectrofluorometry, and UV-Vis spectrophotometry. The prepared luminescent water-soluble CdS QDs were evaluated as fluorescence probes for the detection of highly reactive hydrogen selenide ions (HSe⁻ ions). The quenching of the fluorescence emission of CdS QDs with the addition of HSe⁻ ions is due to the elimination of the S²⁻ vacancies which are luminescence centers. Quantitative analysis based on chemical interaction between HSe⁻ ions and the surface of CdS QDs is very simple, easy to develop, and has demonstrated very high sensitivity and selectivity features. The effect of foreign ions (common anions and biologically relevant cations) on the fluorescence of the CdS QDs was examined to evaluate the selectivity. Only Cu²⁺ and S²⁻ ions exhibit significant effects on the fluorescence of CdS QDs. With the developed method, we are able to determine the concentration of HSe⁻ ions in the range from 0.10 to 4.80 μmol L⁻¹, and the limit of detection is 0.087 μmol L⁻¹. The proposed method was successfully applied to monitor the obtained HSe⁻ ions from the reaction of glutathione with selenite. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on fluorescence analysis of HSe⁻ ions in aqueous solution. Figure CdS quantum dots as fluorescence probes for the sensitive and selective detection of highly reactive HSe- ions in aqueous solution     

How does water affect the dynamics of the room-temperature ionic liquid 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate and the fluorescence spectroscopy of Coumarin-153 when dissolved in it?

Molecular dynamics simulations of mixtures of 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([HMIM+][PF6-]) and water have been performed in order to investigate how small amounts of water affect the translational and rotational dynamics of this ionic liquid (IL). We find that water is closely associated with the anions and that its presence enhances both the translational and rotational dynamics of the IL. In agreement with experiments, we find that the fluorescence spectra of Coumarin-153 is red-shifted because of the presence of water. Small amounts of water enhance the speed of relaxation of the solvent surrounding the solute probe after photoexcitation, but only at a "local environment" level. Interconversion between environments still occurs on a long time scale compared with the fluorescence lifetime of the probe. Excitation wavelength-dependent emission is observed both in the neat IL and in the IL+water mixture.     

Lattice interactions and aggregation in solution—can the two be related?

Comparison is made of the crystal structures of two different solvates of a molecule containing both H-bond donor and acceptor sites, which is found either as a monomer or a hexamer. The solid state features are analysed with respect to the behaviour seen in solutions in the same solvents as found in the crystal lattices. Dimethylsulfoxide appears to be particularly effective in preventing aggregation not only through H-bond acceptance but also through contacts at S which may block H-bond acceptor sites adjacent to donors.     

Application of flow injection analysis—photo-induced fluorescence (FIA-PIF) for the determination of α-cypermethrin pesticide residues in natural waters

Flow injection analysis combined with photo-induced fluorescence (FIA-PIF) has been applied for the determination of α-cypermethrin pesticide residues in Senegalese natural waters, using organic solutions and cyclodextrin (β-cyclodextrin and 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin) aqueous media. The α-cypermethrin insecticide has a very weak natural fluorescence, but it is converted into strongly fluorescent photoproduct(s) by UV irradiation. Cyclodextrins were found to enhance the PIF signal. FIA parameters, including mobile phase flow rate, injected volume, and reactor length, were optimized. Analytical performances of the FIA-PIF method for the determination of α-cypermethrin were satisfactory, with concentration linear dynamic ranges over one to two orders of magnitude and with rather low limits of detection and limits of quantification, in the ng mL⁻¹ range, and relative standard deviations comprised between 1.2% and 3.8%. Application of FIA-PIF for the analysis of fortified natural water samples collected from Senegal yielded good recovery values (84–112%). Because of its high sampling rate, the FIA-PIF method constitutes a rapid analytical tool, useful for quantification of α-cypermethrin residues in natural waters.     

How do rotameric conformations influence the time-resolved fluorescence of tryptophan in proteins? A perspective based on molecular modeling and quantum chemistry

We discuss the dynamics of tryptophan rotamers in the context of the non-exponential fluorescence decay in proteins. The central question is: how does the ground-state conformational heterogeneity influence the time evolution of tryptophan fluorescence? This problem is examined here from the theoretical perspective. Three methods at different levels of theory, and with different scopes and computational requirements are reviewed. The Dead-end elimination method is limited to side-chain dynamics and provides an efficient way to detect the stable tryptophan rotamers in a protein. Its application to the study of heterogeneous emission characteristics is illustrated. Molecular dynamics is aimed at the full phase space of the macromolecule in solution, but must rely on classical force fields and laws of evolution. We examine to what extent the molecular mechanics paradigm yields sufficiently accurate thermodynamic results, and what are the possible kinetic implications. Finally Quantum Chemistry is the only theoretical method that allows a direct assessment of the excited states. It is necessarily restricted to small molecular systems, and thus must be used in a hybrid combination with classical methods and electrostatic models. So far understanding of the emitting state has greatly progressed as a result of these calculations, but the actual treatment of the photophysical decay processes at the quantum level has not yet really started.     

Mass spectrometry and the amyloid problem—How far can we go in the gas phase?

A number of proteins are capable of converting from their soluble, monomeric form into highly-ordered, insoluble aggregates known as amyloid fibrils. In vivo, these fibrils, which accumulate in organs and tissues, are associated with a wide range of amyloid diseases for which there are currently no therapeutic solutions. The molecular details of the pathway from native monomer through oligomeric intermediates to the final amyloid fibril remain a challenging enigma. Over the past few years, mass spectrometry has been applied to investigate the various stages of amyloid fibril formation, and this report summarizes the key steps achieved to date.