田菁胶、羟丙基田菁胶和瓜胶的分子量及其分布研究

用凝胶色谱（ＧＰＣ）法测定了羟丙基田菁胶（ＨＰＳ）、田菁胶（ＳＧ）和瓜胶原粉（ＧＧ）三种样品的分子量,其重均分子量顺序Ｍ＿（ＷＨＰＳ）＞Ｍ＿（ＷＧＧ）＞Ｍ＿（ＷＳＧ）,分子量范围为２．３×１０￣５～３．４×１０￣５,分散系数关系为Ｄ＿（ＨＰＳ）＝Ｄ＿（ＳＧ）＞Ｄ＿（ＧＧ）,并讨论了聚糖的多分散性与产品性能的关系。     

Synthesis of a New Hydrogel,Based on Guar Gum,for Controlled Drug Release

Summary: Guar gum (GG) polymer was crosslinked in order to obtain a new hydrogel. The GG hydrogel has been characterized by means of FT-IR spectroscopy, the determination of the water content, at different pH values, rheological measurements and in vitro release studies. The GG hydrogel shows a maximum water uptake at acid and basic pH values. The mechanical properties are investigated in order to verify the thixotropic behaviour of the material. In vitro release studies are conducted to evaluate the application of the GG hydrogel as a matrix for controlled drug release.     

瓜胶/聚丙烯酸互穿聚合物网络水凝胶对模型药物的负载与控制释放

考察了以牛乳清蛋白(BSA)为模型药物,通过相平衡分配法制备载药瓜胶(GG)/聚丙烯酸(PAA)互穿聚合物网络(IPN)水凝胶的工艺条件.借助紫外可见光谱仪研究了载药水凝胶在结肠酶存在下的控制释放行为.结果表明:载药容量(CM)随瓜胶、丙烯酸用量的增加而下降,半IPN水凝胶的Cm较全IPN的略大;结肠酶能明显提高半IPN与全IPN中的BSA释放速率,且提高幅度随GG含量的增加而加快,GG/PAA IPN水凝胶具有结肠定位降解的特性,有望成为靶向结肠给药的理想载体材料.     

Molecular Interactions in Formamide + Isomeric Butanols: An Ultrasonic and Volumetric Study

Densities, , ultrasonic speeds, u and viscosities, of the binary mixtures of formamide (FA) with 1-butanol, 2-methyl-1-propanol, and 2-methyl-2-propanol, including those of pure liquids, were measured over the whole composition range at 35°C. Using the experimental values of , u and , the deviations in isentropic compressibility, _s , excess volume, V ^E, viscosity, , and excess Gibbs energy of activation of viscous flow, G* ^E , were calculated from the linear dependence of these parameters on composition of mixtures. The apparent molar isentropic compressibility, K _,2 and apparent molar volume, V ^,2 of alcohols in FA were also calculated. The variations of these parameters with composition are discussed from the point of view of intermolecular interactions in these mixtures. The V ^E data have also been analyzed using Prigogine–Flory–Patterson theory. An analysis of each of the three contributions, viz., interactional, free volume, and P* effect to V ^E shows that P*, the internal pressure parameter of the theory, plays a dominant role in deciding the sign and magnitude of V ^E.     

Effects of Organic Acids on the Release of Fruity Esters in Water: An Insight at the Molecular Level

It is well known that organic acids (OAs) could affect the flavour of fruit juices and beverages. However, the molecular mechanism of aroma release is still unclear. In this study, the effects of citric acid (CA), L-(-)-malic acid (MA) and L-lactic acid (LA) on the release of six selected esters and their sensory perception were investigated by means of HS-GC-MS analyses and odour detection threshold determination, respectively. Meanwhile, the density functional theory (DFT) calculation was employed to explore the interaction modes between esters and OAs. HS-GC-MS analyses showed that the concentration and the type of OAs regulated the release of esters. The results were basically consistent with the detection threshold change of those esters. The DFT calculation suggested that the main intermolecular interaction was hydrogen bonds, and several esters could form a ternary ring structure with OAs through hydrogen bonds. The interactions can induce the different release behaviours of esters in OAs water solution. The number of carboxyl functional groups in OAs and the spatial conformation of esters appeared to influence the magnitude of the interaction. The above results demonstrated the mechanism of OAs affecting the release of esters and indicated a possible flavour control way by using different OAs and OA concentrations.     

Drug Release Study of Systems Containing the Tragacanth and Collagen Composite: Release Characterization and Viscoelastic Measurements

The kinetics of water penetration and pentoxifilline release from both Tragacanth gum and Tragacanth/Collagen matrices has been examined in pure deionised water. The rheological oscillatory measurements of their gel layer obtained by swelling of the imprinted pentoxifilline-filled polymer matrix with water have been performed. To qualify a polymer for application in drug formulation, appropriate gel stiffness is required. The aqueous solution of Tragacanth does not seem to acquire the actual strength that a hydrogel must retain for this purpose. Thus, along with Tragacanth, gelatin, CaCl₂ and 1, 8 octandiamine curing agent were individually blended in a mixture with Tragacanth gum to improve the gel behavior and drug delivery of the system. The strength of the gel at the body temperature (37 °C) was studied using a cone and plate rheometer. It was found that gelatin could enhance the gel strength of Tragacanth by forming a porous composite. The drug release to an aqueous solution at room temperature was analyzed to be slower for a composite of 1:2 Tragacanth/Collagen.     

Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Aqueous Solutions Using Interaction Energy Components: Application to the Solvation Gibbs Energy

Molecular dynamics simulations of aqueous solutions of the solutes acetamide (AcNH₂), acetic acid (AcOH), and acetaldehyde (AcH) were made using Lennard–Jones 12-6-1 potentials to describe the solute–solvent interactions. The Morokuma decomposition scheme and the ESIE solute atomic charges were used to reproduce the exchange, polarization, and electrostatic components of the solute–water interaction energy. A nonlinear perturbation was incorporated into the “slow-growth” technique in order to improve the results for the solvation Gibbs energy that were found to be in agreement with the available experimental and theoretical values.     

Molecular Links and Knots from Naphthalenediimide: A Balance of Weak Interactions

Owing to its unique structural, electronic, spectroscopic, and redox properties, naphthalenediimide (NDI) is a versatile building block for the construction of a wide variety of supramolecular assemblies with diverse structures, properties, and functions. In this Minireview, the synthesis of topologically nontrivial molecular links and knots based on naphthalenediimide‐derived building blocks will be discussed. In particular, the supramolecular forces that contribute to the formation of these molecular links and knots and their interactions will be discussed.     

Zinc Interactions with a Soluble Mutated Rat Amylin to Mimic Whole Human Amylin: An Experimental and Simulation Approach to Understand Stoichiometry,Speciation and Coordination of the Metal Complexes

Islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) is a hormone co-secreted with insulin and zinc from pancreatic β-cells. To overcome the low solubility of human IAPP, we characterized zinc complexes species formed with 1) a mutated form of rat-IAPP(1–37; R18 H) able to mimic the human IAPP, 2) the r-IAPP(1–37) and the IAPP(1–8) fragment. Stoichiometry, speciation and coordination features of zinc(II) complexes were unveiled by ESI-MS, potentiometry and NMR measurements combined with DFT and free-energy simulations. Mononuclear species start to form around pH 6; Zn²⁺ binds both His18 and N-amino terminus in rat-IAPP(1–37; R18 H). The in silico study allows us to assess not only a structured turn compact domain in r-IAPP(1–37) and r-IAPP(1–37; R18 H) featured by a different free energy barrier for the transition from the compact to elongated conformation upon the coordination of Zn²⁺, but also to bring into light a coordination shell further stabilized by noncovalent interactions.     

Noncovalent Interactions of π Systems with Sulfur: The Atomic Chameleon of Molecular Recognition

The relative strength of noncovalent interactions between a thioether sulfur atom and various π systems in designed top pan molecular balances was determined by NMR spectroscopy. Compared to its oxygen counterpart, the sulfur atom displays a remarkable ability to interact with almost equal facility over the entire range of π systems studied, with the simple alkene emerging as the most powerful partner. With the exception of the O???heteroarene interaction, all noncovalent interactions of sulfur with π systems are favoured over oxygen.     

FT IR ATR Study of Molecular Interactions in the Urea/Dimethyl Sulfoxide and Urea/Diethyl Sulfoxide Binary Systems

FT IR ATR spectra of urea/dimethyl sulfoxide and urea/diethyl sulfoxide mixtures in the S=O and N—H stretching vibration regions at different molar ratios have been measured. On the basis of the band deconvolution data, various types of intermolecular associated forms, including dimers and hydrogen-bonded urea–sulfoxide complexes, have been revealed. The latter has been confirmed also by ab initio calculations.     

The Influence of Intermolecular Interactions on Second-Order Susceptibilities of Molecular Crystals: Application to the m-Nitroaniline Crystal

The effects of intermolecular interactions on the second-order susceptibilities (⁽²⁾) of molecular crystals are studied by using a semiempirical quantum–chemical method. These effects are discussed on the basis of the super-molecular approach. The influence of the electrostatic interactions between adjacent unit cells on the tensor components of ⁽²⁾ was modeled by using the technique of cumulative atomic multipole moments (CAMMs).     

On the Role of Flexibility in Protein–Ligand Interactions: the Example of p53 Tetramerization Domain

The recognition of protein surfaces by designed ligands has become an attractive approach in drug discovery. However, the variable nature and irregular behavior of protein surfaces defy this new area of research. The easy to understand “lock‐and‐key” model is far from being the ideal paradigm in biomolecular interactions and, hence, any new finding on how proteins and ligands behave in recognition events paves a step of the way. Herein, we illustrate a clear example on how an increase in flexibility of both protein and ligand can result in an increase in the stability of the macromolecular complex. The biophysical study of the interaction between a designed flexible tetraguanidinium‐calix[4]arene and the tetramerization domain of protein p53 (p53TD) and its natural mutant p53TD‐R337H shows how the floppy mutant domain interacts more tightly with the ligand than the well‐packed wild‐type protein. Moreover, the flexible calixarene ligand interacts with higher affinity to both wild‐type and mutated protein domains than a conformationally rigid calixarene analog previously reported. These findings underscore the crucial role of flexibility in molecular recognition processes, for both small ligands and large biomolecular surfaces.     

Modulation of Electroosmotic Flow Using Polyelectrolyte Brushes: A Molecular Dynamics Study

Polyelectrolyte brushes grafted on a pair of parallel nanochannel walls can affect the electroosmotic flow (EOF) significantly. A molecular dynamics simulation method is used to investigate the relationship between charge distribution on polyelectrolyte brushes and EOF parameters such as flux, velocity, and density of particles. The EOF can be modulated by changing the step between two charged beads on the same chain, S_c, and the valence of a bead, N_c. Simulation results indicate that the flux increases as the total number of charges on the brushes increases. The decrease of S_c and N_c can lead to a maximum average velocity in the center region. The influence on density of particles is also analyzed.

     

Influence of the Temperature on the Crystal Structure of Poly(p‐phenylene sulfide): A Study by X‐Ray Measurements and Molecular Mechanics

The crystal structure of poly(p‐phenylene sulfide) (PPS) has been investigated by X‐ray analysis on fiber samples and by molecular mechanics calculations over a wide range of temperatures, from 0 K to 548 K, showing that all the structural parameters remain substantially constant. The thermal expansion coefficients of the a and b axes have been evaluated. Structural parameters experimentally obtained at the various temperatures have been used in calculations by molecular mechanics. The crystal structures calculated by various methods and using several potential functions are in very good agreement. New parameters are proposed for the nonbonded terms of the potential functions.     

Antidiabetic Potential of Volatile Cinnamon Oil: A Review and Exploration of Mechanisms Using In Silico Molecular Docking Simulations

Cinnamon has been used as a flavoring and medicinal agent for centuries. Much research has focused on cinnamon bark powder, which contains antioxidants, flavonoids, carotenoids, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and small amounts of essential oil. However, isolated and concentrated cinnamon essential oil may also have important medicinal qualities, particularly in antidiabetic therapy. Some of the most common essential oil constituents identified in the literature include cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, and beta-caryophyllene. Due to their high concentration in cinnamon essential oil, these constituents are hypothesized to have the most significant physiological activity. Here, we present a brief review of literature on cinnamon oil and its constituents as they relate to glucose metabolism and diabetic pathogenesis. We also present molecular docking simulations of these cinnamon essential oil constituents (cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, beta-caryophyllene) that suggest interaction with several key enzymes in glucometabolic pathways.     

Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes as Scaffolds to Concentrate DNA for the Study of DNA–Protein Interactions

Genomic DNA in bacteria exists in a condensed state, which exhibits different biochemical and biophysical properties from a dilute solution. DNA was concentrated on streptavidin‐covered single‐walled carbon nanotubes (Strep ? SWNTs) through biotin–streptavidin interactions. We reasoned that confining DNA within a defined space through mechanical constraints, rather than by manipulating buffer conditions, would more closely resemble physiological conditions. By ensuring a high streptavidin loading on SWNTs of about 1 streptavidin tetramer per 4 nm of SWNT, we were able to achieve dense DNA binding. DNA is bound to Strep ? SWNTs at a tunable density and up to as high as 0.5 mg mL^?1 in solution and 29 mg mL^?1 on a 2D surface. This platform allows us to observe the aggregation behavior of DNA at high concentrations and the counteracting effects of HU protein (a histone‐like protein from Escherichia coli strain U93) on the DNA aggregates. This provides an in vitro model for studying DNA–DNA and DNA–protein interactions at a high DNA concentration.     

Application of THz Vibrational Spectroscopy to Molecular Characterization and the Theoretical Fundamentals: An Illustration Using Saccharide Molecules

This work illustrates several theoretical fundamentals for the application of THz vibrational spectroscopy to molecular characterization in the solid state using two different types of saccharide systems as examples. Four subjects have been specifically addressed: (1) the qualitative differences in the molecular vibrational signatures monitored by THz and mid‐IR vibrational spectroscopy; (2) the selection rules for THz vibrational spectroscopy as applied to crystalline and amorphous systems; (3) a normal mode simulation, using α‐l ‐xylose as an example; and (4) a rigorous mode analysis to quantify the percentage contributions of the intermolecular and intramolecular vibrations to the normal mode of interest.