Biochemical and clinical analysis by enthalpimetric measurements — a realistic alternative approach?

The contribution of enthalpimetric measurements to biochemical and clinical analysis is evaluated. After a brief discussion of instrumental considerations, non-enzymatic and enzymatic approaches to biochemical and clinical enthalpimetry are considered. The main focus of the review is on the incorporation of enzyme-catalyzed reactions with enthalpimetric measurements to provide analytical selectivity; determinations of enzyme activity, substrate concentration, inhibitor concentration and biochemical constants are discussed. Enthalpimetric devices based on immobilized enzyme technology, e.g. flow enthalpimeters and enzyme-coated thermistors and the latest technique to evolve, thermometric enzyme-linked immunoassay are treated separately. The advantages and limitations of enthalpimetry in these areas of analysis are discussed in the context of routine clinical analysis.     

Investigation of Lublin town environment contamination by radionuclides and heavy metals with application of Parmeliaceae lichens

Contamination of ground level air at Lublin town was studied by measurements of radioactive isotope and heavy metal contents in Parmeliaceae lichens exposed during six months on the area of the town. The concentration of the elements studied was compared with these ones measured in unexposed (blank) samples of lichens. The highest increase of radioactivity was noticed for ²³²Th, ²²⁶Ra and ⁴⁰K. The contamination by ¹³⁷Cs does not increased markedly, ranging from 2 to 107 Bq/kg of the dry lichen sample. Nearly half of the exposed samples do not reveal any increase of cesium radioactivity. Heavy metal concentrations in analyzed lichens were low. From the results obtained, one may conclude that concentration of these metals in ground air level does not reach appreciable values.     

Separation of some transition-metal ions on silica-immobilized 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde phenylhydrazone

A metal-ion extractant, prepared by chemical binding of 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde phenylhydrazone on a silica support, is described and shown to be effective for use in separation and determination of trace amounts of iron, cobalt, nickel, and copper. Metal-ion sorption conforms to the Langmuir isotherm. The relative orders of the Langmuir constants K and the column retention-capacity factors k' for the four transition-metal ions are the same as the natural order of the stabilities predicted for their metal chelates: Fe(II) < Co(II) < Ni(II) < Cu(II).     

Dialysis membrane to prevent cadmium ion specific electrode fouling

We present a simple method of protecting a Cd(II) ion-selective electrode from fouling using a dialysis membrane. Drift due to fouling is inevitable during continuous exposure of the electrode to the bulk solution. It presents a major problem in the case of automated titrations because recalibration is not possible. The drift is due to natural organic matter present in the sediment, and the membrane prevents its accumulation on the electrode surface. This was verified by calibrating a Cd electrode exposed to sediment for varying times, both with and without a membrane covering. There are two types of time dependent biases. A primary drift occurs without exposure to sediments and is probably caused by oxidation of the surface. A more important effect due to natural organic matter accumulation causes additional drift and deteriorates the Nernstian response of the electrode. From these results, it is possible to predict the uncertainty associated with measurements of binding constants and surface site densities for a Langmuir model. In general, the biased electrode overestimates the total metal concentration, reduces the value of the stability constants and increases estimates of maximum surface site densities.     

Enthalpimetry — a change of emphasis

A change of emphasis in enthalpimetric instrumental design has widened the scope of this universal analytical tool. These recent developments in enthalpimetric technology have improved the capabilities of the technique and made possible a wide variety of clinical, biochemical and environmental applications.     

Langmuir膜及LB膜中的金属参与

本文主要介绍了金属离子与Langmuir膜及LB膜相互作用中静电、配位等作用方式及其对膜相态和分子二维排列的影响。在此基础上探讨了Langmuir膜对金属离子的识别与传感。以Langmuir膜和LB膜为二维模板诱导无机盐定向生长作为金属/单分子膜结合的重要应用在文中也进行了讨论。通过举例展示了金属离子参与的Langmuir膜和LB膜催化有机反应的特点。最后对金属参与的Langmuir膜和LB膜在功能化和器件化等方面的研究也作了论述， 并通过介绍金属螯合类脂分子的Langmuir膜在蛋白质等生物大分子界面定向聚集研究中的应用表明了金属参与的Langmuir膜及LB 膜在生命科学研究中的意义。全文贯穿了金属结合调节Langmuir膜和LB膜组装结构以及通过金属结合导入功能基团进行有序组装的思想。     

Characterization of metal cations-complexing polymer films interactions followed with anodic stripping voltammetry

The complexing ability of thin poly(3-pyrrol-1-ylpropyl)malonic acid films coated onto glassy carbon disc electrode surfaces was evaluated towards Pb(II) and Cu(II) ions, using the chemical preconcentration-anodic stripping method. The affinity of these metal cations for the complexing film modified electrodes and their maximal surface coverage rate could be evaluated from a Langmuir isotherm model coupled to the chemical preconcentration-anodic stripping technique. Isothermal studies conducted between 293 and 308 K allowed to estimate enthalpy and entropy variations associated to the metal sorption, which expectedly proved to fit chemisorption processes. As judged from the estimated binding constants, Pb(II) ions turned out to present a higher affinity for the functionalized surface than the smaller Cu(II) species. The mobilization of a higher number of malonic acid units per metal cation upon complexation of Pb(II), as compared to Cu(II), is however believed to account for the estimated lower Pb(II) surface coverage. The combination of the Langmuir isotherm model to the chemical preconcentration-anodic stripping technique is thus revealed to be an efficient method to characterize the complexing ability of complexing film electrode surface.     

Arrangement of trace metal contaminations in thin films of liquid crystals studied by X-ray standing wave technique

X-ray standing wave method has been applied to investigate the molecular organization in Langmuir–Blodgett films of liquid-crystalline lanthanide complex deposited on silicon substrates. The X-ray standing waves measurements were carried out at BESSY II on the beamline KMC-2. Energy spectra of characteristic fluorescence emitted from the samples have been recorded at each point in the X-ray reflectivity curve as the incident angle was scanned through the total external reflection region. The integrated intensity under selected peaks was analyzed as a function of the incident angle. Incorporation of metal ions (Fe, Zn, Cu, Ca) to the Langmuir monolayer from the triply distilled water subphase has been established. Owing to the element selectivity of X-ray standing wave technique the arrangement of several types of metal ions inside the Langmuir–Blodgett films was studied individually. The experimental data revealed that the shape of the fluorescence curves for the contamination metal ions is distinctly different indicating considerable differences in the lateral distribution of these ions in the film. These results may be attributed to the phase separation in Langmuir monolayer of liquid-crystalline lanthanide complex due to the incorporation of metal ions from the water subphase.     

Heavy metal sorption in the lichen cationactive layer

Results of copper ion sorption in lichens owing to the ion exchange between the surroundings (aqueous solution) and the lichen cationactive layer have been presented. It indicates that the course of sorption of these ions, similarly as in the case of cations of other heavy metals, depends on the concentration and type of cations naturally found in lichen surroundings: H+, Na+, K+, Mg2+ and Ca2+. A determination method of heavy metal concentration in lichen surroundings has been proposed. It consists in exposure of transplanted lichens in the presence of salts that provide precisely determined, artificial salinity of precipitation with which the lichens are in contact. The studies were conducted on Hypogymnia physodes lichens.     

Investigation of Tin and Chromium Metal Plasmas by Langmuir Probe Measurements

Double Langmuir probe measurements are performed during the deposition of tin and chromium coatings in order to examine the degree of ionisation and the deviation from thermal equilibrium of these metal plasmas.     

Equilibrium ion exchange method: methodology at low ionic strength and copper(II) complexation by dissolved organic matter in a leaf litter extract

The equilibrium ion exchange method (EIM) is a powerful tool for the investigation of metal cation complexation by dissolved organic matter (DOM) in natural systems. Tests with different ion exchange resins demonstrated that under low ionic strength conditions (0.01 mol/kg) and in the presence of DOM, equilibration times of at least 24 h are required for experiments with Cu(II). The classical approach to the EIM was modified by using nonlinear reference adsorption isotherms in order to expand the method to a broader range of experimental conditions. For Cu(II) at low ionic strength (0.01 mol/kg), the reference isotherms between pH 4 and 6 were identical and were mathematically modeled in terms of Langmuir adsorption parameters. The EIM using nonlinear reference isotherms was validated between pH 4 and 6 by the correct determination of the stability constants for the complexes CuOxalate and Cu(Oxalate)(2). Then the method was used to quantitatively characterize the Cu(II) complexation behavior of DOM in an aqueous chestnut leaf litter extract between pH 4 and 6. In contrast to the classical approach to the EIM, data were analyzed by using plots [Cu](bound)/[Cu](free)vs. [Cu](bound). This allowed the determination of both, conditional stability constants and metal binding capacities for two different binding site classes. The logarithmic values of the stability constants were about 8 for the strong binding sites and 5.5-6 for the weak binding sites. The total Cu(II) binding capacity increased from 0.22 mol/(kg C) at pH 4 to 2.85 mol/(kg C) at pH 6.     

Cation exchange and sorption properties of crystalline alpha-titanium(IV) phosphate

The ion-exchange and sorption properties of alpha-titanium bis(monohydrogen orthophosphate) monohydrate of composition Ti(HPO(4))(2).H(2)O was studied in aqueous electrolyte solutions of KCl over the temperature range of 300-320 K, varying the pH and metal ion concentration in the solution. The data were explained on the basis of the law of chemical equilibrium and the metal ion sorption data were fitted to Langmuir parameters. Further, the extent of sorption was found to increase with increasing temperature and metal ion concentration in the selectivity order Fe(3+)>Cu(2+)>Co(2+)>Mn(2+)>Cr(3+)>Ni(2+). The values of Langmuir constants were used to calculate the various thermodynamic parameters, such as DeltaG(0), DeltaH(0), and DeltaS(0), during the sorption process.     

Fixed-time kinetic enthalpimetry: improved sensitivity for enthalpimetric enzyme activity determinations in homogeneous and heterogeneous systems

A fixed-time (integral) method is described for the enthalpimetric determination of enzyme activity. The method involves the determination of residual unreacted substrate after a fixed incubation time with the sample. Results are presented for the determination of cholinesterase in aqueous solution and in 0.1cm³ samples of reference sera using 30-min incubation periods. Results are correlated with a spectrophotometric procedure. A precision of 1.8% relative standard deviation is reported for serum assays. Preliminary data are also presented for the enthalpimetric determination of cholinesterase activity after immobilization onto non-porous glass beads by carbodiimide and glutaraldehyde coupling procedures.     

Adsorption of toxic metals by natural and modified clinoptilolite

The chromium, cobalt and lead removal from aqueous solution by natural and modified zeolites was examined by using a batch-type method. Clinoptilolite samples used in this study were supplied from Bigadi?, Turkey. All samples were modified with HNO3 or NaOH to improve the adsorption capacity for heavy metals. The removal efficiencies and kinetics of heavy metals such as chromium, cobalt and lead on natural and modified zeolites were determined. The effects of the initial metal concentration on the removal percentage of heavy metal ions were studied. Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm constants and correlation coefficients were found and the equilibrium process was described by the Freundlich isotherm. The adsorption kinetic was tested and then it indicates the process to be diffusion controlled.     

Synthesis and Application of Co‐Poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate‐ethylene dimethacrylate) Coupled with Alizarin Yellow for Preconcentration and Determination of Lead in Water Samples by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

Poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate‐ethylene dimethacrylate) (PHEMA‐EDMA) beads were produced by free radical co‐polymerization of 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and ethylene dimethacrylate (EDMA). Then, metal complexing ligand alizarin yellow was covalently attached onto PHEMA‐EDMA beads. The resulting resin has been characterized by FT‐IR and studied for the preconcentration and determination of trace Pb(II) ion from solution samples. The optimum pH value for sorption of the metal ion was 5. The sorption capacity of functionalized resin is 100 mg.g^‐1. The chelating resin can be reused for 20 cycles of sorption‐desorption without any significant change in sorption capacity. A recovery of 96% was obtained for the metal ion with 0.1 M nitric acid as eluting agent. The equilibrium adsorption data of Pb(II) on modified resin were analyzed by Langmuir and Freundlich models. Based on equilibrium adsorption data the Langmuir and Freundlich constants were determined 2.571 and 418.7 at pH 5 and 25 °C. The method was applied for lead ions determination from well water sample.     

Determination of cadmium in polished rice by low-temperature ashing and atomic absorption spectrometry

A method is described for the enthalpimetric determination of serum cholinesterase activity. Physiological amounts of cholinesterase (2–5 IU cm^-3) in aqueous solutions and reconstituted sera are determined with a precision of 2.5% and 1.4% (r.s.d.), respectively. Typical errors of 1.0% are observed when the enthalpimetric results are compared with a standard colorimetric procedure.     

The interaction between G-quadruplex-forming oligonucleotide and cationic surfactant monolayer at the air/water interface

We report on the interactions between a 21-mer quadruplex-forming oligonucleotide bearing human telomere sequence of dG(3)(T(2)AG(3))(3) (G4 DNA) and a positively charged dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide (DODAB) monolayer at the air-aqueous interface, studied by surface film balance measurements. In the presence of G4 DNA, the π-A isotherm of the cationic Langmuir film shifted to lower molecular areas when compared with the reference isotherm recorded on the subphase containing only 50 mM triethylamine-acetate (TEAA) buffer. The presence of quadruplex-stabilizing metal cations (K(+) or Na(+)) further affected profiles of π-A isotherms. Further insight into processes related to the G4 DNA-monolayer interactions was provided by recording time profiles of the surface pressure of monolayer at a constant mean molecular area. In these experiments G4 DNA and/or metal ions were sequentially injected under the monolayer surface. Results indicated that multistranded assemblies of G4 DNA were formed at the monolayer interface even in the absence of metal ions, which suggested that the charged cationic surface of Langmuir monolayer induced aggregation of guanine-rich DNA strands. The presence of sodium and potassium ions inhibited formation of multi-stranded assemblies through the competitive G-quadruplex formation but to different extent that might be related to the differences in stability and topology of both quadruplexes.     

Two-dimensional arrays of amphiphilic Zn2+-cyclens for guided molecular recognition at interfaces

The sterically guided molecular recognition of nucleobases, phosphates, adenosine, and uridine nucleotides on Langmuir monolayers and Langmuir-Blodgett monolayers of amphiphilic mono- or bis(Zn2+-cyclen)s assembled on thiolated surfaces was investigated. The stepwise selective binding of metal ions, uracil, or phosphate by dicetyl cyclen monolayers with variously tuned structures at the air/water interface was corroborated by the measurements of the corresponding LB films deposited onto quartz crystals. Two types of recognition surfaces were fabricated from Zn2+-dicetyl cyclen. The surface covered with a complex preformed in the Langmuir monolayer was capable both of imide and of phosphate binding. The similar complex formed directly in an LB film on thiolated gold was inactive with respect to imide. The surface plasmon resonance measurements evidenced the stepwise assembly of complementary nucleotides on SAM/LB templates through consecutive phosphate-Zn2+-cyclen coordination. Base pairing between nucleotides resulted in a formation of A-U bilayers comprising two complementary monolayers. Finally, we report on SAM/LB patterns designed for divalent molecular recognition of uridine phosphate by amphiphilic bis(Zn2+-cyclen).     

Exploring the binding mechanism of dihydropyrimidinones to human serum albumin: spectroscopic and molecular modeling techniques

The binding mechanism of molecular interaction between 5-(ethoxycarbonyl)-6-methyl-4-phenyl-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-one (a dihydropyrimidinones derivative, EMPD) and human serum albumin (HSA) was studied using spectroscopic methods and modeling technique. The quenching mechanism was investigated in terms of the binding constants and the basic thermodynamic parameters. The results of spectroscopic measurements suggested that EMPD have a strong ability to quench the intrinsic fluorescence of HSA through static quenching procedure. The drug-protein complex was stabilized by hydrophobic forces and hydrogen bonding as indicated from the thermodynamic parameters and synchronous fluorescence spectra, which was consistent with the results of molecular docking and accessible surface area calculation. Competitive experiments indicated that a displacement of warfarin by EMPD, which revealed that the binding site of EMPD to HSA was located at the subdomains IIA. The distance between the donor and the acceptor was 4.85nm as estimated according to F?rster's theory of non-radiation energy transfer. The effect of metal ions on the binding constants was also investigated. The results indicated that the binding constants between EMPD and HSA increased in the presence of common metal ions.     

Fibril-like aggregate formation of peptide carboxylate Langmuir films analyzed by surface pressure, surface dipole moment, and infrared spectroscopy

The fibril formation process of a synthetic peptidolipid compound in a Langmuir monolayer at the air-water interface has been analyzed by surface pressure and surface dipole moment-area isotherms, followed by infrared spectral analysis of related Langmuir-Blodgett films. Thus far, the analysis of randomly oriented molecular assemblies has been a difficult matter, especially for spectroscopic measurements. In the present study, the Langmuir film isotherms were discussed in detail, and they have readily been correlated to the infrared spectra. For the spectral analysis, infrared multiple-angle incidence resolution spectroscopy (MAIRS) was employed, which was compared to the results by conventional techniques. Since the peptide assemblies greatly responded to a metal surface, the reflection-absorption technique was not useful for our analysis. Instead, MAIRS was found to be powerful to reveal the anisotropic structure of the Langmuir films, and a disordered molecular architecture has been revealed via the molecular orientation analysis. As a result, the fibril-like aggregation formation process during the monolayer compression, which was suggested by previous topographical study, has been found to be due to the stiff domain formation in the Langmuir films.