Chelation of vanadium(IV) by a natural and edible biopolymer poly(gamma-glutamic acid) in aqueous solution: structure and binding constant of complex

The naturally occurring edible biopolymer poly(gamma-glutamic acid) (gamma-PGA) is shown to be an efficient chelating agent of vanadium(IV). The structure of poly(gamma-glutamic acid)oxovanadium(IV) (VO-gamma-PGA) complex in solution has been analyzed by electron spin resonance and UV-visible absorption spectra. The equatorial coordination sphere of vanadium(IV) is proposed to be [2 x carboxylate (2O)-VO-(OH2)2]. The binding isotherm is determined for suspensions of gamma-PGA in vanadium(IV) oxide sulfate (VS) solutions of different concentrations, and the data have been adjusted to fit the modified Langmuir equation. The maximum amount of vanadium bound per gram of gamma-PGA is estimated to be 141 mmol . g(-1) with a binding constant of 22 L . g(-1) at pH 3.     

A Zinc(II)/poly(gamma-glutamic acid) complex as an oral therapeutic for the treatment of type-2 diabetic KKAy mice

In developing new insulin-mimetic zinc(II) complexes with various ligands including a biodegradable polymer, we prepared and characterized a Zn(gamma-pga) complex in solution as well as in solid, and investigated its in vitro insulin-mimetic activity and in vivo antidiabetic effect in type-2 diabetic KKA(y) mice. The in vitro insulin-mimetic activity of the Zn(gamma-pga) complex was considerable better than that of ZnSO(4). The Zn(gamma-pga) complex normalized the hyperglycemia in KKA(y) mice within 21 d when administrated orally at doses of 10-20 mg (0.15-0.31 mmol) Zn per kg body mass for 30 d. In addition, the impaired glucose tolerance, elevated HbA(1c) levels and metabolic syndromes were significantly improved in Zn(gamma-pga)-treated KKA(y) mice relative to those administrated with saline and ZnSO(4).     

Comb-like ionic complexes of cationic surfactants with bacterial poly(gamma-glutamic acid) of racemic composition

Comb-like ionic complexes, nATMA . PG(DL)GA, were prepared from microbial poly(gamma-glutamic acid), with a nearly racemic configuration, and alkyltrimethylammoniun bromides, with linear alkyl chains containing an even number of carbon atoms, n, ranging from 12 to 22. The complexes had a nearly stoichiometric composition, displayed thermal stability up to temperatures above 200 degrees C and were insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. In the solid state, they were arranged in a regularly layered structure with the alkyl side chain crystallized for n > or = 18. Heating above melting entailed a contraction in the interlayer distance which varied from 1 to 10% depending on the value of n. Comparison with data reported on similar complexes obtained from nearly enantiomerically pure poly(gamma-glutamic acid) revealed an overall behavior very similar for the two series but with specific significant differences concerning side chain crystallinity and dimensional response to temperature.     

Ionic complexes of biosynthetic poly(malic acid) and poly(glutamic acid) as prospective drug-delivery systems

The hydrolytic degradability and erythromycin release from stoichiometric ionic complexes of biotechnological poly(beta,L-malic acid)s and poly(gamma,D-glutamic acid)s with alkyltrimethylammonium surfactants were investigated. The influence of pH, temperature and antibiotic load on hydrolysis rate was examined. It was found that poly(malic acid) complexes degraded by a surface erosion mechanism at a higher rate than poly(glutamic acid) complexes, which eroded in bulk. Erythromycin was lodged in the paraffinic subphase of the complexes and upon aging it was delivered according to a sigmoidal profile that appeared to be independent on the antibiotic load.     

Formation of colloidal silver nanoparticles stabilized by Na+-poly(gamma-glutamic acid)-silver nitrate complex via chemical reduction process

Macromolecular and polyanionic Na⁺–poly(γ-glutamic acid) (PGA) silver nitrate complex acted as both a metal ion provider and a particle protector to fabricate nanosized silver colloids under chemical reduction by dextrose. The formation and size of particles have been characterized from transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering analysis and UV–vis spectrophotometer. The results showed that the average particle size was 17.2 ± 3.4 to 37.3 ± 5.5 nm, apparently depending on the complex concentration. It was found that the rate constant and conversion of silver nanoparticles were proportional to the concentration of PGA. The growth mechanism of nanosized silver colloid was fully discussed. In addition, the in vitro cytotoxicity evaluated by L929 fibroblasts proliferation and antibacterial activity against Gram-positive strain (methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA)) and Gram-negative strain (P. aeruginosa) bacteria have been assessed.     

Cloning of poly(aspartic acid) (PAA) hydrolase-1 gene from Pedobacter sp. KP-2 and hydrolysis of thermally synthesized PAA by its gene product

Pedobacter sp. KP-2 can degrade and metabolize thermally synthesized alpha,beta-poly(D,L-aspartic acid) (tPAA), which contains 70% of unnatural beta-amide units, with high-molecular-weight. In this study, gene cloning and molecular characterization of PAA hydrolase-1 from KP-2 was carried out. Gene analysis reveals that deduced amino acid sequence of the enzyme shows a similarity to only that of PAA hydrolase-1 from Sphingomonas sp. KT-1. GPC and NMR analyses of the hydrolyzed products of tPAA by PAA hydrolase-1 of KP-2 indicate that this enzyme cleaves the beta-beta amide linkage via endo-mode to yield oligo(aspartic acid) from tPAA. Taking the composition of tPAA and the substrate specificity of PAA hydrolase-1 into consideration, the enzyme possibly plays a crucial role in tPAA biodegradation by KP-2.     

Micro construction of poly(epsilon-caprolactone)/poly(L-lactic acid) blend film by solution casting under microwave irradiation

The micro construction of poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) blend films fabricated by solution casting under microwave irradiation was investigated by selective enzymatic degradation and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results were totally different from the blends obtained by conventional methods. The blend was more homogeneous and the PCL continuous phase more compact as no spherulites and tiny zone separation were observed from the film surface and no PCL network was observed inside the film, and the degradation of a PCL plank by Pseudomonas lipase was significantly retarded. The distributed PLLA micro spheres were enlarged and amorphous. The thermal behavior of the blend by microwave heating revealed that PCL and PLLA underwent a melting process, which induced the variations of the PCL phase and PLLA spheres. The weight loss caused by degradation of the PCL/PLLA blend obtained by conventional methods (B50c) is greater than that of the blend obtained by microwave methods (B50m), which reflects the change in morphology from a loose PCL network (B50c) to a dense PCL plank (B50m).     

Preparation and Unique pH‐Responsive Properties of Novel Biodegradable Nanocapsules Composed of Poly(γ‐glutamic acid) and Chitosan as Weak Polyelectrolytes

Novel biodegradable hollow nanocapsules composed of two kinds of weak polyelecrolytes, CT and γ‐PGA, were successfully prepared by the deposition of their LbL‐assembled films onto silica particles and the subsequent removal of the silica. These CT‐γ‐PGA hollow nanocapsules showed unique size increases at pH = 1.0, due to the swelling of capsule membranes induced by electrostatic repulsions between ammonium groups of CT components. On the other hand, no significant changes in the capsule size were observed at pH = 4.0, 7.0, and 10. By using the CT‐γ‐PGA nanocapsules, the release of encapsulated substances in response to acidic pH values was accomplished.

     

Complex formation equilibria of some β-amino-alcohols with lead(II) and cadmium(II) in aqueous solution

A study of complex formation equilibria of some β-amino-alcohols with lead(II) and cadmium(II) ions at 25°C and in 0.5 M KNO₃ is reported. The amino-alcohols considered are 2-amino-1-propanol, 2-amino-1-butanol, 2-amino-1-pentanol and 2-amino-1,3-propanediol. sec-Buthylamine and 2-amino-1-methoxy-propane have been also considered for comparison. The results are discussed in terms of ligand structure, paying attention to the number of hydroxyl groups and to the length of the alkyl residual. A weak contribution of the alcoholic oxygen in the coordination of cadmium(II) and the presence of a mixed hydroxyl species in lead(II) containing systems are hypothesized.     

Novel biomimetic composite based on collagen and poly(γ‐benzyl L‐glutamate)‐co‐poly(glutamic acid)

Novel biomimetic composite was prepared by the reaction of collagen and poly(γ‐benzyl L ‐glutamate)‐co‐poly(glutamic acid) (PBLG‐co‐PGA), which were crosslinked by non‐toxic crosslinking reagents 1‐ethyl‐(dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) and N‐hydroxysuccinimide (NHS). The composite was characterized by FTIR and DSC. FTIR results confirmed that the collagen in the composite was successfully crosslinked with PBLG‐co‐PGA. DSC results showed that the composites possessed higher shrinkage temperature and higher thermal stability than the collagen. The water absorption test showed that the water absorbency of the composites increased with the increase in PBLG‐co‐PGA content in the composite. The studies of collagenase degradation and the tensile strength showed that the biostability and the tensile strength of the composites were significantly improved in comparison with that of the collagen. According to the investigations of cell adherent ratio and cell proliferation in vitro, the composite possessed good biocompatibility. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Novel temperature‐ and pH‐responsive graft copolymers composed of poly(L‐glutamic acid) and poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)

A series of novel temperature‐ and pH‐responsive graft copolymers, poly(L ‐glutamic acid)‐g‐poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide), were synthesized by coupling amino‐semitelechelic poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) with N‐hydroxysuccinimide‐activated poly(L ‐glutamic acid). The graft copolymers and their precursors were characterized, by ESI‐FTICR Mass Spectrum, intrinsic viscosity measurements and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR). The phase‐transition and aggregation behaviors of the graft copolymers in aqueous solutions were investigated by the turbidity measurements and dynamic laser scattering. The solution behavior of the copolymers showed dependence on both temperature and pH. The cloud point (CP) of the copolymer solution at pH 5.0–7.4 was slightly higher than that of the solution of the PNIPAM homopolymer because of the hydrophilic nature of the poly(glutamic acid) (PGA) backbone. The CP markedly decreased when the pH was lowered from 5 to 4.2, caused by the decrease in hydrophilicity of the PGA backbone. At a temperature above the lower critical solution temperature of the PNIPAM chain, the copolymers formed amphiphilic core‐shell aggregates at pH 4.5–7.4 and the particle size was reduced with decreasing pH. In contrast, larger hydrophobic aggregates were formed at pH 4.2. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 4140–4150, 2008     

Self-aggregation and phase behavior of poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) block copolymers in aqueous solution

The phase behavior and aggregation properties of block copolymers of poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) (Pluronics, poloxamers) in aqueous solution have recently attracted much attention. Both experimental and theoretical studies are reviewed, not comprehensively, but with the focus on studies, partly cooperative, partly independent, performed by groups in Uppsala (light scattering and fluorescence), Roskilde (rheology and calorimetry), Risø (SANS), Graz (x-ray and speed of sound), and Lund (theoretical model calculations).The phase behavior of these copolymers is similar in many respects to that of conventional nonionic surfactants, with the appearance of hexagonal, cubic, and lamellar liquid crystalline phases at high concentrations. In the isotropic solution phase the critical concentration for micelle formation is strongly temperature dependent, and at a given concentration the monomer to micelle transition occurs gradually over a broad temperature range, partly due to the broad size polydispersity of both the PO- and EO-blocks. For some Pluronic copolymers a transition from globular to long rod-like micelles occurs above a transition temperature, resulting in a strong and sudden increase of viscosity and viscoelasticity of the solution.Size and aggregation numbers have been determined for the globular micelles in some cases, and also the rod-like micelles have been characterized. NMR and fluorescence measurements have provided further information on the properties of the micellar core and mantle. In combination, results from different measurements on the same Pluronics material indicate that the aggregation number of the micelles increases with the temperature, whereas the hydrodynmic radius varies much less. The PEO-mantle of the micelles seems to contract with increasing temperature. The core appears to contain appreciable amounts of PEO in addition to PPO (and also some water). The segregation between core and mantle is not as distinct as in normal micelles, a conclusion which is in line with the predictions from the model calculations.     

Ternary complex formation in aqueous solution between a beta-cyclodextrin polymer, a cationic surfactant and DNA

Polyelectrolyte complexes have been elaborated by mixing in water neutral poly(beta-CD), a cationic surfactant (DTAC) and herring sperm DNA fragments. The driving forces for the poly(beta-CD)/DTAC/DNA association in aqueous solution are, on the one hand, reversible inclusion interactions between the CD cavities of poly(beta-CD) and the alkyl group of DTAC, leading to the formation of a polycation and, on the other hand, electrostatic interactions between the opposite charges of the cationic surfactant and anionic DNA. Viscometry and SANS have been used to prove the occurrence of such ternary complexes in dilute aqueous solutions.     

Synthesis and swelling characterizations of a poly(gamma-glutamic acid) hydrogel

Natural, biosynthesized poly(gamma-glutamic acid) (γ-PGA) was crosslinked using dihalogenoalkanes yielding hydrogels with various features. Crosslinking reactions of the polymer and swelling of the hydrogels were studied. Various reaction parameters, like temperature and catalyst content, were adjusted to give highest yields in the network production. Swelling of the hydrogels showed dramatic changes when varying experimental conditions such as the molecular weight of γ-PGA, the nature and concentration of the crosslinker, and the solution used for the swelling (ionic strength, pH). © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Poly(epsilon-caprolactone)-poly(oxyethylene) multiblock copolymers bearing along the chain regularly spaced pendant amino groups

Poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) macromers (M(n) = 1.7-3.8 kDa) which contain one Z-protected -NH2 group per chain were synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of epsilon-caprolactone in the presence of Sn(oct)2 using as initiator a diamine prepared by condensation of N-Boc-1,6-hexanediamine and N(alpha)-Boc-N(epsilon)-Z-L-Lysine. The coupling of these macromers with -COCl end-capped poly(oxyethylene) (PEO), M(n) = 1.0 kDa, afforded amphiphilic multiblock poly(ether ester)s (PEEs) which have, along the chain, regularly spaced pendant protected amino groups. Deprotection, accomplished without chain degradation, yielded -NH2 groups available for further reactions. The molecular structure of macromers and PEEs was investigated by 1H NMR and SEC. DSC and WAXS analyses showed that macromers and copolymers were semicrystalline and their T(m) increased with increase in the molecular weight of PCL segments. The inherent viscosity values (0.25-0.30 dL x g(-1)), together with SEC analysis results, indicated moderate polymerization degrees.     

ESR spectra studies of Cu(Ⅱ) 2,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde tyrosine complex

A novel Schiff base derived from 2,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde and tyrosine and its copper(Ⅱ)complex have been synthesized and characterized.The composition of the complex is K[CuL] H2O,where L=H11C16NO5.ESR spectra of the copper(Ⅱ)complex were investigated at different temperatures and in various solvents.The second order effect and the relaxation effect were observed in the solution spectrum at room temperature,which was satisfactorily explained by spin Hamiltonian.The bonding parameters of copper(Ⅱ)complex were calculated using spectral parameters from ESR spectra at low temperature.Its bonding characterization and stability were disscussed.The result shows that the in-plane a-bond and the in-plane π-bond in the complex all play an important role.     

Asymmetric Henry reaction catalysed by L‐proline derivatives in the presence of Cu(OAc)2: isolation and characterization of an in situ formed Cu(II) complex

Synthesis of asymmetric β‐nitroalcohols by the Henry reaction is one of the most exploited carbon–carbon bond‐forming reactions owing to the versatility of both functional groups for synthetic manipulation by functional group interconversion. Here we report synthesis of a series of proline‐derived compounds to study their catalytic activities for asymmetric Henry reaction in the presence of Cu(OAc)₂.H₂O. The proline derivative, 2‐((E)‐(((S)‐1‐benzylpyrrolidinyl)diphenylmethylimino)methyl)phenol 1 showed optimum catalytic activity. The catalytic species Cu(II)–1 complex, formed in situ, was isolated and characterized by various spectroscopic techniques and X‐ray crystallography to show a cis‐N₂O₂ coordination geometry. Asymmetric β‐nitroalcohols were achieved without the use of added base, unlike most of the reported protocols. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Separation and determination of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine in Ephedrae Herba by CZE modified with a Cu(II)-L-lysine complex

A CZE method using a complex of 2.5 mM Cu(II)-L-lysine (molar ratio is 1:2) as additive in a run buffer solution composed of Tris-H(3)PO(4) (pH 4.5) was developed for the simultaneous determination of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine within 4 min. The effects of pH, composition, and concentration of run buffer as well as the composition and concentration of the Cu(II)-L-lysine complex on the separation were investigated. The linear ranges for the determination of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine were 15.0-225.0 and 20.0-250.0 mg/L with LODs both of 5.0 mg/L. Satisfactory result for the determination of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine in Ephedrae Herba from different producing area was obtained by the proposed method. Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine were separated effectively with each other and with the other compounds in the sample. The RSD for the determination of the two constituents in the samples varied from 1.82 to 2.76%, and the recovery ranged between 95.0 and 104.0%.     

RGD peptide grafted biodegradable amphiphilic triblock copolymer poly(glutamic acid)‐b‐poly(L‐lactide)‐b‐poly(glutamic acid): Synthesis and self‐assembly

A novel amphiphilic biodegradable triblock copolymer (PGL‐PLA‐PGL) with polylactide (PLA) as hydrophobic middle block and poly(glutamic acid) (PGL) as hydrophilic lateral blocks was successfully synthesized by ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of L ‐lactide (LA) and N‐carboxy anhydride (NCA) consecutively and by subsequent catalytic hydrogenation. The results of cell experiment of PGL‐PLA‐PGL suggested that PGL could improve biocompatibility of polyester obviously. The copolymer could form micelles of spindly shape easily in aqueous solution. The pendant carboxyl groups of the triblock copolymer were further activated with N‐hydroxysuccinimide and combined with a cell‐adhesive peptide GRGDSY. Incorporation of the oligopeptide further enhanced the hydrophilicity and led to formation of spherical micelles. PGL‐PLA‐PGL showed better cell adhesion and spreading ability than pure PLA and the GRGDSY‐containing copolymer exhibited even further improvement in cell adhesion and spreading ability, indicating that the copolymer could find a promising application in drug delivery or tissue engineering. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 3218–3230, 2007     

Structure and intramolecular flexibility of beta-cyclodextrin complex with (-)-epigallocatechin gallate in aqueous solvent

The probable structure of the inclusion complex of beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) and (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg) in D2O was investigated using several NMR techniques. EGCg formed a 1:1 complex with beta-CD, in which the A ring and a portion of the C ring of EGCg were included at the head of the phenolic hydroxyl group attached to C7 of EGCg in the beta-CD cavity from the wide secondary hydroxyl group side. In the 1:1 complex with beta-CD, EGCg maintained the conformation in which the B and B' rings of EGCg took pseudoequatorial and pseudoaxial positions with respect to the C ring, respectively. The structure of the inclusion complexes of beta-CD and EGCg obtained from NMR experiments supported those determined from AM1 semiempirical SCF MO calculations well.