Zur Ermittlung des Äthanolgehaltes galenischer Zubereitungen durch Bestimmung von Siedetemperaturen

Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry -     

Zur Bestimmung des Proteingehaltes in Weizen und Mehlproben

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

New PEPTIR-2.0 Peptide Designed for Use as Recognition Element in Electrochemical Biosensors with Improved Specificity towards E. coli O157:H7

The detection of pathogens through alternative methodologies based on electrochemical biosensors is being studied. These devices exhibit remarkable properties, such as simplicity, specificity, and high sensitivity in monitoring pathogens. However, it is necessary to continue conducting studies that adequately improve these characteristics, especially the recognition molecule. This work aims to design and evaluate a new peptide, named PEPTIR-2.0, as a recognition molecule in electrochemical biosensors to detect E. coli O157:H7 in water. PEPTIR-2.0 was obtained from modifications of the PEPTIR-1.0 peptide sequence, which was previously reported and exhibited excellent properties for detecting and quantifying this pathogenic microorganism. PEPTIR-1.0 is a peptide analogous to the TIR (Translocated Intimin Receptor) protein capable of interacting with the Intimin outer membrane. The basis of this study was to obtain, by using bioinformatics tools, a molecule analogous to PEPTIR-1.0 that maintains its three-dimensional structure but increases the hydrophobic interactions between it and Intimin, since these intermolecular forces are the predominant ones. The designed PEPTIR-2.0 peptide was immobilized on screen-printed electrodes modified with gold nanoparticles. The detection capacity of E. coli O157:H7 in water was evaluated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in the presence of other microorganisms, such as P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and non-pathogenic E. coli. The results showed that PEPTIR-2.0 confers remarkable specificity to the biosensor towards detecting E. coli, even higher than PEPTIR-1.0.     

Polarons in magnesium-doped lithium niobate crystals induced by femtosecond light pulses

Strong light-induced absorption has been observed in lithium niobate crystals doped with magnesium after application of femtosecond illumination. In this material there are no Nb-on-Li-site defects and hence no antisite polarons occur, but small free polarons close to the conduction band can be generated. The light-induced absorption observed is attributed to these polarons. For LiNbO₃:Mg, their decay times are about two orders of magnitude smaller than those of the Nb-on-Li-site polarons in undoped material. The results are relevant for a better understanding of the suppression of the so-called optical damage in these crystals and for their use in femtosecond applications.     

Diels-Alder approach for the construction of halogenated, o-nitro biaryl templates and application to the total synthesis of the anti-HIV agent siamenol

A rapid Diels-Alder approach to halogenated biaryl templates is described. These biaryl templates are available in two steps from the corresponding aromatic aldehydes. The scope of subsequent Suzuki couplings on the biaryl chlorides is explored. Good tolerance for both electron-donating and electron-withdrawing groups in the coupling process can be achieved. Further functionalization of the biaryl templates is described. Hydrogenation of the nitro moiety with concomitant removal of the benzyl ether yields the o-anilino, o-phenolic polyaryls. Selective reduction of the nitro group can be accomplished. Alternatively, the benzyl ether can be selectively removed under Lewis acidic conditions. The utilization of the Diels-Alder adducts for the synthesis of a series of chlorinated carbazoles via the Cadogan cyclization is also demonstrated. Finally, application of this technology to the total synthesis of siamenol, an anti-HIV agent, is reported.     

A sensitive method for determination of allergenic fragrance terpene hydroperoxides using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry

Different compositions of monoterpenes are utilized for their pleasant scent in cosmetics and perfumes. However, the most commonly used fragrance terpenes easily oxidize upon contact with air, forming strongly skin‐sensitizing hydroperoxides. Due to their thermolability and low UV absorbance, detection methods for hydroperoxides are scarce. For the first time, a simple and sensitive method using LC/ESI‐MS/MS was developed to quantitatively determine hydroperoxides from the common fragrance compounds linalool, linalyl acetate, and limonene. The method was applied to autoxidized petitgrain oil and sweet orange oil. A separation was accomplished using a C₃ column. The method LOD for the investigated hydroperoxides in the essential oils was below 0.3 μg/mL, corresponding to 0.3 ppm. For prevention purposes and according to EU regulations, concentrations in cosmetics exceeding 100 ppm in “rinse‐off” and 10 ppm in “stay‐on” products of linalool and limonene must be labeled. However, the products may still contain allergens, such as hydroperoxides, formed by oxidative degradation of their parent terpenes. The sensitivity and selectivity of the presented LC/MS/MS method enables detection of hydroperoxides from the fragrance terpenes linalool, linalyl acetate, and limonene. However, for routine measurements, the method requires further validation.