Parallel and multiplexed bead-based assays and encoding strategies

Advances in high throughput screening (HTS), together with the rapid progress in combinatorial chemistry, genomic and proteomic sciences have dramatically stimulated the development of a variety tools to enable the drug discovery process to become more efficient. Major future challenges in HTS include obtaining high density and good quality data based on assays that are rapid, reliable, inexpensive, sensitive, simple and miniaturised. This paper reviews the development and role of bead-based assays for HTS including DNA and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) assays, particularly from a multiplex perspective and evaluating the recent advances in bead-based arrays. The encoding strategies that are commonly used in bead-based assays are highlighted, while the importance of magnetic beads in genomic and proteomic purifications is discussed. In conclusion, bead-based assays offer a powerful promising approach for many aspects of drug discovery.     

Radiometric titration based on colloidal and slow precipitate formation

Fluoride ions and, in about 0.005M concentration, tungstate ions form gelatinous precipitates, poorly soluble in water, with calcium ions. The radiometric determinations of the above ions are based on these reactions. Accurate radiometric determination can be carried out only if the gelatinous precipitate formed during titration can be properly separated from the solution. It has been found that in the case of fluoride ions the application of crystalline, easily filtrable Ca(COO)₂·H₂O or CaCO₃, and in the case of tungstate ions the application of CaWO₄ precipitate improves the filtration properties of⁴⁵CaF₂ and⁴⁵CaWO₄, respectively, formed during titration, whereby the radiometric determinations of the above ions become possible. Titrations were carried out with 0.05M and 0.005M CaCl₂ solutions, labelled with⁴⁵Ca.     

On-line filtration system for determining total chromium and chromium in the soluble fraction of industrial effluents by flow injection flame atomic absorption spectrometry

Two manifolds were assessed for the purpose of determining both the total chromium content and that present as a soluble form in industrial effluents by flow injection flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FI-FAAS). To determine the chromium content in the soluble fraction the samples were used without additional treatment, a 0.45 microm filter being included in the FI system. To determine the total chromium content, the samples were acidified with nitric acid 20% (v/v) and heated for 30 s in a microwave oven (temperatures of about 70 degrees C were reached). The problem posed by the very different concentration range in which total and soluble chromium are present was overcome by using programmed flow rate methodology and by only partially emptying the sample loop. A personal computer controlled both the rotation speed of a peristaltic pump and the volume of sample injected into the system, thus obtaining the dispersion degree required. Using the manifold proposed, the chromium content in the soluble fraction can be determined in the 0.5-20 microg mL(-1) range using a 10 microg mL(-1) single standard for calibration. To determine the total chromium content, a calibration line in the 20-200 microg mL(-1) range was obtained using a single 50 microg mL(-1) chromium standard solution. The reliability of the semi-automatic devices was verified by comparing the results obtained with those found by treating the samples and using both FAAS in a conventional way and a spectrophotometric method using diphenylcarbazide at the 95% confidence level (ANOVA test). The proposed procedures showed a RSD lower than +/-3%.     

Electrodeposition of cobalt on stainless steel foils. Preparation of57Co sources for Mössbauer experiments

Conditions for the electrodeposition of⁵⁹Co and⁵⁷Co on stainless steel foils have been studied. A set of electrolytic parameters has been determined to get a reasonably good electrodeposited sample. The⁵⁷Co electrodeposited foil was then introduced in a quartz tube to be annealed in an argon flow. The final product was a 11 Ci Mössbauer source for college experiments which was succesfully tested by obtaining spectra of stainless steel and sodium nitroprusside.     

Coordination polymers. IX

Poly-(butanediol-1,4-adipate) and poly-(diethyleneglycol-succinate) polyesters and their ionized derivatives, containing Mg²⁺ and Zn²⁺ ions with different stoichiometric ratios to the chain-end COOH groups of the polyesters have been investigated by derivatograph.The thermal decompositions of the metal-containing polyesters differ significantly from those of the unionized polyesters. These differences are connected with the chemical repeating unit of the polyesters and the chemical nature of the metal ions, and proportional to the amount of the latter.An explanation is given of the catalytic effect of metal ions on the process of decomposition of the polyesters.

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Zusammenfassung Poly-(butandiol-1,4-adipat) und Poly-(diethylenglycolsuccinat) polyester und ihre «ionisierten» Derivate — mit Mg²⁺ — und Zn²⁺-Ionengehalt in verschiedenen stöchiometrischen Verhältnissen zu den endständigen COOH-Gruppen der Polyester — wurden im Derivatographen untersucht.Die thermische Zersetzung der metallhaltigen Polyester unterscheidet sich wesentlich von nicht-ionisierten Polyestern. Diese Unterschiede sind mit den sich wiederholenden chemischen Einheiten der Polyester und der chemischen Beschaffenheit der Metallionen verbunden, und proportional dem Anteil derselben.Es wird eine Erklärung des katalytischen Effekts der Metallionen auf den Zersetzungsvorgang der Polyester gegeben.

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-1,4 «» , Mg²⁺ Zn²⁺ . , «» . . .

     

Novel method for the preparation of anionic surfactant-selective electrodes

A simple one-step synthesis is described for the functionalization of poly(vinyl chloride) used for the preparation of anionic surfactant-selective membrane electrodes. The method is based on the nucleophilic substitution of a fraction of the chlorine atoms bound to the poly(vinyl chloride) backbone by trimethylamine. The prepared slightly charged polymer gave rise to high-quality surfactant-selective electrode membranes, which had a Nernstian response, short response time, and appropriate stability.     

Studies on the conversions of diols and cyclic ethers—49: Stereochemistry of cyclodehydration of 1,4-diols on the action of brönsted and lewis acids: a comprehensive study

The stereochemistry of the cyclodehydration of (±)- and meso-2,5-hexanediol on the action of various dehydrating agents was investigated. The earlier assumed and confirmed intramolecular S_N2 mechanism for acid-catalysed ring-closure was found to hold in most cases. Various extents of racemisation can be observed on the action of certain Lewis acids, and the solvents concentrated H₂SO₄ and HMPT (hexamethyl phosporic acid triamide) under previously unexamined reaction conditions.     

Mixed iron cobalt carbonyl sulphides

Two new mixed iron cobalt carbonyl sulphide clusters HFe₂(CO)₉S and Fe₂Co(CO)₈(NO)S have been prepared and characterized. The hydride complex undergoes acidic dissociation in polar solvents and the resulting anion was isolated as (Et₄N)[Fe₂Co(CO)₉S]. An efficient high pressure synthesis has been found for H₂Fe₃(CO)₉S.     

A simple device for continuous and selective detection of water vapour evolved during thermal decomposition reactions

A technique developed for the continuous and selective detection of water vapour formed during thermal decomposition reactions is described. The device can be connected to different types of thermoanalytical instruments without any difficulties. The detector can closely follow changes in the amount of water released during decomposition reactions, with negligible time delay. The signal curves obtained by the detector can be compared to the simultaneously recorded thermoanalytical curves and used to determine the step in which the water was released. The device as a free standing unit can be used to detect water plugs in different gas flows as well.