Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectra. Semi empirical AM1 and PM3; MP2/DZV and DFT/B3LYP-6-31G(d) ab initio calculations for dimethylterephthalate (DMT)

Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectra of dimethylterephthalate (DMT), as microcrystalline powder, have been investigated. The vibrational spectra were calculated using the AM1 and PM3 semi empirical procedures, and the M?ller-Plesset (MP2/DZV), and the Becke-Lee, Yang and Parr gradient-corrected correlation functional: B3LYP/6-31G(d) ab initio calculations. On this basis, and assisted with the FT-IR and Raman spectra of the terephthalic acid, an assignment of the vibrational spectra of dimethylterephthalate was proposed. In the calculations, remarkable differences concerning the assignments of the vibrational spectra were noted between the AM1 and PM3 methods. Also, the ab initio procedure shows differences in interpreting the spectra compared with the semi empiric procedures, and among themselves. Calculated geometrical parameters were compared with the experimental values of dimethylterephthalate, diethylterephthalate and terephthalic acid.     

OXIRIS project: Development of a new XRF device for the simultaneous detection and treatment of cancer

A novel and suitable energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescent (EDXRF) device, currently at the prototype stage, the Project OXIRIS (Orthovoltage X-Ray–Induced Radiation System), is presented for the simultaneous detection and treatment of cancer diseases. Monte Carlo simulation and experimental results of EDXRF signals from a small deep artificial tumor consisting of a solution of gold nanoparticles bio-targeted and immersed in a tissue-bioequivalent matrix are presented and compared. Briefly, the device consists of a dynamic orthovoltage X-ray fluence concentration coupled to confocal with an EDXRF system along with a sample holder for 3D scanning; all integrated and controlled by a dedicated software capable of controlling the whole operation functionalities: the X-ray source, the rotating arm, the sample holder, and the detection system. The software also includes dedicated subroutines for X-ray fluorescent spectra processing to correlate K-lines signal at each acquisition position with the corresponding high atomic number elements' concentration to produce a 3D distribution according to the user-defined grid. The confocal configuration ensures that the detected signal comes exclusively from the excited volume as defined by the bulk of the focal spot. Hence, the 3D image is achieved by scanning the sample holder through the movement of the sample-carrier stretcher moved by step motors in the 3 coordinated axes. The feasibility of the proposed methodology and the design of the prototype have been successfully demonstrated experimentally, targeting gold nanoparticles in water-equivalent phantoms.     

Antimicrobial activity and phenolic content of natural site and micropropagated Limonium avei (De Not.) Brullo & Erben plant extracts

This study reported the antimicrobial activity and phenolic content of natural site and micropropagated Limonium avei (De Not.) Brullo & Erben inflorescences. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of ethanolic extracts were determined according to the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Individual phenolic acids and flavonoids were detected by a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD) method. The samples showed a comparable antimicrobial activity, although the natural site extract possessed the lower MIC values. The best activity was detected against Gram-positive bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus including methicillin resistant strains (MIC and MBC values ranging from 7.81 to 62.50?μg?mL(-1) and from 500 to 2000?μg?mL(-1) respectively). In contrast, a low activity was found on Gram-negative bacteria and Candida albicans. The HPLC-DAD analysis revealed ten phenolic acids and four flavonoids with a major amount of m-coumaric acid, naringin and quercetin in the natural site extract.     

Dual catalysis with an Ir(III)-Au(I) heterodimetallic complex: reduction of nitroarenes by transfer hydrogenation using primary alcohols

A triazolyl-di-ylidene ligand has been used for the preparation of a homodimetallic complex of gold, and a heterodimetallic compound of gold and iridium. Both complexes have been fully characterized and their molecular structures have been determined by means of X-ray diffraction. The catalytic properties of these two complexes have been evaluated in the reduction of nitroarenes by transfer hydrogenation using primary alcohols. The two complexes afford different reaction products; whereas the Au(I)-Au(I) catalyst yields a hydroxylamine, the Ir(III)-Au(I) complex facilitates the formation of an imine.     

Development of an amine dehydrogenase for synthesis of chiral amines

A leucine dehydrogenase has been successfully altered through several rounds of protein engineering to an enantioselective amine dehydrogenase. Instead of the wild-type α-keto acid, the new amine dehydrogenase now accepts the analogous ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK), which corresponds to exchange of the carboxy group by a methyl group to produce chiral (R)-1,3-dimethylbutylamine.     

Properties and structure of interfacial layers formed by hydrophilic silica dispersions and palmitic acid

The properties and structure of different types of interfacial layers obtained from aqueous dispersions of nanometric silica and palmitic acid (PA) have been studied and characterized by different diagnostics and measurements. The investigations concern PA monolayers spread on the silica dispersions, dispersions in contact with PA solutions in oil and silica dispersions containing PA, aiming at elucidating the role of the PA interaction with the particles and investigating the surface-activity of the originated silica-PA complexes. Drop shape tensiometry was utilized to measure the dynamic surface and interfacial tension while a Langmuir trough apparatus was used to obtain compression isotherms of the spread PA layers and to measure the dilational viscoelasticity according to the oscillating barrier method. Brewster angle microscopy and ellipsometry were utilized to investigate the lateral and vertical structure of the interfacial layers. From this multifold approach emerges a complex picture of the features of these interfacial layers that can be rationalized on the basis of the adsorption of PA on the particle surface. The results evidence a threshold in PA adsorption above which particles change from hydrophilic to partially hydrophobic, promoting their incorporation into the interfacial layer.     

Characterization by electrospray ionization and tandem mass spectrometry of rhamnolipids produced by two Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from Brazilian crude oil

In this work, biosurfactants produced by two Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from Brazilian crude oils were identified by proton nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)H NMR) and further characterized by mass spectrometry (MS) coupled with electrospray ionization (ESI) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) analysis in positive mode and their surface activities evaluated. Mono-rhamnolipids and di-rhamnolipids were identified for both isolates, but the most abundant were found to be mono-rhamnolipids. The similarity of rhamnolipids produced by the two strains was in good agreement with their surface activities. Both biosurfactants exhibited similar aqueous solution surface tensions, high emulsification indexes and critical micelle concentration values. The results obtained show that ESI-MS and MS/MS analysis alone provide a fast and highly specific characterization of biosurfactants produced by microbial strains.     

Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization, insulin-enhancment, and competitive DNA binding activity of a new Zn(II) complex with a vitamin B6 derivative--a new fluorescence probe for Zn(II)

This paper describes the activity of a Schiff base ligand, derived from pyridoxal, as a promising fluorescence probe for biologically important Zn(II) ion sensing. This is the first report of a vitamin based ligand as a fluorescent probe for sensing Zn(II) ions. The Schiff base H(2)pydmedpt, derived from the condensation of pyridoxal (pyd) and N,N-bis[3-aminopropyl]methylamine (medpt), exhibits around a 325-fold increase in fluorescence quantum yield due to zinc triggered fluorescence switching. The response is specific for Zn(II) ions, and remains unaffected by the presence of alkali and alkaline earth metals but is suppressed to varying degrees by transition metal ions. The corresponding Zn(II)-complex, [Zn(pydmedpt], is isolated. The DFT optimized structure of the complex is compatible with elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, FT-IR, electronic and NMR spectra. The isolated complex, having pK(a) values of ～5.3 and ～5, is a moderate intercalator for DNA with an apparent binding constant of 2.3 × 10(6) M(-1). The complex also shows insulin-enhancing activity at par with other reported complexes, with an IC(50) value of 0.65 with respect to ZnSO(4).     

Metal-directed assembly of chiral bis-Zn(II) Schiff base structures

Tetra-Schiff bases derived from (chiral) bis-salphen ligand scaffolds furnish, upon metalation with appropriate metal reagents, their multinuclear structures with associated Zn(OAc)(2) or Zn(OH)(2) fragments. The tendency of retaining these salts was investigated using four different (chiral) bis-salphen scaffolds. The presence of the additional Zn ions was supported by NMR studies, mass determinations and X-ray crystallography showing in two cases the possible mode of coordination within these multinuclear structures. In one case, dimerization of the Zn(3) complex leads to a unique hexanuclear Zn(6) complex being a mixture of diastereoisomeric complexes as revealed by NMR spectroscopy.