Human genomic DNA analysis using a semi-automated sample preparation, amplification, and electrophoresis separation platform

The growing importance of analyzing the human genome to detect hereditary and infectious diseases associated with specific DNA sequences has motivated us to develop automated devices to integrate sample preparation, real-time PCR, and microchannel electrophoresis (MCE). In this report, we present results from an optimized compact system capable of processing a raw sample of blood, extracting the DNA, and performing a multiplexed PCR reaction. Finally, an innovative electrophoretic separation was performed on the post-PCR products using a unique MCE system. The sample preparation system extracted and lysed white blood cells (WBC) from whole blood, producing DNA of sufficient quantity and quality for a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Separation of multiple amplicons was achieved in a microfabricated channel 30 microm x 100 microm in cross section and 85 mm in length filled with a replaceable methyl cellulose matrix operated under denaturing conditions at 50 degrees C. By incorporating fluorescent-labeled primers in the PCR, the amplicons were identified by a two-color (multiplexed) fluorescence detection system. Two base-pair resolution of single-stranded DNA (PCR products) was achieved. We believe that this integrated system provides a unique solution for DNA analysis.     

Plant-mediated fabrication of cobalt oxide nanoparticles and evaluation of their catalytic effects on electro-oxidation of formaldehyde

Cobalt oxide nanoparticles (Co₃O₄-NPs) were synthesized by aqueous extract of Artemisia vulgaris plant at 50°C. The biosynthesized extract mediated Co₃O₄-NPs were characterized through different methods containing FT-IR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), FESEM (Field emission scanning electron microscopy), EDS (Energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy), and XRD (x-ray diffraction). Co₃O₄-NPs as an efficient and practical catalyst was employed for the electrochemical oxidation of formaldehyde; which was an irreversible charge transfer controlled by mass transfer. The coefficients of electron transfer and diffusion were 0.87 and 0.122 cm²/s for formaldehyde oxidation on Co₃O₄ electrode, respectively. The formation of the CoOOH species during potential sweeping appears to be involved in the catalytic activity of the Co₃O₄ toward formaldehyde oxidation.     

PAP inhibitor with in vivo efficacy identified by Candida albicans genetic profiling of natural products

Natural products provide an unparalleled source of chemical scaffolds with diverse biological activities and have profoundly impacted antimicrobial drug discovery. To further explore the full potential of their chemical diversity, we survey natural products for antifungal, target-specific inhibitors by using a chemical-genetic approach adapted to the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans and demonstrate that natural-product fermentation extracts can be mechanistically annotated according to heterozygote strain responses. Applying this approach, we report the discovery and characterization of a natural product, parnafungin, which we demonstrate, by both biochemical and genetic means, to inhibit poly(A) polymerase. Parnafungin displays potent and broad spectrum activity against diverse, clinically relevant fungal pathogens and reduces fungal burden in a murine model of disseminated candidiasis. Thus, mechanism-of-action determination of crude fermentation extracts by chemical-genetic profiling brings a powerful strategy to natural-product-based drug discovery.     

Electrocatalytic properties of a dinuclear cobalt(III) coordination compound in molecular oxygen reduction reaction

A new dinuclear cobalt(III) coordination compound, [Co₂L(μ‐N₃)(N₃)₂]·CH₃OH ( 1 ), was synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, spectroscopic methods, and single‐crystal X‐ray analysis in which H₃L is a heptadentate ligand obtained by the condensation of triethylenetetramine with 5‐bromo‐2‐hydroxybenzaldehyde. X‐ray analysis revealed that two cobalt(III) ions have distorted octahedral geometry and are connected together by a phenoxy and an azide bridging ligand. The catalytic activity of compound 1 for oxygen (O₂) reduction reaction was investigated. Compound 1 can efficiently catalyze the reduction of O₂ by a weak electron donor, ferrocene (Fc), at the polarized water–1,2‐dichloroethane interface. It was found that compound 1 can catalyze O₂ reduction to H₂O₂, whereas in the presence of Fc, it can catalyze the reduction of O₂ to water.     

Efficient and selective oxidation of alcohols in water employing palladium supported nanomagnetic Fe3O4@hyperbranched polyethylenimine (Fe3O4@HPEI.Pd) as a new organic–inorganic hybrid nanocatalyst

Palladium immobilized magnetic nanoFe₃O₄@hyperbranched polyethylenimine (Fe₃O₄@HPEI.Pd) was prepared according to a simple and cost effective pathway and it was employed as a new efficient and selective organic–inorganic hybrid nanocatalyst for the aqueous oxidation of primary and secondary alcohols to their corresponding products in good yields applying oxone (potassium hydrogen monopersulfate) and H₂O₂ as an oxidant at room temperature. Moreover, the catalytic system was reused at least 13 times without significant loss of activity. The complete characterization of this efficient nanocatalyst was investigated by FTIR, UV–Vis, TEM, SEM, XRD, TGA, VSM, ICP and EDX techniques.     

Guanidine complex of copper supported on boehmite nanoparticles as practical,recyclable, chemo and homoselective organic–inorganic hybrid nanocatalyst for organic reactions

Boehmite (BO) nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared via the injection of aqueous NaOH solution to aqueous aluminum nitrate solution at room temperature. Afterwards, a new complex of copper was immobilized on BO-NPs (Cu-Guanidine@BO-NPs). This heterogeneous nanocatalyst was used as a practical, recyclable, chemo and homoselective nanocatalyst in the organic processes, i.e. the preparation of tetrazole five-membered heterocycles and chemoselective sulfoxidation of sulfides using H₂O₂ as oxidant. In this sense, the prepared nanocatalyst was characterized by AAS, N₂ adsorption–desorption isotherms, WDX, EDS, SEM, and TGA techniques. The reusability of this catalyst was investigated in the described organic reactions for several runs without notable loss of its catalytic activity. Moreover, all of the tetrazole and sulfoxide derivatives were isolated in high Turn Over Number (TON) and Turn Over Frequency (TOF) numbers indicating the high activity and selectivity of Cu-Guanidine@BO-NPs in the described reactions.