Inclusion Complex Formation Between Modified Cyclodextrins and Riboflvin and Alloxazine in Aqueous Solution

Inclusion complex formation of hydroxypropylated α-, β- and γ-cyclodextrins with riboflavin (vitamin B₂) and alloxazine was studied by spectroscopic and solubility methods. Alloxazine, which is a structural analog of riboflavin, was considered in order to evaluate the role of ribityl and methyl substituents in complexation. Thermodynamic parameters for 1:1 complex formation were obtained and analyzed in terms of influence of the reagent structure on the binding process. It was shown that the cavity of hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin is more appropriate for formation of stable complexes. The complexes are enthalpy stabilized, due to prevalence of van der Waals interactions and possible hydrogen bonding. The partial insertion of riboflavin into the cyclodextrin cavity was revealed by ¹H NMR and computer modeling. The ribityl side chain, which prevents deep inclusion, is located nearby the wider rim of the cyclodextrin molecule and can undergo destruction. Penetration of the alloxazine molecule into the macrocyclic cavity is deeper and accompanied by formation of more stable inclusion complexes. Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin was found to be the more efficient solubilizing agent for riboflavin and alloxazine, whereas a stabilization action of cyclodextrins towards riboflavin was not observed.     

Dopamine Sensor Based on a Composite of Silver Nanoparticles Implemented in the Electroactive Matrix of Calixarenes

A sensitive electrochemical sensor based on a composite containing silver nanoparticles and a redox active thiacalixarene with catechol fragments in the substituents at the lower rim has been developed and used for dopamine detection. The electrochemical investigation of thiacalixarene in homogeneous solution and on the electrode interface showed the reversible character of the redox conversion of catechol fragments and its involvement in the chemical reduction of silver which resulted in formation of uniform nanoparticles of 4–6 nm in diameter. The use of such a material for electrode modification made it possible to record a high amplitude cathodic signal at ?700 mV that was proportional to the dopamine concentration within 1 nM–1 µM. (limit of detection 0.5 nM).     

Interactions of a Mn atom with halogen atoms and stability of its half-filled 3d-shell

Using density functional theory with hybrid exchange-correlation potential, we have calculated the geometrical and electronic structure, relative stability, and electron affinities of MnX(n) compounds (n = 1-6) formed by a Mn atom and halogen atoms X = F, Cl, and Br. Our objective is to examine the extent to which the Mn-X interactions are similar and to elucidate if/how the half-filled 3d-shell of a Mn atom participates in chemical bonding as the number of halogen atoms increases. While the highest oxidation number of the Mn atom in fluorides is considered to be +4, the maximum number of halogen atoms that can be chemically attached in the MnX(n)(-) anions is 6 for X = F, 5 for X = Cl, and 4 for X = Br. The MnCl(n) and MnBr(n) neutrals are superhalogens for n ≥ 3, while the superhalogen behavior of MnF(n) begins with n = 4. These results are explained to be due to the way different halogen atoms interact with the 3d electrons of Mn atom.     

A systematic study of neutral and charged 3d-metal trioxides and tetraoxides

Using density functional theory with generalized gradient approximation, we have performed a systematic study of the structure and properties of neutral and charged trioxides (MO(3)) and tetraoxides (MO(4)) of the 3d-metal atoms. The results of our calculations revealed a number of interesting features when moving along the 3d-metal series. (1) Geometrical configurations of the lowest total energy states of neutral and charged trioxides and tetraoxides are composed of oxo and∕or peroxo groups, except for CuO(3)(-) and ZnO(3)(-) which possess a superoxo group, CuO(4)(+) and ZnO(4)(+) which possess two superoxo groups, and CuO(3)(+), ZnO(3)(+), and ZnO(4)(-) which possess an ozonide group. While peroxo groups are found in the early and late transition metals, all oxygen atoms bind chemically to the metal atom in the middle of the series. (2) Attachment or detachment of an electron to∕from an oxide often leads to a change in the geometry. In some cases, two dissociatively attached oxygen atoms combine and form a peroxo group or a peroxo group transforms into a superoxo group and vice versa. (3) The adiabatic electron affinity of as many as two trioxides (VO(3) and CoO(3)) and four tetraoxides (TiO(4), CrO(4), MnO(4), and FeO(4)) are larger than the electron affinity of halogen atoms. All these oxides are hence superhalogens although only VO(3) and MnO(4) satisfy the general superhalogen formula.     

Molecular modeling of organophosphorous agents and their aqueous solutions

Using molecular dynamics simulations, we modeled solvation and diffusion in aqueous solutions of organophosphorous compounds, including nerve G-agents sarin and soman (methylphosphonofluoridates) and their common simulants DMMP (dimethyl methylphosphonate) and DIFP (diisopropyl fluorophosphate). The aqueous solutions of the organophosphorous compounds were found to display complex molecular scale structures and dynamic properties due to competing interactions between strongly hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups. The mixing of agents with water was proved to be exothermic with negative excess mixing volume, indicating a strongly hydrophilic solvation. This effect was confirmed in a specially performed experiment. We discuss to what extent DMMP and DIFP are suitable simulants for G-agents in experimental studies, as far as their interactions with water are concerned. We also focus on the relevance of the structural features and mobilities of agents in water to their interactions with permselective polyelectrolyte membranes that may be employed as protective barriers against chemical warfare agents.     

Electronically excited states of membrane fluorescent probe 4-dimethylaminochalcone. Results of quantum chemical calculations

Quantum-chemical calculations of ground and excited states for membrane fluorescent probe 4-dimethylaminochalcone (DMAC) in vacuum were performed. Optimized geometries and dipole moments for lowest-lying singlet and triplet states were obtained. The nature of these electronic transitions and the relaxation path in the excited states were determined; changes in geometry and charge distribution were assessed. It was shown that in vacuum the lowest existed level is of (n, π*) nature, and the closest to it is the level of (π, π*) nature; the energy gap between them is narrow. This led to an effective (1)(π, π*) →(1)(n, π*) relaxation. After photoexcitation the molecule undergoes significant transformations, including changes in bond orders, pyramidalization angle of the dimethylamino group, and planarity of the molecule. Its dipole moment rises from 5.5 Debye in the ground state to 17.1 Debye in the (1)(π, π*) state, and then falls to 2 Debye in the (1)(n, π*) state. The excited (1)(n, π*) state is a short living state; it has a high probability of intersystem crossing into the (3)(π, π*) triplet state. This relaxation path explains the low quantum yield of DMAC fluorescence in non-polar media. It is possible that (3)(π, π*) is responsible for observed DMAC phosphorescence.     

Morphometric model of lymphocyte as applied to scanning flow cytometry

The peripheral blood lymphocytes of normal individuals are investigated by methods of specialized light microscopy. Lymphocytes as a whole and T-cell subpopulation are considered. Lymphocyte structure is characterized with reference to polarizing scanning flow cytometry. The lymphocyte and lymphocyte nucleus shapes are analyzed. Linear correlation dependence between sizes of lymphocyte and its nucleus is indicated. A morphometric model of a lymphocyte is constructed using the obtained data. The findings can be used, for instance, as input parameters to solve the direct and inverse light-scattering problems of turbidimetry, nephelometry, and flow cytometry.     

Carathéodory bounds for integer cones

We provide analogues of Carathéodory's theorem for integer cones and apply our bounds to integer programming and to the cutting stock problem. In particular, we provide an NP certificate for the latter, whose existence has not been known so far.     

Aptasensor for Thrombin Based on Carbon Nanotubes‐Methylene Blue Composites

The amperometric and EQCM aptasensors based on DNA aptamers immobilized by avidin‐biotin method or by electrostatic adsorption onto multiwalled carbon nanotube layer contained methylene blue (MB) have been developed and examined for thrombin detection in buffer and in spiked blood serum. The presence of MB increases the binding capacity of the surface layer and enhances the range of thrombin concentrations to be determined. This results in significant improvement of analytical characteristics of thrombin detection. The EQCM aptasensors allowed us to detect 0.3–100 nM and amperometric aptasensors 10–1000 nM of thrombin.