Cellular Detection of a Mitochondria Targeted Brominated Vinyl Triphenylamine Optical Probe (TP−Br) by X-Ray Fluorescence Microscopy

Triphenylamine (TP) derivatives such as two-branch cationic vinylbenzimidazolium triphenylamine TP−2Bzim are promising turn-on fluorescent probes suitable for two-photon imaging, labelling mitochondria in live cells. Here, we designed two TP−2Bzim derivatives as bimodal probes suitable for X-ray fluorescence imaging. The conjugation of the TP core with a rhenium tricarbonyl moiety in the TP−RePyta probe altered the localisation in live cells from mitochondria to lysosomes. The introduction of bromine on the TP core generated the TP−Br probe retaining good photophysical properties and mitochondria labelling in live cells. The influence of calcium channels in the uptake of TP−Br was studied. Synchrotron Radiation X-ray Fluorescence (SXRF) imaging of bromine enabled the detection of TP−Br and suggested a negligible presence of the probe in an unbound state in the incubated cells, a crucial point in the development of these probes. This study paves the way towards the development of TP probes as specific organelle stainers suitable for SXRF imaging.     

Tracing Binding Modes in Hit‐to‐Lead Optimization: Chameleon‐Like Poses of Aspartic Protease Inhibitors

Successful lead optimization in structure‐based drug discovery depends on the correct deduction and interpretation of the underlying structure–activity relationships (SAR) to facilitate efficient decision‐making on the next candidates to be synthesized. Consequently, the question arises, how frequently a binding mode (re)‐validation is required, to ensure not to be misled by invalid assumptions on the binding geometry. We present an example in which minor chemical modifications within one inhibitor series lead to surprisingly different binding modes. X‐ray structure determination of eight inhibitors derived from one core scaffold resulted in four different binding modes in the aspartic protease endothiapepsin, a well‐established surrogate for e.g. renin and β‐secretase. In addition, we suggest an empirical metrics that might serve as an indicator during lead optimization to qualify compounds as candidates for structural revalidation.     

Synthesis, crystal structures, and magnetic properties of a new family of heterometallic cyanide-bridged Fe(III)2M(II)2 (M=Mn, Ni, and Co) square complexes

New heterobimetallic tetranuclear complexes of formula [Fe(III){B(pz)(4)}(CN)(2)(μ-CN)Mn(II)(bpy)(2)](2)(ClO(4))(2)·CH(3)CN (1), [Fe(III){HB(pz)(3)}(CN)(2)(μ-CN)Ni(II)(dmphen)(2)](2)(ClO(4))(2)·2CH(3)OH (2a), [Fe(III){B(pz)(4)}(CN)(2)(μ-CN)Ni(II)(dmphen)(2)](2)(ClO(4))(2)·2CH(3)OH (2b), [Fe(III){HB(pz)(3)}(CN)(2)(μ-CN)Co(II)(dmphen)(2)](2)(ClO(4))(2)·2CH(3)OH (3a), and [Fe(III){B(pz)(4)}(CN)(2)(μ-CN)Co(II)(dmphen)(2)](2)(ClO(4))(2)·2CH(3)OH (3b), [HB(pz)(3)(-) = hydrotris(1-pyrazolyl)borate, B(Pz)(4)(-) = tetrakis(1-pyrazolyl)borate, dmphen = 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine] have been synthesized and structurally and magnetically characterized. Complexes 1-3b have been prepared by following a rational route based on the self-assembly of the tricyanometalate precursor fac-[Fe(III)(L)(CN)(3)](-) (L = tridentate anionic ligand) and cationic preformed complexes [M(II)(L')(2)(H(2)O)(2)](2+) (L' = bidentate α-diimine type ligand), this last species having four blocked coordination sites and two labile ones located in cis positions. The structures of 1-3b consist of cationic tetranuclear Fe(III)(2)M(II)(2) square complexes [M = Mn (1), Ni (2a and 2b), Co (3a and 3b)] where corners are defined by the metal ions and the edges by the Fe-CN-M units. The charge is balanced by free perchlorate anions. The [Fe(L)(CN)(3)](-) complex in 1-3b acts as a ligand through two cyanide groups toward two divalent metal complexes. The magnetic properties of 1-3b have been investigated in the temperature range 2-300 K. A moderately strong antiferromagnetic interaction between the low-spin Fe(III) (S = 1/2) and high-spin Mn(II) (S = 5/2) ions has been found for 1 leading to an S = 4 ground state (J(1) = -6.2 and J(2) = -2.7 cm(-1)), whereas a moderately strong ferromagnetic interaction between the low-spin Fe(III) (S = 1/2) and high-spin Ni(II) (S = 1) and Co(II) (S = 3/2) ions has been found for complexes 2a-3b with S = 3 (2a and 2b) and S = 4 (3a and 3b) ground spin states [J(1) = +21.4 cm(-1) and J(2) = +19.4 cm(-1) (2a); J(1) = +17.0 cm(-1) and J(2) = +12.5 cm(-1) (2b); J(1) = +5.4 cm(-1) and J(2) = +11.1 cm(-1) (3a); J(1) = +8.1 cm(-1) and J(2) = +11.0 cm(-1) (3b)] [the exchange Hamiltonian being of the type H? = -J(S?(i)·S?(j))]. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been used to substantiate the nature and magnitude of the exchange magnetic coupling observed in 1-3b and also to analyze the dependence of the exchange magnetic coupling on the structural parameters of the Fe-C-N-M skeleton.     

Subcomplexes of mitochondrial complex V reveal mutations in mitochondrial DNA

Complex V, site of the final step in oxidative phosphorylation, uses the proton gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane for the production of ATP. It is a multi‐subunit complex composed of a catalytic domain (F₁) and a membrane domain (F₀) linked by two stalks. Subcomplexes of complex V containing the F₁ domain have previously been reported in small series of patients. We report the results in tissue samples and/or cultured skin fibroblasts studied by blue native PAGE followed by activity staining in the gel. Catalytically active subcomplexes of complex V were detected in 66 tissues originating from 53 patients. In 29 of the latter (55%), a mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) defect was identified. Twelve patients had a pathogenic point mutation in a mitochondrial tRNA, one a large mtDNA deletion, 12 showed mtDNA depletion and four had a mutation in the MT‐ATP6 gene. We conclude that the presence of subcomplexes of complex V is a valuable indicator in the detection of mtDNA defects.     

Determination of chloramphenicol residues in meat, seafood, egg, honey, milk, plasma and urine with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and the validation of the method based on 2002/657/EC

A simple and rapid method for the determination and confirmation of chloramphenicol in several food matrices with LC-MS/MS was developed. Following addition of d5-chloramphenicol as internal standard, meat, seafood, egg, honey and milk samples were extracted with acetonitrile. Chloroform was then added to remove water. After evaporation, the residues were reconstituted in methanol/water (3+4) before injection. The urine and plasma samples were after addition of internal standard applied to a Chem Elut extraction cartridge, eluted with ethyl acetate, and hexane washed. Also these samples were reconstituted in methanol/water (3+4) after evaporation. By using an MRM acquisition method in negative ionization mode, the transitions 321-->152, 321-->194 and 326-->157 were used for quantification, confirmation and internal standard, respectively. Quantification of chloramphenicol positive samples regardless of matrix could be achieved with a common water based calibration curve. The validation of the method was based on EU-decision 2002/657 and different ways of calculating CCalpha and CCbeta were evaluated. The common CCalpha and CCbeta for all matrices were 0.02 and 0.04 microg/kg for the 321-->152 ion transition, and 0.02 and 0.03 microg/kg for the 321-->194 ion transition. At fortification level 0.1 microg/kg the within-laboratory reproducibility is below 25%.     

High fidelity, high yield production of microfluidic devices by hot embossing lithography: rheology and stiction

We discuss thermoforming of thermoplastic polymers for the hot-embossing lithographic (HEL) fabrication of microfluidic chips near equilibrium conditions that minimize elastic recoil for optimal motif replication. While HEL is often simplistically described as the transfer of micro- and nano-motifs into heat-softened thermoplastic materials, we describe our rational approach to selecting appropriate processing parameters.     

Combining different analytical approaches to identify odor formation mechanisms in polyethylene and polypropylene

In a previous study, we identified carbonyls as highly odor-active compounds in both unprocessed and processed polypropylene (PP) with higher intensities after processing, indicating a temperature-driven forming mechanism. In the presented work, we studied whether (a) these carbonyls are the major odor drivers to the overall odor of polyolefins, (b) their formation is taking place already at moderate temperatures well below the typical processing temperatures, (c) conventional antioxidants in polyolefins can prevent or reduce their formation, and (d) whether reducing the amount of oxygen present can decrease the overall odor. One polyethylene (PE) and one PP were selected, and both stabilized and unstabilized polymer powder samples were exposed to conditions differing in oxygen concentration and aging time. The changes in the volatile fraction as well as the formation of odor-active compounds were monitored using a multidisciplinary approach by combining analytical methods based on gas chromatography (GC), multivariate data analysis, and sensory methods (GC–olfactometry and a sensory panel). Both investigated materials (PE and PP) showed similar degradation products (aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, alcohols, and lactones) which increased dramatically with increasing aging time and the lack of stabilization. Oxidation products, mainly carbonyl compounds, were responsible for the odor of the investigated materials. The main odor drivers were unsaturated ketones and aldehydes with a chain length between six and nine C-atoms. Interestingly, similar odor patterns were found for both stabilized and unstabilized samples, indicating that similar formation processes take place independent of the stabilization.     

Simulation of the oxidative metabolism of diclofenac by electrochemistry/(liquid chromatography/)mass spectrometry

Diclofenac is a frequently prescribed drug for rheumatic diseases and muscle pain. In rare cases, it may be associated with a severe hepatotoxicity. In literature, it is discussed whether this toxicity is related to the oxidative phase I metabolism, resulting in electrophilic quinone imines, which can subsequently react with nucleophiles present in the liver in form of glutathione or proteins. In this work, electrochemistry coupled to mass spectrometry is used as a tool for the simulation of the oxidative pathway of diclofenac. Using this purely instrumental approach, diclofenac was oxidized in a thin layer cell equipped with a boron doped diamond working electrode. Sum formulae of generated oxidation products were calculated based on accurate mass measurements with deviations below 2 ppm. Quinone imines from diclofenac were detected using this approach. It could be shown for the first time that these quinone imines do not react with glutathione exclusively but also with larger molecules such as the model protein β-lactoglobulin A. A tryptic digest of the generated drug–protein adduct confirms that the protein is modified at the only free thiol-containing peptide. This simple and purely instrumental set-up offers the possibility of generating reactive metabolites of diclofenac and to assess their reactivity rapidly and easily.     

Porous salts based on the pamoate ion

A number of porous salts based on the pamoate anion in combination with lutidinium or picolinium cations have been characterised. One salt undergoes single-crystal to single-crystal solvent exchange, while another isostructural series of salts contain channels that can be partly evacuated without collapse of the framework.