Drug-dendrimer supramolecular complexation studied from molecular dynamics simulations and NMR spectroscopy

Fully atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and NMR spectroscopy were employed to get insights about the molecular details of drug-dendrimer supramolecular association phenomena, using piroxicam (PRX) and the third generation poly(amido amine) (PAMAM-G3) dendrimer as model systems. Theoretical results concerning the complex stoichiometry suggest that PRX forms drug-dendrimer complexes of the type 24:1 at pH 7.0. This result was validated with the experimental quantities obtained from aqueous solubility profiles, which led to an empiric stoichiometry of 23:1 for the PRX:PAMAM-G3 system. The predicted binding mode between PRX and PAMAM-G3 accounts for the preferred encapsulation of the drug inside dendrimer cavities, which is mainly driven by van der Waals and hydrogen bonding interactions, and to a lesser extent, for the external association of the guest through electrostatic contacts with the positively charged amino groups of PAMAM periphery. The binding mode obtained from MD simulations was confirmed with 2D-NOESY experiments, which evidence the preferred internal complexation of PRX with PAMAM-G3. The predominance of internal encapsulation over external contacts in the PRX:PAMAM-G3 system differs from the general behaviour expected for acidic anionic guests, for which external electrostatic interactions with the positively charged PAMAM surface have been postulated as the most relevant factor for drug association.     

Analysis of the Lipidome of Xenografts Using MALDI-IMS and UHPLC-ESI-QTOF

Human tumor xenografts in immunodeficient mice are a very popular model to study the development of cancer and to test new drug candidates. Among the parameters analyzed are the variations in the lipid composition, as they are good indicators of changes in the cellular metabolism. Here, we present a study on the distribution of lipids in xenografts of NCI-H1975 human lung cancer cells, using MALDI imaging mass spectrometry and UHPLC-ESI-QTOF. The identification of lipids directly from the tissue by MALDI was aided by the comparison with identification using ESI ionization in lipid extracts from the same xenografts. Lipids belonging to PCs, PIs, SMs, DAG, TAG, PS, PA, and PG classes were identified and their distribution over the xenograft was determined. Three areas were identified in the xenograft, corresponding to cells in different metabolic stages and to a layer of adipose tissue that covers the xenograft.

Characterization of Pentaclethra macroloba oil

The Pracaxi oil—(Pentaclethra macroloba) contains high concentrations of fatty acids with emollient action that contribute to skin hydration. The use of this oil is supported by the utilization of natural resources thus enabling regional development and social contribution. The objective of this study was to characterize the P. macroloba oil by thermogravimetry (TG, DTG, and DTA), gas chromatography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and oxidation stability—Rancimat, aiming at the quality control of plant raw material. Three samples of crude oil sold by Amazon Oil Industry (Ananindeua, Pará, Brazil) were studied. The analysis of these oil samples showed different fatty acids, especially the behenic, oleic, linoleic, and lignoceric acids totalizing approximately 96 % of the grease composition and in smaller percentage arachidic, lauric, myristic, palmitic, and linolenic acids were found. The major acids have wide medicinal use. According to the TG/DTG curve, thermal stability was observed up to 220 °C, indicating a greater mass loss related to the dehydration and elimination of volatile substances. The thermal decomposition process occurred in the range of 430–450° C according to the DTG curve. The absorption spectrum in the infrared region (FT-IR) showed well-defined bands confirming the presence of functional groups present in the oil. Tests in a Rancimat have shown an induction period between 8 and 10 h demonstrating that the samples are in agreement with the standards required by ANP No. 14/2012 which requires at least 6 h of testing.     

Crystal structure and thermal behavior of a chromium-piperazinium phosphate

(C₄N₂H₁₂)CrO(H_1.5PO₄)₂·H₂O has been synthesized hydrothermally using piperazine as organic template. Its crystal structure was solved ab initio using synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction data [monoclinic, a = 16.9649(4) Å, b = 9.8609(2) Å, c = 7.14375(14) Å, and β = 94.896(3)°, space group P2₁/a, Z = 4]. 1D structure is composed by isolated infinite anionic chains [CrO(H_1.5PO₄)₂]_n (vertex-sharing {CrO₆} octahedra joined by phosphate moieties). Their 2D plate-like morphology is propitiated by a very strong inter-chain interaction (P–O···H···O–P symmetric hydrogen bonds). KAS isoconversional method was applied to determine the activation energy for both thermal and thermo-oxidative decomposition of (C₄N₂H₁₂)CrO(H_1.5PO₄)₂·H₂O.     

Influence of some sugars on the thermal,rheological and morphological properties of “pinhão” starch

When starch is incorporated into puddings, desserts, and other foods containing sugar as the main ingredient, it will have an effect on the gelatinisation temperature and pasting properties. Many studies have been undertaken to investigate the effect of several sugars in foods and starches, as well as their physicochemical and functional properties. These studies have verified the significant influence on these properties, which are dependent on the nature of sugar and of starch. In this study, pinhão starch was extracted in the laboratory and was added, stirring for 60 min, to solutions at 1 % of each of the following sugars: fructose, glucose, sucrose, and 0.5 % fructose and 0.5 % glucose. After this time, the slurry was filtered, washed, dried at 40 °C and kept in a desiccator over anhydrous calcium chloride until constant mass. The effects of each sugar on the surface of the pinhão starch granules were observed using the non-contact method of atomic force microscopy, whereby it was possible to verify a decrease in the average diameter and an increase in the average roughness. X-ray diffractometry made it possible to evaluate the degree of relative crystallinity, which was proportional to the roughness and inversely proportional to the gelatinisation enthalpy (ΔH), which was studied by differential scanning calorimetry.     

Synthesis and Photophysics of a New Family of Fluorescent 9‐Alkyl‐Substituted Xanthenones

9‐Alkyl xanthenones with different aliphatic pendant groups have been easily prepared by means of nucleophilic addition of the corresponding Grignard derivative to a tert‐butyldimethylsilyl ether (TBDMS)‐protected 3,6‐dihydroxy‐xanthenone. The photophysical behavior of the new dyes has been explored by using absorption, steady‐state‐, and time‐resolved fluorescence measurements. We determined the equilibrium constants, visible spectral characteristics, fluorescence quantum yield, and decay times. Remarkably, they retain similar fluorescent properties of fluorescein including the characteristic phosphate‐mediated excited‐state proton‐transfer (ESPT) reaction. 6‐Hydroxy‐9‐isopropyl‐3H‐xanthen‐3‐one ( 5 ) was investigated in living cells; it presented a good permeability and efficient accumulation inside the cytosol. For the first time, we reported that the requirement of an aryl group at C‐9 is no longer needed and new fluorescent sensors can be therefore easily developed.     

Multifunctional Supramolecular Dendrimers with an s‐Triazine Ring as the Central Core: Liquid Crystalline,Fluorescence and Photoconductive Properties

Novel liquid crystal (LC) dendrimers have been synthesised by hydrogen bonding between an s‐triazine as the central core and three peripheral dendrons derived from bis(hydroxymethyl)propionic acid. Symmetric acid dendrons bearing achiral promesogenic units have been synthesised to obtain 3:1 complexes with triazine that exhibit LC properties. Asymmetric dendrons that combine the achiral promesogenic unit and an active moiety derived from coumarin or pyrene structures have been synthesised in order to obtain dendrimers with photophysical and electrochemical properties. The formation of the complexes was confirmed by IR and NMR spectroscopy data. The liquid crystalline properties were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, polarising optical microscopy and X‐ray diffractometry. All complexes displayed mesogenic properties, which were smectic in the case of symmetric dendrons and their complexes and nematic in the case of asymmetric dendrons and their dendrimers. A supramolecular model for the lamellar mesophase, based mainly on X‐ray diffraction studies, is proposed. The electrochemical behaviour of dendritic complexes was investigated by cyclic voltammetry. The UV/Vis absorption and emission properties of the compounds and the photoconductive properties of the dendrons and dendrimers were also investigated     

Molecular Recognition of Nucleotides in Water by Scorpiand‐Type Receptors Based on Nucleobase Discrimination

The detection of nucleotides is of crucial importance because they are the basic building blocks of nucleic acids. Scorpiand‐based polyamine receptors functionalized with pyridine or anthracene units are able to form stable complexes with nucleotides in water, based on coulombic, π–π stacking, and hydrogen‐bonding interactions. This behavior has been rationalized by means of an exploration with NMR spectroscopy and DFT calculations. Binding constants were determined by potentiometry. Fluorescence spectroscopy studies have revealed the potential of these receptors as sensors to effectively and selectively distinguish guanosine‐5′‐triphosphate (GTP) from adenosine‐5′‐triphosphate (ATP).