High Loading Efficiency and Controlled Release of Bioactive Immunotherapeutic Proteins Using Vaterite Nanoparticles

Nanoparticles may limit off-tumor/on-target ubiquitous activation of signaling by protein-based drugs. However, many challenges still exist in the design of a nanoparticle for protein delivery. In this study, conditions to establish vaterite nanoparticles as a pH-sensitive drug delivery system (DDS) for encapsulated protein drugs are comprehensively evaluated. Low coprecipitation pH of vaterite and protein prevents protein denaturation and yields high loading efficiency. Unprotected vaterite recrystallizes in aqueous solutions within 3 h to calcite and releases the loaded protein completely, but surface-modified particles with carboxyl groups containing polymers prove stable for more than 5 months. Notably, modification of vaterite with sulfonated polymers increases the loading of cationic proteins by a multiple. A system is developed for vaterite exposure to (pH) conditions under body-like-flow rates, with the dissolution of vaterite and simultaneous release of active proteins at tumor microenvironmental pH reaching up to 80% and only 20% at physiological pH within 2 h. Importantly, the immunomodulatory protein tumor necrosis factor preserves its native structure and fully retains functional activity in vitro after release from the particles. In conclusion, the studies described here provide a framework for the development of vaterite-based DDS as a carrier for bioactive protein-based therapeutics.     

Aluminacyclopropene: syntheses, characterization, and reactivity toward terminal alkynes

Reactions of LAl with ethyne, mono- and disubstituted alkynes, and diyne to aluminacyclopropene LAl[eta2-C2(R1)(R2)] ((L = HC[(CMe)(NAr)]2, Ar = 2,6-iPr2C6H3); R1 = R2 = H, (1); R1 = H, R2 = Ph, (2); R1 = R2 = Me, (3); R1 = SiMe3, R2 = C[triple bond]CSiMe3, (4)) are reported. Compounds 1 and 2 were obtained in equimolar quantities of the starting materials at low temperature. The amount of C2H2 was controlled by removing an excess of C2H2 in the range from -78 to -50 degrees C. Compound 4 can be alternatively prepared by the substitution reaction of LAl[eta2-C2(SiMe3)2] with Me3SiC[triple bond]CC[triple bond]CSiMe3 or by the reductive coupling reaction of LAlI2 with potassium in the presence of Me3SiC[triple bond]CC[triple bond]CSiMe3. The reaction of LAl with excess C2H2 and PhC[triple bond]CH (<1:2) afforded the respective alkenylalkynylaluminum compounds LAl(CH=CH2)(C[triple bond]CH) (5) and LAl(CH=CHPh)(C[triple bond]CPh) (6). The reaction of LAl(eta2-C2Ph2) with C2H2 and PhC[triple bond]CH yielded LAl(CPh=CHPh)(C[triple bond]CH) (7) and LAl(CPh=CHPh)(C[triple bond]CPh) (8), respectively. Rationally, the formation of 5 (or 6) may proceed through the corresponding precursor 1 (or 2). The theoretical studies based on DFT calculations show that an interaction between the Al(I) center and the C[triple bond]C unit needs almost no activation energy. Within the AlC2 ring the computational Al-C bond order of ca. 1 suggests an Al-C sigma bond and therefore less pi electron delocalization over the AlC2 ring. The computed Al-eta2-C2 bond dissociation energies (155-82.6 kJ/mol) indicate a remarkable reactivity of aluminacyclopropene species. Finally, the 1H NMR spectroscopy monitored reaction of LAl(eta2-C2Ph2) and PhC[triple bond]CH in toluene-d8 may reveal an acetylenic hydrogen migration process.     

Optical properties of multilayer bimetallic films obtained by laser deposition of colloidal particles

The optical properties of multilayer bimetallic films composed of silver and gold nanoparticles have been investigated. The dependence of the transmission spectra of the films on their morphology is demonstrated. A finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulation has confirmed that there is a dependence of the transmission spectra on the average distance between particles and the number of deposited layers.     

Microscale sample deposition onto hydrophobic target plates for trace level detection of neuropeptides in brain tissue by MALDI-MS

A sample preparation method that combines a modified target plate with a nanoscale reversed-phase column (nanocolumn) was developed for detection of neuropeptides by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). A gold-coated MALDI plate was modified with an octadecanethiol (ODT) self-assembled monolayer to create a hydrophobic surface that could concentrate peptide samples into a approximately 200-500-microm diameter spot. The spot sizes generated were comparable to those obtained for a substrate patterned with 200-microm hydrophilic spots on a hydrophobic substrate. The sample spots on the ODT-coated plate were 100-fold smaller than those formed on an unmodified gold plate with a 1-microl sample and generated 10 to 50 times higher mass sensitivity for peptide standards by MALDI-TOF MS. When the sample was deposited on an ODT-modified plate from a nanocolumn, the detection limit for peptides was as low as 20 pM for 5-microl samples corresponding to 80 amol deposited. This technique was used to analyze extracts of microwave-fixed tissue from rat brain striatum. Ninety-eight putative peptides were detected including several that had masses matching neuropeptides expected in this brain region such as substance P, rimorphin, and neurotensin. Twenty-three peptides had masses that matched peaks detected by capillary liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization MS.     

The Role of 2,6‐Diaminopyridine Ligands in the Isolation of an Unprecedented,Low‐Valent Tin Complex

Stabilization of the central atom in an oxidation state of zero through coordination of neutral ligands is a common bonding motif in transition‐metal chemistry. However, the stabilization of main‐group elements in an oxidation state of zero by neutral ligands is rare. Herein, we report that the transamination reaction of the DAMPY ligand system (DAMPY=2,6‐[ArNH‐CH₂]₂(NC₅H₃) (Ar=C₆H₃‐2,6‐iPr₂)) with Sn[N(SiMe₃)₂]₂ produces the DIMPYSn complex (DIMPY=(2,6‐[ArN?CH]₂(NC₅H₃)) with the Sn atom in a formal oxidation state of zero. This is the first example of a tin compound stabilized in a formal oxidation state of zero by only one donor molecule. Furthermore, three related low‐valent Sn^II complexes, including a [DIMPYSn^IICl]⁺[SnCl₃]^? ion pair, a bisstannylene DAMPY{Sn^II[N(SiMe₃)₂]₂}₂, and the enamine complex MeDIMPYSn^II, were isolated. Experimental results and the conclusions drawn are also supported by theoretical studies at the density functional level of theory and ¹¹⁹Sn Mössbauer spectroscopy.     

Optical tweezers applied to a microfluidic system

We will demonstrate how optical tweezers can be combined with a microfluidic system to create a versatile microlaboratory. Cells are moved between reservoirs filled with different media by means of optical tweezers. We show that the cells, on a timescale of a few seconds, can be moved from one reservoir to another without the media being dragged along with them. The system is demonstrated with an experiment where we expose E. coli bacteria to different fluorescent markers. We will also discuss how the system can be used as an advanced cell sorter. It can favorably be used to sort out a small fraction of cells from a large population, in particular when advanced microscopic techniques are required to distinguish various cells. Patterns of channels and reservoirs were generated in a computer and transferred to a mask using either a sophisticated electron beam technique or a standard laser printer. Lithographic methods were applied to create microchannels in rubber silicon (PDMS). Media were transported in the channels using electroosmotic flow. The optical system consisted of a combined confocal and epi-fluorescence microscope, dual optical tweezers and a laser scalpel.     

A new approach to helical primary structures of four-membered rings: (P)- and (M)-tetraspiro[3.0.0.0.3.2.2.2]hexadecane

A new approach to helical primary structures of four-membered rings uses a cycloaddition of a trimethylenketeniminium salt to suitable tailored methylenecyclobutanes to assemble the desired carbon framework. The results are short and effective syntheses of (M)-trispiro[3.0.0.3.2.2]tridecane [(M)-5], and (P)- and (M)-tetraspiro[3.0.0.0.3.2.2.2]hexadecane [(P)- and (M)-24]. Unlike helices of three-membered rings, the specific rotation decreases, as the length of the helix increases.