Self‐Assembly of DNA–Oligo(p‐phenylene‐ethynylene) Hybrid Amphiphiles into Surface‐Engineered Vesicles with Enhanced Emission

Surface‐addressable nanostructures of linearly π‐conjugated molecules play a crucial role in the emerging field of nanoelectronics. Herein, by using DNA as the hydrophilic segment, we demonstrate a solid‐phase “click” chemistry approach for the synthesis of a series of DNA–chromophore hybrid amphiphiles and report their reversible self‐assembly into surface‐engineered vesicles with enhanced emission. DNA‐directed surface addressability of the vesicles was demonstrated through the integration of gold nanoparticles onto the surface of the vesicles by sequence‐specific DNA hybridization. This system could be converted to a supramolecular light‐harvesting antenna by integrating suitable FRET acceptors onto the surface of the nanostructures. The general nature of the synthesis, surface addressability, and biocompatibility of the resulting nanostructures offer great promises for nanoelectronics, energy, and biomedical applications.     

The effect of decrease in supercooling on the growth rates: n-Pentadecanoic acid

The Growth rates of crystals fluctuate randomly. In view of such fluctuations, it is more appropriate if a statistical approach is adopted to describe the growth rates of crystals.     

Anti-Obesity Potential of Ponciri Fructus: Effects of Extracts,Fractions and Compounds on Adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes

Background: Ponciri Fructus, a crude drug consisting of the dried immature fruits of Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf., is a popular folk medicine used for the treatment of allergy and gastrointestinal disorders in Korea and China. In this study, the anti-adipogenic activity of extracts and isolated compounds were evaluated using 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Methods: Dried immature fruits were extracted and fractionated into n-hexane, ethyl acetate (EtOAc), n-butanol and water-soluble fractions. The ethanol extract and fractions were tested for anti-adipogenic activity in the 3T3-L1 cell line. The active fractions (n-hexane and EtOAc fractions) were further subjected to chromatographic techniques to isolate and identify active compounds. Furthermore, the isolated compounds were evaluated for their anti-adipogenic activity. Results: Altogether, seven compounds, including two flavonoids, one phytosteroid and four coumarin derivatives, were isolated. Ethanol extract, n-hexane fraction, EtOAc fraction and three isolated compounds (phellopterin, oxypeucedanin and poncirin) showed significant anti-adipogenic activity as observed by reduced lipid deposition in differentiated 3T3-L1 cells. Further, oxypeucedanin downregulated the key adipogenic markers, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors proteins γ (PPAR-γ), sterol response element binding proteins-1 (SREBP-1), CCAAT/enhancer binding proteins-α (C/EBP-α), adipocyte-specific lipid binding proteins (FABP-4), adipocyte fatty acid binding proteins (aP2), lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and leptin. Conclusion: This study indicated that the ethanol extract, hexane fraction and ethyl acetate fraction of P. trifoliata fruits possess strong anti-adipogenic activity, containing the active compounds such as phellopterin, oxypeucedanin and poncirin. Further research is recommended to explore their efficacy and safety in animal and clinical models.     

(110) Twins of n-C28H58 crystals: Habit changes and lattice net studies

The (110) twins of normal octacosane crystals with hexagonal shape are observed. Various factors that may lead to a shape change are considered. Effect of growth rate anisotropy on the reentrent faces is studied with the help of growth patterns which are derived from a lattice net.     

Interaction between sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) investigated with forward and reverse component addition protocols employing tensiometric, conductometric, microcalorimetric, electrokinetic, and DLS techniques

The interaction between polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) after the procedure of addition of the surfactant to polymer and the reverse procedure of addition of polymer to SDS micelles has been studied by tensiometric, conductometric, and microcalorimetric methods. The results have been analyzed and correlated with reference to SDS interfacial adsorption, association, and binding to PVP. Two aggregation states of SDS in presence of PVP have been found. The enthalpies of formation of SDS aggregates/micelles and their binding to the polymer have been evaluated. The interaction of PVP with SDS at concentrations below its critical micellar concentration (CMC) and above have evidenced distinctions. The forward addition protocol (FAP, SDS addition to PVP) and reverse addition protocol (RAP, PVP addition to SDS) have shown similarities and differences. Electrokinetic measurements have evidenced the interacted (SDS–PVP) colloidal products to possess negative zeta potential in the range of −39 to −65 mV. The hydrodynamic diameters of the PVP–SDS dispersion obtained from DLS measurements have ranged between 60 and 160 nm. Both zeta potential and hydrodynamic diameter have depended on [SDS] showing a maximum for the former at twice the critical micellar concentration of SDS.     

Complexes of a new series of α-diimine macrocycles,I: Template synthesis of cadmium(II) complexes of tetraazamacrocycles derived from 2,3-butanedione or benzil

Summary Cadmium(II) complexes of the type [CdL] (NO₃)₂ (whereL = tetraazamacrocycle with a 12 to 32-membered ring) have been synthesized by the reactions of 2,3-butanedione or benzil with different aliphatic diamines viz. ethylenediamine, 1,3-diaminopropane, 1,4-diaminobutane, 1,6-diaminohexane, 1,8-diaminooctane and 1,12-diaminododecane in the presence of Cd(II) as template. These complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses, conductivity measurements and IR and NMR spectral studies.

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Komplexe einer neuen Serie von -Diimin-Macrocyclen, 1. Mitt.: Synthese von Cadmium(II)-Komplexen von Tetraazamacrocyclen aus 2,3-Butandion oder Benzil

Zusammenfassung Es wurden Cadmium(II)-Komplexe des Typs [CdL] (NO₃)₂ (wobeiL einen 12-bis 32-gliedrigen Tetraazamacrocyclus darstellt) mittels der Reaktion von 2,3-Butandion oder Benzil mit verschiedenen aliphatischen Diaminen (Ethylendiamin, 1,3-Diaminopropan, 1,4-Diaminobutan, 1,6-Diaminohexan, 1,8-Diaminooctan und 1,12-Diaminododecan) hergestellt. Die Komplexe wurden mittels Elementaranalyse, Leitfähigkeitsmessungen und Infrarot- bzw. Kernresonanzspektroskopie charakterisiert.

     

A Microbial Sensor Based on Direct Electron Transfer at Shewanella Sp. Drop‐Coated Screen‐Printed Carbon Electrodes

Aerobically grown Shewanella sp. bacterial suspension drop‐coated on a disposable screen‐printed carbon electrode was found to possess electroactivity without the aid of redox mediator. Cyclic voltammetric studies revealed the characteristics of a mixed diffusion adsorption‐controlled electrochemical process for direct electron transfer at the bacteria‐modified electrode. Both FE‐SEM and ATR FT‐IR experiments were carried out to investigate the surface characteristics. The electroanalytical applicability was further demonstrated for electrocatalytic reduction of arsenite, hydrogen peroxide and nitrite. Low cost and very simple manufacturing procedure allow for the proposed bacterial sensor to be applied as disposable devices.     

Towards CRISPR powered electrochemical sensing for smart diagnostics

Even though global health has been steadily improved, the global disease burden associated with communicable and non-communicable diseases extensively increased healthcare expenditure. The present COVID-19 pandemic scenario has again ascertained the importance of clinical diagnostics as a basis to make life-saving decisions. In this context, there is a need for developing next-generation integrated smart real-time responsive biosensors with high selectivity and sensitivity. The emergence of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas biosensing systems has shown remarkable potential for developing next-generation biosensors. CRISPR/Cas integrated electrochemical biosensors (E-CRISPR) stands out with excellent properties. In this opinionated review, we illustrate the rapidly evolving applications for E-CRISPR-integrated detection systems towards biosensing and the future scope associated with E-CRISPR based diagnostics.