Anodic square-wave stripping voltammetric analysis of epinephrine using carbon fiber microelectrode

The behavior of epinephrine on a carbon fiber microelectrode (CFME) was studied with cyclic voltammetry and square-wave (SW) stripping voltammetry in order to find optimum conditions for its analysis using the CFME. An anodic stripping peak at about 0.20 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) was utilized. Under optimum conditions for anodic stripping (a pH value of 7.4, a deposition potential of − 0.5 V, a deposition time of 90 s, a final potential of 0.8 V, a SW frequency of 20 Hz, a step potential of 5 mV, and an amplitude of 45 mV), the calibration was linear in the concentration range of 0.0∼0.4 mg/L, and the detection limit was found to be 0.009 mg/L with a relative standard deviation 0.18% (n = 12) at 0.2 mg/L. The analytical performance of the CMFE, which is unmodified, is comparable to or better than other voltammetric results with various modified electrodes.     

Synthesis of new 14-membered macrolide antibiotics via a novel ring contraction metathesis

[reaction: see text] A novel ring opening ring closing metathesis (ROM-RCM) was demonstrated for cyclic conjugated dienes, effecting the excision of a C(2)H(2) unit and a net ring contraction. Applying the ring contraction metathesis, new 14-membered ring macrolide antibiotics were synthesized in a single step from existing 16-membered ring macrolides. This new class of macrolide antibiotics will provide access to new therapeutics for the treatment of macrolide-resistant bacterial infections.     

Exploring the interaction of ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes with DNA using single-molecule techniques

Here we explore DNA binding by a family of ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes using an atomic force microscope (AFM) and optical tweezers. We demonstrate using AFM that Ru(bpy)2dppz2+ intercalates into DNA (K(b) = 1.5 x 10(5) M(-1)), as does its close relative Ru(bpy)2dppx2+ (K(b) = 1.5 x 10(5) M(-1)). However, intercalation by Ru(phen)3(2+) and other Ru(II) complexes with K(b) values lower than that of Ru(bpy)2dppz2+ is difficult to determine using AFM because of competing aggregation and surface-binding phenomena. At the high Ru(II) concentrations required to evaluate intercalation, most of the DNA strands acquire a twisted, curled conformation that is impossible to measure accurately. The condensation of DNA on mica in the presence of polycations is well known, but it clearly precludes the accurate assessment by AFM of DNA intercalation by most Ru(II) complexes, though not by ethidium bromide and other monovalent intercalators. When stretching individual DNA molecules using optical tweezers, the same limitation on high metal concentration does not exist. Using optical tweezers, we show that Ru(phen)2dppz2+ intercalates avidly (K(b) = 3.2 x 10(6) M(-1)) whereas Ru(bpy)3(2+) does not intercalate, even at micromolar ruthenium concentrations. Ru(phen)3(2+) is shown to intercalate weakly (i.e., at micromolar concentrations (K(b) = 8.8 x 10(3) M(-1))). The distinct differences in DNA stretching behavior between Ru(phen)3(2+) and Ru(bpy)3(2+) clearly illustrate that intercalation can be distinguished from groove binding by pulling the DNA with optical tweezers. Our results demonstrate both the benefits and challenges of two single-molecule methods of exploring DNA binding and help to elucidate the mode of binding of Ru(phen)3(2+).     

Diversity of the surface properties of Lactococci and consequences on adhesion to food components

Bacteria possess surface properties, related to their charge, hydrophobicity and Lewis acid/base characteristics, that are involved in the attachment processes of microorganisms to surfaces. Fermentation bulks and food matrixes are complex heterogeneous media containing various components with different physicochemical characteristics. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether (i) bacteria present in a food matrix, interacted physicochemically at their surface level with the other constituents and (ii) the diversity of bacterial surface properties could result in a diversity of microbial adhesion to components and thus in a diversity of tolerance to toxic compounds. The surface properties of 20 lactic acid bacteria were characterized by the MATS method showing their relatively hydrophilic and various basic characteristics. The results obtained from a set of representative strains showed that (i) the strains with higher affinity for apolar solvents adsorbed more to lipids and hydrophobic compounds, (ii) the more the strains adsorbed to a toxic solvent, the less they were tolerant to this solvent. A diversity of bacterial surface properties was observed for the strains in the same species showing the importance of choosing bacteria according to their surface properties in function of technological objectives.     

Some imines and azo compounds containing furoxan ring synthesized from methylisoeugenol

Some imines and azo compounds containing furoxan and benzene rings have been prepared starting from methylisoeugenol. The structure of reported compounds has been confirmed by elemental analysis, ms, uv, ir, and nmr spectroscopy. It is shown that, on treatment with Na₂S₂O₄, the nitro group on the benzene ring was reduced to an amino group, but the N←O group of furoxan ring was not. The ¹H‐ and ¹³C nmr signals are assigned based on their spin‐spin splitting patterns, in some cases, NOESY and HMBC spectra are used. The NOESY spectra indicate that the reported imines have E‐configuration. Among 8 tested compounds, there are 5 compounds that exhibit anti‐microbial activity toward Gr+ S. aureus at concentration 12.5μg/mL.     

A simple gamma-backbone modification preorganizes peptide nucleic acid into a helical structure

Peptide nucleic acid (PNA) is a synthetic analogue of DNA and RNA, developed more than a decade ago in which the naturally occurring sugar phosphate backbone has been replaced by the N-(2-aminoethyl) glycine units. Unlike DNA or RNA in the unhybridized state (single strand) which can adopt a helical structure through base-stacking, although highly flexible, PNA does not have a well-defined conformational folding in solution. Herein, we show that a simple backbone modification at the gamma-position of the N-(2-aminoethyl) glycine unit can transform a randomly folded PNA into a helical structure. Spectroscopic studies showed that helical induction occurs in the C- to N-terminal direction and is sterically driven. This finding has important implication not only on the future design of nucleic acid mimics but also on the design of novel materials, where molecular organization and efficient electronic coupling are desired.     

Detection of dopamine in the pharmacy with a carbon nanotube paste electrode using voltammetry

A simply prepared DNA immobilized on a carbon nanotube paste electrode (CNTPE) was utilized to monitor dopamine ion concentration using the cyclic voltammetry (CV) and square-wave (SW) stripping voltammetry methods. The optimum analytical conditions were sought. The result obtained was a very low detection limit compared to other common voltammetry methods. The optimal parameters were found to be as follows: 3.5 pH, 0.48 V SW amplitude, 71 Hz frequency, 5 s accumulation time, 0.01 V increment potential, and -1.3 V (anodic-*-) and 1.2 V (cathodic-o-) accumulation potentials. Given these conditions, the linear working range was observed to be within 0.01-0.11 microg L(-1) (SW anodic and CV). The analytical detection limit was determined to be SW anodic and CV: 4.0 microg L(-1) (2.1 x 10(-11) mol L(-1)) dopamin, and the relative standard deviation at the dopamine concentration of SW anodic 0.05 microg L(-1) was 0.02% (n=15) at the optimum conditions.