Selection of possible marker peptides for the detection of major ruminant milk proteins in food by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

The aim of this work was the determination of peptides, which can function as markers for identification of milk allergens in food samples. Emphasis was placed on two casein proteins (α- and β-casein) and two whey proteins (α-lactalbumin and β-lactoglobulin). In silico tryptic digestion provided preliminary information about the expected peptides. After tryptic digestion of four milk allergens, the analytical data obtained by combination of reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography and quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) led to the identification of 26 peptides. Seven of these peptides were synthesized and used for calibration of the LC-MS/MS system. Species specificity of the selected peptides was sought by BLAST search. Among the selected peptides, only LIVTQTMK from β-lactoglobulin (m/z 467.6, charge 2+) was found to be cow milk specific and could function as a marker. Two other peptides, FFVAPFPEVFGK from α-casein (m/z 693.3, charge 2+) and GPFPIIV from β-casein (m/z 742.5, charge 1+), occur in water buffalo milk too. The other four peptides appear in the milk of other species also and can be used as markers for ruminant species milk. Using these seven peptides, a multianalyte MS-based method was developed. For the establishment of the method, it was applied at first to different dairy samples, and then to chocolate and blank samples, and the peptides could be determined down to 1 ng/mL in food samples. At the end, spiked samples were measured, where the target peptides could be detected with a high recovery (over 50%).     

Modeling of a radial-flow moving-bed reactor for dehydrogenation of isobutane

A mathematical model for the performance of a radial-flow moving-bed reactor for dehydrogenation of light paraffins was developed. Assuming relevant kinetic expressions for the main reaction and catalyst deactivation, the kinetic parameters were obtained through lab-scale fixed-bed reactor testing using the integral method of analysis. The conversion was found to be a function of a dimensionless decay time, i.e., the ratio of a “catalyst deactivation time constant” to the residence time of the catalyst within the reactor. For a large dimensionless decay time (negligible catalyst decay), the performance equation approached that of a simple packed-bed reactor. The predictions of the model were compared with those of a commercial unit, and fair agreements were observed.     

Eco-friendly synthesis of 1,4-benzodiazepine-2,5-diones in the ionic liquid [<Emphasis Type="Italic">bmim</Emphasis>]Br

The green reaction of isatoic anhydrides with α-amino acids in presence of the ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide afforded 1,4-benzodiazepine-2,5-diones in excellent yields in absence of a catalyst. The reaction workup is simple and the ionic liquid was easily recovered from the reaction and reused. The methodology was quite general and a range of cyclic and acyclic α-amino acids were examined to produce 1,4-benzodiazepine-2,5-diones. Correspondence: Khosrow Jadidi, Department of Chemistry, Shahid Beheshti University, PO Box 1983963113, Tehran, Iran.     

Theoretical study on platinabenzene and mono- and difluorinated platinabenzenes: Structure, properties, and aromaticity

The electronic structures and properties of the platinabenzene and mono- and difluorinated platinabenzenes isomers have been investigated using hybrid density functional B3LYP theory. Basic measures of aromatic character were derived from structure, molecular orbital, and nuclear independent chemical shift (NICS). An energetic criterion suggests that ortho isomer of monofluorinated and F15 isomer of difluorinated platinabenzenes enjoy conspicuous stabilization. The polarizability and molecular orbital analysis are compatible with this result. NICS values calculated at several points above the ring center fail to give the result consistent with that based on relative energy, polarizability, and molecular orbital analysis. The atoms in molecules analysis indicates a correlation between NICS (1.0) and the electron density of the ring critical point (ρ_rcp) in monofluorinated platinabenzenes. There is a similar correlation in difluorinated platinabenzenes (except for F12 and F24 isomers) between NICS (0.5) and ρ_rcp.     

Biochar as heterogeneous support for immobilization of Pd as efficient and reusable biocatalyst in C–C coupling reactions

Biochar is a stable and carbon‐rich solid which has a high density of carbonyl, hydroxyl and carboxylic acid functional groups on its surface. In this work, the surface of biochar nanoparticles (BNPs) was modified with 3‐choloropropyltrimtoxysilane and further 2‐(thiophen‐2‐yl)‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazole was anchored on its surface. Then, palladium nanoparticles were fabricated on the surface of the modified BNPs and further the catalytic application was studied as recyclable biocatalyst in carbon–carbon coupling reactions such as Suzuki–Miyaura and Heck–Mizoroki cross‐coupling reactions. The structure of the catalyst was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray diffraction and atomic absorption spectroscopy. The catalyst can be reused several times without a decrease in its catalytic efficiency. In addition to the several advantages reported, application of biochar as catalyst support for the first time is a major novelty of the present work.     

Synthesis of 2-mercaptobenzothiazole/magnetic nanoparticles modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes for simultaneous solid-phase microextraction of cadmium and lead

This study describes the successful sequential modification of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) by Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles and 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) followed by its application as a novel sorbent for simultaneous magnetic solid phase microextraction of lead and cadmium. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were employed to confirm the chemical surface modification of the MWCNT. The ions retained on the 2-MBT/magnetic nanoparticles modified MWCNTs were eluted with 1.0 mL of nitric acid (0.8 mol L^?1) in methanol solution and determined by the flame atomic absorption spectrometry. All parameters affecting the extraction condition were thoroughly investigated and optimised. Under the optimised condition preconcentration factor of 150.0, enhancement factors of 149.0 and 149.2 and limits of detection of 0.21 and 0.01 µg L^?1 were achieved for lead and cadmium, respectively. Using the prepared magnetic nanocomposite, the possible interference of other common ions associated with lead and cadmium determination was effectively avoided and the method was successfully applied to the simultaneous determination of the target ions in various environmental water samples.     

Preparation and Characterization of Agarose-Gelatin Blend Hydrogels as a Cell Encapsulation Matrix: An In-Vitro Study

Cell encapsulation represents an alternative nonviral technique to treat multiple diseases, leading to a reduction or even absence of administration of immunosuppressants. Hydrogels have been introduced as novel materials suitable for cell encapsulation. This study involves agarose–gelatin blend hydrogels with four different weight percentage ratios (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75) of agarose to gelatin. Prepared blend hydrogels were assessed in terms of rheological behavior (gel point by using complex viscosity), cell attachment (hemocytometer), cell viability and cytotoxicity (3-(3,4-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazoliium bromide, MTT assay), and mechanical and integral stability (Bradford test and shear force rupture assay, respectively). Based on the obtained rheological experimental results, the sol-gel transition point for 50:50 was in the physiological condition range (35°C–37°C). The percent of nonattached cells on the surface of the hydrogel decreased from 92% for the 100:0 sample to 46.3% for the 50:50 sample, and the cell viability was more than 95%. A good structural integrity was achieved for samples with weight ratio of 50:50; 20.195% gelatin was released during the 24 h in phosphate buffer solution at 25°C and the mechanical stability of agarose–gelatin microcapsules under shear force were improved about 14% rather than pure agarose microcapsule.     

Efficient aerobic photooxygenation of aldehydes to carboxylic acids using cobalt(II) phthalocyanine sulfonate as a photosensitizer in organic-water biphasic media

Transition Metal Chemistry - The aerobic oxidation of a variety of aromatic aldehydes to the corresponding carboxylic acids by molecular oxygen in the presence of 4-carboxyl tetraphenylporphyrin...