Distinct effect of xenobiotics on the metal‐binding properties of protein molecules

The X‐ray standing‐wave method was applied to study the elemental composition and molecular organization of ordered protein films of alkaline phosphatase exposed to different xenobiotics (drug compounds, lead). Binding of metal ions from triply distilled water to protein molecules has been experimentally observed. Definite differences in the arrangement of impurity metal ions in the films have been established. The considerable enhancement of protein–metal interactions is attributed to partial rearrangement of the protein native structure, induced by xenobiotics.     

X-ray and UV photoelectron spectroscopy of Ag nanoclusters

The main purpose of the present work is to analyze a series of Ag nanoparticles (NPs) with different size or ligand functionalization by using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and to identify the differences in the band-shape and energy peak position of photoemission spectra due to the particle dimension. A transmission electron microscopy characterization was performed, to verify the consistency of the results. Three types of samples were prepared starting from AgNO₃ water solution and adding different capping agents. In the first two cases, the formation of NPs was promoted by the reduction of silver ions Ag⁺¹ to metallic Ag⁰ through the addition of sodium borohydride, whereas in the last case, it was triggered by the exposure to UV light. Depending on the size of the NPs, a different physical behavior can be recognized. NPs with diameter of about 5 nm are characterized by the phenomenon of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). The other type of samples having a diameter of about 1.5 nm presents discrete energy levels instead of electronic bands, and in this case, a typical fluorescence phenomenon can be observed. In the latter case, we can refer to such systems as nanoclusters. The XPS analyses were focused on the Ag 3D spectra looking for the possible shifts of the Ag doublet as a function of the particles size. The ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy with He II source was used for the investigation of possible changes in the valence band.     

Surface and structural analysis of epitaxial La1−xSrx (Mn1−yCoy)zO3 films

In the present study were studied the ferromagnetic La_1−xSr_x (Mn_1−yCo_y)_zO₃ (LSMCO) films with Co content y = 0 to 0.18, grown on LaAlO₃ substrates by advantageous pulsed-injection metalorganic chemical vapor deposition technique. The LSMCO films exhibit negative colossal magnetoresistance effect; therefore, they are interesting as potential material for the applications in magnetic field sensing. The changes of lattice volume in the investigated LSMCO films were monitored by X-ray diffraction measurements revealing a transition from tensile to compressive strain with increase of Co content. Additionally, from the atomic force microscopy images, the surface smoothening with increase of y was determined. Despite the reduction of the out-of-plane lattice parameter of LSMCO, the increase of lattice volume in the whole Co-doping range was observed. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy combined with Ar⁺ ion sputtering was used for the investigation of chemical composition of the LSMCO films and demonstrated the change and redistribution of oxidation states of Mn and Co on the surface and in the volume of the films. Regardless of the structural changes and charge distribution of Co and Mn cations, epitaxial LSMCO exhibits ferromagnetic properties and magnetoresistance values increases with augmenting Co content in the range of y = 0 to 0.18.     

Crystal and molecular structures of Si-(iodomethyl)silatranes with methyl substituents in β-position relative to the nitrogen atom

1. Download high-res image (147KB)
2. Download full-size image

     

UV-induced immobilization of tethered zirconocenes on H-terminated silicon surfaces

A tethered ethylenebis(indenyl) zirconocene was covalently immobilized on H-terminated Si(111) surfaces using UV-mediated alkene hydrosilylation, thus making possible the development of structured catalytic surfaces with highly controlled properties.     

Cysteine-S-trityl a key derivative to prepare N-methyl cysteines

S-Trt Cys are used as precursors for the synthesis of protected NMe-Cys. N-Methylation of Alloc-Cys(Trt)-OH and Boc-Cys(Trt)-OH gives the corresponding N-methylated derivatives in good yields and purities, which can be further derivatized in solution to obtain a myriad of S-protected derivatives. To further broaden the scope of this methodology, the N (alpha)-amino protecting group of the NMe- S-protected Cys can be replaced easily either on the solid phase (from the Alloc precursor) or in solution (from the Boc precursor). Thus, this convenient route allows us to obtain many different protected NMe-Cys, which were of limited accessibility until now.     

Semisynthesis of new D-seco-C-nor-taxane derivatives containing a polyfunctionalized furanosyl or cyclopentenyl or cyclopentyl C-ring

The synthesis of new D-seco-C-nor-taxane derivatives in which the D-ring has been deleted and the C-ring has been transformed into a new pentatomic ring, i.e., the polyfunctionalized tetrahydrofuranosyl and cyclopentenyl or cyclopentyl ring, was performed starting from baccatin III derivatives. The synthetic strategy adopted took advantage of the oxetane ring opening and disconnection of the C4-C5 bond, followed by an intramolecular condensation. The formation of furanosyl or cyclopentyl rings is strictly dependent on the presence of unprotected or protected oxygen at C-7 in the starting material. The reactions proceeded with good diastereoselectivity with control of the stereochemistry of one or two stereocenters.     

Application of chemical and chemometric analytical techniques to the study of ancient ceramics from Dougga (Tunisia)

In the present paper chemical characterization has been carried out on 67 shards of archaeological pottery from Dougga (North Tunisia). The analysed shards, dated to the Byzantine period (VI–VII century A.D.), belong to the three ceramic classes African Red Slip Ware, Dougga Ware and African cooking Ware. Fourteen elements have been determined by both atomic emission spectroscopy with flame as source (AES) and by using an inductively coupled plasma source (ICP-OES). The data acquired have been treated by statistical techniques in order to define grouping for the examined shards. Both unsupervised and supervised methods have been employed in order to define groups of different pottery shards. As a comparison, some samples (control group) coming from Southern Tunisia have been examined. All the statistical methods employed have evidenced how the control group, as concerns the chemical composition, is clearly distinguishable from Ain Wassel samples which are highly homogeneous. In fact because of the compositional homogeneity of the Northern Tunisia productions, it is quite difficult to establish a good classification and distribution of the samples in well defined cluster. Nevertheless supervised analysis has evidenced how, among the three classes, the African cooking Ware is the more distinguishable one confirming the archaeologists' hypothesis that Dougga Ware is an imitation of African Red Slip Ware.     

Mixed Co/Fe oxide nanoparticles in block copolymer micelles

Small iron oxide and Co-doped iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized in a commercial amphiphilic block copolymer, poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(methacrylic acid) (PEO 68-b-PMAA8), in aqueous solutions. The structure and composition of the micelles containing guest molecules (metal salts) or NPs (metal oxides) were studied using transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X-ray powder diffraction. The enlarged micelle cores after incorporation of metal salts are believed to be formed by both PMAA blocks containing metal species and penetrating PEO chains. The nanoparticle size distributions in PEO 68-b-PMAA8 were determined using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) in bulk. Two independent methods for SAXS data interpretation for comprehensive analysis of volume distributions of metal oxide NPs showed presence of both small particles and larger entities containing metal species which are ascribed to organization of block copolymer micelles in bulk. The magnetometry measurements revealed that the NPs are superparamagnetic and their characteristics depend on the method of the NP synthesis. The important advantage of the PEO 68-b-PMAA8 stabilized magnetic nanoparticles described in this paper is their remarkable solubility and stability in water and buffers.     

A crystallographic and DFT study on a NHC complex of niobium oxide trifluoride

The complex [NbOF₃(Ipr)]₂, 1, was afforded in crystalline form by reaction of NbF₅ with the bulky NHC ligand 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene (IPr) in toluene by slow contact with moisture air. The molecular structure of 1 was ascertained by X-ray diffraction, providing the first example of a dinuclear NbOF₃ derivative and also a rare case of niobium compound with a monodentate NHC. A DFT investigation has shown that the Nb–C bond consists of a weak NHC to Nb σ donation, reinforced by an electrostatic contribution presumably favored by the presence of the ancillary fluoride ligands. The computed enthalpy for the dissociation of one Ipr from 1 is ca. 36 kcal mol^?1. The presence of bulky 2,6-diisopropylphenyl substituents on the carbene ligand has negligible influence on the Nb–C bond, as highlighted by DFT analyses on simplified models.