EIS microfluidic chips for flow immunoassay and ultrasensitive cholera toxin detection

A flow-injection impedimetric immunosensor for the sensitive, direct and label-free detection of cholera toxin is reported. A limit of detection smaller than 10 pM was achieved, a value thousands of times lower than the lethal dose. The developed chips fulfil the requirement of low cost and quick reply of the assay and are expected to enable field screening, prompt diagnosis and medical intervention without the need of specialized personnel and expensive equipment, a perspective of special relevance for use in developing countries. Since the chip layout includes two sensing areas each one with a 2 × 2 sensor array, our biochips can allow statistical or (alternatively) multiplex analysis of biorecognition events between antibodies immobilized on each working electrode and different antigens flowing into the chamber.     

Synthesis, structural and spectral studies of Cu(II) and V(IV) complexes of a novel Schiff base derived from pyridoxal. Antimicrobial activity

A novel Schiff base, N-(4-amino-2,3-dimethyl-1-phenyl-3-pyrazolin-5-one)pyridoxaldimine (HL·HCl), was prepared and structurally characterized on the basis of elemental analyses, ¹H and ¹³C NMR, and IR spectral data. The synthesis and characterization of several Cu(II) (1-6) and V(IV) (7) complexes with N-(4-amino-2,3-dimethyl-1-phenyl-3-pyrazolin-5-one)pyridoxaldimine are reported. The composition and structures of the copper(II) and vanadium(IV) complexes were proposed based on elemental analyses, molar conductance, magnetic susceptibility measurements, IR, electronic and EPR spectroscopy. In addition, the structures of the ligand and the complex [CuL(H₂O)₂]NO₃·2.25H₂O (1) have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, showing that the Cu(II) center has a distorted square-pyramidal geometry. The ligand and the complexes were also tested for their in vitro antibacterial activity.     

Synthesis and characterization of water‐dispersible,superparamagnetic single‐wall carbon nanotubes decorated with iron oxide nanoparticles and well‐defined chelating diblock copolymers

A novel approach for the fabrication of magneto‐active carbon nanotubes (CNTs) stabilized in aqueous media, involving the combination of carboxylated single‐wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with a new class of methacrylate‐based chelating diblock copolymers, is described. More precisely, a well‐defined diblock copolymer consisting of hexa(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (hydrophilic and thermo‐responsive) and 2‐(acetoacetoxy)ethyl methacrylate (hydrophobic and metal‐chelating) synthesized by reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization has been used to prepare polymer‐coated magneto‐active SWCNTs decorated with iron oxide nanoparticles. Further to the characterization of the compositional and thermal properties using transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy and thermal gravimetric analysis, assessment of the magnetic characteristics by vibrational sample magnetometry disclosed superparamagnetic behavior at room temperature. The latter, combined with the thermo‐responsive properties of the polymeric coating and the unique, inherent properties of the carbon nanotubes may allow for their future exploitation in the biomedical field. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 49: 1389–1396, 2011     

Positive solutions for systems of nonlinear second‐order multipoint boundary value problems

We study the existence of positive solutions for systems of second‐order nonlinear ordinary differential equations, subject to multipoint boundary conditions. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Thermal, spectral, magnetic and antimicrobial behaviour of new Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes with a hexaazamacrocyclic ligand

New species of type MLCl₂·nH₂O (M:Ni, n = 6; M:Cu, n = 1.5 and M:Zn, n = 1; L: 1,8-bis(3′-ketopyridil)-1,3,6,8,10,13-hexaazacyclotetradecane, ligand resulted by 1,2-diaminoethane, nicotinamide and formaldehyde template condensation) were synthesised. The compounds were characterised by chemical analysis, ESI–MS, IR, NMR, UV–Vis-NIR and EPR spectroscopy as well as magnetic data at room temperature. The modifications in the IR and NMR spectra are in accordance with the condensation process. Electronic spectra indicate that Ni(II) adopts an octahedral stereochemistry while the surrounding of Cu(II) is square-pyramidal. The proposed stereochemistry was furthermore confirmed by magnetic moments and EPR spectrum at room temperature. The water is eliminated in one or two steps, respectively, while the oxidative degradation of the ligand and chloride decomposition occur in two steps. The final residues consist of the most stable metallic oxides as X-ray powder diffraction indicates. The newly synthesised compounds were evaluated for their antimicrobial effect against different bacterial and fungal strains.     

Thermal, spectral, electrochemical and biologic characterization of new Pd(II) complexes with ligands bearing biguanide moieties

New complexes [Pd(HDMBG)₂]Cl₂·H₂O, [PdL¹]Cl₂·0.5H₂O and [PdL²]Cl₂·1.5H₂O (HDMBG: dimethylbiguanide, L¹ and L²: ligands resulted from HDMBG, ammonia/hydrazine and formaldehyde template condensation) were synthesized and characterized. The features of complexes have been assigned from microanalytical, IR, UV–Vis and cyclic voltammetry data. The thermal transformations are complex processes according to TG and DTA curves including water and hydrochloric acid elimination, thermolysis processes leading to paracyanide formation as well as PdO decomposition, final product being palladium. Complexes were screened for their antimicrobial properties against some pathogenic Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial as well as fungal Candida albicans strains. The complexes exhibit specific antibacterial and/or antifungal activity, depending on their structure and the tested microbial strains. All complexes inhibit the microbial biofilm development on the inert substratum. It was also observed that PdCl₂ complexation minimized their cytotoxic effect on the eukaryotic cells.     

Synthesis, characterization, and thermal decomposition of new copper (II) complex compounds with chlorhexidine

Three new copper (II) complex compounds with chlorhexidine (CHX) as ligand have been prepared and characterized by elemental and thermogravimetrical analyses, molar conductances, infrared, and UV–Vis spectra. Chlorhexidine acts as neutral tetradentate NNNN donor, coordinating through the four imine nitrogen atoms. Based on the experimental data the following formulas have been proposed for the complex compounds: [Cu(CHX)](NO₃)₂ (1), [Cu₂(CHX)Br₂Cl₂]·4H₂O (2), and [Cu(CHX)Cl]Cl (3). Thermal decomposition evidenced dehydration (complex 2), anionic moieties release and the ligand cleavage with chlorobenzene moieties removal for all complexes. The final residue is in all cases copper oxide. Antibacterial and antifungal activities of the complexes have been determined in vitro, by the cup-plate agar diffusion method, against Escherichia coli, Staphyloccocus aureus, and Candida albicans. The complexes present an activity comparable to that of chlorhexidine, the most active being [Cu₂(CHX)Br₂Cl₂]·4H₂O.     

On the Cauchy problem for the wave equation on time-dependent domains

We introduce a notion of solution to the wave equation on a suitable class of time-dependent domains and compare it with a previous definition. We prove an existence result for the solution of the Cauchy problem and present some additional conditions which imply uniqueness.     

Variation of the Antioxidative Defense in Elaeis guineensis Jacq. Facing Bud Rot Disease in the Coastal Area of Ecuador

Elaeis guineensis Jacq. has gained a reputation in the food industry as an incredible crop capable of supplying the world’s largest edible oil production. In Ecuador, an important oil palm-producing country, this crop is affected in a high percentage by the bud rot disease, which is responsible for palm death. The main objective of the investigation was dedicated to understanding the palm defense mechanism facing bud rot disease, translated in the induction of reactive oxygen species, activation of defensive machinery comprising enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidative components, secondary metabolites, carotenoids accumulation in the palm during all stages of disease infection. For this, a survey was conducted in different oil palm plantations in the Esmeraldas province, one of the most representative for its highest incidence of bud rot disease. The survey completed DPPH, FRAP, ABTS, and other spectrophotometric analyses to underline the biochemical, biological, and physiological palm response front of bud rot incidence. The palm defense strategy in each disease stage could be represented by the phenolic compound’s involvement, an increment of antioxidant activity, and the high enzymatic activity of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL). The results of the investigation made understandable the palm defense strategy front of this disease, respectively, the antioxidative defense and the palm secondary compounds involved.