Multidimensional De Novo Design Reveals 5‐HT2B Receptor‐Selective Ligands

We report a multi‐objective de novo design study driven by synthetic tractability and aimed at the prioritization of computer‐generated 5‐HT_2B receptor ligands with accurately predicted target‐binding affinities. Relying on quantitative bioactivity models we designed and synthesized structurally novel, selective, nanomolar, and ligand‐efficient 5‐HT_2B modulators with sustained cell‐based effects. Our results suggest that seamless amalgamation of computational activity prediction and molecular design with microfluidics‐assisted synthesis enables the swift generation of small molecules with the desired polypharmacology.     

New Acetogenins from the Seeds of Annona coriacea

From the hexane and MeOH extracts of Annona coriacea Mart . (Annonaceae) seeds, two novel acetogenins, coriapentocins A and B ( 1 and 2 , resp.) were isolated. The known acetogenin bullacin ( 3 ) was also isolated from the hexane extract. The structures of compounds 1 – 3 were elucidated by NMR and MS analysis, and relative configurations were established by comparison with literature data.     

Highly diastereoselective synthesis of 2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene derivatives: Bronsted acid catalyzed aza-Diels-Alder reaction between cyclopentadiene and imino-acetates with two chiral auxiliaries

The cycloaddition between protonated glyoxylate imines possessing two chiral auxiliaries, N-(S)- or N-(R)-1-phenylethyl and (−)-8-phenylmenthyl or (+)-8-phenylneomenthyl, and cyclopentadiene is described. The absolute configuration of all adducts formed was unequivocally assigned through NMR, specific optical rotation, and X-ray data of appropriated derivatives. Experimental results confirm the highly exo-selectivity for these aza-Diels-Alder reactions, single adducts being obtained from combinations of (8PM)-(R-PEA) and (8PNM)-(S-PEA).     

Triangular ruthenium acetate clusters containing the bis(pyridyl)propane ligand and their inclusion chemistry with β-cyclodextrin

The triruthenium carboxylate cluster [Ru₃O(OAc)₆(py)₂(bpp)]⁺ (OAc = acetate) containing the bridging 1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane (bpp) ligand, and its dimeric species [{Ru₃O(OAc)₆(py₂)}₂(μ-bpp)]²⁺ were synthesized in order to investigate their inclusion compounds with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD). Characterization of the complexes was carried out based on spectroscopic, electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical techniques, while the formation of inclusion complexes was evaluated using ¹H NMR/NOESY spectroscopy. Since bpp is a flexible ligand, a DFT study was carried out in order to characterize its conformational isomers and their possible role in the host–guest chemistry with β-CD. Instead of observing the formation of inclusion compounds with different stoichiometries, we observed the formation of 1:1 bpp/β-CD compounds in which the bpp ligand assumes different conformations. The assembly of polymetallic rotaxane species was successfully demonstrated by monitoring the ¹H NMR spectra of the monomeric cluster species in the presence of aquapentacyanoferrate(II) ions and β-CD.     

Dual responsive nanostructured surfaces for biomedical applications

In this paper, we describe the construction and characteristics of thermoresponsive, thin nanostructured films prepared by layer-by-layer sequential assembly of chitosan-graft-NIPAAm and alginate. FTIR and (1)H NMR spectra have confirmed the introduction of NIPAAm moieties onto the chitosan backbone. The LCST of the synthesized copolymer was found to be around 31-33 °C. The formation of the polyelectrolyte multilayers containing the copolymer and alginate was followed in situ by quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring technique and ex situ by UV-vis measurements. Our results revealed the linear increase of the multilayer film growth and the influence of the presence of salt. Moreover, AFM analysis has confirmed that PNIPAAm is able to reconform upon temperature swaps even when combined with other layers in a polyelectrolyte multilayer, demonstrating that the nanoassemblies are thermoresponsive. Preliminary results showed that, upon reducing culture temperature below PNIPAAm LCST, a gradual detachment of cell sheets from these PNIPAAm-based coatings has occurred.