Self‐Assembly of DNA–Oligo(p‐phenylene‐ethynylene) Hybrid Amphiphiles into Surface‐Engineered Vesicles with Enhanced Emission

Surface‐addressable nanostructures of linearly π‐conjugated molecules play a crucial role in the emerging field of nanoelectronics. Herein, by using DNA as the hydrophilic segment, we demonstrate a solid‐phase “click” chemistry approach for the synthesis of a series of DNA–chromophore hybrid amphiphiles and report their reversible self‐assembly into surface‐engineered vesicles with enhanced emission. DNA‐directed surface addressability of the vesicles was demonstrated through the integration of gold nanoparticles onto the surface of the vesicles by sequence‐specific DNA hybridization. This system could be converted to a supramolecular light‐harvesting antenna by integrating suitable FRET acceptors onto the surface of the nanostructures. The general nature of the synthesis, surface addressability, and biocompatibility of the resulting nanostructures offer great promises for nanoelectronics, energy, and biomedical applications.     

Molecular and Biochemical Characteristics of Recombinant β-Propeller Phytase from Bacillus licheniformis Strain PB-13 with Potential Application in Aquafeed

Phytic acid is the major storage form of organic phosphorus in nature- and plant-based animal feed. It forms insoluble complexes with nutritionally important metals and proteins that are unavailable for monogastric or agastric animals. Phytases initiate the stepwise hydrolysis of phytic acid and release inorganic orthophosphate. In the present investigation, the phytase gene from a phytase producing Bacillus licheniformis strain PB-13 was successfully expressed in Escherichia coli BL21. Recombinant phytase ‘rPhyPB13’ was found to be catalytically active, with an activity of 0.97 U/mL and specific activity of 0.77 U/mg. The rPhyPB13 was purified to 14.10-fold using affinity chromatography. Similar to other β-propeller phytases, purified rPhyPB13 exhibited maximal activity at pH 6.0–6.5 and 60 °C in the presence of 1 mM Ca²⁺ and was highly active over a wider pH range (pH 4.0–8.0) and high temperature (80 °C). It has shown maximum activity towards Na-phytate as substrate. The observed K _m , V _max and k _cat of purified rPhyPB13 were 1.064 mM, 1.32 μmol/min/mg and 27.46 s^?1, respectively. PhyPB13 was resistant to trypsin inactivation, activated in presence of Ca²⁺ and inhibited in presence of EDTA. Crude rPhyPB13 has good digestion efficiency for commercial feed and soybean meal. These results indicate that PhyPB13 is a β-propeller phytase that has application potential in aquaculture feed.     

Probing the Binding of Syzygium-Derived α-Glucosidase Inhibitors with N- and C-Terminal Human Maltase Glucoamylase by Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulation

Human maltase glucoamylase (MGAM) is a potent molecular target for controlling post prandial glucose surplus in type 2 diabetes. Binding of small molecules from Syzygium sp. with α-glucosidase inhibitory potential in MGAM has been investigated in silico. Our results suggest that myricetin was the most potent inhibitor with high binding affinity for both N- and C-terminals of MGAM. Molecular dynamics revealed that myricetin interacts in its stretched conformation through water-mediated interactions with C-terminal of MGAM and by normal hydrogen bonding with the N-terminal. W1369 of the extended 21 amino acid residue helical loop of C-terminal plays a major role in myricetin binding. Owing to its additional sugar sites, overall binding of small molecules favours C-terminal MGAM.     

Sodium alginate/HPMC/liquid paraffin emulsified (o/w) gel beads,by factorial design approach; and in vitro analysis

The present study involved development of a novel sodium alginate (SA)/HPMC/light liquid paraffin emulsified (o/w) gel beads containing Diclofenac sodium (DS) as an active pharmaceutical ingredient and its site specific delivery by using hard gelatin capsule fabricated by enteric coated Eudragit L-100 polymer. Emulsified gel beads were formulated by 3-level factorial design, ionic gelatin method. The obtained beads were characterized by Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction and Field emission scanning electron microscope analysis. The variables such as SA (X₁), HPMC (X₂), were optimized for drug loading and in vitro drug release with the help of response surface methodology (RSM). The RSM analysis predicted that SA was significant for both drug loading (p = 0.0005) and drug release (p = 0.0041). HPMC was only significant for drug release (p = 0.0154). The cross-product contribution (2FI) and quadratic model were found to be adequate and statistically accurate with correlation value (R²) of 0.9054 and 0.9450 to predict the drug loading and drug release respectively. An increase in concentration of HPMC and SA decreases the drug loading as well as the drug release. The obtained optimum values of drug loading and DS released were 7.43 % and 85.54 % respectively, which were well in agreement with the predicted value by RSM.     

The effect of decrease in supercooling on the growth rates: n-Pentadecanoic acid

The Growth rates of crystals fluctuate randomly. In view of such fluctuations, it is more appropriate if a statistical approach is adopted to describe the growth rates of crystals.     

Crystal and Molecular Structure of Tosyl Pyrrolidine-2-Methanol (C12H17SO3N)

C₁₂H₁₇SO₃N, M_r = 255.33, Orthorhombic, P2₁2₁2₁, a = 11.703(1) Å, b = 14.797(3) Å, c = 14.971(2) Å, V = 2592.52 ų, Z = 8, D_m = 1.309 Mgm⁻³, D_c = 1.308 Mgm⁻³, mμ = 21.57 cm⁻¹, F(000) = 1088, T = 290 K, final R = 0.080 for 2416 unique reflections. There are two crystallographically independent molecules in the unit cell of the title compound.     

Anti-Obesity Potential of Ponciri Fructus: Effects of Extracts,Fractions and Compounds on Adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes

Background: Ponciri Fructus, a crude drug consisting of the dried immature fruits of Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf., is a popular folk medicine used for the treatment of allergy and gastrointestinal disorders in Korea and China. In this study, the anti-adipogenic activity of extracts and isolated compounds were evaluated using 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Methods: Dried immature fruits were extracted and fractionated into n-hexane, ethyl acetate (EtOAc), n-butanol and water-soluble fractions. The ethanol extract and fractions were tested for anti-adipogenic activity in the 3T3-L1 cell line. The active fractions (n-hexane and EtOAc fractions) were further subjected to chromatographic techniques to isolate and identify active compounds. Furthermore, the isolated compounds were evaluated for their anti-adipogenic activity. Results: Altogether, seven compounds, including two flavonoids, one phytosteroid and four coumarin derivatives, were isolated. Ethanol extract, n-hexane fraction, EtOAc fraction and three isolated compounds (phellopterin, oxypeucedanin and poncirin) showed significant anti-adipogenic activity as observed by reduced lipid deposition in differentiated 3T3-L1 cells. Further, oxypeucedanin downregulated the key adipogenic markers, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors proteins γ (PPAR-γ), sterol response element binding proteins-1 (SREBP-1), CCAAT/enhancer binding proteins-α (C/EBP-α), adipocyte-specific lipid binding proteins (FABP-4), adipocyte fatty acid binding proteins (aP2), lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and leptin. Conclusion: This study indicated that the ethanol extract, hexane fraction and ethyl acetate fraction of P. trifoliata fruits possess strong anti-adipogenic activity, containing the active compounds such as phellopterin, oxypeucedanin and poncirin. Further research is recommended to explore their efficacy and safety in animal and clinical models.     

(110) Twins of n-C28H58 crystals: Habit changes and lattice net studies

The (110) twins of normal octacosane crystals with hexagonal shape are observed. Various factors that may lead to a shape change are considered. Effect of growth rate anisotropy on the reentrent faces is studied with the help of growth patterns which are derived from a lattice net.     

Interaction between sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) investigated with forward and reverse component addition protocols employing tensiometric, conductometric, microcalorimetric, electrokinetic, and DLS techniques

The interaction between polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) after the procedure of addition of the surfactant to polymer and the reverse procedure of addition of polymer to SDS micelles has been studied by tensiometric, conductometric, and microcalorimetric methods. The results have been analyzed and correlated with reference to SDS interfacial adsorption, association, and binding to PVP. Two aggregation states of SDS in presence of PVP have been found. The enthalpies of formation of SDS aggregates/micelles and their binding to the polymer have been evaluated. The interaction of PVP with SDS at concentrations below its critical micellar concentration (CMC) and above have evidenced distinctions. The forward addition protocol (FAP, SDS addition to PVP) and reverse addition protocol (RAP, PVP addition to SDS) have shown similarities and differences. Electrokinetic measurements have evidenced the interacted (SDS–PVP) colloidal products to possess negative zeta potential in the range of −39 to −65 mV. The hydrodynamic diameters of the PVP–SDS dispersion obtained from DLS measurements have ranged between 60 and 160 nm. Both zeta potential and hydrodynamic diameter have depended on [SDS] showing a maximum for the former at twice the critical micellar concentration of SDS.     

Complexes of a new series of α-diimine macrocycles,I: Template synthesis of cadmium(II) complexes of tetraazamacrocycles derived from 2,3-butanedione or benzil

Summary Cadmium(II) complexes of the type [CdL] (NO₃)₂ (whereL = tetraazamacrocycle with a 12 to 32-membered ring) have been synthesized by the reactions of 2,3-butanedione or benzil with different aliphatic diamines viz. ethylenediamine, 1,3-diaminopropane, 1,4-diaminobutane, 1,6-diaminohexane, 1,8-diaminooctane and 1,12-diaminododecane in the presence of Cd(II) as template. These complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses, conductivity measurements and IR and NMR spectral studies.

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Komplexe einer neuen Serie von -Diimin-Macrocyclen, 1. Mitt.: Synthese von Cadmium(II)-Komplexen von Tetraazamacrocyclen aus 2,3-Butandion oder Benzil

Zusammenfassung Es wurden Cadmium(II)-Komplexe des Typs [CdL] (NO₃)₂ (wobeiL einen 12-bis 32-gliedrigen Tetraazamacrocyclus darstellt) mittels der Reaktion von 2,3-Butandion oder Benzil mit verschiedenen aliphatischen Diaminen (Ethylendiamin, 1,3-Diaminopropan, 1,4-Diaminobutan, 1,6-Diaminohexan, 1,8-Diaminooctan und 1,12-Diaminododecan) hergestellt. Die Komplexe wurden mittels Elementaranalyse, Leitfähigkeitsmessungen und Infrarot- bzw. Kernresonanzspektroskopie charakterisiert.