Fine Tuning of Chlorophyll Spectra by Protein‐Induced Ring Deformation

The ability to tune the light‐absorption properties of chlorophylls by their protein environment is the key to the robustness and high efficiency of photosynthetic light‐harvesting proteins. Unfortunately, the intricacy of the natural complexes makes it very difficult to identify and isolate specific protein–pigment interactions that underlie the spectral‐tuning mechanisms. Herein we identify and demonstrate the tuning mechanism of chlorophyll spectra in type II water‐soluble chlorophyll binding proteins from Brassicaceae (WSCPs). By comparing the molecular structures of two natural WSCPs we correlate a shift in the chlorophyll red absorption band with deformation of its tetrapyrrole macrocycle that is induced by changing the position of a nearby tryptophan residue. We show by a set of reciprocal point mutations that this change accounts for up to 2/3 of the observed spectral shift between the two natural variants.     

Aberrant sialylation of a prostate-specific antigen: Electrochemical label-free glycoprofiling in prostate cancer serum samples

Electrochemical detection method allowing to detect prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a biomarker of prostate cancer (PCa), with PSA glycoprofiling was applied in an analysis of PCa serum samples for the first time. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) as a label-free method with immobilized anti-PSA was applied for PSA detection and lectins to glycoprofile captured PSA on the same surface. A proper choice of blocking agent providing high selectivity of biosensor detection with the immobilized anti-PSA antibody was done. The biosensor could detect PSA down to 100 ag/mL with a linear concentration working range from 100 ag/mL up to 1 μg/mL, i.e. 10 orders of concentration magnitude and the sensitivity of (5.5 ± 0.2)%/decade. The results showed that a commercial carbo-free blocking solution was the best one, reducing non-specific binding 55-fold when compared to the immunosensor surface without any blocking agent applied, while allowing to detect PSA. The biosensor response obtained after addition of lectin (i.e. proportional to the amount of a particular glycan on PSA) divided by the biosensor response obtained after incubation with a sample (i.e. proportional to the PSA level in the sample) was applied to distinguish serum samples of PCa patients from those of healthy individuals. The results showed that Maackia amurensis agglutinin (MAA) recognizing α-2,3-terminal sialic acid can be applied to distinguish between these two sets of samples since the MAA/PSA response obtained from the analysis of the PCa samples was significantly higher (5.3-fold) compared to the MAA/PSA response obtained by the analysis of samples from healthy individuals. Thus, combined analysis of serological PSA levels together with PSA glycoprofiling of aberrant glycosylation of PSA (i.e. increase in the level of α-2,3-terminal sialic acid) has a potential to improve detection of PCa.     

The Current Directions of Searching for Antiparasitic Drugs

Parasitic diseases are still a huge problem for mankind. They are becoming the main cause of chronic diseases in the world. Migration of the population, pollution of the natural environment, and climate changes cause the rapid spread of diseases. Additionally, a growing resistance of parasites to drugs is observed. Many research groups are looking for effective antiparasitic drugs with low side effects. In this work, we present the current trends in the search for antiparasitic drugs. We report known drugs used in other disease entities with proven antiparasitic activity and research on new chemical structures that may be potential drugs in parasitic diseases. The described investigations of antiparasitic compounds can be helpful for further drug development.     

Biocompatible Size‐Defined Dendrimer–Albumin Binding Protein Hybrid Materials as a Versatile Platform for Biomedical Applications

For the design of a biohybrid structure as a ligand‐tailored drug delivery system (DDS), it is highly sophisticated to fabricate a DDS based on smoothly controllable conjugation steps. This article reports on the synthesis and the characterization of biohybrid conjugates based on noncovalent conjugation between a multivalent biotinylated and PEGylated poly(amido amine) (PAMAM) dendrimer and a tetrameric streptavidin‐small protein binding scaffold. This protein binding scaffold (SA‐ABDwt) possesses nM affinity toward human serum albumin (HSA). Thus, well‐defined biohybrid structures, finalized by binding of one or two HSA molecules, are available at each conjugation step in a controlled molar ratio. Overall, these biohybrid assemblies can be used for (i) a controlled modification of dendrimers with the HSA molecules to increase their blood‐circulation half‐life and passive accumulation in tumor; (ii) rendering dendrimers a specific affinity to various ligands based on mutated ABD domain, thus replacing tedious dendrimer–antibody covalent coupling and purification procedures.

     

Delamination of sodium montmorillonite in PA6 in the presence of melamine polyphosphate

This study describes the influence of melamine polyphosphate (MPP) flame retardant addition on layered structure of virgin sodium montmorillonite (MMT) in PA6/MMT system obtained in extrusion process. It was found that the extrusion of the PA6/MMT binary system in co‐rotating twin screw extruder gives intercalated clay nanocomposites, while during extrusion of ternary PA6/MMT/MPP composite, full exfoliation of clay was obtained in the system. Structure of the composites was proved utilizing wide angle X‐ray scattering and transmission electron microscopy techniques. Exfoliation of MMT in ternary PA6/MMT/MPP system was also confirmed by rheological studies (viscosity and creep measurements) which were carried out using rotational rheometer. Young's modulus of PA6/MMT/MPP was found to be ~25% greater comparing to PA6/MPP of the same filling level. Cone calorimetry experiments proved decrease of heat release rate peak of PA6/MMT/MPP by ~55% comparing to PA6/MPP with the same total filling level. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Targeted Hybrid Nanocarriers as a System Enhancing the Skin Structure

The skin is constantly exposed to external and internal factors that disturb its function. In this work, two nanosystems-levan nanoparticles and a surfactin-stabilized nanoemulsion were preserved (tested for microbial growth) and characterized (size, polydispersity, Zeta potential, and stability). The nanosystems were introduced in the model formulations-cream, tonic, and gel, and confirmed by TEM. The analysis showed that nanoemulsion has a spherical morphology and size 220–300 nm, while levan nanoparticles had irregular shapes independently of the use of matrix and with particle size (130–260 nm). Additionally, we examined the antiradical effect of levan nanoparticles and nanoemulsion in the prototype of formulations by scavenging DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl; EPR spectroscopy). The model cream with both nanosystems and the whole range of products with nanosystems were evaluated in vivo for hydration, elasticity, smoothness, wrinkles and vascular lesions, discoloration, respectively. The cream improved skin condition in all tested parameters in at least 50% of volunteers. The use of more comprehensive care, additionally consisting of a tonic and gel, reduced the previously existing skin discoloration to 10.42 ± 0.58%. The presented prototype formulations are promising in improving skin conditions.     

Influence of Extraction Solvent on the Phenolic Profile and Bioactivity of Two Achillea Species

The phenolic composition, as well as the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of two poorly investigated Achillea species, Achillea lingulata Waldst. and the endemic Achillea abrotanoides Vis., were studied. To obtain a more detailed phytochemical profile, four solvents with different polarities were used for the preparation of the plant extracts whose phenolic composition was analyzed using UHPLC-MS/MS (ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry). The results indicate that both of the investigated Achillea species are very rich in both phenolic acids and flavonoids, but that their profiles differ significantly. Chloroform extracts from both species had the highest yields and were the most chemically versatile. The majority of the examined extracts showed antimicrobial activity, while ethanolic extracts from both species were potent against all tested microorganisms. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated. It was found that the ethanolic extracts possessed the strongest antioxidant activities, although these extracts did not contain the highest amounts of detected phenolic compounds. In addition, several representatives of phenolic compounds were also assayed for these biological activities. Results suggest that ethanol is a sufficient solvent for the isolation of biologically active compounds from both Achillea species. Moreover, it was shown that the flavonoids naringenin and morin are mainly responsible for these antimicrobial activities, while caffeic, salicylic, chlorogenic, p-coumaric, p-hydroxybenzoic, and rosmarinic acid are responsible for the antioxidant activities of the Achillea extracts.     

High-Pressure Mechanistic Insight into Bioinorganic NO Chemistry

Pressure is one of the most important parameters controlling the kinetics of chemical reactions. The ability to combine high-pressure techniques with time-resolved spectroscopy has provided a powerful tool in the study of reaction mechanisms. This review is focused on the supporting role of high-pressure kinetic and spectroscopic methods in the exploration of nitric oxide bioinorganic chemistry. Nitric oxide and other reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are important biological mediators involved in both physiological and pathological processes. Understanding molecular mechanisms of their interactions with redox-active metal/non-metal centers in biological targets, such as cofactors, prosthetic groups, and proteins, is crucial for the improved therapy of various diseases. The present review is an attempt to demonstrate how the application of high-pressure kinetic and spectroscopic methods can add additional information, thus enabling the mechanistic interpretation of various NO bioinorganic reactions.     

Analysis of the Composition of Lyophilisates Obtained from Aloe arborescens Gel of Leaves of Different Ages from Controlled Crops

The aim of the study is to evaluate the composition of lyophilisates obtained from Aloe arborescens leaf gel at the age of one to four years. The leaves were obtained from controlled crops, which allowed to exclude environmental factors as variables. It was confirmed that the lyophilisates obtained from different years of Aloe arborescens leaf gel varied in chromatographic analyses in terms of aloin A and aloenin A content (high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection HPLC-DAD, high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometric detection HPLC-MS/MS). Similarly, while testing the phenolic acids and the sum of polyphenols content, differences in their levels in leaf gel lyophilisates from plants of individual years were observed (spectrophotometric method UV-VIS). The lyophilisate composition analysis showed that the one-year-old leaves were characterized by the highest content of aloin A and aloenin A. While the content of polyphenols, including phenolic acids, was higher in the leaves of older plants. The antioxidant potential of the tested lyophilisates was assessed simultaneously. Regardless of the research model used (CUPRAC, DPPH, ABTS), an antioxidant effect was noted for Aloe arborescens leaves.