Optimization of a portable microanalytical system to reduce electrode fouling from proteins associated with biomonitoring of lead (Pb) in saliva

There is a need to develop reliable portable analytical systems for on-site and real-time biomonitoring of lead (Pb) from both occupational and environmental exposures. Saliva is an appealing matrix since it is easily obtainable, and therefore a potential substitute for blood due to existing reasonably good correlation between Pb levels in blood and saliva. The microanalytical system is based on flow-injection/stripping voltammetry with a wall-jet (flow-onto) microelectrochemical cell. Samples that contain as little as 1% saliva can cause electrode fouling, resulting in significantly reduced responsiveness and irreproducible quantitations. In addition, incomplete Pb release from salivary protein can also yield a lower Pb response than expected. This paper evaluates the extent of in vitro Pb-protein binding and the optimal pretreatment for releasing Pb from the saliva samples. Even in 50% by volume of rat saliva, the electrode fouling was not observed, due to the appropriate sample pretreatment and the constant flow of the sample and acidic carrier that prevented passivation by the protein. The system offered a linear response over a low Pb range of 1-10 ppb, low detection limit of 1 ppb, excellent reproducibility, and reliability. It also yielded the same Pb concentrations in unknown samples as did the ICP-MS. These encouraging results suggest that the microanalytical system represents an important analytical advancement for real-time non-invasive biomonitoring of Pb.     

The isolation and structure determination of cryptomisrine,a novel indolo[3,2-b]quinoline dimeric alkaloid from cryptolepis sanguinolenta

The isolation and structure determination of cryptomisrine, a novel indolo[3,2-b]quinoline dimeric alkaloid obtained from extracts of the roots of the Ghanaian medicinal plant Cryptolepis sanguinolenta is reported. The structure determination was made via a consideration of the spectral data, including uv, ir, nmr, and mass spectra. In particular, one-dimensional proton/carbon nmr, one-dimensional nOe difference nmr, and a series of homonuclear (COSY) and inverse-detected heteronuclear two-dimensional (HMQC, HMBC) experiments were utilized, as well as high resolution FABMS. Cryptomisrine is most unusual in that its two monomeric parts apparently exist in such a C₂ symmetric environment that only one set of proton and carbon nmr resonances are observed. Cryptomisrine is the first example of a dimeric indolo-[3,2-b]quinoline alkaloid to have been isolated from nature.     

Biotechnology for production of fuels,chemicals, and materials from biomass

Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology - Biological systems can convert renewable resources, including lignocellulosic biomass, starch crops, and carbon dioxide, into fuels, chemicals, and...     

Dendritic molecular capsules for hydrophobic compounds

Reichardt's dye, a highly solvatochromic dye, was encapsulated within poly (glycerol succinic acid) ([Gn]-PGLSA-OH) dendrimers to investigate the interior environment of these dendritic macromolecules. The absorption maximum for the encapsulated Reichardt's dye in water was indicative of a relatively high dielectric constant present within the dye/dendrimer complex. (1)H NMR of the encapsulated complex showed the presence of aromatic protons from Reichardt's dye along with the aliphatic protons of the dendrimer. Additionally, there were substantial changes in T(1) and T(2) times of the encapsulated dye when compared with the free dye, and (1)H NOESY spectra for the complex showed a significant number of intermolecular NOE cross-peaks. These data reveal the close through-space proximity of the dye to the dendrimer and the restricted motion of the encapsulated dye. To demonstrate the potential use of these macromolecules as drug delivery vehicles, the poorly water-soluble anticancer drug 10-hydroxycamptothecin (10HCPT) was encapsulated within a carboxylated PGLSA dendrimer ([G4]-PGLSA-COONa). Cytotoxicity assays with human breast cancer cells showed a significant reduction of cell viability, demonstrating that 10HCPT retains activity upon encapsulation.     

The preparation of 4-oxo-N-aryl-4H-1-benzopyran-2-acetamides by the condensation/cyclization of trilithiated acetoacetanilides with lithiated methyl salicylates

Several acetoacetanilides were trilithiated in excess lithium diisopropylamide, and the resulting polylithiated intermediates were regioselectively condensed with lithiated methyl salicylates followed by acid cyclization to substituted 4-oxo-N-aryl-4H-1-benzopyran-2-acetamides (benzopyranone-2-acetamides).     

The reactivity of dimethylaluminum hydride with the aminoarsines Me2AsNMe2, MeAs(NMe2)2, and As(NMe2)3

The reactions of (Me₂AlH)₃ with Me₂AsNMe₂, MeAs(NMe₂)₂, and As(NMe₂)₃ were investigated as a function of time at room temperature and over the temperature range −90 to 24°C by use of ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. (Me₂AlH)₃ was found to be very reactive toward the aminoarsines, even at −90°C, and no stable Me₂AlH-aminoarsine adducts were observed. Instead, the initial stages of the reactions involved AS---N bond cleavage with the generation of highly reactive AlN- and AsH-bonded species. The subsequent course of each reaction and the final arsenic-containing product distribution depended upon the original AL:N stoichiometric ratio and the respective aminoarsine. When the Al:N ratio was 1:1, the reactions were straightforward for each aminoarsine. However, in every case, [Me₂AlNMe₂]₂ was the final AlN-containing product. Independent reactions were carried out to verify many of the proposed decomposition pathways that lead to thermodynamically stable products. The results of this study are compared with those of the analogous, previously reported (Me₃Al)₂-aminoarsine systems. Additionally, a new synthetic route to [Me₂AlAsMe₂]₃ has been established from the reaction of (Me₂AlH)₃ with Me₂AsH.     

Preparation of 2,4-diarylquinolines and substituted dihydrobenz-[c]acridines by the condensation of certain c(α),o-dilithiooximes with 2-aminobenzophenones

C(α),O-Dilithiooximes were prepared in an excess of lithium diisopropylamide and condensed with several 2-aminobenzophenones, followed by acid hydrolysis of the oximes to the ketones, which then underwent cyclodehydration and linear dehydration to give substituted quinolines or dihydrobenz[c]acridines.