Adduct simplification in the analysis of cyanobacterial toxins by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry

A novel method for simplifying adduct patterns to improve the detection and identification of peptide toxins using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry is presented. Addition of 200 microM zinc sulfate heptahydrate (ZnSO(4) . 7H(2)O) to samples prior to spotting on the target enhances detection of the protonated molecule while suppressing competing adducts. This produces a highly simplified spectrum with the potential to enhance quantitative analysis, particularly for complex samples. The resulting improvement in total signal strength and reduction in the coefficient of variation (from 31.1% to 5.2% for microcystin-LR) further enhance the potential for sensitive and accurate quantitation. Other potential additives tested, including 18-crown-6 ether, alkali metal salts (lithium chloride, sodium chloride, potassium chloride), and other transition metal salts (silver chloride, silver nitrate, copper(II) nitrate, copper(II) sulfate, zinc acetate), were unable to achieve comparable results. Application of this technique to the analysis of several microcystins, potent peptide hepatotoxins from cyanobacteria, is illustrated.     

Applications of Hyaluronic Acid in Ophthalmology and Contact Lenses

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan that was first isolated and identified from the vitreous body of a bull’s eye. HA is ubiquitous in the soft connective tissues of animals and therefore has high tissue compatibility for use in medication. Because of HA’s biological safety and water retention properties, it has many ophthalmology-related applications, such as in intravitreal injection, dry eye treatment, and contact lenses. Due to its broad range of applications, the identification and quantification of HA is a critical topic. This review article discusses current methods for analyzing HA. Contact lenses have become a widely used medical device, with HA commonly used as an additive to their production material, surface coating, and multipurpose solution. HA molecules on contact lenses retain moisture and increase the wearer’s comfort. HA absorbed by contact lenses can also gradually release to the anterior segment of the eyes to treat dry eye. This review discusses applications of HA in ophthalmology.     

A comparative study of amide-bond forming reagents in aqueous media – Substrate scope and reagent compatibility

A survey of amidation reagents demonstrating DIC-HOPO, DMT-MM, COMU-collidine, TPTU-NMI, EEDQ, CDI and EDC-Oxyma to be effective for the coupling of carboxylic acids with amines in the presence of water and the absence of problematic dipolar aprotic solvents is reported. DMT-MM was shown to provide the best yields for the coupling of a secondary amine, TPTU-NMI and COMU-collidine for aniline, whilst the combination of DIC with HOPO afforded the broadest substrate scope and the highest yields for a sterically demanding carboxylic acid.     

Phosphorus-functionalized multi-wall carbon nanotubes as flame-retardant additives for polystyrene and poly (methyl methacrylate)

The relationship between the properties with the composition of nickel–aluminium mixed oxides was investigated in this work. Ni–Al materials with Ni/Al molar ratios between 0.5 and 9 were synthesised via co-precipitation. The samples were characterised using the following techniques: surface area measurements (S _BET), thermogravimetry, X-ray diffraction and temperature-programmed reduction, desorption and oxidation (H₂-TPR, NH₃-TPD and TPO/DTA). Samples with Ni/Al ratio = 0.5 primarily formed the Al₂O₃ phase, whereas Ni/Al ratio = 9 mainly led to the bulk NiO phase. However, Ni/Al ratios between 1 and 3 favoured the formation of the mixed oxide phase with increased thermal stability and specific surface area and decreased crystallite sizes. The lower Ni/Al ratios led to the production of ethylene, which is likely related to the higher number of sites with stronger acidity. The samples with Ni/Al ratios of 2 and 3 promoted selectivity towards synthesis gas. For higher Ni/Al ratios, low thermal stability leading to sintering and deactivation due to coke formation was observed.     

Synthesis and structural studies of germyl and germyl/stannyl substituted tungstenocenes

One-pot reactions of [WCp2(H)2] and [WCp2(H)(SnMe3)] with "BuLi followed by an equivalent of GeMe2Cl2 afford mono(germyl) substituted tungstenocenes [WCp2(H)(GeMe2Cl)] (1) and [WCp2(SnMe3)(GeMe2Cl)] (7). Reactions of the products with tin halides in the presence NEt3 afford the mixed complexes [WCp2(SnR2X)(GeMe2Y)] (X, Y = Cl, Br, R = Me, Et), which were further converted to moderately stable compounds [WCp2(SnR2H)(GeMe2H)] (R = Me (10), Et (11)). A number of asymmetric mono(halo)-substituted germyl/stannyl tungstenocenes [WCp2(SnMe2X)(GeMe2H)] (X = Cl (12), Br (13)) and [WCp2(SnEt2Y)(GeMe2H)] (Y = Br (14), I (15)) were prepared by selective halogenation of the Sn-H bond in 10 and 11. X-Ray studies of [WCp2(H)(GeMe2Cl)] (1), [WCp2(SnEt2Br)(GeMe2Cl)] (4), and [WCp2(SnEt2Br)(GeMe2H)] (14) established classical structures of these compounds. X-Ray study of complex [WCp2(SnMeCl)(GeMe2Cl)] (3) revealed the presence of interligand Ge-Cl...Sn-Cl interactions in a highly Ge/Sn disordered structure. Analyses of molecular parameters of 1, 4, and 14 suggest the presence of a negative hyperconjugation between metal lone pairs and the sigma*-orbital of the E-X bond, which is stronger in bromo substituted complexes in comparison with chloro substituted ones.     

Silver(I) ions bridged by pyridazine: doubling the ligand functionality for the design of unusual 3D coordination frameworks

Nitrogen donor tetradentate ligands 4,4'-bipyridazine (bpdz) and pyridazino[4,5-d]pyridazine (pp) were prepared by inverse electron demand Diels-Alder cycloaddition reactions of 1,2,4,5-tetrazine. Examination of their behaviour towards silver(i) ions revealed a special potential of the ligands for the design of 3D coordination frameworks involving characteristic polynuclear and polymeric silver(i)-pyridazine motifs and multiple coordination of the ligands. Ag(4)(pp)(5)(ClO(4))(4) and Ag(4)(pp)(5)(SiF(6))(BF(4))(2).4H(2)O adopt a unique 3D trinodal 4,4,5-connected topology based upon five-fold coordination of the metal ions and tetradentate bridging function of the organic modules. Complexes Ag(3)(L)(3)(SO(3)CF(3))(3).nH(2)O and Ag(4)(L)(3)(X)(4).nH(2)O (L = bpdz, pp; X = BF(4)(-), 0.5SiF(6)(2-)) illustrate formation of highly-connected frameworks incorporating trinuclear clusters as an origin of the net connectivity. In the carboxylate complexes Ag(2)(L)(R(F)COO)(2) (R(F) = CF(3), C(2)F(5), C(3)F(7)) the pyridazine and acido ligands act as complementary linkers for generation of 3D frameworks involving helicate motifs. Fused bicyclic pyridazine pp is a unique system combining very efficient sigma(N)-donor ability and pronounced pi-acidity. The coordination frameworks commonly exhibit strong anion-pi interactions, including unprecedented examples of double anion-pi,pi binding that occur between pyridazino[4,5-d]pyridazine as a double pi,pi-receptor for geometry complementary SiF(6)(2-) anions.     

4,4'-Bipyridazine: a new twist for the synthesis of coordination polymers

A new polydentate ligand 4,4'-bipyridazine (4,4'-bpdz) was prepared by employing inverse electron demand cycloaddition of 1,2,4,5-tetrazine. A unique combination of structural simplicity, ampolydentate character and efficient donor properties towards Cu(I), Cu(II) and Zn(II) provide wide new possibilities for the synthesis of coordination polymers incorporating the 4,4'-bpdz module either as a bi-, tri- or tetradentate connector between the metal ions. 1D coordination polymers Cu(2)(4,4'-bpdz)(CH(3)CO(2))(4) x 4H(2)O and Zn(4,4'-bpdz)(NO(3))(2), and interpenetrated (4,4)-nets in [Cu(4,4'-bpdz)(2)(H(2)O)(2)]S(2)O(6) were closely related to 4,4'-bipyridine compounds. 1D "ladder-like" polymer Cu(2)(4,4'-bpdz)(3)(CF(3)CO(2))(4) and the unprecedented 3D binodal net ({8(6)}{6(3);8(3)}) in [Cu(3)(4,4'-bpdz)(6)(H(2)O)(4)](BF(4))(6) x 6H(2)O were based upon a combination of linear and angular organic bridges. Complex [Cu(3)(OH)(2)(4,4'-bpdz)(3)(H(2)O)(2){CF(3)CO(2)}(2)](CF(3)CO(2))(2) x 2H(2)O has a "NbO-like" 3D topology incorporating discrete dihydroxotricopper(II) clusters linked by tri- and tetradentate ligands. The tetradentate function of the 4,4'-bpdz ligand was especially relevant for copper(I) complexes, which adopt layered Cu(2)X(2)(4,4'-bpdz) (X = Cl, Br) or 3D chiral framework (X = I) structures based upon infinite (CuX)(n) chains. The electron deficient character of the ligand was manifested by short anion-pi interactions (O-pi 3.02-3.20; Cl-pi 3.35 A), which may be involved as a factor for controlling the supramolecular structure.     

A trisulfide-linked glycoprotein

The first member of a novel class of chemoselective reagents, glycosyl methanedithiosulfonates, has been synthesized, identified and employed in the first examples of chemical, site-selective construction of a trisulfide-modified protein with complete conversion.     

Magnetic nanoparticle-supported proline as a recyclable and recoverable ligand for the CuI catalyzed arylation of nitrogen nucleophiles

Magnetic nanoparticle-supported proline ligand was prepared and used for the CuI catalyzed Ullmann-type coupling reactions of aryl/heteroaryl bromides with various nitrogen heterocycles to form the corresponding N-aryl products in good to excellent yields; furthermore, this magnetic nanoparticle-supported proline ligand could be readily separated using an external magnet and reused without significant loss of activity.     

The effect of double-chain surfactants on armored bubbles: a surfactant-controlled route to colloidosomes

We find that the gas phases of air bubbles covered with anionic or cationic polystyrene latex particles dissolve on exposure to cationic and catanionic surfactants. The particles on the bubble interface are released as singlets or aggregates when the surfactant has a single hydrophobic chain, while porous colloidal capsules (colloidosomes) with the same aqueous phase inside as out are obtained when the surfactant has two hydrophobic chains. The formation of colloidosomes from the particle-covered bubbles does not appear to depend significantly on the charge of the particles, which makes it unlikely that bilayers of surfactant are stabilizing the colloidosome. While the exact mechanism of formation remains an open question, our method is a simple one-step process for obtaining colloidosomes from particle-covered bubbles.