Infrared spectra of M+NO 3 − contact ion pairs in aprotic solvents and matrix isolated in the corresponding glasses

Studies of the vibrational spectra of matrix-isolated M⁺NO ₃ ^– ion pairs have been extended to glassy aprotic solvents. The deuterated form of the solvents DMSO, THF, and ACN have windows through the 7- nitrate ionv ₃(e) mode infrared region, so it was possible to clearly observe the splitting of the degeneracy of this mode,v ₃, produced by the contacting, but solvated, alkali metal cation. Primary attention has been directed to the extent to which this splitting is reduced relative to the argon matrix values. This reduction, which reflects electron-density transfer from the solvating molecules to the ion pairs, is comparable to that observed for H₂O and NH₃ matrices as the splitting is reduced to 20–35% of the argon-matrix values. The extent of reduction ofv ₃ for the different solvents has been related to Gutmann's donicity number scale with the correlation holding well for solvent molecules of comparable size, DMSO, THF and DMF, but breaking down for the smaller linear ACN, apparently because of more molecules in the cation solvation sphere. The matrix data have also been used, through comparison with spectra for saturated liquid solutions of Li⁺NO ₃ ^– , to show that the contact ion pair is the dominant species in liquid THF and ACN, whereas the ions are largely solvent separated in DMSO.     

Germacreme derivatives from diverse marine soft-corals (octocorallia)

Examinations of the extracts of 8 taxonomically-diverse marine soft-corals (Orders Gorgonaceae, Alcyonaceae and Stolonifera, Subclass Octocorallia, Phylum Cnidaria), have resulted in the isolation of 4 new sesquiterpenoids (1–4) of the germacrene type. Three previously known germacrene derivatives (5–7), and the elemane 8, have also been isolated, and complete ¹H and ¹³C NMR assignments for these compounds are reported.     

Detection of adsorption of Ru(II) and Os(II) polypyridyl complexes on gold and silver nanoparticles by single-photon counting emission measurements

The present study describes a new application of ruthenium(II) tris(bipyridine) (Ru(bpy)3(2+)) and osmium(II) tris(bipyridine) (Os(bpy)3(2+)) as phosphorescent labels for the quantification of surface binding of molecules to gold and silver nanoparticles. The fraction of Ru(bpy)3(2+) and Os(bpy)3(2+) that is in solution can be distinguished from the surface-bound fraction by the relative lifetimes and integrated emission yields as determined by time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC) spectroscopy. Complementary steady-state measurements were carried out to confirm surface attachment of the phosphorescent label molecules. Although the emission of solutions of Ru(bpy)3(2+) and Os(bpy)3(2+) is quenched proportional to the concentration of 10 nm Au or 20 nm Ag nanoparticles, the quenching is static and not diffusional quenching observed in Stern-Volmer plots. The results demonstrate that time-resolved spectroscopy provides a rapid method for the measurement of surface binding of labeled molecules on metallic nanoparticles. While steady-state measurements require the preparation of a series of samples with varying quencher concentrations and a reference, the method described herein requires a single sample plus reference. The mechanism for phosphorescence quenching on Au and Ag nanoparticles is discussed in terms of energy and electron transfer theories.     

Interfacial electrical properties of DNA-modified diamond thin films: intrinsic response and hybridization-induced field effects

We have investigated the frequency-dependent interfacial electrical properties of nanocrystalline diamond films that were covalently linked to DNA oligonucleotides and how these properties are changed upon exposure to complementary and noncomplementary DNA oligonucleotides. Frequency-dependent electrical measurements at the open-circuit potential show significant changes in impedance at frequencies of >10(4) Hz when DNA-modified diamond films are exposed to complementary DNA, with only minimal changes when exposed to noncomplementary DNA molecules. Measurements as a function of potential show that at 10(5) Hz, the impedance is dominated by the space-charge region of the diamond film. DNA molecules hybridizing at the interface induce a field effect in the diamond space-charge layer, altering the impedance of the diamond film. By identifying a range of impedances where the impedance is dominated by the diamond space-charge layer, we show that it possible to directly observe DNA hybridization, in real time and without additional labels, via simple measurement of the interfacial impedance.     

31P and 1h NMR as probes of domain alignment in a rigid crystalline surfactant mesophase

A viscous reverse hexagonal surfactant mesophase containing bis(2-ethylhexyl) sodium sulfosuccinate (AOT) and alpha-phosphatidylcholine (lecithin), with comparable volume fractions of isooctane and water, was characterized by Fourier transform (31)P and (1)H NMR spectroscopy. Shear alignment was reflected through both (31)P NMR and (1)H NMR spectra. A complicated (31)P spectrum was observed as a result of superposition of chemical shifts according to the distribution of crystalline domains prior to shear. The initially disordered samples with polydomain structures become macroscopically aligned after Couette shear. (31)P NMR chemical shift anisotropy characteristics are used to elucidate orientation of the hexagonal phase. Interestingly, (1)H NMR spectra exhibit spectral changes upon shear alignment closely corresponding with that of (31)P NMR spectra. These observations complement the findings of mesophase alignment obtained using SANS and imply that (31)P and (1)H NMR spectroscopy can be used as probes to define microstructure and monitor orientation changes in this binary surfactant system. This is especially beneficial if these mesophases are used as templates for materials synthesis.     

ADVENTITIOUS INTERCONVERSION OF cis- AND trans-UROCANIC ACID BY LABORATORY LIGHT

Urocanic acid (UCA) is a chromophore in the stratum corneum. Ultraviolet radiation (ultraviolet B) has been shown to suppress mammalian cell-mediated immunity. The photoisomerization of trans -UCA to cis -UCA was proposed as the initiator of the suppression process. Cis -urocanic acid has been demonstrated to suppress immunity by a variety of experiments. Investigators should be aware that laboratory illumination may be capable of interconverting trans -UCA and cis -UCA during experimental manipulations. This possible inadvertent contamination of one isomer by the other may influence results. We demonstrated that fluorescent lamps, daylight, sunlight and incandescent lamps were able to bring about isomerization. Window glass and container materials of plastic and clear glass did not filter out effective wavelengths, but three commercial plastic diffusers on fluorescent fixtures prevented the isomerization. Because the molar extinction coefficient (ɛ) for cis -UCA is less than that of trans -UCA, we have exposed 0.1 m M trans -UCA to ambient light and monitored the change in absorbance. A method is given to calculate the percentage of trans and cis isomers from the absorbance at 277 nm when the initial purity and absorbance are known. Using this procedure, we validated the molar extinction coefficient of cis -UCA.     

Photo-stabilising action of metal chelates in polypropylene—Part IV: Influence of metal stearates in an exchange mechanism

The effect of calcium and nickel stearates on the photo-stabilising action and photo-decomposition of one calcium and two nickel metal chelates in polypropylene has been examined using infra-red and ultraviolet derivative spectroscopy. Whereas the presence of calcium stearate antagonises the photo-stabilising action of one nickel chelate, Irgastab 2002, it strongly synergises with the other, Cyasorb UV 1084. The presence of nickel stearate synergises with the calcium chelate, Irganox 1425, in unprocessed polymer whereas, in processed polymer, it exhibits antagonism. Rates of photo-decomposition of the metal chelates are also affected by metal stearates. The data suggests that, with these nickel chelates, there might be some degree of metal exchange with certain metal stearates.     

Photo-stabilising action of metal chelates in polypropylene—Part I: Excited state quenching versus UV antioxidant action under polychromatic irradiation

The photo-stabilising action of three metal chelates—nickel (II) 2,2′ thiobis (4-tert-octylphenylato) n-butylamine and the nickel and calcium derivatives of bis (ethyl-3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl) phosphonate, in polypropylene—is examined using normal and second order derivative ultraviolet, infra-red and phosphorescence spectroscopic techniques and hydroperoxide analysis. Whilst all three stabilisers quenched the phosphorescence emission of a powerful photo-sensitiser, benzophenone, there was no protective action during photo-sensitised oxidation of the polymer. In the case of anthraquinone, there was no quenching and no protection. Processing history plays a dominant rôle in controlling the photo-stabilising performance of the chelates. Each stabiliser operates differently, being dependent on its relative stability during processing and photo-oxidation and on the formation and destruction of polymeric and antioxidant hydroperoxides during processing. Metal chelates operate by inhibiting polymer hydroperoxide formation during processing and acting as ultraviolet stable chain terminators or by giving products during the early stages of photo-oxidation which are themselves effective stabilisers.     

Direct optical detection of singlet oxygen from a single cell

Singlet oxygen has been detected in single nerve cells by its weak 1270 nm phosphorescence (a1deltag --> X3sigmag-) upon irradiation of a photosensitizer incorporated in the cell. Thus, one can now consider the application of direct optical imaging techniques to mechanistic studies of singlet oxygen at the single-cell level.     

Measurement of cell migration on surface-bound fibronectin gradients

A novel technique for the quantitative observation of cell migration along linear gradient substrates functionalized with adhesive proteins is presented. Gradients of the cell adhesion molecule fibronectin are generated by the cross diffusion of functionalizable alkanethiols on gold and characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and surface plasmon resonance. Two distinct migration assays are described that characterize the movement of either sparsely populated noncontacting cells or a confluent monolayer of cells into free space. The drift speed of bovine aortic endothelial cells is measured and shown to increase along a fibronectin gradient when compared to a uniform control substrate using both assays. The results of these experiments establish reproducible conditions for studies of cell migration on gradients of surface-bound ligands.