Cytotoxicity of Amino-BODIPY Modulated via Conjugation with 2-Phenyl-3-Hydroxy-4(1H)-Quinolinones

The combination of cytotoxic amino-BODIPY dye and 2-phenyl-3-hydroxy-4(1H)-quinolinone (3-HQ) derivatives into one molecule gave rise to selective activity against lymphoblastic or myeloid leukemia and the simultaneous disappearance of the cytotoxicity against normal cells. Both species′ conjugation can be realized via a disulfide linker cleavable in the presence of glutathione characteristic for cancer cells. The cleavage liberating the free amino-BODIPY dye and 3-HQ derivative can be monitored by ratiometric fluorescence or by the OFF-ON effect of the amino-BODIPY dye. A similar cytotoxic activity is observed when the amino-BODIPY dye and 3-HQ derivative are connected through a non-cleavable maleimide linker. The work reports the synthesis of several conjugates, the study of their cleavage inside cells, and cytotoxic screening.     

Tailored Mobility in a Zeolite Imidazolate Framework (ZIF) Antibody Conjugate**

Zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) hybrid fluorescent nanoparticles and ZIF antibody conjugates have been synthesized, characterized, and employed in lateral-flow immunoassay (LFIA). The bright fluorescence of the conjugates and the possibility to tailor their mobility gives a huge potential for diagnostic assays. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) as label, proved the integrity, stability, and dispersibility of the antibody conjugates, LC-MS/MS provided evidence that a covalent link was established between these metal-organic frameworks and lysine residues in IgG antibodies.     

On a quest of reverse translation

Explaining the emergence of life is perhaps central and the most challenging question in modern science. Within this area of research, the emergence and evolution of the genetic code is supposed to be a critical transition in the evolution of modern organisms. The canonical genetic code is one of the most dominant aspects of life on this planet, and thus studying its origin is critical to understanding the evolution of life, including life’s emergence. In this sense it is possible to view the ribosome as a digital-to-analogue information converter. Why the translation apparatus evolved, is one of the enduring mysteries of molecular biology. Assuming the hypothesis that during the emergence of life evolution had to first involve autocatalytic systems, which only subsequently acquired the capacity of genetic heredity, in the present article we discuss some aspects and causes of the possible emergence of digital, discrete information arising from analogue information realized in the intra- and inter-molecular interactions throughout molecular evolution. How such reverse translation was achieved at a molecular level is still unclear. The results of such debates and investigations might shift current biological paradigms and might also have a momentous significance for modern philosophy in understanding our place in the universe.     

Inkjet-printed electrochemical sensors

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Transient Hg,Ba+, Ca+ and Y+ Optical Emission Lines of a Mercury HID Lamp Exposed to X-Ray: Thermal Analysis of the Tungsten Electrode with Emissive Mixture Based on Barium,Calcium and Yttrium

Plasma Chemistry and Plasma Processing - A study is made on optical emission spectrum modification during X-ray exposure, in the case of a high-pressure mercury discharge lamp operated at several...     

Modified electrode with reduced graphene oxide/poly(3-hydroxyphenylacetic acid): a new platform for oligonucleotide hybridization

Journal of Solid State Electrochemistry - This paper reports a new platform for oligonucleotide hybridization, prepared by electropolymerization of 3-hydroxyphenylacetic acid onto gold electrode...     

Nanochaperone‐Based Strategies to Control Protein Aggregation Linked to Conformational Diseases

The generation of highly organized amyloid fibrils is associated with a wide range of conformational pathologies, including primarily neurodegenerative diseases. Such disorders are characterized by misfolded proteins that lose their normal physiological roles and acquire toxicity. Recent findings suggest that proteostasis network impairment may be one of the causes leading to the accumulation and spread of amyloids. These observations are certainly contributing to a new focus in anti‐amyloid drug design, whose efforts are so far being centered on single‐target approaches aimed at inhibiting amyloid aggregation. Chaperones, known to maintain proteostasis, hence represent interesting targets for the development of novel therapeutics owing to their potential protective role against protein misfolding diseases. In this minireview, research on nanoparticles that can either emulate or help molecular chaperones in recognizing and/or correcting protein misfolding is discussed. The nascent concept of “nanochaperone” may indeed set future directions towards the development of cost‐effective, disease‐modifying drugs to treat several currently fatal disorders.     

Stability constants of D(−)-ribose complexes with calcium in diluted aqueous and methanolic solutions

The study of D(?)-ribose complexing with calcium in aqueous solutions less than 1.64 × 10^?1M by potentiometric measurements with a calcium selective electrode afforded the value of K₁ = 1.70 liters × mole^?1 (SD = 1.05 × 10^?3). Numerical analysis indicated that complex species with 1:1 and 1:2 calcium to D(-)-ribose ratios are present simultaneously: k₁ = 1.13 liters × mole^?1 and K₂ = 8.47 liters × mole^?1 (SD = 0.95 × 10^?3).In methanolic medium 1.24 × 10^?2M with regard to calcium chloride both stoichiometric proportions were evidenced. A large error accompanying the stability constant K₁ = 28 kg × mole^?1 (RSD = 82%) renders unreasonable the K₂ value obtained from the product K₁ × K₂ = 96.5 kg² × mole^?2.The results are discussed with respect to the data published for more concentrated (1.27 M) aqueous solutions obtained on the basis of ₁H-NMR spectroscopic investigations.     

Admittance measurements in dilute solutions: Re-examination of double-layer effects on the electrode reaction of Zn2+/Zn(Hg) In a large concentration range of the supporting electrolyte

A procedure is proposed enabling corrections to be made of the measured admittance components for the resistance uncompensated by the positive feedback, and so to determine the charge-transfer rate constants in dilute solutions of supporting electrolytes. The procedure was checked for the Zn²⁺/Zn(Hg) redox system in NaNO₃ up to 10^?2M. A large increase of the measured rate constants with the dilution of the supporting electrolyte was found, obeying the Frumkin double-layer correction.