Glycerol‐lactic acid star‐shaped oligomers as efficient biobased surface modifiers for improving superabsorbent polymer hydrogels

The glycerol‐lactic acid‐based star‐shaped modifier (SM) were synthesized and employed for surface modification of hygienic superabsorbent polymer (SAP) hydrogels for the first time. Surface crosslinking was carried out to increase the saline‐absorbency under load (AUL) and the swollen gel strength. The surface treatment process was analyzed employing free absorbency and AUL tests, salt sensitivity, attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR), oscillatory rheometry, as well as scanning electron microscopy analysis. The effect of the branched architecture and the contents of SM on the properties of the modified SAPs were studied. The implementation of surface treatment leads to increase up to a 28% in the AUL of the modified SAP. Moreover, the loss modulus was surprisingly increased, while the storage modulus was enhanced (possibly due to the star architecture of oligomers). M_c and crosslink density values have been estimated based on modified rubber elasticity theory. Salt sensitivity factor (f) was calculated; the modified samples showed lower salt sensitivity in NaCl (f = 0.7) and CaCl₂ (f = 0.93–0.95) compared with the intact SAP (f = 0.84 for NaCl, and f = 0.95–0.97 for CaCl₂).     

Structural,electronic, magnetic and vibrational properties of half-Heusler NaZrZ (Z = P,As, Sb) compounds

The structural, electronic, magnetic and vibrational properties of NaZrP, NaZrAs and NaZrSb half-Heusler alloys have been investigated on the basis of density functional theory and generalized gradient approximation. There are three types of structures for these compounds where type a is the most stable one. It is found that all of these materials are half-metallic ferromagnets with a magnetic moment of $2{\mu }_{\mathrm{B}}$. The half-metallic gaps are estimated to be 0.16, 0.35 and 0.55 eV for Z = P, As and Sb, respectively. The hybridization between s and $t_{2g}$ orbitals of Zr with s and p orbitals of Z leads to half-metallic ferromagnetism in these compounds. The effect of strain on the half-metallic property is also investigated, and we notice that the half-metallicity is conserved up to the lattice compressions of 54.43%, 48.29% and 47.55% for NaZrP, NaZrAs and NaZrSb, respectively. The dynamical stability of these compounds is confirmed using dispersion curves. The Curie temperatures are also estimated to be 501.29 K, 855.49 K and 1348.88 K for NaZrP, NaZrAs and NaZrSb, respectively. Therefore, it seems that NaZrZ (Z = P, As, Sb) could be suitable materials for spin-injector applications.     

Inhibitory Effect of Nepeta deflersiana on Climax Bacterial Community Isolated from the Oral Plaque of Patients with Periodontal Disease

Background: The red-complex bacteria are one of the most significant complexes found simultaneously in subgingival plaque next to the periodontal pocket. The current antibacterial treatment is not adequate, and multidrug resistance to it is developing. Henceforth, the antibacterial effect of the ethanolic extract of Nepeta deflersiana was put to test against red-complex bacteria in patients with chronic periodontitis. Methods: Well diffusion and micro broth dilution procedure by Alamar blue were applied to assess the zone of inhibition (ZOI), the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Anti-virulence efficacies of the plant extract that comprise of adherence and formation of biofilms were examined by the process of adherence and biofilm production assay. Results: The crude extract of Nepeta deflersiana exhibited significant inhibitory outcome against periodontopathic bacteria with noteworthy MIC (0.78–3.12 mg/mL), inhibitory zone (12–20 mm), as well as MBC (3.12–12.50 mg/mL). The N. deflersiana extract inhibited bacterial adhesion ranging from 41% to 52%, 53% to 66%, and 60% to 79% at the given MIC × 0.5, MIC × 1, and MIC × 2 in succession. Substantial suppression was also developed in the biofilm production of the investigated periodontopathic strains following exposure to numerous concentrations of N. deflersianan extract for a period of 24 and 48 h. Conclusion: These outcomes divulge a new concept that N. deflersiana extract can be utilized to manufacture valuable antibacterial compounds to treat chronic and acute periodontitis. This identifies N. deflersiana as an essential natural source for future drug development.     

Fine tuning of SAP properties via epoxy‐silane surface modification

Using 3‐[(2,3‐epoxypropoxy)‐propyl]‐trimethoxysilane as a surface modifier, superabsorbent polymers with improved gel strength in their swollen state and saline absorbency under load are synthesized. The products are characterized using attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR–FTIR), rheometry, scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X‐ray analysis, contact angle, thermogravimetric analysis, water absorbency and gel content. The temperature and the duration effect of the surface‐treatment process on residual monomer content are also investigated by high performance liquid chromatography. The gel strength (as shown by storage modulus) and absorbency under load are improved up to 3500–4000 Pa, and 30–40 g/g, respectively. It is suggested that the surface of the superabsorbent polymer particles has been modified by two mechanisms: i.e. interpenetrating polymer network and cross‐linking. Moreover, the surface modification has enhanced thermo‐stability and prohibited undesirable gel blockage. Depending on the post‐treatment method used, the wetting behavior of particles is also altered. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Recent advances in electrochemical and electrochemiluminescence based determination of the activity of caspase-3

Caspases, especially caspase-3, play a critical role in the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis. In addition, caspase-3 is involved in mental disorders like Alzheimer disease. Any up and down regulation of caspase-3 activity may cause cancer. This review (with 58 references) summarizes recent advances in electrochemical and electrochemiluminescent quantitation of the activity of caspase-3 based on the use of nanomaterials. The nanomaterials and nanolabels are classified in three main subgroups, namely electrochemical signal amplification strategies, amplification based on modified electrodes, and the combination of both modes. The potential of various electrochemical and electrochemiluminescence bioassays is discussed, and methods to circumvent certain limitations are oresented. Finally, current trends in the detection of caspase-3 such as system integration and the application of advanced nanomaterials are discussed.

Open image in new window

Graphical abstract The review summarizes electrochemical methods for the quantitation of caspase-3 activity based on the use of nanomaterials and of nanomaterial based labels. It contains subsections on electrochemical signal amplification strategies, amplification based on modified electrodes, and the combination of both modes.

     

Advanced nanomaterials for use in electrochemical and optical immunoassays of carcinoembryonic antigen. A review

This review (with 196 refs.) covers the state of the art in electrochemical and optical immunoassays for the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). In essence, it has sections on (a) frequently applied principles and types of CEA immunoassays; (b) aspects of sensor fabrication including immunological and immobilization procedures and the proper choice of nanomaterials; (c) electrochemical immunoassays, with subsections on assays based on the use of nanoparticles and other nanomaterials (such as conducting polymers and graphenes); (d) optical immunoassays based on the use of nanoparticles such as quantum dots, gold nanoparticles, upconversion nanoparticles, graphenes and their derivatives; (d) lateral flow and lab-on-a-chip (microfluidic) immunoassays; and (e) on multiplexed electrochemical and optical immunoassays with and without labels. Examples for applications to real samples are given. A final section discusses current limitations and trends in terms of sensing schemes and nanomaterials. 

Open image in new window

Graphical abstract A key to develop nanodevices with high performance for immunoassay applications is to explore advanced functional nanomaterials. This review focus on practical aspects trying to give the readers useful insights that should be considered such as the choice of the advanced nanomaterials to be used, the best methods/techniques in immunesensing of CEA.

     

Synthesis and antibacterial activity of new N-[2-(thiophen-3-yl)ethyl] piperazinyl quinolones

As a part of continuing search for potential antibacterial agents in the quinolones field, we have synthesized novel quinolone agents bearing N-[2-(thiophen-3-yl)ethyl] piperazinyl moiety in the 7-position of the quinolone ring. In vitro antibacterial evaluation of the target compounds showed that N-[2-(thiophen-3-yl)ethyl] group attached to piperazine ring served as promising C-7 substituent for piperazinyl quinolone antibacterials. Among these derivatives, ciprofloxacin analogues, containing N-[2-(thiophen-3-yl)-2-hydroxyiminoethyl] or N-[2-(thiophen-3-yl)-2-methoxyiminoethyl] residue provided a high inhibition against all the tested Gram-positive organisms including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus comparable or superior with respect to the reference drugs norfloxacin and ciprofloxacin.     

MgO nanopowders catalyzed synthesis of pyrano[4,3-d]thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidine derivatives

A cubic phase of pure MgO nanopowders was prepared in an aqueous solution containing freshly squeezed orange juice with pulp and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopic techniques. The catalytic potential of MgO nanopowders was evaluated in preparation of pyrano[4,3-d]thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidine and chromeno[4,3-d]thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidines derivatives using the three simple methods including thermal, ultrasonic irradiation, and high-speed ball milling (HSBM) technique under solvent-free conditions. All products were successfully formed in high yields.     

Porous triazine polymer: A novel catalyst for the three-component reaction

A new porous triazine-based covalent organic polymer (Triazine-COP) was prepared through the Schiff-base condensation of 2,4,6-tris(4-formyl phenoxy)-1,3,5-triazine and 4,4′-oxydianiline, under sonication. The synthesized Triazine-COP with a high surface area was stable in water and other organic solvents. In the next step, Au (III) ions were immobilized on the nitrogen-rich Triazine-COP that on the reduction with NaBH₄ produced the heterogeneous catalyst of gold clusters in nanosize (Au-NCs@Triazine-COPs). It was applied as an efficient catalyst for the A³ coupling reaction of alkynes, aldehydes with and amines. Both electron-withdrawing/releasing groups produced the corresponding propargylamines with high yields. The high activity of the Au-NCs@Triazine-COPs in this reaction was because of the nanoporous structure of the support that enables the high dispersion and an unhindered open environment for the NCs. The catalyst was reused up to 7 times without significant loss in activity.     

Synthesis,Characterization, and Antibacterial Activities of Organotin(IV) Complexes with 2‐Acetylpyridine‐N(4)‐cyclohexylthiosemicarbazone (HAPCT)

The reaction of 2‐acetylpyridine‐N(4)‐cyclohexylthiosemicarbazone [(HAPCT), ( 1 )] ligand with organotin(IV) chloride(s) afforded the five new organotin(IV) complexes: [MeSnCl₂(APCT)] ( 2 ), [BuSnCl₂(APCT)] ( 3 ), [PhSnCl₂(APCT)] ( 4 ), [Me₂SnCl(APCT)] ( 5 ), and [Ph₂SnCl(APCT)] ( 6 ). The ligand ( 1 ) and its organotin(IV) complexes ( 2–6 ) have been synthesized and characterized by CHN analyses, molar conductivity, UV–vis, FT IR, ¹H, ¹³C, and ¹¹⁹Sn NMR spectral studies. The single crystal X‐ray diffraction studies indicated that [PhSnCl₂(APCT)] ( 4 ) is six coordinated and strongly adopts a distorted octahedral configuration with the coordination through pyridine‐N, azomethine‐N, and thiolato‐S atoms of the ligand. The compound crystallizes into a monoclinic lattice with the space group P21/n. The ligand ( 1 ) and its organotin(IV) complexes ( 2–6 ) were assayed for in vitro antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, and Salmonella typhi. The screening results have shown that the organotin(IV) complexes ( 2–6 ) have better antibacterial activity than the free ligand. Furthermore, it has been shown that the diphenyltin(IV) derivative ( 6 ) exhibits significantly better activities than the other organotin(IV) derivatives ( 2–5 ). © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 24:43–52, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com . DOI 10.1002/hc.21061