Spectrophotometric Studies of Entrapped Thymol Phtalein pH Indicator into Sol‐Gel Matrix

This research involves the behavior of thymol phtalein pH indicator entrapped into the sol‐gel derived inorganic matrix. The method is based on the physical entrapment of the reagent molecules in the sol‐gel matrix. The immobilized thymol phthalein pH indicator shows behavior similar to its solution counterpart. The UV/vis spectra indicate that the thymol phthalein retains its structure during the sol‐gel reactions in terms of response to pH. Thymol phthalein can be regarded as uniformly distributed in the sol‐gel matrix. This observation has been confirmed using polarized microscopy. This research shows that thymol phtalein can be immobilized in sol‐gel glasses and used as a solid pH sensor.     

Characterization of Chitosan/Alginate Self-Assembled Nanoparticles as a Protein Carrier

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the polymeric ratios on the characteristics of chitosan/alginate (ch/alg) self-assembled nanoparticles and their potential as protein delivery vehicle. The nanoparticles were prepared using proper mixing of polymers in presence or absence of bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a protein model. Three formulations of nanoparticles comprising ch/alg ratios of 2:1, 1:1, and 1:2 were prepared. Size, shape and zeta potential of the formulations were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and nanosizer instruments. FTIR, and differential scanning calorimetery (DSC) studies were performed to investigate polymer-polymer or polymer-protein interactions. Release profiles and entrapment efficiencies of the nanoparticles were determined by calorimetric technique using appropriate techniques. Entrapment efficiency was 70% for ch/alg ratio of 1:1, 65% for 1:2, and 60% for 2:1. The z-average size of the nanoparticles were 403, 205, and 318 nm for ch/alg ratios of 2:1, 1:1, and 1:2, respectively. Average zeta potentials were ?47, +15, ?25 mV for 2:1, 1:1, and 1:2 as well. Considering the favorable features required for protein delivery systems, ch/alg (1:1) due to its smallest size, highest loading, and most homogenous shape was regarded as the best ratio.     

Entrapment of pH Universal Indicator into Sol‐Gel Matrix

This study involves the behavior of universal indicator entrapped into the sol‐gel matrix. The encapsulation of universal indicator has been prepared by acid catalyzed sol‐gel reaction of tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) in the presence of universal indicator to produce transparent monolithic silica doping with universal indicator. The immobilized universal indicator pH‐indicator shows behavior similar to its solution counterpart. The UV/VIS spectra indicate that the universal indicator retains its structure during the sol‐gel reactions in terms of response to pH. The universal indicator can be regarded as uniformly distributed in the sol‐gel matrix. The use of SDS surfactant has positive effects on the immobilized universal indicator monolithic disk due to homogenizing the polymerizing system. This observation has been confirmed using polarized microscopy.     

Rapid conversion of cellulose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural using single and combined metal chloride catalysts in ionic liquid

Direct conversion of cellulose into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural(HMF) was performed by using single or combined metal chloride catalysts in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride(Cl) ionic liquid.Our study demonstrated formation of 2-furyl hydroxymethyl ketone(FHMK),and furfural(FF) simultaneously with the formation of HMF.Various reaction parameters were addressed to optimize yields of furan derivatives produced from cellulose by varying reaction temperature,time,and the type of metal chloride catalyst.Catalytic reaction by using FeCl3 resulted in 59.9% total yield of furan derivatives(HMF,FHMK,and FF) from cellulose.CrCl3 was the most effective catalyst for selective conversion of cellulose into HMF(35.6%) with less concentrations of FHMK,and FF.Improving the yields of furans produced from cellulose could be achieved via reactions catalyzed by different combinations of two metal chlorides.Further optimization was carried out to produce total furans yield 75.9% by using FeCl3/CuCl2 combination.CrCl3/CuCl2 was the most selective combination to convert cellulose into HMF(39.9%) with total yield(63.8%) of furans produced from the reaction.The temperature and time of the catalytic reaction played an important role in cellulose conversion,and the yields of products.Increasing the reaction temperature could enhance the cellulose conversion and HMF yield for short reaction time intervals(5~20 min).     

A quick and green ionic liquid-mediated approach for the synthesis of high-performance, organosoluble and thermally stable polyimides

Three diamine monomers with different derivatives of imidazole heterocyclic ring and meta-linked aryl ethers were synthesized and used in polycodensation reaction with various commercial dianhydrides for preparation of a series of novel poly(ether-imide) (PEI)s. The polycodensation reactions were carried out by using conventional method and in a green medium of ionic liquid (IL) without using NMP-pyridine-acetic anhydride. The PEIs were obtained in good yields (80% 96%) with moderate viscosity (0.48 0.66 dL/g) in a shorter reaction time (10 h) in IL as compared with the conventional method (36 h). All of the polymers were amorphous in nature, showed excellent solubility in amide-type polar aprotic solvents with ability to form tough and flexible films, and excellent thermal stability with Tgs in the range of 212 340 ℃ and 10% weight loss temperature (T10) up to 570℃ in N 2 and 528 ℃ in air.     

Crystal structure of 1,2‐[4‐butoxybenzoyloxy‐4′‐pentyl]diphenylethane

The crystal structure of 1,2‐[4‐butoxybenzoyloxy‐4′‐pentyl]diphenylethane (C₃₀H₃₆O₃) has been determined by direct methods using single crystal X‐ray diffraction data. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system with space group P2₁/a and Z?=?4. The unit cell parameters are: a?=?8.098(1), b?=?10.926(1), c?=?29.643(2)?Å and β?=?94.01(1)°. The final reliability factor is R?=?0.073 and the goodness of fit is equal to 1.027. The molecular arrangement is very typical, with molecules associated in dimers very closely parallel to the Oz axis. In a given dimer, the backbones of the two molecules run alongside each other; this association can be attributed to strong dipole–dipole interactions through the polar ester and ether groups. In addition these dimers are connected to neighbours via dipole–dipole interactions along the Oy direction. There are numerous very weak van der Waals interactions, particularly between the terminal aliphatic chains.     

Use of clinoptilolite loaded with 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol as a sorbent for preconcentration of Pb(II), Ni(II), Cd(II) and Cu(II) prior to their determination by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy

A solid phase extraction system for separation and preconcentration of trace amounts of Pb(II), Ni(II), Cd(II) and Cu(II) is proposed. The procedure is based on the adsorption of Pb²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cd²⁺ and Cu²⁺ ions on a column of 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol (PAN) immobilised on surfactant-coated clinoptilolite prior to their determinations by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (FAAS). The effective parameters including pH, sample volume, sample flow rate and eluent flow rate were also studied. The analytes collected on the column were eluted with 5 mL of 1 mol L^?1 nitric acid. A concentration factor of 180 can be achieved by passing 900 mL of sample through the column. The detection limits (3 s) for Cd, Cu, Pb and Ni were found to be 0.28, 0.12, 0.44 and 0.46 µg L^?1, respectively. The relative SDs at 10 µg L^?1 (n = 10) for analytes were in the range of 1.2–1.4%. The method was applied to the determination of Pb, Ni, Cd and Cu in water samples.     

Insertion of fluorophore dyes between Cloisite Na+ layered for preparation of novel organoclays

The aim of this study was to obtain novel photo-functional organomontmorillonites from the intercalation reaction of Cloisite Na⁺ and fluorescent dyes of auramine O, and safranin T in an aqueous solution. The insertion of surfactants in the interlamellar space of nanoclay was followed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray measurements. An X-ray diffraction analysis established that incorporation of the organic dye cations into the Cloisite Na⁺ expands remarkably the mineral interplanar distances from 1.17 to 1.83–1.97 nm. Field emission scanning electron microscopy was used to study the morphology of the synthesized organoclays. The thermal behavior of the novel hybrid materials was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis and the results show that the organo modified clays verify stepwise decomposition corresponding to initial weight loss from residual water desorption, followed by decomposition of the fluorescent dyes and the dehydroxylation of structural water of the clay layers. Fluorescence properties of the cationic dyes, auramine O, and safranin T incorporated in the clay have significant differences from their behavior in organic solvents and water and the results show that both dyes exhibit a significant fluorescence emission at room temperature when adsorbed in clay.     

Identification of ligands that target the HCV-E2 binding site on CD81

Hepatitis C is a global health problem. While many drug companies have active R&D efforts to develop new drugs for treating Hepatitis C virus (HCV), most target the viral enzymes. The HCV glycoprotein E2 has been shown to play an essential role in hepatocyte invasion by binding to CD81 and other cell surface receptors. This paper describes the use of AutoDock to identify ligand binding sites on the large extracellular loop of the open conformation of CD81 and to perform virtual screening runs to identify sets of small molecule ligands predicted to bind to two of these sites. The best sites selected by AutoLigand were located in regions identified by mutational studies to be the site of E2 binding. Thirty-six ligands predicted by AutoDock to bind to these sites were subsequently tested experimentally to determine if they bound to CD81-LEL. Binding assays conducted using surface Plasmon resonance revealed that 26 out of 36 (72 %) of the ligands bound in vitro to the recombinant CD81-LEL protein. Competition experiments performed using dual polarization interferometry showed that one of the ligands predicted to bind to the large cleft between the C and D helices was also effective in blocking E2 binding to CD81-LEL.     

Prearranged Glycosides,Part 10. Intramolecular Glycosylation with Cellobiosyl,Lactosyl, and Maltosyl Donors

ABSTRACT

Acetyl protected 1,2-O-(1-methoxyethylidene)-disaccharides 1 of maltose, cellobiose, and lactose, respectively were converted via the corresponding benzyl protected couterparts 2, the benzyl protected phenyl 2-O-acetyl- 3 and 2-O-unprotected 1-thio-glycoside disaccharides 4 into 2-O-succinoylated disaccharides 5. The latter were esterified with benzyl 2-O-benzoyl-4,6-di-O-benzylidene-α-D-glucopyranoside (6) to afford succinyl linked derivatives 7 the benzylidene groups of which were regioselectively opened to give prearranged glycoside trisaccharides 8. Intramolecular glycosylation of the latter with N-iodosuccinimide resulted in exclusive formation of the corresponding α-(1→4)-linked trisaccharides 9. No influence of the donor moiety on the diastereoselectivity of the intramolecular glycosylation was observed.