An ultrasound assisted cyclocondensation reaction for the efficient synthesis of [1]benzopyranopyrido[d]pyrimidines using porous graphene/MoO3

In this paper, we report a feasible protocol for the preparation of [1]benzopyranopyrido[d]pyrimidines via expeditious sonochemical route. The reaction efficiency was evaluated by influence of several parameters including sonication power, sonication time, different solvents, and using porous graphene/MoO₃ nanocomposite as catalyst, for the first time. The effect of the ultrasonication comparing with the conventional heating on the synthesis of the titled compounds shows that the ultrasonic irradiation is required to rich the cyclized products. The structural properties of porous graphene/MoO₃ nanocomposite were determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), powder X‐ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, and also by TGA analysis. Confirmation of the structures of compounds 4a – 4h were also established with IR, ¹H NMR, and ¹³C NMR spectroscopic data and also by elemental analyses.     

Synthesis and characterization of a novel and green rod-like magnetic ZnS/CuFe2O4/agar organometallic hybrid catalyst for the synthesis of biologically-active 2-amino-tetrahydro-4H-chromene-3-carbonitrile derivatives

The magnetic biocompatible rod-like ZnS/CuFe₂O₄/agar organometallic hybrid catalyst was designed and prepared based on a natural macromolecule (agar) through a green and convenient method using inexpensive, nontoxic, and easily available substances. Then, the as-prepared catalyst was characterized by several techniques such as Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, scanning electron microscopy image, transmission electron microscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry curve, X-ray diffraction pattern, and thermogravimetric analysis. Eventually, the catalytic application of the ZnS/CuFe₂O₄/agar nanobiocomposite was assessed in sequential Knoevenagel condensation–Michael addition reaction of dimedone, malononitrile, and different substituted aromatic aldehydes for the synthesis of 2-amino-tetrahydro-4H-chromene-3-carbonitrile derivatives. Some notable strengths of this environmentally benign catalyst include simplicity of catalyst preparation and separation, affording desired products with satisfactory yields (81%–97%) in very short reaction times (3–18 min), and with no need for complicated work-up processes. Experimental tests showed that the catalyst can be successfully reused after five sequential runs without significant reduction in its catalytic efficiency.     

Facile one-pot synthesis of pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives over ZrO2 nanoparticles catalyst

An efficient synthesis of hexahydropyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidinetrione derivatives is achieved via tandem Knoevenagel-Michael addition of aromatic aldehydes,methylcyanoacetate and 4（6）-aminouracil in solvent-free conditions in the presence of 10 mol%of ZrO₂ nanoparticles（ZrO₂ NPs） as a heterogenous catalyst.The procedure is formed in high yields,short reaction time and an environmentally friendly specificity.     

Tunable patterning of microparticles and cells using standing surface acoustic waves

We have developed an acoustic-based tunable patterning technique by which microparticles or cells can be arranged into reconfigurable patterns in microfluidic channels. In our approach, we use pairs of slanted-finger interdigital transducers (SFITs) to generate a tunable standing surface acoustic wave field, which in turn patterns microparticles or cells in one- or two-dimensional arrays inside the microfluidic channels--all without the assistance of fluidic flow. By tuning the frequency of the input signal applied to the SFITs, we have shown that the cell pattern can be controlled with tunability of up to 72%. This acoustic-based tunable patterning technique has the advantages of wide tunability, non-invasiveness, and ease of integration to lab-on-a-chip systems, and shall be valuable in many biological and colloidal studies.     

Argon‐Plasma‐Induced Ultrathin Thermal Grafting of Thermoresponsive pNIPAm Coating for Contractile Patterned Human SMC Sheet Engineering

A new method for ultrathin grafting of pNIPAm on PDMS surfaces is introduced that employs plasma activation of the surface followed by thermal polymerization. This method is optimized for human primary SMC attachment and subsequent intact cell sheet detachment by lowering the temperature. The contractile gene expression of the cells showed that the contractile phenotype of the SMCs which is induced by aligning the cells through micropatterning is more preserved after thermoresponsive cell sheet detachment in contrast with enzymatic detachment. Given its simplicity and low cost, this thermoresponsive grafting method can be utilized for engineering patterned cell sheets for future bottom‐up tissue engineering techniques.

     

Simple route to indeno[1, 2-b]quinoline derivatives via a coupling reaction catalyzed by TiO2 nanoparticles

A simple,efficient and high yielding approach for the synthesis of indeno[1,2-b]quinolinediones has been developed by a one-pot,four-component,coupling reaction utilizing TiO₂ nanoparticles（TiO₂-NPs） as a heterogeneous catalyst at 80℃in aqueous media.     

Sustainable synthesis of [1]benzopyran azo dyes using CuCr2O4 NPs

In this study, copper chromite nanoparticles (CuCr₂O₄ NPs) were prepared by a simple hydrothermal method. This nanomaterial was found as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of a new class of [1]benzopyran azo dyes via pseudo-three-component reaction of (E)-1,2-diphenyl-1-diazene with 4-hydroxycoumarin in the ratio 1:2. The aim of the present work was to provide a practical and high yielding protocol that offers several advantages such as simple procedure with an easy work-up, mild reaction conditions, and the use of CuCr₂O₄ NPs as an efficient and easily recoverable catalyst.     

A clean procedure for synthesis of pyrido[d]pyrimidine derivatives under solvent-free conditions catalyzed by ZrO(2) nanoparticles

A simple one-pot method for the preparation of 7-amino-2,4-dioxo-5-aryl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrido[2,3- d]pyrimidine-6-carbonitriles 4 from aromatic aldehydes, malononitrile and 4(6)-aminouracil in the presence of ZrO2 nanoparticles (ZrO2 NPs) as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst is described. The procedure has the advantages of high yields (86-97%), short reaction time (2h) and an environmentally friendly specificity.     

Preparation of chitosan–silica/PCL composite membrane as wound dressing with enhanced cell attachment

In the present study, the asymmetrical polycaprolactone membranes were synthesized using phase inversion method and modified by addition of Pluronic (F‐127) and sodium hydroxide treatment to improve the cell attachment. The chemical structure, physical properties and mechanical behavior of the membranes as well as cell attachment and proliferation on them were characterized and compared to determine the appropriate membrane used in wound dressing fabrication. Then, a composite membrane as wound dressing capable of drug controlled‐release was prepared composed of two merged layers: an asymmetrical poly(ε‐caprolactone) layer coated with a drug‐loaded chitosan – silica matrix. Drug release behavior and biocompatibility of the final system were evaluated. The results showed that the polycaprolactone modified membrane provides appropriate properties to expand fibroblast cell adhesion and proliferation. This in‐vitro study also showed that the controlled‐release composite wound dressing was developed with approximately 70% cumulative release rate, which provided a porous substrate to support skin cells. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.