Polymer complexes. LXX. Synthesis,spectroscopic studies,thermal properties and antimicrobial activity of metal(II) polymer complexes

The monomer 3‐allyl‐5‐(phenylazo)‐2‐thioxothiazolidine‐4‐one (HL) was prepared by the reaction of allyl rhodanine with aniline through diazo‐coupling reaction. Reaction of HL with Ni(II) or Co(II) salts gave polymer complexes ( 1 – 8 ) with general stoichiometries [M(HL)(Cl)₂(OH₂)₂]_n, [M(HL)(O₂SO₂)(OH₂)₂]_n, [M(L)(O₂NO)(H₂O)₂]_n and [M(L)(O₂CCH₃)(H₂O)₂]_n (where M = Ni(II) or Co(II)). The structures of the polymer complexes were identified using elemental analysis, infrared and electronic spectra, molar conductance, magnetic susceptibility, X‐ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis. The interaction between the polymer complexes and calf thymus DNA showed a hypochromism effect. HL and its polymer complexes were tested against bacterial and fungal species. Co(II) polymer complex 2 is the most effective against Klebsiella pneumoniae and is more active than penicillin. The results showed that Ni(II) polymer complex 5 is a good antibacterial agent against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Molecular docking was used to predict the binding between the monomer with the receptors of prostate cancer (PDB code: 2Q7L Hormone) and breast cancer (PDB code: 1JNX Gene regulation). Coats–Redfern and Horowitz–Metzger methods were applied for calculating the thermodynamic parameters of HL and its polymer complexes. The thermal activation energy of decomposition for HL is higher than that for the polymer complexes.     

Silver nanoparticles immobilized onto poly(4‐vinylpyridine)‐functionalized magnetic nanoparticles: A robust magnetically recyclable catalyst for oxidant‐free alcohol dehydrogenation

A heterogeneous and recyclable catalyst with a high loading of silver nanoparticles was synthesized via the silver nanoparticles being supported onto the surface of magnetic nanoparticles coated with poly(4‐vinylpyridine). The synthesized catalyst was used in the dehydrogenation of alcohols to corresponding carbonyl compounds. A broad diversity of alcohols was converted into their corresponding carbonyl compounds in excellent yields. The catalyst was easily recovered by applying an external magnetic field and reused for seven reaction cycles without considerable loss of activity. The catalyst was fully characterized using various techniques.     

Enhancing the Cellular Delivery of Nanoparticles Using Lipo‐Oligoarginine Peptides

Nanoparticles have great potential as nanotherapeutics, delivery vectors, and molecular imaging agents due to their flexible properties. Although intracellular and nuclear delivery of nanoparticles is desirable for therapeutic applications, it remains a challenge. Cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) are a powerful tool for the intracellular delivery of various cargoes. Here it is reported that functionalization of nanoparticles with a myristoylated oligoarginine CPP promotes cellular uptake without increased toxicity. It is evident that the myristoylated CPP is much more effective in transporting nanoparticles than the unmodified CPPs.