Synthesis and characterization of oligomaltose-grafted lipids with application to liposomes

Novel glycolipids, which contain 2 and 15 oligomaltose units and a phosphatidylethanolamine, were synthesized and characterized by FTIR and (1)H-NMR spectroscopies. The well-defined linear structure of the glycolipids was assured by an end-point conjugation strategy using selective oxidation of the reducing end groups of maltose oligosaccharides, followed by aminolysis with distearoylphosphatidylethanolamine. The intermediate acids react selectively with amines to form amide linkages, catalyzed by 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride and N-hydroxysuccinimide. Conformations of the glycolipids at the air-water interface were proposed based on the film balance measurements. The unique conformations of glycolipids at interfaces may offer advantages over traditional PEO-derived lipids in regard to their applications for sterically stabilizing liposomes. The glycolipids demonstrated the ability for sterically stabilizing liposome dispersions, as determined by turbidity measurements.     

A new strategy for molecular modeling and receptor-based design of carborane containing compounds

Difficulties associated with computer-aided molecular design (CAMD) of carborane containing molecules have hampered drug development in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). A new approach of modeling and docking of carborane containing molecules with the readily available software packages , and is described. This new method is intended as a guide for boron chemists interested in using CAMD of carborane containing agents for medical applications such as BNCT.     

First report on a semicrystalline vinyl polyperoxide

Vinyl polyperoxides constitute a narrow but important class of polymers because they show several novel physicochemical properties. Having a highly flexible backbone, they are also highly viscous amorphous materials. Interestingly, we found that poly(α-phenyl styrene peroxide) (PAPSP) forms a crystalline structure that is perhaps the first crystalline structure known in the family of polyperoxides. From detailed powder X-ray diffraction analysis and simulation studies, PAPSP was found to have a helical conformation. Another interesting feature of PAPSP is that it is highly thermally stable and photostable compared to other known polyperoxides. This makes PAPSP the most eligible candidate for exploring novel application potentials. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 37: 4033–4036, 1999