Sensitive targeted multiple protein quantification based on elemental detection of Quantum Dots

A generic strategy based on the use of CdSe/ZnS Quantum Dots (QDs) as elemental labels for protein quantification, using immunoassays with elemental mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), detection is presented. In this strategy, streptavidin modified QDs (QDs-SA) are bioconjugated to a biotinylated secondary antibody (b-Ab₂). After a multi-technique characterization of the synthesized generic platform (QDs-SA-b-Ab₂) it was applied to the sequential quantification of five proteins (transferrin, complement C3, apolipoprotein A1, transthyretin and apolipoprotein A4) at different concentration levels in human serum samples. It is shown how this generic strategy does only require the appropriate unlabeled primary antibody for each protein to be detected. Therefore, it introduces a way out to the need for the cumbersome and specific bioconjugation of the QDs to the corresponding specific recognition antibody for every target analyte (protein). Results obtained were validated with those obtained using UV–vis spectrophotometry and commercial ELISA Kits.     

Magnetic properties of amorphous alloys

The magnetic properties of existing amorphous iron based materials, i.e., Fe--metalloid, Fe--early transition metals and Fe--rare earth alloys, are briefly discussed for some representative alloys. The spin orientation of amorphous Fe--metalloid alloys has been determined by the angular dependence of hyperfine interactions. It is shown that in iron--early transition metals ferromagnetic order is not long-ranged, but determined by magnetic clusters. The magnetic hyperfine field distributions of Fe-rich iron--early transition metals consist of a high and a low field tail. The magnetic structure has been investigated for two representative Fe--RE (RE = Er, Ce) amorphous alloys. For the first time, the magnetic coupling phenomenon in amorphous/crystalline multilayers has been discussed. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Thermal diffusivity measurements in porous ceramics by photothermal methods

Received: 16 September 1996/Accepted: 6 January 1997     

Simultaneous determination of cloramphenicol, salicylic acid and resorcinol by capillary zone electrophoresis and its application to pharmaceutical dosage forms

This study demonstrates the separation of active ingredients in acne formulations (salicylic acid, cloramphenicol and resorcinol in presence of azulene) by capillary zone electrophoresis. Factors affecting their separations were the buffer pH and concentration, applied voltage, sample preparation, and presence of additives. Optimun results were obtained with a 50 mM sodium tetraborate-50 mM sodium phosphate, pH 9.0. The carrier electrolyte gave baseline separation with good resolution, short migration times (<6 min), great reproducibility and accuracy. Calibration plots were linear over at least three orders of magnitude of analyte concentrations, the lower limits of detection being within the range 0.39-1.25 μg ml⁻¹. The procedure was fast and reliable and commercial pharmaceuticals could be analysed without prior sample clean-up procedure.     

Ocean surface films measured by interferential microwave probe

Summary Measurements on sea surface films were conducted during five separate experimental periods in the following marine areas: the Sicilian Channel, the Gulf of Maine (spring and fall periods), Bermuda, and the Pacific Ocean West of Southern California. The measurements consisted in surface elevation sampling using an interferential microwave probe with frequency spectra evaluation. Wave spectra were performed for both clean and film-covered sea surface conditions to determine the wave attenuation ratio within the 2–20 Hz spectral range. The method is able to detect, chart and characterize sea surface films. Theoretical analyses of the results yield several viscoelastic film parameters: the modulus of elasticity, the relaxation frequency and the maximum of the damping ratio as a function of wave frequency. The analysed data are interpreted to infer film weathering effects, surface concentration of film-forming constituents, and compactness of the organic sea surface film.