Focused grid‐based resampling for protein docking and mapping

The fast Fourier transform (FFT) sampling algorithm has been used with success in application to protein‐protein docking and for protein mapping, the latter docking a variety of small organic molecules for the identification of binding hot spots on the target protein. Here we explore the local rather than global usage of the FFT sampling approach in docking applications. If the global FFT based search yields a near‐native cluster of docked structures for a protein complex, then focused resampling of the cluster generally leads to a substantial increase in the number of conformations close to the native structure. In protein mapping, focused resampling of the selected hot spot regions generally reveals further hot spots that, while not as strong as the primary hot spots, also contribute to ligand binding. The detection of additional ligand binding regions is shown by the improved overlap between hot spots and bound ligands. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Facile fabrication of novel polycaprolactone-based electrospun fibers using in-process water exposure

To overcome the problems related to the low surface enrichment of blended fibers from hydrophilic polymer, routine blend electrospinning setup was modified by exposing the polycaprolactone (PCL)–Pluronic P123 solution to water in order to attract the hydrophilic chains toward the fiber surface. Analysis of the modified fibers revealed a drastic surge of hydrophilic polymer surface enrichment value in comparison with that of the routine method which suggested homogenously positioned Pluronic on the surface and the subsequent reduction of its accumulations within fibers. The thermogram of the proposed method showed induced crystallization in the Pluronic section. Furthermore, the intensity of PCL characteristic peaks decreased for this method.     

Development and Validation of a Stability Indicating HPLC Method for Determination of Granisetron

The aim of this study was to study the stress degradation of granisetron and analysis of the drug in the presence of its degradation products. Forced degradation studies were conducted on bulk sample using acidic, alkaline, oxidative, heat and photolytic conditions. Granisetron was relatively unstable under acidic, alkaline and oxidative conditions. Separation of granisetron and degradation products was achieved using a Nova‐Pak C₈ column and acetonitrile‐KH₂PO₄ 25 mM (75:25, v/v) as mobile phase with UV detection at 305 nm. The method was linear over the range of 0.2‐15 μg/mL granisetron (r² > 0.999). The within‐day and between‐day precision values were also in the range of 0.5‐4%. The proposed method was successfully applied for quantitative determination of granisetron in tablets and in vitro dissolution studies.