An optical surface plasmon resonance biosensor for determination of tetanus toxin

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) has been successfully applied for the simple, rapid, and label-free assay of various biomolecules. This assay evaluates a novel wavelength modulation SPR biosensor for the detection of tetanus toxin. The wavelength modulation SPR biosensor is designed based on fixing the incident angle of light and measuring the reflected intensities in the resonance wavelength range spanning 400-800 nm simultaneously. Tetanus toxin (TeNT), one of the most potent toxins known, is synthesized as a 150 kDa single polypeptide chain. The SPR biosensor has been shown to be capable of directly detecting concentration of tetanus toxin as low as 0.028 Lf ml⁻¹. Under selected experimental conditions, the SPR biosensor has a good reproducibility, sensitivity and reversibility. The results illustrate how wavelength modulation SPR biosensor can be used to detect biomolecular interactions.     

Development of colloidal gold-based immumochromatographic assay for the rapid detection of medroxyprogesterone acetate residues in biological materials

A competitive colloidal gold-based immunoassay in lateral-flow format for the rapid detection of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) in biological materials was developed. A nitro-cellulose membrane strip was separately coated with goat anti-rabbit IgG (control line) and MPA hapten-OVA conjugate (test line). Anti-MPA polyclonal antibody labelled with colloidal gold particles was first incubated with MPA. The limit of detection for lateral flow was 5?ng?g^?1 for detecting an MPA standard solution, and the limit of detection was 10?ng?mL^?1 for detecting the MPA spiked in pig urine and 10?ng?g^?1 for spiked in pig liver. The results were confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS/MS) and indicated that there was a good agreement between both methods (R ²?=?0.976). The assay time for the test was less than 5?min, suitable for rapid testing on site.     

Beyond labels: A review of the application of quantum dots as integrated components of assays, bioprobes, and biosensors utilizing optical transduction

A comprehensive review of the development of assays, bioprobes, and biosensors using quantum dots (QDs) as integrated components is presented. In contrast to a QD that is selectively introduced as a label, an integrated QD is one that is present in a system throughout a bioanalysis, and simultaneously has a role in transduction and as a scaffold for biorecognition. Through a diverse array of coatings and bioconjugation strategies, it is possible to use QDs as a scaffold for biorecognition events. The modulation of QD luminescence provides the opportunity for the transduction of these events via fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET), charge transfer quenching, and electrochemiluminescence (ECL). An overview of the basic concepts and principles underlying the use of QDs with each of these transduction methods is provided, along with many examples of their application in biological sensing. The latter include: the detection of small molecules using enzyme-linked methods, or using aptamers as affinity probes; the detection of proteins via immunoassays or aptamers; nucleic acid hybridization assays; and assays for protease or nuclease activity. Strategies for multiplexed detection are highlighted among these examples. Although the majority of developments to date have been in vitro, QD-based methods for ex vivo biological sensing are emerging. Some special attention is given to the development of solid-phase assays, which offer certain advantages over their solution-phase counterparts.     

Free mycophenolic acid determination in human plasma ultrafiltrate by a validated liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method

The aim of this study was to develop and validate fully the liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method for free mycophenolic acid (MPA) concentration measurements in plasma ultrafiltrate that will be reliable and simple in preparation with deuterated MPA (MPA‐d3) chosen as an internal standard. The chromatographic separation was made with Zorbax Eclipse XDB‐C18 column (4.6 × 150 mm) using a gradient of two solutions as a mobile phase: (A) water and (B) methanol, each containing 0.1% formic acid and 2.5 mm ammonium acetate. Satisfactory repeatability of retention times was achieved with average values of 7.54 ± 0.20 min and 7.50 ± 0.19 min for MPA and MPA‐d3, respectively. The method was selective, with no carry‐over or matrix effect observed. The analytical range was proven for MPA ultrafiltrate concentrations of 1–500 ng/mL. The accuracy and precision fell within the acceptance criteria for intraday (accuracy: 100.63–110.46%, imprecision: 6.23–7.76%), as well as interday assay (accuracy: 98.81–110.63%; imprecision: 5.36–10.22%). The method was used for free MPA determination in plasma samples from patients treated with mycophenolate mofetil. To the best of our knowledge this is the first liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method for free MPA monitoring using MPA‐d3 that allows to measure plasma ultrafiltrate concentrations as low as 1 ng/mL.     

Sample cleanup-free determination of mycophenolic acid and its glucuronide in serum and plasma using the novel technology of ultra-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is an immunosuppressant drug which powerfully inhibits lymphocyte proliferation. Since the early 1990s it has been used to prevent rejection in organ transplantation. The requirement of therapeutic drug monitoring shown in previous studies raises the necessity of acquiring accurate and sensitive methods to measure MPA and its major metabolite mycophenolic acid glucuronide (MPAG).The authors developed a sample cleanup-free, rapid, and highly specific method for simultaneous measurement of MPA and MPAG in human plasma and serum using the novel technology of ultra-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. MPA- and MPAG-determinations were performed during a 2.0-min run time. Multiple calibration curves for the analysis of MPA and MPAG exhibited consistent linearity and reproducibility in the range of 0.05-100 (r > 0.999) mg L⁻¹ and 4-4000 mg L⁻¹ (r > 0.999), respectively. Limits of Detection were 0.014 mg L⁻¹ for MPA and 1.85 mg L⁻¹ for MPAG. Lower Limits of Quantification were 0.05 mg L⁻¹ for MPA and 2.30 mg L⁻¹ for MPAG. Interassay imprecision was <10% for both substances. Mean recovery was 103.6% (range 78.1-129.7%) for MPA and 111.1% (range 73.0-139.6%) for MPAG. Agreement was good for MPA and MPAG between the presented method and a validated HPLC-MS/MS method. The Passing-Bablok regression line for MPA and MPAG was HPLC-MS/MS = 1.14 UPLC-MS/MS—0.14 [mg L⁻¹], r = 0.96, and HPLC-MS/MS = 0.77 UPLC-MS/MS + 0.50 [mg L⁻¹], r = 0.97, respectively. This sample cleanup-free and robust LC-MS/MS assay facilitates the rapid, accurate and simultaneous determination of MPA and MPAG in human body fluids.     

Enhanced optical immunosensor based on surface plasmon resonance for determination of transferrin

Wavelength modulation surface plasmon resonance biosensors (SPR) using colloidal Au nanoparticles and double-linker sensing membrane enhancement are reported for determination of transferrin. The 2-mercaptoethylamine (MEA) was immobilized on the biosensor surface with traditional amine coupling method. The interaction between colloidal Au nanoparticles and MEA was investigated. The anti-transferrin was immobilized on the biosensor surface prepared with staphylococcal protein A (SPA). The interaction of the antibody and antigen was monitored in real time. The good response was obtained in the concentration range 1-20, 0.1-20 and 0.05-20 μg/mL for directly immune assay, double-linker assay and colloidal Au-amplified assay. The result clearly demonstrates that these methods may obtain significantly enhancement of sensitivity for the wavelength modulation SPR biosensor.     

Antibacterial,DFT and molecular docking studies of Rh(III) complexes of Coumarinyl‐Thiosemicarbazone nuclei based ligands

Coumarinyl thiosemicarbazone derivatives (1E)‐1‐(1‐(2‐oxo‐2H‐chromen‐3‐yl)ethylidene)thiosemicarbazide (OCET), (1E)‐1‐(1‐(6‐bromo‐2‐ oxo‐2H‐chromen‐3‐yl)ethylidene)thiosemicarbazide (BOCET) and 1‐(1‐(3‐oxo‐3H‐benzo[f]chromen‐2‐yl)ethylidene)thiosemicarbazide (NOCET) and their Rh(III) complexes were synthesized, the characterization was carried out by elemental analysis, IR, UV–Visible, mass, magnetic measurement and molar conductance techniques. Data interpretation of the Rh(III) complexes indicates that the ligands of coumarinyl thiosemicarbazone derivatives were formed in stoichiometric ratios as 1:2 (metal: ligand). The studied ligands act as a bidentate ligand by using both azomethine nitrogen and thiol sulphur as monoanion center of donation. The theoretical conformational structure analyses were performed using density functional theory for ligands and complexes at B3LYP functional with 6‐31G(++)d,p basis set for ligands and LANL2DZ basis set for complexes. The charge distribution within the ligands and its Rh(III) complexes was calculated using Mulliken population analysis of (MPA) and natural population analysis (NPA). The antibacterial activity of the prepared compounds was tested against some types of Gram positive and negative bacteria. Molecular docking investigation proved that, the ligands and complexes had interesting interactions with active site amino acids of ribosyltransferase (code: 3GEY).     

Structure-property relationship of polyurethane ionomer

Polyurethane (PU) ionomers were prepared using various types of polyol (PTAd, PCL, PTMG, and PPG) and isocyanate (MDI, HDI, and IPDI), together with different extender (DMPA) contents, degree of neutralization, and number average molecular weight (M _n) of polyol. Modulus (E), strength (_b), and glass transition temperature (T _g) significantly increased with the increased amount of extender and extender neutralization. Among three of the iocyanate used, PU from MDI gave the highest modulus, strength, andT _g. With regard to theM _n of PTAd (600, 1000, 2000), PU from PTAd 600M _n gave the highest modulus, strength, andT _g, due probably to the highest hard segment content and phase mixing. On the other hand, PU from PTAd 2000M _n gave significantly improved strength over PTAd 1000M _n, and the highest elongation. The results were interpreted in terms of soft-segment crystallization, and soft-hard phase separation, which was concluded from the lowered softT _g.     

Photocytotoxic and anaerobic DNA cleavage activity of binuclear 3,3′-dithiodipropionic acid cobalt(II) complexes having phenanthroline bases

Dicobalt(II) complexes [{(B)Co^II}₂(μ-dtdp)₂] (1–3) of 3,3′-dithiodipropionic acid (dtdp) and phenanthroline bases (B), viz. 1,10-phenanthroline (phen in 1), dipyrido[3,2-d:2′,3′-f]quinoxaline (dpq in 2) and dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine (dppz in 3), have been prepared, characterized and their photo-induced anaerobic DNA cleavage activity studied. The elemental analysis and mass spectral data suggest binuclear formulation of the complexes. The redox inactive complexes have magnetically non-interacting dicobalt(II) core showing magnetic moment of ∼3.9 μ_B per cobalt(II) center. The complexes show good binding propensity to calf thymus DNA giving K_b values within 4.3 × 10⁵–4.0 × 10⁶ M⁻¹. Thermal melting and viscosity data predict DNA groove binding and/or partial intercalative nature of the complexes. The complexes show significant anaerobic DNA cleavage activity in green light under argon atmosphere possibly involving radical species generated from the disulfide moiety in a type-I pathway. The DNA cleavage reaction under aerobic medium in green light is found to involve hydroxyl radical species. The dppz complex 3 exhibits significant photocytotoxicity in HeLa cervical cancer cells with an IC₅₀ value of 2.3 μM in UV-A light of 365 nm, while it is essentially non-toxic in dark giving an IC₅₀ value of >200 μM. A significant reduction of the dark toxicity of the organic dppz base (IC₅₀ = 8.3 μM in dark) is observed on binding to the cobalt(II) center while essentially retaining its photocytotoxicity in UV-A light (IC₅₀ = 0.4 μM).     

Simultaneous determination of mycophenolic acid and its glucuronide and glycoside derivatives in canine and feline plasma by UHPLC‐UV

Cats and dogs can suffer from multiple autoimmune diseases. Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is a potentially useful immunosuppressant drug in cats and dogs, because of its well‐documented efficacy in controlling autoimmune disease in humans. However, the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in these species remain to be determined. We have developed and validated a sensitive, precise, accurate and reproducible method that provides consistent quantification of MPA and its major derivatives, MPA phenol glucoside and MPA phenol glucuronide, in canine and feline plasma using ultra‐high‐pressure liquid chromatography coupled to an ultraviolet detector. The main advantages of this novel method include a small sample volume, easy sample preparation, a short chromatographic analysis time and the option to select either phenolphthalein β ‐d ‐glucuronide or mycophenolic acid carboxybutoxy ether as internal standard. Results of validation indicate that this analytical method is suitable to study the plasma disposition of MPA and its derivatives in dogs and cats.