Stabilization of Phospholipid Coatings in Capillary Electrophoresis

The development of a simple method of coating a semi-permanent phospholipid layer onto a capillary for electrochromatography use was the focus of this study. The work involved finding good coating conditions, stabilizing the phospholipid coating, and examining the effect of adding divalent cations, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, and polyethylene glycol (PEG)-lipids on the stability of the coating. Since a further purpose was to move toward more biological membrane coatings, the capillaries were also coated with cholesterol-containing liposomes and liposomes of red blood cell ghost lipids. Liposomes were prepared by extrusion, and large unilamellar vesicles with a diameter of about 100 nm were obtained. Zwitterionic phosphatidylcholine (PC) was used as a basic component, mainly 1-palmitoyl-2-oleyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC) but also eggPC and 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC). Different amounts of sphingomyelin, bovine brain phosphatidylserine, and cholesterol were added to the PC. The stability of the coating in 40 mM N-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine-N’-(2-ethanesulfonic acid) (HEPES) solution at pH 7.4 was studied by measuring the electroosmotic flow and by separating neutral steroids, basic proteins, and low-molar-mass drugs. The presence of PC in the coating solution was found to be essential to achieving a coating. The stability of the coating was improved by the addition of negative phosphatidylserine, cholesterol, divalent cations, or PEGylated lipids, and by working in the gel-state region of the phospholipid. Study of the effect on the PC coating of divalent metal ions calcium, magnesium, and zinc showed a molar ratio of 1:3 PC/Ca2+ or PC/Mg2+ to give increased rigidity to the membrane and the best coating stability. The PEGylated lipids used in the study were sterically stabilized commercial lipids with covalently attached PEG chains. The vesicle size generally decreased when PEGylated lipids of higher molar mass were present in the vesicle. The predominance of discoidal micelles over liposomes increased PEG chain length and the average size of the vesicles thus decreased. In the capillary electrophoresis (CE) measurements a highly stable electroosmotic flow was achieved with 20% PEGylated lipid in the POPC coating dispersion, the best results being obtained for disteroyl PEG (3000) conjugates. The results suggest that smaller particles (discoidal micelles) result in tighter packing and better shielding of silanol groups on the silica wall. The effect of temperature on the coating stability was investigated by using DPPC liposomes at temperatures above (45 C) and below (25 C) the main phase transition temperature. Better results were obtained with DPPC in the more rigid gel state than in the fluid state: the electroosmotic flow was heavily suppressed and the PC coating was stabilized. Also dispersions of DPPC with 0−30 mol% of cholesterol and sphingomyelin in different ratios, which more closely resemble natural membranes, resulted in stable coatings. Finally, the CE measurements revealed that a stable coating is formed when capillaries are coated with liposomes of red blood cell ghost lipids.

Al3+-Ion-Triggered Conformational Isomerization of a Rhodamine B Derivative Evidenced by a Fluorescence Signal - A Crystallographic Proof

A newly designed rhodamine B anisaldehyde hydrazone exhibits Al3+-ion-induced cis (L) to trans (L) conformational isomerization with respect to the xanthene moiety through a rotation about a N-N bond; the isomerization is indicated by a detectable naked-eye color change and a turn-on red fluorescence in 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid (HEPES) buffer (EtOH/Water 1:9 v/v; pH 7.4) at 25 degrees C. In support of this observation, detailed spectroscopic and physicochemical studies along with density function theory (DFT) calculations have been performed. This cis-to-trans conformational isomerization is due to Al3+ ion coordination, which induces this visual color change and the turn-on fluorescence response. To strengthen our knowledge of the conformational isomerization, detailed structural characterizations of the cis and trans isomers in the solid state were performed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first structural report of both cis and trans conformational isomers for this family of compounds. Moreover, this noncytotoxic probe could be used to image the accumulation of Al3+ ions in HeLa and MCF-7 cell lines.

厚朴中α-葡萄糖苷酶抑制活性成分研究

本论文由三章组成。 第一章是关于厚朴中具有α-葡萄糖苷酶抑制活性成分的研究。凹叶厚朴的乙醇提取物显示了较强的α-葡萄糖苷酶抑制活性。为了确定其活性成分，在活性测试的指导下，通过溶剂萃取、树脂吸附和反复硅胶柱层析等分离方法从凹叶厚朴乙醇提取物中分离得到6 个生物碱，并用质谱和核磁共振等波谱方法分别鉴定为：木兰箭毒碱，木兰花碱，鹅掌楸碱，蕃荔枝碱，罗默碱和Lysicamine。应用小肠α-葡萄糖苷酶模型测定了它们对α-葡萄糖苷酶的抑制作用。其中，番荔枝碱和木兰箭毒碱对α-葡萄糖苷酶相对抑制活性最好，分别为60%和62%；其它四个生物碱成分对α-葡萄糖苷酶的抑制活性几乎相当，鹅掌楸碱为46%，罗默碱为51%，Lysicamine 为49%，木兰花碱为51%。 第二章报道了厚朴酚的衍生物及其对α-葡萄糖苷酶的抑制活性。根据糖苷酶抑制剂的结构特点，设计合成了一系列厚朴酚的衍生物。厚朴酚经过Mannich 反应和环氧化及开环反应制备了一系列衍生物，经活性测试发现衍生物活性与取代基关系较大，其中5,5′-diallyl-3-((bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino)methyl)biphenyl-2,2′-diol 的抑制活性最高，为72%。 第三章综述了厚朴的化学成分及药理活性两个方面的研究进展。 The dissertation consists of three chapters. The first chapter is about the study on the constituents with α-glycosidase inhibitory activity from Magnolia officinalis. The EtOH extracts of M. officinalis Rehd. et Wils showed good inhibitory activity against α-Glucosidase. In order to determine the active compounds, bio-assay was used to guide the isolation. Six known alkaloids were isolated by solvent extraction and repeated silica gel column chromatography, and their structures were identified as liriodenine, anonaine, roemerine, lysicamine, magnoflorine and magnocurarine by spectroscopic methods. The inhibitory activity against α-Glucosidase of these alkaloids was measured with alvine screening model of α-glucosidase. Among them, lysicamine and liriodenine have the best inhibitory activity at 60% and 62%, respectively. The other four alkaloids have close inhibitory activity, from 46% to 51%. The second chapter is about the derivation of magnolol and the inhibitory a ctivity of the derivatives. Seven derivatives of magnolol were prepared by Manni-ch reaction, epoxidation followed by ring-opening reaction. Biological activity as say indicated the inhibitory activity was related to substituting groups. Among them, 5,5′-diallyl-3-((bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino)methyl)biphenyl-2,2′-diol had the highest activity at 72%. The third chapter is a review on the progress of M. officinalis including chemical constituents and pharmacological activity.

Core Crosslinking of Biodegradable Block Copolymer Micelles Based on Poly(ester carbonate)

A biodegradable amphiphilic block copolymer, PEG-b-P(LA-co-MAC), was used to prepare spherical micelles consisting of a hydrophobic P(LA-co-MAC) core and a hydrophilic PEG shell. To improve their stability, the micelles were crosslinked by radical polymerization of the double bonds in the hydrophobic blocks. The crosslinked micelles had similar sizes and a narrow size distribution compared to their uncrosslinked precursor. The improved stability of the crosslinked micelles was confirmed by measurements of the CMC and a thermodynamic investigation. These micelles can internalize into Hela cells in vitro as demonstrated by inverted fluorescence microscopy and CLSM. These stabilized nanoscale micelles have potential use in biomedical applications such as drug delivery and disease diagnosis.

Preparation and characterization of PSt-b-PHEMA metal hybrids

The block copolymer polystyrene-b-poly[2-(trimethylsilyloxy)ethylene methacrylate] (PSt-b-PTMSEMA) was synthesized using atom-transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The hydrolysis of PSt-b-PTMSEMA led to the formation of an amphiphilic block copolymer, polystyrene-b-poly(2-hydroxylethyl methacrylate) (PSt-b-PHEMA), which was characterized by GPC and H-1-NMR. TEM showed that the PSt-b-PHEMA formed a micelle, which is PSt as the core and PHEMA as the shell. Under appropriate conditions, the nickel or cobalt ion cause chemical reactions in these micelles and could be reduced easily. ESCA analysis showed that before reduction the metal existed as a hydroxide; after reduction, the metal existed as an oxide, and the metal content of these materials on the surface is more than that on the surface of the copolymer metal ion. XRD analysis showed that the metal existed as a hydroxide before reduction and existed as a metal after reduction.

Oxythiamine hexafluorophosphate monohydrate, a thiamine antagonist with the same conformation as thiamine

In the title compound, 3-[(3,4-dihydro-2-methyl-4-oxopyrimidin-5-yl)methyl]-5-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-methylthiazolium hexafluorophosphate monohydrate, C12H16N3O2S+. PF6-.H2O, oxythiamine is a monovalent cation with a neutral oxopyrimidine ring. The molecule assumes the F conformation, which is a common form for thiamine but which is substantially different from the unusual V conformation found in the chloride and hydrochloride salts of oxythiamine. The anion-bridging interaction, C-H . . . anion . . . pyrimidine, is emphasized as being important for stabilization of the F conformation.

Host-guest-like thiamine-anion complexation in thiaminium bis(tetrafluoroborate)

In the title compound, 3-[(4-amino-2-methyl-5-pyrimidin-1-io)methyl]-5-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-methylthiazolium(2+) bis(tetrafluoroborate), C12H18N4OS2+. 2BF(4)(-), the divalent thiamine cation (in the F conformation) is associated with BF4- anions via two characteristic bridging interactions between the thiazolium and pyrimidinium rings, i.e. C-H . . . BF4- . . . pyrimidinium and N-H . . . BF4- . . . thiazolium interactions. Thiamine molecules are linked by N-H . . .O hydrogen bonds to form a helical chain structure.

Interactions of thiamine with anions: (Hthiamine)(thiamine) heptaiododimercurate dihydrate and its dimethanol monohydrate

In the title compounds, 3-[(4-amino-2-methyl-5-pyrimidinio)methyl] -5-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-methylthiazolium(2+) 3-[(4-amino-2-mcthyl-5-pyrimidinyl)methyl]-5-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-methylthiazolium( 1+) heptaiododimercurate dihydrate, (C12H18N4OS)(C12H17N4OS)[Hg2I7]. 2H(2)O, (I), and its dimethanol monohydrate, (C12H18N4OS)(C12H17N4OS)[Hg2I7]. 2CH(3)OH . H2O (2), a crystallographic centre of symmetry in (1) or a twofold axis in (2) is imposed between the protonated and deprotonated thiamine molecules, resulting in a statistically half-occupied proton attached at N1' of the pyrimidine ring. The Hg2I73- anion, residing on the centre of symmetry in (1) or on the twofold axis in (2), interacts with two thiamine molecules, each through a C2-H ... I ... pyrimidine-ring interaction. This bridging interaction is a characteristic of thiamine in the F conformation.

STRUCTURE AND PROPERTIES OF AB CROSS-LINKED POLYMERS

Hydroxy-terminated oligomers, such as polyester, polyether, or castor oil, were reacted with toluene diisocyanate to form isocyanate-terminated prepolymers, which were then reacted with 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate to obtain vinyl-terminated prepolymer (VTP).

INTERACTIONS OF THIAMINE WITH ANIONS - STRUCTURE OF THIAMINE DITHIOCYANATE

The crystal structure analysis of {3-[(4-amino-2-methyl-5-pyrimidinyl)methyl]-5-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-methylthiazol}ium dithiocyanate reveals that there are two types of anion bridges between the two aromatic rings of the same thiamine which adopts the usual F conformation, one of which involves a contact between H(C2) on the thiazolium ring and the hydroxy O atom from a neighbouring molecule. The crystal packing shows a novel triple helical structure formed by strongly hydrogen-bonded thiamine-SCN- molecular chains.

Visible and Near-Infrared Emission by Samarium(III)-Containing Ionic Liquid Mixtures

Highly luminescent anionic samarium(III) beta-diketonate and dipicolinate complexes were dissolved in the imidazolium ionic liquid 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, [C(6)mim][Tf2N]. The solubility of the complexes in the ionic liquid was ensured by a careful choice of the countercation of the samarium(III) complex. The samarium(III) complexes that were considered are [C(6)mim][SM(tta)(4)], where tta is 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetonate; [C(6)mim][Sm(nta)(4)], where nta is 2-naphthoyltrifluoroacetonate; [C(6)mim][Sm(hfa)(4)], where hfa is hexafluoroacetylacetonate; and [choline](3)-[Sm(dpa)(3)], where dpa is pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate (dipicolinate) and [choline](+) is (2-hydroxyethyl)trimethyl ammonium. The crystal structures of the tetrakis samarium(III) P-diketonate complexes revealed a distorted square antiprismatic coordination for the samarium(III) ion in all three cases. Luminescence spectra were recorded for the samarium(III) complexes dissolved in the imidazolium ionic liquid as well as in a conventional solvent, that is, acetonitrile or water for the beta-diketonate and dipicolinate complexes, respectively. These experiments demonstrate that [C(6)mim][Tf2N] is a suitable spectroscopic solvent for studying samarium(III) luminescence. High-luminescence quantum yields were observed for the samarium(III) beta-diketonate complexes in solution.

Dual functional ionic liquids as plasticisers and antimicrobial agents for medical polymers

Contamination of medical devices with bacteria such as Meticillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is of great clinical concern. Poly(vinyl chloride) is widely used in the production of medical devices, such as catheters. The flexibility of catheter tubing is derived from the addition of plasticisers. Here, we report the design of two dual functional ionic liquids, 1-ethylpyridinium docusate and tributyl(2-hydroxyethyl)phosphonium docusate, which uniquely provide a plasticising effect, and exhibit antimicrobial and antibiofilm-forming activity to a range of antibiotic resistant bacteria. The plasticisation of poly(vinyl chloride) was tailored as a function of ionic liquid concentration. The effective antimicrobial behaviour of both ionic liquids originates from the chemical structure of the anion or cation and is not limited to the length of the alkyl chain on the anion/cation. The design approach adopted will be useful in developing ionic liquids as multi-functional additives for polymers.

Molecularly Imprinted Polymers for the isolation of bioactive naphthoquinones from plant extracts

Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs) targeting shikonin, a potent antioxidant and wound healing agent, have been prepared using methacrylic acid (MAA) and 2-diethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DEAEMA) as functional monomers. An investigation of solution association between shikonin and both acidic and basic functional monomers by UV-Vis titrations, suggested stronger affinity towards the basic functionality. Strong inhibition of the co-polymerisation reaction of such basic monomers was observed, but was overcome by reduction of the amount of template used during polymer synthesis. Polymer morphology was severely impacted by the template’s radical scavenging behaviour as demonstrated by solid state NMR spectroscopy measurements. HPLC evaluation of the final materials in polar conditions revealed limited imprinting effects and selectivity, with the MAA polymers exhibiting marginally better performance. During application of the polymers as MI-SPE sorbents in non-polar solvents it was found that the DEAEMA based polymer was more selective towards shikonin compared to the MAA counterpart, while shikonin recoveries of up to 72% were achieved from hexane solutions of a commercial sample of shikonin, hexane extract of Alkanna tinctoria roots and a commercial pharmaceutical ointment.

Dual functional ionic liquids as antimicrobials and plasticisers for medical grade PVCs

Two ionic liquids, 1-ethylpyridinium docusate (IL1) and tri-n-butyl(2-hydroxyethyl)phosphonium docusate (IL2), were designed and synthesized with the explicit intention of imparting a combination of plasticization and antimicrobial efficacy when incorporated into medical grade poly(vinyl chloride)s (PVCs). The glass transition (T-g) of PVC can be reduced by >20 degrees C on addition of 15 wt% IL2. Both IL1 and IL2 leached to varying extents from the base PVC resins rendering the surface of the PVCs hydrophilic. The antimicrobial activity of both ILs is related to the presence and concentration of both cationic and anionic component of the ILs leached from the PVC and inversely proportional to the extent of PVC gelation. Blends of the PVCs with IL1 displayed antibacterial activity against almost all Gram-positive bacteria tested, including coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CoNS) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), but not with IL2 at low concentration in contrast to our previous study when high concentrations of IL2 were used. The more hydrophilic IL1 when added to PVC retards biofilm formation.

Hydrogel antimicrobial capture coatings for endotracheal tubes; a pharmaceutical strategy designed to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia.

This paper presents a novel strategy for the prevention of ventilator-associatedpneumonia that involves coating poly(vinyl chloride, PVC) endotracheal tubes (ET) withhydrogels that may be subsequently used to entrap nebulized antimicrobial solutions. Candidatehydrogels were prepared containing a range of ratios of hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) andmethacrylic acid (MAA) from 100:0 to 70:30 using free radical polymerization and, whenrequired, simultaneous attachment to PVC was performed. The mechanical properties, glasstransition temperatures, swelling kinetics, uptake of gentamicin from an aqueous medium, andgentamicin release were characterized. Increasing the MAA content of the hydrogels significantlydecreased the ultimate tensile strength, % elongation at break, Young’s modulus, and increasedthe glass transition temperature, the swelling ratio, and gentamicin uptake. Microbial(Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) adherence to control (drug-free) hydrogelswas observed; however, while adherence to gentamicin-containing p(HEMA) occurred, noadherence occurred to gentamicin-containing HEMA:MAA copolymers. Antimicrobialpersistence of gentamicin-containing hydrogels was examined by determining the zone ofinhibition against each microorganism on successive days. Hydrogel composition affected the observed antimicrobial persistence,with the hydrogel composed of 70:30 HEMA:MAA exhibiting >20 days persistence against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa,respectively. To simulate clinical use, the hydrogels (coated onto PVC) were first exposed to a nebulized solution of gentamicin(4 mL, 80 mg for 20 min), and then to nebulized bacteria (4 mL ca. 1 × 109 colony forming units mL−1, 30 min). Viable bacteriawere not observed on the gentamicin-treated p(HEMA: MAA) copolymers, whereas growth was observed on gentamicin-treatedp(HEMA). In light of the excellent antimicrobial activity and physicochemical properties, p(HEMA: MAA) copolymerscomposed of ratios of 80:20 or 70:30 HEMA: MAA were identified as potentially useful coatings of endotracheal tubes to be usedin conjunction with the clinical nebulization of gentamicin and designed for the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia