Chlorin-PEI-labeled cellulose nanocrystals: synthesis, characterization and potential application in PDT.

This Letter reports the synthesis and characterization of a new series of water-stable and soluble photosensitizers (PS-CNCs) composed of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) bearing polyaminated chlorin p6. With a view to improve cancer cell targeting, these photosensitizers were assayed for their antitumor activity against HaCat cell line. IC(50) values fell within the nanomolar-range, making these photosensitizers promising for further in vitro and in vivo investigations.

Nemesia root hair response to paper pulp substrate for micropropagation.

Agar substrates for in vitro culture are well adapted to plant micropropagation, but not to plant rooting and acclimatization. Conversely, paper-pulp-based substrates appear as potentially well adapted for in vitro culture and functional root production. To reinforce this hypothesis, this study compares in vitro development of nemesia on several substrates. Strong differences between nemesia roots growing in agar or in paper-pulp substrates were evidenced through scanning electron microscopy. Roots developed in agar have shorter hairs, larger rhizodermal cells, and less organized root caps than those growing on paper pulp. In conclusion, it should be noted that in this study, in vitro microporous substrates such as paper pulp lead to the production of similar root hairs to those found in greenhouse peat substrates. Consequently, if agar could be used for micropropagation, rooting, and plant acclimatization, enhancement could be achieved if rooting stage was performed on micro-porous substrates such as paper pulp.

Triazinyl porphyrin-based photoactive cotton fabrics: preparation, characterization, and antibacterial activity.

In the present work, we report on the synthesis of cellulose cotton fibers bearing different types of photosensitizers with the aim to prepare new efficient polymeric materials for antimicrobial applications. Anionic, neutral, and cationic amino porphyrins have been covalently grafted on cotton fabric, without previous chemical modification of the cellulosic support, using a 1,3,5-triazine derivative as the linker. The obtained porphyrin-grafted cotton fabrics were characterized by infrared (ATR-FTIR), diffuse reflectance UV-vis (DRUV) spectroscopies, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to confirm the triazine linkage. Antimicrobial activity of porphyrin-cellulose materials was tested under visible light irradiation against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli . The results showed excellent activity on the Gram-positive bacterium, showing structure-activity relationship, although no photodamage of the Gram-negative microorganism was recorded. A mechanism of bacterial inactivation by photosensitive surfaces is proposed.

Structural characterization and cytotoxic properties of an apiose-rich pectic polysaccharide obtained from the cell wall of the marine phanerogam Zostera marina.

Zosterin, an apiose-rich pectic polysaccharide, was extracted and purified from the sea grass Zostera marina. Structural studies conducted by gas chromatography and NMR spectroscopy on a purified zosterin fraction (AGU) revealed a typical apiogalacturonan structure comprising an alpha-1,4-d-galactopyranosyluronan backbone substituted by 1,2-linked apiofuranose oligosaccharides and single apiose residues. The average molecular mass of AGU was estimated to be about 4100 Da with a low polydispersity. AGU inhibited proliferation of A431 human epidermoid carcinoma cells with an approximate IC(50) value of 3 microg/mL (0.7 microM). In addition, AGU inhibited A431 cell migration and invasion. Preliminary experiments showed that inhibition of metalloproteases expression could play a role in these antimigration and anti-invasive properties. Autohydrolysis of AGU, which eliminated apiose and oligo-apiose substituents, led to a virtual disappearance of cytotoxic properties, thus suggesting a direct structure-function relationship with the apiose-rich hairy region of AGU.

Structural features in tension wood and distribution of wall polymers in the G-layer of in vitro grown poplars.

Under the effect of disturbances, like unbalanced stem, but also during normal development, poplar trees can develop a specific secondary xylem, called "tension wood" (TW), which is easily identifiable by the presence of a gelatinous layer in the secondary cell walls (SCW) of the xylem fibers. Since TW formation was mainly performed on 2-year-old poplar models, an in vitro poplar that produces gelatinous fibers (G-fibers) while offering the same experimental advantages as herbaceous plants has been developed. Using specific cell wall staining techniques, wood structural features and lignin/cellulose distribution were both detailed in cross-sections obtained from the curved stem part of in vitro poplars. A supposed delay in the SCW lignification process in the G-fibers, along with the presence of a G-layer, could be observed in the juvenile plants. Moreover, in this G-layer, the immunolabeling of various polymers carried out in the SCW of TW has allowed detecting crystalline cellulose, arabinogalactans proteins, and rhamnogalacturonans I; however, homogalacturonans, xylans, and xyloglucans could not be found. Interestingly, extensins were detected in this typical adaptative or stress-induced structure. These observations were corroborated by a quantitation of the immunorecognized polymer distribution using gold particle labeling. In conclusion, the in vitro poplar model seems highly convenient for TW studies focusing on the implementation of wall polymers that provide the cell wall with greater plasticity in adapting to the environment.

Synthesis of tetraglucosyl- and tetrapolyamine-tetrabenzoporphyrin conjugates for an application in PDT.

This paper reports the synthesis and characterization of a new class of tetrabenzoporphyrins bearing glucosyl or polyamine units on meso positions to improve the targeting of cancer cells. Photocytotoxic activity of these photosensitizers was tested on cell lines HaCaT and MCF-7 and compared to Photofrin II.

DNA photocleavage by porphyrin-polyamine conjugates.

A series of polyamine-porphyrin conjugates bearing two (cis or trans position) or four units of spermidine or spermine was synthesized. We studied the binding of these cationic porphyrins to calf thymus DNA by the means of UV-vis spectroscopy and we investigated their ability to cleave plasmid DNA in the presence of light. DNA binding and DNA photocleavage abilities were found to depend on structural characteristics as (a) the relative positions of the side chains on the porphyrin ring and (b) the nature of the attached side chains (spermidine or spermine). DNA cleavage was also studied in the presence of a singlet oxygen quencher (NaN(3)) and in the presence of a hydroxyl radical scavenger (mannitol). Singlet oxygen was the major species responsible for the cleavage of DNA previously observed. Collectively, these data show that polyamine-porphyrin conjugates could be promising phototherapeutic agents.

Photobactericidal plastic films based on cellulose esterified by chloroacetate and a cationic porphyrin.

The synthesis and characterisation of pyridinium porphyrinic chloroacetyl cellulose ester chlorides, where photosensitizing agents are covalently bounded to the polymeric chain, is presented in this paper. First, cellulose was homogenously converted into chloroacetate cellulose ester in DMAc/LiCl solvent by using chloroacetyl chloride. The complete substitution of cellulose was achieved using 7equiv of chloroacetyl chloride for a 2h reaction at room temperature. The absence of base did not prove detrimental to reaction. The grafting of monopyridyltritolylporphyrin onto chloroacetate cellulose ester was then realised by alkylation of the photosensitizer in DMF. These new plastic films were found to be thermostable up to 55 degrees C; higher temperatures led to progressive deacetylation. First results of their photobactericidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli strains are very encouraging. Such materials could find applications in medical environments as an alternative to overcome the rampant bacterial multiresistance to classical antibiotics.

Structural characterization and cytotoxic properties of a 4-O-methylglucuronoxylan from castanea sativa. 2. Evidence of a structure-activity relationship.

Xylans were purified from delignified holocellulose alkaline extracts of Castanea sativa (Spanish chestnut) and Argania spinosa (Argan tree) and their structures analyzed by means of GC of their per-trimethylsilylated methylglycoside derivatives and (1)H NMR spectroscopy. The structures deduced were characteristic of a 4-O-methylglucuronoxylan (MGX) and a homoxylan (HX), respectively, with degrees of polymerization ranging from 182 to 360. In the case of MGX, the regular or random distribution of 4-O-methylglucuronic acid along the xylosyl backbone--determined by MALDI mass spectrometry after autohydrolysis of the polysaccharide--varied and depended both on the botanical source from which they were extracted and on the xylan extraction procedure. The MGX also inhibited in different ways the proliferation as well as the migration and invasion capability of A431 human epidermoid carcinoma cells. These biological properties could be correlated with structural features including values of the degree of polymerization, 4-O-MeGlcA to xylose ratios, and distribution of 4-O-MeGlcA along the xylosyl backbone, giving evidence of a defined structure-activity relationship.

Structural patterns of rhamnogalacturonans modulating Hsp-27 expression in cultured human keratinocytes.

Polysaccharide extracts were obtained from chestnut bran (Castanea sativa), grape marc (Vitis vinifera) and apple marc (Malus spp.) and fractionated by size exclusion chromatography after endopolygalacturonase degradation. Compositional and linkage analyses by GC and GC-MS showed the characteristic rhamnogalacturonan structure with specific arabinan (apple marc) and type II arabinogalactan (chestnut bran, grape marc) side chains. Type II arabinogalactan rhamnogalacturonan from chestnut bran significantly stimulated the in vitro differentiation of human keratinocytes, giving evidence of a tight structure-function relationship. This molecule comprises short and ramified 3- and 3,6-beta- D-galactan and 5- and 3,5-alpha-L-arabinan side chains, but also contains significant amounts of t-Xyl and 4-Xyl with a characteristic 2:1 ratio. Enzymatic hydrolysis of this polysaccharide produced fragments of lower molecular weight with unchanged xylose content which conserved the same ability to stimulate human keratinocyte differentiation. It could be then speculated that dimeric xylosyl-xylose and/or longer oligomeric xylose side chains attached to a galacturonan and closely associated to hairy rhamno-galacturonan domains are essential patterns that could determine the biological activity of pectins.

Synthesis and antiviral evaluation of AZT analogues with A spacer arm between glucidic and base moieties. Part II.

This article describes the synthesis of a series of AZT analogues bearing an acyclic chain between the sugar and the base moieties is described. These new compounds were readily obtained using microwave irradiation. The compounds were characterized by (1)H NMR and IR spectroscopy. Antiviral (HIV-1) properties of these compounds were examined.

Conformational analysis of xylan chains.

The present study provides a theoretical description of the different levels of structural organization that characterize the xylan polysaccharide in its native and hydrophobic lauroyl esterified forms. The goal of this study was to ascertain the role played by the hydroxyl or lauroyl side groups on the conformational flexibility of the xylan chain backbone. The results reported provide a detailed description of the low-energy conformers of the dimer segments, a complete characterization of the helical structures, an insight into the disordered state of the polysaccharide chains and an estimation of the cohesion of the amorphous solids. Esterification of xylan hydroxyl groups by lauric acid has a large effect on the conformational properties of the glycosidic bonds linking two repeat units. Both the location and the relative energies of the low energy areas of the potential energy surfaces strongly differ: extended and coiled conformations are preferred for the native and hydrophobic forms, respectively. Consequently, the predicted unperturbed polymer chain extension strongly depends on the structure, predicted Lp of the native xylan of 35 A compares favourably well with the experimental ones, this characteristic dramatically decreases to 9A for the hydrophobically modified chain. Curiously, only extended 2(1) and left-handed 3(1) helical structures are calculated stable for both polymers. The estimated cohesive parameters of amorphous bulks reveal that inter-chain interactions are stronger for the xylan chain than that for modified one, the former being stabilized by hydrogen bonds whereas hydrophobic interactions play a determinant role for the latter.

New dinucleoside analogues via cross-coupling metathesis.

Synthesis of 3'-3', 5-5', and 3'-5' dimeric thymidine, linked by an olefinic chain between glycosidic moieties is described. Cross metathesis reaction of 3' or 5' O-allyl analogues of thymidine led to the expected 3'-3' and 5'-5' dimeric compounds, respectively. In order to obtain the 3'-5' dimer, 5'-O-allyl and 3'-O-allyl monomers were first linked by their free 3' OH and 5' OH groups through a glutaryl spacer; ring closing metathesis was then operated upon this temporary dimer, followed by glutaryl removal.

New acyclonucleosides: synthesis and anti-HIV activity.

The synthesis of new acyclic nucleosides is described. These syntheses were accomplished by various methods: glycosylation, selective or total deprotection, oxidation/reduction, chlorination or azidation of hydroxyl groups. The compounds were characterized with NMR, mass and IR spectroscopy. Antiviral properties of these compounds were evaluated on HIV-1 infected cell lines.

A new method of solvent free O- and N-glycosylation using activated carbon fiber (ACF) as a promoter. Application to the synthesis of saponin and nucleoside analogues.

By using activated carbon fiber (ACF) as solid acid promoter, we display a new system for solvent free O- and N-glycosylation, with a simple process which takes place in a drying oven; this method has been applied to the synthesis of sterol and triterpene O-glycosides (saponin analogues), as well as nucleoside analogues.

One step selective 5'-O-allylation of thymidine using microwave or ultrasound activation.

An improved procedures for the synthesis of 5'-O-allylthymidine via one step selective allylation of thymidine using either ultrasound or microwave activation is described.

Synthesis and properties of new bolaform and macrocyclic galactose-based surfactants obtained by olefin metathesis.

A series of galactose-based surfactants with various structures likely to display new interesting properties were synthesized. Four monocatenary surfactants were elaborated by microwave-assisted galactosylation of undecanol or 10-undecenol. These compounds were slightly soluble in water. Their tensioactive properties were determined at 45 degrees C. Olefin metathesis was used to synthesize the two single-chain bolaforms from undec-10-enyl galactopyranosides; two pseudomacrocyclic bolaforms were prepared by grafting two carbamates at O-4 and O-4' sugar positions of the single-chain bolaforms. These four surfactants are insoluble in water and undergo monolayer compression. Cyclization of these bolaforms by olefin metathesis led to macrocyclic surfactant analogues of archaeobacterial membrane components.

The extracellular polysaccharide of Porphyridium sp.: an NMR study of lithium-resistant oligosaccharidic fragments.

This study deals with the chemical characterization of an extracellular polysaccharide produced by the unicellular red alga Porphyridium sp. The sugar moiety of this polymer is composed of three neutral monosaccharides (Xyl, Glc, and Gal) and one uronic acid (GlcA). Proteins represent 5.5% of the dry weight of the polymer. Uronic degradation of this exopolysaccharide with lithium in ethylenediamine yielded two different oligosaccharides. The absolute configuration of the constitutive monosaccharides was chemically determined and revealed the presence of D-Xyl, D-Glc, D-, and L-Gal. The following oligosaccharide structures were established by NMR spectroscopy: [carbohydrate structure: see text].

Glycosylation reaction of unprotected sugars with hydroxyalkylthymine.

Under mild conditions (Lewis acid/solvent/room temperature), the reaction of unprotected glucose, deoxyribose or xylose with hydroxylalkylthymine gives selectively nucleoside analogs with a spacer arm between sugar and base moiety. Experimental conditions (Lewis acid, solvent) for this new strategy leading to nucleoside analogs synthesis are discussed.

Synthesis and antiviral evaluation of D4T analogues with a spacer arm between glucidic and base moieties.

The synthesis of a series of d4T analogues bearing an acyclic chains between the sugar and the base moities, is described. New compounds were obtained readily using microwave irradiation and selective deprotection of sugar part. The compounds were characterized by 1H NMR and IR spectroscopy. Antiviral (HIV-1) properties of these compounds were examined.